I wanted to return some books I bought at Waterstones Piccadilly four days ago. The manager here said no. He wasn't objecting to me returning books but said I would have to go to Piccadilly. Waterstones' website says you can return books at any store. There is a small part about it being at the manager's discretion but I think that is whether they accept returns. I didn't find the manager here particularly nice. I told him I could return books at any store but he just said "it is at the managers discretion" without giving an explanation. Not exactly a John Lewis type customer experience. My goodwill towards Waterstones has dissipated. The whole point of having a store network is that it makes things more convenient for customers. Also if a customer makes a mistake they can quickly rectify things. I thought I had interview tests coming up but it turns out I don't. Hence I don't need the books.

A standard branch of Waterstones overlooking Islington Green - fiction on the first floor and non-fiction on the second. Although a good third of the fiction floor was taken up by DVDs, calendars, diaries and such, which was a little disappointing. Isn't that what WHSmith is for? But the rest of the books are sorted alphabetically by author. Great if you're looking for something in a hurry, not so great if you'd like to browse and find something new. I only ever visit bookstores for browsing, so lack of nice displays was a bit disappointing. I visited two days before Christmas so, unsurprisingly, it was heaving. But the staff managed to get everyone served quickly. And there were big tins of chocolates by the till. That's always nice.

This Waterstones is nice but not the best. Not the worst either, but it is just a book shop, with a reasonable selection, where as the larger stores have a better selection of titles and are more likely to stock more if not all titles in any particular series… this one may have random titles in a series, or may not have them at all, same with authors, but you can always order if you want a specific book… however I can do that online, I prefer to browse for something new when I’m at a Waterstones! Also this one hasn’t got a coffee shop or anything, there used to be a costa over the road but they relocated, so bring a flask and sit and read on the green right out front when the weather is fine!

Thank you to the brilliant team at Waterstones on Islington Green for the wonderful recommendations for my classroom and bedtime reading. Fantastic service from a wonderful chain of bookshops. The team at Waterstones Islington were so helpful and knowledgeable about titles they would recommend as well as suggesting other reading ideas. I know it's every book sellers job to upsell their stock but the team at Islington go above and beyond whilst making customers feel valued. I only went in to collect a pre-ordered copy of a book and came away with four wonderful recommendations for my classroom and children's bedtime reading at home.

It's an easy going place to be in. All types of books.i took one of my charges in here and we looked at books for his age, 7yrs plus but ended up in the adults department reading very interesting books indeed. We were not rushed and really enjoyed the books.extremely large selection of books for all ages but most importantly managed to keep us well engaged and concentrated for a long period of time.i don't buy refreshments from these sort of places as I simply cannot afford the prices that they sell for so cannot comment on it. But well done anyway waterstones.

Lovely store, good location set back from road, and always a feast of books on display to tantalize! I've found the people working there to be helpful and positive in a genuine way, not that cheesy sales attitude that always irks and is rarely useful. It has a bit of old fashioned charm this place, and is a welcome retreat from London's more rushed and greedy attitudes. Time to reflect on actual ideas and why they matter, to sink into a world of words and come out feeling inspired about life again.

I've been using this waterstones for a number of years now. Last weekend I went in to collect a book I'd ordered for my daughters English literature class the price being £9.99. I asked for a carrier bag for the book which I know to cost 20p as this would add the extra one pence I needed to receive my loyalty point. The lady behind the counter refused to sell me a carrier bag but did offer to sell me a leather book mark for £5.00. Well done waterstones you just lost a loyal customer to Amazon.

Packed to the rafters with books! Well, you'd expect that from a book store, but in this place it's hard to move as they have crammed as many in as possible. If you still like to leaf through a book before committing to buying it, then this should fit the bill. It's got a nice kids section, but it's been shrunk recently with the move downstairs. Still, it's got enough of a selection to keep our kids happy.

I visit this store frequently. Staff are always helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I usually visit the non fiction department upstairs, as I am particularly interested in history, politics and the culture of other countries. Books are always laid out in a way that catches my attention. This usually means that I leave the shop with at least one extra book I hadn't previous intended to buy!

Wonderful cosy place to seek shelter from the rain and have a browse through some of the books. The Sunday times #1 best sellers are located at the front shop. The staff are extremely polite and welcoming. Waterstones (Islington) offers a wide range of books ranging from History and Politics to your John le Carré, spy novel. Definitely a must visit place if you're a book-worm.

