Aimée Madill knew she wanted to open her own bookshop before she turned 30, so when she spotted a DIY store closing down three minutes from her house in Leyton, she knew this was the one.
Phlox books, named after Aimée’s parents’ 1980’s design store in Belfast, has quickly become a celebrated haven on the recently pedestrianised Francis Road in Leyton. Phlox provides a beautifully cosy space for Mum’s and bubs to have a quiet coffee, or for other literary enthusiasts to enjoy a Beavertown beer (depending on time of day). Regardless, the underlying theme is great literature – and trust us, Aimée knows a good book. After completing a masters in English Literature, Aimée has worked in independent bookshops in Ireland, London and Paris before running out of space in her own library and subsequently realising her dream of creating Phlox.
To top it off, the resident French bulldog Huxley is usually kicking around the store – so what’s better than a delicious coffee, a good book and a French bulldog?
