Three of the best cafés to take literary loving PR clients

Maison Assouline  

An oasis of culture in the heart of London’s bustling Piccadilly since 2014, Maison Assouline is a refuge for those seeking style and art de vivre. Housed inside a Grade II listed building that was formerly a bank, it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and now serves as a cultural lifestyle hub where visitors can browse and gaze at Assouline’s beautiful books while enjoying monthly pop-up exhibitions.  

This is an impressive space; as well being home to a treasure trove of books, it features an exclusive line of Assouline Interiors furniture, limited-edition gift items and antique collectables, all of which will impress even the most discerning clients.  

This London branch also boasts the brand’s first hospitality concept in the form of Swans Bar, an elegant setting for meetings over cocktails, fine wine or coffee and light bites such as Kinglas Smoked Salmon Filet and Jamon Iberico de Bellota. It has a no laptop policy so good old analogue talking and scribbling is the name of the game in this hidden gem. Bliss. 

Scarthin Books 

The picture-postcard village of Cromford sits just at the south-eastern edge of the Peak District, and houses one of the country’s most charming bookshops and cafes. Scarthin Books opened in the mid-1970s and has since then provided sanctuary for book-lovers of all types, with new, antiquarian and second-hand options piled up around the characterful store. Not for nothing is it described as Britain’s most enjoyable bookstore.  

The owners say their objective is to offer “a day offline” and they certainly do that with coffee from local roasters Buxton Coffee Press as well as a host of sweet options, alongside hearty vegetarian meals. One can imagine whiling away an afternoon here after a wintry hill walk. Not far up the road lies Matlock, known affectionately as Derbyshire’s seaside town, which provides other pleasures for the soul. 

Bewley’s  

Bewley’s is more than a cafe in every sense, and if your clients happen to be book lovers, this will quite simply knock their socks off. A grand architectural masterpiece, this traditional cafe has nestled at the heart of Dublin city centre for almost a century, cementing its status as a landmark in Ireland’s rich cultural history. 

Featuring mahogany and art nouveau stained glass by Harry Clarke, Pauline Bewick and Jim Fitzpatrick - all of whom were leading figures in the Irish Arts and Crafts movement - the building is a sumptuous feast for the eyes before you even get to the menu. 

And that’s on top of a literary history which saw legends including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and W.B. Yeats finding inspiration within its oak-panelled confines over hearty breakfasts of black pudding and soda bread. Extravagant afternoon teas (plus optional cava, prosecco and champagne) are still on offer for customers needing sustenance - as well as lunch, pastries and a selection of coffees with shots - including the traditional Irish coffee. The absence of a full bar means there’s no danger of losing hours to a long boozy lunch at Bewley’s while enjoying the historical opulence in every direction.