In this day and age, where Amazon fulfils most of your literary needs, I find myself still physically visiting this bookshop. Some times to browse and some times to chat about books and some times just to look at their carefully curated selections of favourite books to read. I simply can't resist buying something every time I come in. Plus they do loyalty stamps and discounts.

Only went as far as the front section so not sure how big this store is. It was surprisingly busy with a number of people shopping and a queue of 7(ish) people at the tills. Thankfully found a customer service personnel who knew exactly where the book I wanted was as I was a bit pressed for time. Excellent customer service. Wish I had time to go around the store properly

I love bookstores and Waterstones is one of my favorites. I go in the store to check out for the latest books. The store covers non-fiction, fiction, audios, childrens, teens, graphics, literature and much more. The staff are friendly and very helpful. There is so much to see, buy and colourful book covers to attract your interest with subtle captivation.

Surprisingly there are still books (records also but that's another review) they are on shelves and there are little helpful and informative handwritten signs (occasionally). When you can't drink alcohol these places are a real blahpowergreaterselfetc. I guess what I'm saying is you can shave some time off your life here, harmlessly, gwan, give it a go...

A lovely Waterstons that obviously plays a big role in the community, they have these adorably named fish at the back of the shop where children come to read. A great selection of books in this store, something for everyone and the staff are always happy to help you discover something new or just find that one book you've been looking for all over town.

This Waterstones is the best one I have visited in the country. The staff are always super friendly and happy to help me search for books, and when they are unavailable they will find a store that has it or order it in for me. I find it a calm and relaxing place where I can take time deciding on which books to buy. (Less calm at Christmas time!)

I'm really disappointed, we normally go to Stoke Newington Book shop every year for World Book Day to spend our vouchers. This year, a change of venue, the book selection, was so poor in spite of a call being made before the visit. The choice of books for 11 years old was upsetting. Please restock regularly if you're running a promotion.

Went to Waterstones in the Angel recently. It has 2 levels with a large selection of books covering many subjects. Travel section alone has a large variety of books and maps. There are a few seats upstairs where you can sit down to browse books but seats are limited. Open every day from 9.00am - 8.00pm and 11.00am - 5.00pm on Sundays.

We had a restaurant booked next door but arrived early, so thought we would browse the books. Costly mistake as we bought 5 cooking books. We are working our way through them now. An amazing selection of books. Everyone will find something on any given subject or author. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable too.

Not the biggest branch, but with two floors full of books and a wide selection they're likely to have something for most people. A helpful fish tank to distract the kids for a minute whilst you browse kids books just next to it (unhelpfully situated just by a carrousel of toys...). Helpful and friendly staff.

The best bookstore in Islington with good selection of books, huge section for children and most importantly - super helpful staff that seemed to read most of the books. Great windows and historical location. Make sure you get a loyalty card of you are there regularly - it’s really good value for money.

Beautiful 2-storey Waterstones by the green with friendly, helpful staff and lots of great displays and personal written recommendations. You can order online for click and collect and they have pretty decent opening hours too. Ask for a stamp card if you're going to be buying a few books.

Lovely find having not visited the area for a few years. Stocked well with an interesting & good variety of books, additional items one can buy as presents etc. The beautiful lighting made it easy to follow through the difference zones & look around. Easy accessibility too. Will be back.

Just like any other Waterstones book store, well stocked, very peaceful and quiet, lovely comfortable seating to sample your chosen book. However, I found their non book products to be a little on the pricey side and such items can be found elsewhere at a more competitive price.

Wonderful Waterstones with extremely helpful staff who will get hold of anything you are searching for. I've called ahead of visiting and they will put things aside, locate rare books and get other items brought in from other stores for you. Utterly wonderful.

Waterstones was pretty good. There are so many books. It can get overwhelming with so many on display, with plenty of sections and topics. However, the good news is that the staff are welcome help and very helping. Treat them with respect and they will help.

Always good to browse, and extremely helpful staff. Can't ask for more from a bookshop. They obviously cannot stick everything but will gladly order anything in for you. They also have quite a few things to buy that aren't books like calendars, toys, etc.

Massive bookstore that you could easily spend the day in!! So many books to look at, ready, or buy. There are games, cards and notebooks too. Staff are super helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and there is a well stocked cafe upstairs for you to refuel!!

