The Poetry Pharmacy – self care in the centre of London

Founder Deborah Alma at The Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street.

Photo credit: © The Poetry Pharmacy

If you’re seeking some quiet and relaxation whilst exploring central London, we very highly recommend a visit to The Poetry Pharmacy.

About

Founded by poet Deborah Alma, the idea of poetry as therapy started in 2011 when she operated The Emergency Poet out of the back of a 1970s ambulance at festivals, hospitals, libraries and schools. Following on from this, Deborah opened The Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle, then in June, opened the second pharmacy on Oxford Street.

A fabulous concept, The Poetry Pharmacy offers inspiring literary quotes to cure your ails. The shop, beautifully furnished with vintage pharmacy pieces, is stocked with the most uplifting books, pill bottles containing capsules of heartening quotes and beautiful stationery. Furthermore, it also has a dispensary where you can get refreshments to enjoy at the tables overlooking the historic buildings of Oxford Street. On our visit, we were very impressed to find two out of the three cakes on offer were plant-based. They offer a fabulous selection of drinks, too (we recommend the white peony tea).

The Poetry Pharmacy also holds events, reading groups and poetry walks.

The Poetry Pharmacy is the most special place in London – an absolute gem.

Getting there

The Poetry Pharmacy is just a 22-minute walk from Hertford Street. Alternatively, it can be reached by taking the Victoria line from Green Park to Oxford Circus.

Also in the area

Liberty London
Hamleys
Carnaby Street

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