“Don’t wink at me and put on your apron.”
Have you ever wished you could step inside a fictional bar, cafe or bookstore from your favourite book, movie or TV show? Whether it’s a cosy bookshop filled with literary treasures, a charming cafe perfect for deep conversations or a lively bar where unforgettable memories are made, these fictional locations feel just as real as any place in our world. From legendary bookstores in literature to the most iconic cafes and bars in fiction, these settings become characters in their own right, making us long to visit and hang out in them. Imagine grabbing a cup of coffee at your favourite fictional cafe, browsing the shelves of a magical bookstore, or sharing a drink in a bar plucked straight out of a novel. While we can’t visit them IRL, we can celebrate them here at What We Reading. Join us today as we take a journey through some of the most iconic fictional establishments we all wish were real!
Fictional Bookstores We Wish Were Real
There’s something magical about stepping into a cosy bookstore, running your fingers along the spines of well-loved novels and discovering hidden literary treasures. Some of the best fictional bookstores in books and movies capture this essence impeccably – so much so that we wish they existed in our own world! Whether it’s a charming indie bookshop, a legendary store from literature or a mysterious library housing countless secrets, here are some of the best fictional bookstores we’d love to visit.
1. Flourish & Blotts – Harry Potter
Every book lover dreams of shopping at Flourish & Blotts, the iconic fictional bookstore in the Harry Potter universe. Located in Diagon Alley, this magical shop is the go-to spot for Hogwarts students buying their schoolbooks, from The Standard Book of Spells to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Beyond its practical purpose, the store’s towering bookshelves, enchanted tomes and occasional chaos (like Gilderoy Lockhart’s infamous book signing) make it an unforgettable setting. If only we could browse its aisles and pinch a spellbook or two!
2. The Shop Around The Corner – You’ve Got Mail
For lovers of independent bookstores, The Shop Around the Corner from You’ve Got Mail is the ultimate dream destination. Run by the charming Kathleen Kelly, this cosy bookshop is warm, personal and full of hand-chosen stories for children and adults alike. Unlike big chain bookshops, this fictional indie store represents the heart of bookselling – the joy of helping readers discover their perfect book. Whilst it might not have survived corporate competition in the movie, in our hearts, it remains one of the best fictional bookstores we’d love to step into.
3. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore (Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore)
A mysterious bookstore open all night? Count us in! Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore is unlike any other. This fictional bookshop isn’t just a store – it’s a puzzle, a secret society, and a gateway to a literary adventure. With its towering bookshelves, cryptic customers and enigmatic owner, this bookshop invites readers into a world where stories hold hidden meanings and technology meets ancient wisdom. It’s the perfect mix of cosy and intriguing, helping to make it one of the most quirky bookstores in literature.
Fictional Cafes That Feel Like Home
There’s something special about a cosy cafe – the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the hum of conversation, and the perfect ambience for reading, writing or catching up with some loved ones. Some of the most famous cafes in fiction capture this warm, inviting feeling so well that we wish we could pull up a chair, order a latte and soak in the atmosphere. Whether it’s a bookish cafe, a small-town diner with a loyal following, or a magical gathering spot, these fictional cafes feel like a second home.
1. Central Perk (Friends)
When it comes to fictional cafes, few are as recognisable as Central Perk. This iconic coffee shop from Friends is more than just a place to grab a cappuccino – it’s where Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey and Chandler share their lives, one oversized mug at a time. With its cosy orange sofa, live music shows (courtesy of Phoebe’s unforgettable performances), and a friendly barista always ready to serve a sarcastic retort, Central Perk is the ultimate sitcom cafe hangout.
2. Luke’s Diner (Gilmore Girls)
Few fictional cafes are as beloved as Luke’s Diner from Gilmore Girls. Nestled in the heart of Stars Hollow, this small-town cafe is the go-to destination for bottomless coffee, hearty breakfasts and witty banter. Run by the grumpy but loveable Luke Danes, the diner is an essential commodity within Lorelai and Rory Gilmore’s lives, serving as the backdrop for countless conversations (and caffeine-fuelled discussions). With its warm, homey atmosphere and no-nonsense charm, Luke’s Diner is the sort of cosy bookish cafe every coffee-loving reader dreams of visiting.
3. The Leaky Cauldron (Harry Potter)
Back in the wizarding world of Harry Potter for a cafe with a magical twist, The Leaky Cauldron serves as a wizarding pub and a gateway between the Muggle world and Diagon Alley. Whether you’re stopping by for a butterbeer, an afternoon tea or just soaking in the magical atmosphere, this dimly lit, history-filled establishment is a place of mystery and comfort. Hidden from non-magical eyes, it’s the favourite haunt of witches, wizards and weary travellers. If only we could grab a book, order a hot drink and kick back in front of the fire for a cosy evening here!
