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Nicholas Hoare
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
45 Front St EToronto, ON M5E 1B3
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
(416) 777-2665
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
15 reviews for Nicholas Hoare
Review Highlights
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"...can easily rival a Chapters or Indigo which is very nice..." In 3 reviews -
"...helps to encourage relaxed casual browsing, in my opinion." In 5 reviews -
"The rolling ladders, the fireplace, and inviting couches..." In 3 reviews
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15 reviews in English
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Review from Amber B.
Toronto, ON
2/15/2012
I read in a review that someone said "This is how bookstores should be," and I feel that that is the most accurate thing I can say! The bookstore is gorgeous, and the layout encouarges browsing. Staff seem very friendly. I wish that I could LIVE in here! They have an excellent selection of British books & travel books- whole sections! I would highly recommend this bookstore.
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Review from Aaron C.
Victoria, BC
8/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is my favourite Toronto book store, and, similar to Munro's in Victoria, what other stores should strive to be.
The interior is beautiful; spacious and bright, this place offers the ideal setting for an afternoon browse of their carefully curated roster of books. The walls are lined, floor to ceiling, with a array of books spanning all genres and definitely offers something for everyone, bibliophile or otherwise. The lack of any clearly defined sections further encourages browsing the stacks.
The rolling ladders, the fireplace, and inviting couches all add to the wonderful environment that Nicholas Hoare possess.
I'd suggest this bookstore to anyone looking for some literary inspirations, a great recommendation (the staff are very knowledgeable and clearly care about their work), or a casual weekend browse.
Always my first stop in Toronto for a new read, and it should be yours too. -
Review from Terry P.
11/1/2010
This is indeed a beautiful bookstore. I spent an hour in there today just browsing. It is much bigger than I thought it would be, with a selection of very interesting books. It is not the kind of place where you will see a dozen copies of the latest John Grisham novel as soon as you walk in the door.
One thing that I found was interesting is that the books are laid out in logical sections, but none of them are labeled as such. This helps to encourage relaxed casual browsing, in my opinion. -
Review from Julianna B.
Toronto, ON
5/1/2009 ROTD 1/5/2010
Beautiful Nicholas Hoare Books is another of those childhood favourites of mine you're probably tired of hearing about. I'll skip over my infant transports of joy and get to the point.
For literature, art books, and children's books, this is one of the best places in town. They stock wonderful things (including a good selection of Edward Gorey's little volumes) and have a bright, wood-floored store with comfy couches and a fireplace. I don't know their CD collections very well, but this is one of the best places I know to come for a gift - and then end up buying for yourself.
They also host literary events, are happy to help you find what you're looking for, and even have those bookcase ladders you see on British televison mysteries. I love them forever.Listed in: Book Shopping!
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Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
10/23/2009
This will always be my favourite bookstore.
I love how it is like a library you would have in your home. It is cozy, inviting and not sterile like most book store chains.
When I was a kid and we would come into Toronto for the ice capades or something and would have hot dogs at Shopsy's, I would always ask to come to this bookstore. I remember coming down to the area around my birthday when I was 12 and I just really started to get interested in architecture. My parents bought me a modern architecture book that I fell in love with. I still have this book...one of my favourite possessions. -
Review from Grace D.
Toronto, ON
3/4/2010
Every time I step into this bookstore, I feel like I'm about to meet the love of my life in some adorable, slightly embarrassing encounter that will make for a wonderful story at the wedding. And that's because this gem is something straight out of a cheeky NYC romantic comedy. I love it.
I love that there are chimes on the door.
I love that a handful of the dudes who work here are super cute.
I love the clicking sound my boots make on the golden hardwood floor.
I love the rollie ladder that I have ACTUALLY seen the salespeople use.
I love that most of the books are front facing. In fact, I adore this.
I love the cozy sitting area by the fireplace and the fact that I have sat for over an hour and never once been made to feel as if I'm loitering and should hit the road.
I love that you can tell the owner or manager puts a lot of thought into his stock and tries to keep high quality, culturally relevant books on the shelf.
I don't love the fact that there isn't much of a selection of not-so culturally relevant books, and that I'd feel a bit dorky asking about one.
Come here.
But especially come her for: Art books, architecture books, lifestyle books (gardening, cooking, wining), and kitschy humour books. -
Review from Suzie G.
East York, ON
8/5/2009
My first visit to Nicholas Hoare on Front St. came after I visited the store's Ottawa location a month or so prior. Somehow I'd missed out on venturing to the T.O. shop until then, but after seeing its beauty in Ottawa I had to make a trip posthaste!
Simply put, Nicholas Hoare is a gorgeous bookstore. Wood floors and shelves, comfy couches, and A FIREPLACE. But for me, even more beautiful than all that is the actual way in which they display the books on the shelves. The vast majority of books are displayed FRONT-FACING. You're not stuck browsing through (often rather boring) spines at this shop -- you're looking right at the (hopefully usually beautifully-designed) covers. Of course, logistically this means that they can't stock as many books on the shelves as Indigo would in this same amount of space. But trust me, it's well worth the trade-off. Not only is this tactic more aesthetically pleasing but it's also just so much more useful to the customers. Truly a genius decision on the part of Nicholas Hoare and the main reason I could never give this shop any less than a 5 out of 5! -
Review from Roma M.
7/12/2010
It seems like this is the modern version from that fabulously quaint bookstore from Funny Face(sadly, minus Audrey Hepburn). It's larger, brighter and of course, actually organized.
