In the age of the e-reader and Amazon, Foyles’ new flagship store makes a bold statement about the future of what’s arguably London’s best bookshop. Designed by the award-winning architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, and packed with more than 200,000 titles, this modern space is light years away from the dusty nooks and crannies of the old location.
Books aside, the new building boasts an entire floor dedicated to events. With Michael Palin and Jarvis Cocker choosing Level 6 for their readings, this blank canvas venue in the busy heart of London’s West End is undoubtedly one of the city’s top new event spaces.
Occupying the top floor of Foyles’ flagship bookstore, the new flexible-use Level 6 is one of London’s best blank canvas venues. Accommodating up to 250 people, this space is perfect for literary events, cookery demonstrations, drinks receptions and conferences.
In its opening week, Level 6 played host to the likes of Hilary Mantel, PD James, Sarah Waters and the historian Professor Mary Beard. Foyles Chairman Christopher Foyle says his grandfather would’ve been impressed by Level 6’s versatility as an events venue. According to Foyle, the original bookshop was often used to host all kinds of exotic entertainment, including live animals!
From the top of the dramatic 50-foot white-walled atrium, event-goers can take in six levels of books and over a hundred years of company history. The full-length windows on the opposite side of the space frame the eclectic Charing Cross Road while letting in tonnes of natural light.
Events at Level 6 are catered for by Leafi, the people behind Whitechapel Gallery’s popular bistro. Run by a team of expert foodies, Leafi sources ingredients from local suppliers who share their belief in fair trade and sustainability, as well as their passion for fantastic produce. Catering for corporate events, parties and receptions, Leafi prepare tasty, modern dishes with the finest seasonal ingredients, offering a bespoke service in their range of exclusive venues.
Level 6 is a flexible and fully-equipped event space. Its WUXGA front projector, 3.5-metre electric screen and near-blackout blinds make it ideal for screenings and presentations, while its AV setup is great for team training sessions. Speeches, discussion panels and performances can be held on its collapsible staging, which is equipped with wireless and wired microphones. And the best part? Foyles’ professional events team has years of experience organising public and private events and is happy to work with you before, during and after your event to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Foyles is within easy walking distance of Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Holborn, Covent Garden and Oxford Circus stations. The building is fully wheelchair accessible with lift access to Level 6.