Books about London – Stanfords Blog

Author Event with André Rostant and Dom Joly

Last night we hosted a fascinating evening talking about André Rostant’s book The Muffin Man.

The Muffin Man is a frank exploration into the lives of those at the heart of bohemian Soho, told from the perspective of George, a fictional Big Issue Vendor in Soho. This story sheds a much needed light on the most pressing issues in society today and the still desperate need for change.

Dom Joly spoke to André about how his book is fiction but very much based on the lives of those who frequent Soho and about how communities in London can change so much that these people who have lived there their whole lives can be like tourists in their own areas.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We are donating all ticket proceeds and a percentage of book sales to the Big Issue.

If you were unable to attend this event but would like to make a donation to support the Big Issue, please click here

We have signed copies of The Muffin Man by André Rostant and The Conspiracy Tourist: Travels Through a Strange World by Dom Joly available while stocks last.

Dom Joly talks to André Rostant about The Muffin Man

Stanfords x Big Issue Event: The Muffin Man: A conversation with André Rostant and Dom Joly

Date and time: Thursday 9th January 2025. 19:00 – 20:30

Location: Stanfords London, 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, WC2H 9FA

As Stanfords has been a well-known name in London since 1853 we’ve managed to build a real network of friends in the community from other local businesses to friendly faces of people working and living in the area. One of those faces that many of you may well know is André Rostant, the Big Issue vendor who is a published author and poet.

To celebrate André’s book The Muffin Man, published earlier this year, he will be in conversation here at Stanfords, Covent Garden with the author and comedian Dom Joly. Join us for a brilliant and insightful evening talking about André’s book and raising awareness and support for the Big Issue.

Ten Street Trees to See Near Stanfords

By Paul Wood

My book, London’s Street Trees, which has just been published in an expanded and revised third edition, sets out to show you that London is in fact an urban arboretum. Any self-respecting botanical collection would be hard-pressed to grow the variety of trees that can be found gracing pavements across town. I reckon there are over 400 different species you can encounter in this great green city. No matter where you live, there are bound to be dozens growing within a few hundred metres of your front door.

To prove my point, I went in search of street trees near Stanfords’ Covent Garden shop. Here are ten different species I found:

Honey Locust (Gleditsia tricanthos) WC1. Image credit Paul Wood

1. Honey Locust, Slingsby Place – Just round the corner from Stanfords an elegant North American honey locust can be seen outside Bill’s restaurant. It is interesting to compare this tree to those on Endell Street, which you should approach with caution: they have weapons- grade thorns growing straight out of their trunks. The Slingsby Place tree is a thornless cultivar, so is a much safer bet for those intent on brushing up on their tree IDs.