First Edition | A Bookshop, Café & Wine Bar in London's Cecil Court
Welcome to First Edition
Tucked away in London's historic Cecil Court, just moments from Leicester Square and Charing Cross, First Edition is a new independent bookshop, café and wine bar from the people behind Goldsboro Books.
A place to discover your next favourite book, enjoy an exceptional coffee, meet a friend for a glass of wine, or simply escape the bustle of London for a little while.
We believe there are few pleasures greater than finding a wonderful book and having somewhere comfortable to enjoy it.
First Edition brings those two pleasures together.
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Where to find us:
17 Cecil Court
London
WC2N 4EZJust a short walk from Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Covent Garden.
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Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday
9am-8pm
A Bookshop to Discover
Books are at the heart of everything we do.
Created by the team behind Goldsboro Books, established in 1999 and renowned for its signed first editions, First Edition celebrates the simple pleasure of browsing.
Our shelves feature a carefully curated selection of fiction, new discoveries and books we genuinely love. Whether you're looking for your next great read, something to give as a gift, or simply the pleasure of being surrounded by books, there will always be something worth exploring.
You don't have to be a collector to love a good bookshop. You just have to be curious.
Coffee Worth Coming Back For
We think the coffee should be every bit as good as the books.
That's why we've worked with independent coffee roasters John Watt & Son to develop our own First Edition blend.
Our relationship with John Watt began through their collaboration with bestselling author M. W. Craven on a coffee inspired by his Washington Poe novels. We loved the coffee so much that we wanted to create something of our own.
The result is a bespoke blend chosen for its flavour and character, and one we're genuinely excited to share.
Whether it's your first coffee of the morning, a break from exploring London, or an afternoon spent with a novel, we want every cup to be worth lingering over.
A Glass of Wine, A Good Conversation
As the day unfolds, First Edition offers another reason to stay.
Enjoy a carefully selected glass of wine in the company of good books, whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a quiet moment or discovering somewhere new in the heart of London.
We've always believed that bookshops should be places where conversations begin, friendships develop and people feel welcome.
A New Chapter in Cecil Court
Few streets in London have quite the literary character of Cecil Court.
Nestled between Charing Cross Road and St Martin's Lane, this historic pedestrian street has long been home to independent booksellers, antiquarian dealers and specialist shops.
It is also where Goldsboro Books began its story in 1999.
More than a quarter of a century later, First Edition represents a new chapter. A space that brings together our love of books with our belief in independent businesses, quality, hospitality and the pleasure of taking time over the things that matter.
We've created First Edition to feel welcoming, comfortable and full of character. Somewhere you might visit for ten minutes and find yourself staying much longer.
And perhaps leave with a book you hadn't intended to buy.
Journal & Events
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PREM1ER: January 2027 Revealed
Rebecca McDonnellWhy We Chose Beautiful Liars by Amanda Cassidy for January’s PREM1ER Book A new year, a new chapter, and a story where nothing is quite as perfect as it seems… We're...
Rebecca McDonnellPREM1ER: January 2027 Revealed
Why We Chose Beautiful Liars by Amanda Cassidy for January’s PREM1ER Book A new year, a new chapter, and a story where nothing is quite as perfect as it seems… We're...
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Crime Collective: January 2027 Revealed
Rebecca McDonnellIntroducing Our January 2027 Crime Collective Pick: Wolf Point by Lisa Howells One missing girl. Three possibilities. No turning back. We're starting a brand-new year of the Crime Collective with...
Rebecca McDonnellCrime Collective: January 2027 Revealed
Introducing Our January 2027 Crime Collective Pick: Wolf Point by Lisa Howells One missing girl. Three possibilities. No turning back. We're starting a brand-new year of the Crime Collective with...
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The People Who Made Books
David H HeadleyIt started with Pan. Not Peter Pan, but Pan Books. I had been wondering why Pan Macmillan was called Pan Macmillan. The answer led me back to Pan Books and...
David H HeadleyThe People Who Made Books
It started with Pan. Not Peter Pan, but Pan Books. I had been wondering why Pan Macmillan was called Pan Macmillan. The answer led me back to Pan Books and...
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We're Hiring: PART-TIME BARISTA & BAR STAFF (Lo...
Rebecca McDonnellAre you passionate about coffee, books and eager to share your love of literature with others? Goldsboro Books, the UK's leading independent retailer of signed first editions, is seeking experienced and enthusiastic...
Rebecca McDonnellWe're Hiring: PART-TIME BARISTA & BAR STAFF (Lo...
Are you passionate about coffee, books and eager to share your love of literature with others? Goldsboro Books, the UK's leading independent retailer of signed first editions, is seeking experienced and enthusiastic...
