10 of the Best Vinyl Shops in London
10 of the Best Vinyl Shops in London
By Lucas Clark
Pictured above: Casbah Records
The renaissance of vinyl records provides a whole new realm for shoppers looking to buy locally, and offers another strand for renewable purchasing. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing perusal on the riverside, or a deep dive into perhaps unseen areas of London, record shopping is perhaps the most fulfilling experience for visitors young and old. From cool jazz to emphatic punk, here are ten of the best record stores the London area has to offer.
1
Banquet Records, Kingston
Rising from the ashes of Beggar’s Banquet, Kingston’s premier record store has been a mainstay for the indie and folk scene for almost 25 years. Banquet Records offers a unique shopping experience spanning contemporary genres – expect to find your favourite bands in both vinyl and CD format, plus some underheard up-and-coming artists. Look out too for its album listening parties and gigs.
2
Eel Pie Records, Twickenham
Many will recognise the name of this particular store; this riverside venue is nestled at the back of a wine store, and is backdropped by the famous Eel Pie Island, which has seen countless concerts over the years ranging from the Rolling Stones to Pink Floyd. With such a hub of music history that is Twickenham, why not visit the nearby Eel Pie museum and then venture into the rabbit hole that is Eel Pie Records?
3
Soul Brother Records, Putney
The grooviest record store south of the Thames has a lot to offer for fellow Jazz, Soul, and Rap fans. A short walk from Putney Bridge, Soul Brother houses over 10,000 records in its quaint little shop, as well as pre-loved books and DVDs alike. The vintage look and feel of Soul Brother complements the communal atmosphere of the store.
4
Honest Jon’s, Notting Hill
The striking orange facade of Honest Jon’s makes it a glaring stamp on the streets of Portobello Road. Those seeking a relaxing break from the bustling market can enjoy the chill ambience of Honest Jon’s, and its stock speaks for itself: Jon’s specialty is a broad selection of International sounds, Reggae, and Soul, with a welcoming space for newer or casual collectors.
5
Sister Ray, Soho
Ray’s is your favourite’s favourite when it comes to vinyl shopping. A seasoned store in the scene’s legendary Berwick Street, Sister Ray famously featured in the cover image for Oasis’ “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, but has remained as a reliable London stop for music fans citywide.
6
All Ages Records, Camden
All Ages Records Store is textbook punk. Priding itself on providing a canvas for local artists to advertise their craft, walking in you see walls flooded by gig adverts and “Players Wanted” flyers. The owner is hugely passionate and always has a story armed for you when you reach the counter. After flicking through crates of Punk, Metal and Hardcore vinyls, make sure to greet the resident dogs!
7
Flashback Records, Islington/Shoreditch/Crouch End
One of the few independent stores that has developed its very own chain, Flashback has not forgotten its roots. Flashback prides itself as an inclusive shop that caters for all kinds of music fans. With locations spanning across central and north London, you’ll discover a modest selection of pre-loved and new records and CDs. You may wish to admire the elusive “Dinked Editions”, which usually entail special, collector’s editions of underground sounds.
8
Casbah Records, Greenwich
Flanked by Greenwich Market, Casbah provides a classy experience for those travelling from East London’s staple destinations. Casbah serves as an emporium of classic sounds, as well as splicing together retro comic books, biographies, and T-Shirts. Casbah have been on the market since the late eighties, and if you’re looking for a signed Libertines record or Arctic Monkeys single, look no further.
9
Idle Moments, Shoreditch
What’s better than a record shop? A record shop that doubles as a wine shop, of course! Under one roof you will find a sophisticated spot housing only the best curated records, coupled with a variety of wines and non-alcoholic drinks. The venue is a terrific accompaniment for those visiting the charming Columbia Road Flower Market.
10
Atlantis Records, Hackney
The newest and most northernmost entry on this list, Atlantis opened its doors in 2020 and specialises as an in-house store without an online presence. A real gem for second-hand records, Atlantis offers a grounded, local feel likely to engage the most avid collectors.