Very good Waterstones branch, close to Angel station and next to Islington Green. Good selection of books and very friendly staff. We go there from time to time to read / buy some books with my kid. Lots of children books and a few good toys too.

There used to be the time when chain bookshops were the enemy. That was long ago. Now I am happy about any physical bookstore that exists. Nothing better than being able to feel a book. Well read staff. Well stocked store. Can only recommend.

One of the last remaining bookstores in London, this bookstore stands boldly in the face of the e-book and manages to deliver a pleaseant browsing experince with excellent reading suggestions. The staff are very pleasant and highly informed.

You know what you get! I go every week to check out the new releases and find some classics which are harder to procure. Then go straight to a second hand or charity shop and find a perfect copy of a new release which pays a charitable

Beautiful bookstore with a large assortment. I always end up spending an hour in the store because there are so many good books to explore. This is also my go to place for family presents, something for every age and interest …

Modern lively bookshop that also does a gift range. Good selection of current books and with good signage to the sections. Good calibre of staff. Look out in the street for the commemorative plaque to the Victorian Collins Music Hall.

My favorite bookstore in London, I love stopping by on the weekend to browse and enjoy the tranquil cozy atmosphere to get a little break from busy Angel. There’s always a new book recommendation to discover and the staff is lovely.

I like this Waterstone. Nice ambient lighting makes the palce very cosy. Till staff could be a bit quicker when there are long queues (they looked tried!). Also like the large outside paved area and greenery - no noisy cars!

Great space and excellent collection of kids books and also games and other items. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. It's difficult not to end up spending more than planned but definitely money well spent.

There are some really comfy armchairs upstairs in the non-fiction section if you fancy losing yourself for a few hours. The staff here are crazy-knowledgeable. Really lovely vibe and of course.... Books everywhere!

Amazing bookshop with tonnes of great books, and a great kids' section too! I love the location, right across from the green. Pop in for some insightful advice on what to read and the latest award winning books.

Always a bit disappointed in this shop. No crime section. SF/Fantasy/Horror section slashed by 50% and space useď for YA books. Worst discount table (buy 1 get 1 half price) of any Waterstones. Good staff.

Book shops have become an endangered species. Waterstones is one of the few chains remaining. This Waterstones is pleasant, has a good book selection and is a bit tired like most Waterstones. Recommended.

Extensive assortment of books in a 2 story building. Staff are happy to help you find what you need. I think having a portal for customers to search for books would be convenient especially on busy days.

The staff are very helpful and friendly. They are knowledgeable and may even recommend a certain book to you depending on genre. They have a small stationary section, board games, and small gifts too!

A large shop, well layed out and well signposted showing themes of books. There is a trolley with cut price books which may be worth a look. Upstairs and Ground floor, can be quite busy on Saturdays.

Classic Waterstones - the shelves are always organised in an easy and organised way so you can find whatever you're looking for with ease. The workers there are always very helpful and friendly too!

I love the fact that printed books are resurgent. Also that Waterstones and Daunts are leading the way, despite punitive city centre costs, in the fight against Amazon (pay more tax Baldy Bezos!)

a really nice blonde lady helped me look for something, it was probably out of stock or sold out but she was super sweet and i come here really often. They also have a decent amount of manga

Very cozy bookstore with great book choices and always very helpful and knowledgeable staff. You can order online and collect here. Very handy particularly with difficult books to find.

I visited here for the first time as I was visiting the street cat named Bob memorial statue. It was a very quiet book store, I felt like I was in a library. Lots of books to read! :)

Good book store, great layout and good books available. I wish that they had more Anime (Manga) books. Other then that definitely go visit, staff are helpful, jolly & nice …

I love this place. Very pleasant atmosphere and relaxed environment. All the shelves are properly organised and is really easy to find the section of interest. Highly recommended!!!

What a comfortable and comforting place for book lovers. Great selection perfect for a browse on a grey day. It would be nice to have an armchair or two scattered around the store.

My local store is an great place to buy and click and collect books too. The staff are very helpful too and are willing to help you regarding the books you need to purchase.

Great bookshop. Lovely space with wooden floors and good layout. I love the way books have been curated and signposted. It makes shopping here a pleasure. mmm... nice.