Any bookstore that isn't Chapters/Indigo or their brethren gets bonus points in my books, and as an avid non-fiction reader, I've seen many titles that have caught my eyes (from diplomatic historical accounts to esoteric travel guides).
During my many visits(and purchases), however, I've yet to receive adequate service. The staff is as icy as my sister when I used to raid her closet. I've never treated the store like my library and yet I distinctly get the feeling like I'm constantly invading their personal space.
Luckily there are many local bookstores where I can get the titles and service I expect.
3.5 Stars. -
Review from Tanya B.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2009
Though I can often be found reading from a stack of magazines in an uncomfortable corner at the nearest Chapters, Nicholas Hoare is a haven to read a good book.
The atmosphere is great- the gorgeous brick wall, the friendly staff and the people who frequent it, are all unmatched.
The sheer size of it does however limit its ability to carry as many books as it's Walmart-like competitors. But if you're looking to find a good book and read all day, this is definitely a good match for you. -
Review from May B.
Vancouver, BC
7/30/2010
I entered Nicholas Hoare on a hot day, lured in by their cheeky sandwich board: "We have air conditioning!" Well played, good sirs.
I was pleasantly greeted by a beautiful, wood paneled shop, playful jazz music, and front facing books (as many of the reviewers have also expressed much delight over.) Having the books displayed with their covers forward as works of art was a very nice touch; I delighted in recognizing cover artwork drawn by graphic artists Joe Sacco and Jason, and though I don't remember the book titles or didn't buy any of those books, the visual interest was enough for me to pick them up and leaf through with verified curiosity. It was much the same throughout the rest of the store as artwork after artwork caught my eye and prompted a curious venture into this fiction and that graphic novel. All this accompanied by floating jazz music, the scent of leather and wood, and (thank goodness!) air conditioning.
I guess what I'm trying to say is good job, Nicholas Hoare and staff, on providing a bookstore browsing experience unlike any other I've experienced. I'll be back. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2008
When I first moved to Toronto and found myself walking up and down Front Street way more than one probably should, I found this little book shop tucked away between a couple of larger fronts. It's fairly unassuming and you'd probably miss it if you were in a hurry to get to the theatre or St. Lawrence Market (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...). But sure enough, there's a book shop. Independent from the Indigo/Chapters franchise, it sits quietly waiting for those in need of a great read.
The range of books is in the higher ranges of literature but certainly not exclusionary either. There's always some section or author I can find there that will be completely new to me. Leave your bags at the cash, find a book, and feel free to drink in the ambiance. On my first trip into the store, I was shocked to find not only couches by a fireplace, but there was encouragement to sit down, enjoy the warmth, and try the book on for size before you buy.
Yes, you're not going to see many "30% off" stickers on the books you pick up, but there are some intangibles that make the shopping experience fantastic. You should go on and treat yourself. -
Review from Denise S.
1/30/2011
This is a charming and cozy book store fittingly located in the old town area of the city. Unlike Chapters/Indigo, they seem to survive just selling books (not yoga mats, tea pots, etc.) and staff are very knowledgeable. They have a well-curated selection of books. It feels like visiting the library of a well-read friend. Their art books and travel section are especially great. And then there's the rolling ladders which always make me think of that scene at the beginning of "Beauty and the Beast"! I hope this place never goes out of business!
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Review from Hailey E.
Toronto, ON
2/15/2009
Though I do try to avoid full-priced book stores (especially since I have an iRewards card at Indigo) I have to say this is one of the most gorgeous book shops in the city - hands down.
The high, wooden shelves are lined with carefully-picked titles and no shelf or table is over-stocked. Each book is visible by its front cover which allows for pure browsing enjoyment! Nicholas Hoare offers a wide selection of cook books, travel books, literature, non-fiction (current affairs etc.), and stunning hard-cover books. Toward the back are a few cozy couches where shoppers can relax and flip through titles before making a purchase.
On my most recent visit to this shop I over-heard a highly-knowledgeable employee offering useful advice, personal anecdotes and historical information to a number of customers. This personal attention and genuine love of books is harder to find in the big chain stores. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2008
A good bookstore to me can be as refreshing as a day at the spa, and it's considerable cheaper. Nicholas Hoare is a very good bookstore, it has all the wonderful things you like about bookstores. It has rich wooden floors and tasteful; yet bright enough track lighting and the wonderful hush and energy that come from a room full of books. I will admit that I am not a person who regularly buys new books because I don't really see the point; a used book is just as good as a new book but it's cheaper. I do like bookstores like Nicholas Hoare however because they are (and it is) nicer than your average used book shop. Nicholas Hoare has the feeling of a wealthy mans reading room and you just want to sit down and read all afternoon when you step in the door. The selection is excellent and can easily rival a Chapters or Indigo which is very nice because Nicholas Hoare has a much nicer feel than one of the big box book stores. I would recommend Nicholas Hoare if you are looking for a nice book to give as a gift, because it's pretty cheap to give a used book, and by going to an independent bookstore you're supporting a store that isn't owned by a conglomerate, and that should make everybody feel a little bit better.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Andrew M.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2009
As far as brick and mortar bookstores go, this is probably the best I've seen. Collection won't be as extensive as any of the big chains, but has a great location, space inside is very nice and relaxing with rich wood everywhere, and the books that are available are great quality. I noticed a few times finding a rack of books where I had already read half of the books on display, all of which had been great reads. Staff are also friendly and helpful, one of them even directing me to an independent book-resellers website where I could search for a hard-to-find book they did not have in stock.
