Where to find the best record stores London has to offer
The record store scene is currently enjoying a revival. In celebration of this, we’ve rounded up the best vinyl record stores in London
Flashback Records, Shoreditch
The original Islington store of Flashback Records has been around since 1997. It’s survived the dip in popularity of record stores which led many to close during the noughties, and has since grown into three separate branches, including a three-floor outlet in Shoreditch. The store is a favourite of vinyl junkies, with downstairs stock covering classical and opera, a ground floor full of indie rock and post-punk, and an upstairs section dedicated to soul, jazz and reggae. In addition, the owners sometimes holds gigs or launch events for new albums.
Best for: A basement stacked with vintage records, opera box cases and movie soundtracks (which go for cheap).
Read more ...All Ages Records, Camden
All Ages stands imperiously as the only punk record store in London, and is fittingly only a short walk away from Camden Market. It also stocks more than just vinyls and CDs; here you can stock up on punk-themed posters, clothing, books, magazines and more. Once your inner rebel is fulfilled, ask the staff about the line-up of local concerts and events, as tickets can be cheaper to buy in-store.
Best for: Punk-related records, trinkets and memorabilia.
Read more ...Reckless Records, Soho
Arguably the top dog of this list, Reckless Records has provided Soho and central London with new, used and second-hand records for the past 40 years. Behind it’s lively red facade, the family-run business stocks well-maintained vinyls, LPs and CDs, plus a handful of cassettes. And, the collection features every genre you can think off. The devoted staff are always ready to help you with your purchase – and may even give a discount if you’re buying a piece they like or know of specifically. Be prepared to leave the store with a hefty bag full of rarities and unusual gems.
Best for: Browsing the record store featured on the cover of Oasis’s legendary album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Read more ...Rough Trade East, Brick Lane
The Rough Trade record label is an international-mounted business which sprung out of 70’s London. The Brick Lane outlet even boasts a stage to host a regular programme of live gigs. This 5,000 square foot music emporium is a big step up from smaller businesses and at first sight seems impossibly vast. But really this means all the more room to play the addictive game of sweeping through thousands of records.
Best for: New releases and ample space to relax, following some energy-consuming browsing.
Read more ...Sister Ray Records, Soho
Located on the opposite side of the street from Reckless Records, Sister Ray emerged in Soho’s thriving record store domain after a humble beginning as a Camden Market stall. On the last World Record Store Day (13 April 2019), it was one of the most visited record stores across the UK. This comes at no surprise; Sister Ray is a treasure trove of vinyl antics, specialising in soul, jazz and blues. The company also plays home to a second, smaller store, housed in Shoreditch’s Ace Hotel.
Best for: An old-fashioned record store experience, where you’re as likely to find vintage gems as new releases.
Read more ...Phonica Records, Soho
Phonica Records stands out from other record stores in Soho with its distinctly modern style and comfortable spots to sit and listen. Here, you can listen to your selected vinyls before buying them on the in-store turntables. Its specialism in dance music from the last 13 years makes the store a landmark for clubbing enthusiasts and London DJs. Phonica also recently began promoting its own clothing label, with lively and minimalistic designs harkening to the store’s dance focus.
Best for: Electronic, club and house, in a spacious and welcoming setting.
Read more ...Love Vinyl, Hoxton
Love Vinyl is a relatively new contender in the realm of London’s best music stores. That said, it’s safely in the hands of old-timers, opened in 2014 by veteran record dealers Zaf Chowdhry and Jake Holloway, who have worked at both Reckless and Rough Trade. Its owners refer to it as ‘a mecca for dance music lovers’, but the store also houses a vast collection of different genres, too.
Best for: Exploring a new record store crammed with house, funk, soul and jazz, as well as techno and disco.
Read more ...Cosmos Records, Hackney
Another recent addition to London’s vinyl scene is Cosmos Records. The Hackney store opened in 2015 and specialises in jazz, reggae and music from African and South-American cultures. Here you’ll find a beautifully-designed store run by friendly staff who are experts in what they stock, making for a very enjoyable shopping experience indeed.
Best for: Discovering classic and rare music from all four corners of the globe.
Read more ...Crypt of the Wizard, Hackney
Crypt of the Wizard is the black cat of this list. London’s only heavy metal record store, its grown a loyal following since opening just two years ago. The shop has a wonderfully authentic and distinct sense to it, with a black-painted storefront and similarly dark walls lending it its moody aesthetic. Crypt of the Wizard is literally next door to Cosmos Records, so regardless of whether you think it’s your scene, if you’re in the area checking out its neighbours Latin and reggae disks, you might as well pop into the Crypt and have a browse.
Best for: A visit to the dark side of the musical store spectrum, made inviting by the coffee machine and (black) sofa.
Read more ...Further places to browse: Vinyl markets and indie sellers
Several of London’s best-loved markets have stalls dedicated to second-hand records and vintage vinyl collections. What’s more, you can often buy them here for miraculously low prices (just remember to pull the disks from their sleeves to check for scratches. One of our favourites is Wood Street Market, where dozens of stalls held by independent and dedicated sellers offer a decent selection of vintage records. Another is Old Spitalfields Market, which is only a short walk from Rough Trade East and has a whole section consecrated to music sales. Also worth checking out is Portobello Road Market, where antiques and vinyl sellers surface every first and third Friday of the month.
Happy crate-digging!