Fictional Bars We’d Love To Visit
Whether you’re looking for a quiet literary bar, a rowdy tavern filled with adventurers, or a cinematic cocktail lounge with old-school charm, some of the best bars in books and movies are places we would love to grab a drink. These fictional bars come with atmosphere, history, and unforgettable characters, all by the bucketload, making them the dream destination for book lovers, movie buffs, and pub enthusiasts alike.
1. The Winchester (Shaun Of The Dead)
If there’s one fictional pub you’d want to ride out the apocalypse in, it’s The Winchester. This classic British bar from Shaun of the Dead is the ultimate neighbourhood hangout – dark wooden interiors, a pool table and, of course, a trusty rifle mounted above the bar (which will almost certainly come in clutch when the undead come knocking). Whether you’re here for a pint with friends or hiding out from zombies until it all blows over, The Winchester is a fictional bar where we’d love to spend the night – just preferably without the end of the world following us inside.
2. Rick’s Cafe Americain (Casablanca)
Few literary bars are as timeless as Rick’s Cafe Americain from Casablanca. This moody, sleek lounge is the ultimate setting for romance, intrigue and classic Hollywood drama. With its candlelit tables, tuxedo-clad staff and the sound of Sam playing ‘As Time Goes By’ on the piano, this fictional cocktail bar oozes classiness and sophistication. Whether you’re longing for a quiet drink, a high-stakes encounter or a dramatic farewell, Rick’s is a place where every sip of champagne feels like a part of cinematic history.
3. The Prancing Pony (The Lord Of The Rings)
If you prefer your fictional bars to come with a slice of adventure, then The Prancing Pony in Bree is the perfect stop. A favourite for weary travellers and wandering rangers, this fantasy tavern is where Frodo Baggins first encounters Aragon in The Lord of the Rings, setting the course for an epic journey. With its roaring hearth, hearty meals and flowing pints of ale, The Prancing Pony is the kind of place where stories are shared, friendships are forged and mysterious hooded figures may just change the course of your destiny. A must-visit for any lover of legendary literary bars.
Why Fictional Locations Feel So Real
Certain fictional settings in books and movies are so vividly described that they feel as real as any place we’ve visited in the real world. Whether it’s a hectic literary cafe, a cosy bookshop tucked away on a quiet street or a bustling tavern filled with adventurers, these places capture our imaginations and linger in our minds long after we close the book or turn off the screen. But, what makes these literary places we want to visit so special?
1. A Sense Of Comfort And Nostalgia
Fictional locations often tap into deep feelings of nostalgia and belonging. Whether it’s the warm glow of Luke’s Diner, The Leaky Cauldron’s magical energy, or The Winchester’s familiar charm, these places become symbols of comfort. They remind us of friendships, adventures and the stories that shaped us – turning them into destinations we wish existed in real life.
2. A Place For Book Lovers To Escape
For us readers, fictional settings present the perfect bookish escape. A quaint bookshop filled with hidden treasures, a cafe where you can sip coffee and lose yourself in a novel, or a dimly lit bar where characters exchange secrets – these places represent the ultimate literary fantasy. They’re places where stories unfold, where we imagine ourselves curling up with a good book, and where every corner holds the potential for a new adventure.
3. Immersive Worldbuilding Brings Them To Life
The best fictional settings feel real because of the rich world-building behind them. The careful details – like the sound of clinking glasses, the dusty smell of old books or the lively chatter of travellers create immersive environments that whisk right to the heart of a story. These places are not just backdrops; they’re characters in their own right.
4. The Desire To Step Into Our Favourite Stories
At their core, fictional bars, cafes and bookstores resonate with us because they allow us to imagine stepping into the world we love. They offer a tantalising taste of magic, adventure and camaraderie – whether it’s sitting in Central Perk laughing with friends or sharing a drink at The Prancing Pony. And whilst we may never actually walk through the doors ourselves, they remain as vivid and welcoming as any of our real-world haunts.
Wrap Up
From cosy bookshops to iconic cafes and legendary literary bars, these fictional settings in books and movies have continued to capture our hearts and imaginations for years. Whether you dream of browsing the magical shelves of Flourish & Blotts or sipping a pint at The Winchester, these places feel as real as any destination on our travel bucket list.
If you enjoyed this list, feel free to share it with your fellow book lovers! Tag a friend who would absolutely move to one of these fictional bookstores, cafes or bars if they could!
Check Out The Best Books For Every Mood
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