Beautiful place, good service. Some very helpful staff helped me hunt down a copy of the book I was looking for, even though it wasn't in any of the expected spots!

Nice and quiet, they don't have a wide variety of books but you can quickly hop on the 38 or 73 and it takes you right to the bigger Waterstones in central London.

Good stock and helpful assistant who was widely read and could advise on books- something one used to expect in independent book shops but which is rare nowadays

Good bookstore and although chain owned has a local feel due to the customers and staff. Great children's section, comprehensive also a good card selection.

A lovely bookstore near Angel station. Lots of books (of course) of many kinds, but also games and plushies (bought a funny broccoli plush). Friendly staff

Lovely bookshop, helpful and friendly staff. I was there for my friends book launch which was fab fun... go and read bearmouth by Liz Hyder it's awesome

Always a delight to visit Waterstones Islington. Exceptional staff who go the extra mile to help. Wonderful selection of everything from books to gifts.

Excellent selection and nice display for new fiction and non fiction in front. More titles upstairs. They also have a good selection of games and other

A wide range of classics as well as all the recently published books. Very friendly staff. Always worth dropping in. Customer-friendly opening hours.

I did not find what I was looking for! They told me it’s no longer published as a paper book! However, crew are so nice, welcoming and very helpful!

Lovely store, helpful & friendly staff. Like an oasis of calm in the centre of Islington. Excellent selection of books, and hidden nooks to read in.

Great selection of games and children's books. There was not really any sheet music which is what I enter for but I did get some Christmas presents.

The most delight place to wonder. Pick up real books from people who love books. My children love it too. Great children department and atmosphere.

Bookshop with a nice collection of books for children and such a friendly staff. I really enjoyed being there because of the tranquil atmospere.

Large store split across two floors. Loads of books in all categories. Excellent customer service from the staff who assisted me. …

Excellent, sizeable and well-stocked bookshop with friendly staff. All of my orders for books have been met in a few hours. Very efficient

Fantastic knowledgeable staff, didn't have the book I wanted but ordered in and tx me to let me know when arrived into store. Fantastic

Friendly staff who will absolutely help you if you need a specific book. The location is great and the selection is fantastic.

A great book store! It's huge, and stocks everything you could want or expect. The staff are really helpful and knowledgeable!

Great selection of books, lovely atmosphere. They do good events as well. The cafe is nice but the coffee isn't good.

Have a spare half an hour then this branch has an excellent selection of books in a stylish shop...well worth a visit

Lovely place that feels off the Main Street but isn’t? I don’t know. It feels very welcoming and has a huge variety.

Great bookshop with very helpful staff.I generally prefer 2nd hand book shops but this is where we go for new stuff.

I just love the place. Maybe my Fav bookshop in London. Five Floors of Dreams. The café at the top is Super cosy.

Excellent choice of books as always. The sections were well presented. Staff were very helpful and keen to help.

Always a customer. The best bookstore in the country got choices. Coffee shop slightly pricy for sandwiches etc.

Loved this store! So nice to browse thru such a large collection of books! Staff is very helpful too!

Such a lovely bookshop with amazing staff who are always keen to give some book recommendations!

Staff were attentive and very helpful, very knowledgeable about books. Spacious and quiet place

Friendly staff, great selection of books, there's even chairs upstairs for you to sit and read!

Excellent selection of educational materials for my kids and great service from the staff

Think I need to spend an hour in there a week for my mental health. Just a nice shop lol

Amazing selection of books. Loyalty cards and student discounts are also available ;)

My son wanted a book, so we jumped the bus. We bought a new book and went back home

It's OK but not much of a choice for 3yrs though but staff very polite and helpful

The store has a wide variety of books, stationery and gifts. I had a lovely time!

Excellent book shop. Staff very friendly and approachable, can't wait to return.

Lovely traditional bookshop in Islington Green. Plenty of good quality books.

It's okay loads of books but no cheese or peanuts so slightly disappointing

Good book store, friendly staff. Always find something interesting to buy

Lovely bookshop with nice staff. Click and collect is also convenient

small but have all kinds of books I think....even small toy for kids

Very good, well stocked bookshop with friendly helpful staff

Great selection of children books aswell as friendly staff.

Lovely bookstore, well stocked. And staff were a delight!

Nice bookstore to purchase some lovely gifts and books