With London’s independent record store scene flourishing, it’s a pretty good time to go vinyl shopping. We’ve shortlisted ten of our favourite crate-digging spots, covering all points of the capital’s compass:
Rye Wax
133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST
https://www.facebook.com/ryewax
Rye Wax set up shop in the basement of Peckham mainstay the Bussey Building in July, with vinyl as its staple and a nifty sideline in comics, prints, books, pastries and coffee.
Love Vinyl
5 Pearson Street, Hoxton, E2 8JD
https://www.facebook.com/lovevinyllondon
Another newcomer to the London scene, Love Vinyl opened its doors in Hoxton back in June. Helmed by a collective of scene veterans, the shop boasts an expertly curated stock of new and vintage wax plus regular guest DJ slots.
BM Soho
25 D’Arblay Street, Soho, W1F 8EJ
http://www.bm-soho.com
Formerly known as Blackmarket Records, BM is London’s longest running independent dance music supplier and a true underground institution since 1987. Specialists in all things bass-heavy, from dub to DnB, garage to grime, and house to hardcore.
Phonica
51 Poland Street, Soho, W1F 7LZ
http://www.phonicarecords.com
Since 2003, Phonica has risen to become one of the capital’s premier destinations for electronic music diggers, as well as launching an eponymous record label.
Vinyl Pimp
14 Felstead St, Hackney Wick, E9 5LT
www.vinylpimp.co.uk
Having established itself as the number one UK seller for online vinyl marketplace Discogs, Vinyl Pimp touched down in Hackney Wick in 2013. They specialise in re-selling collections and count the likes of D-Bridge, Doc Scott and Rennie Pilgrem among their suppliers.
Rat Records
348 Camberwell New Rd, Camberwell, SE5 0RW
http://www.ratrecordsuk.net
Part of the Camberwell furniture since 1998, Rat Records stocks an eclectic selection of vinyl and CDs. Rat hit the headlines when owner Tom Fisher stumbled upon a super-rare 10” recording of a 1974 Jagger-Lennon collaboration.
Alan’s Records
218 High Rd, East Finchley, N2 9AY
http://www.alansrecords.com/
While slightly off the beaten track, Alan’s Records is a crate-digger’s paradise and well worth the trip north. With wall-to-wall stacks of second hand bargains, 7” obscurities and welcoming vibes, this is exactly what record shopping should be about.
Eldica
8 Bradbury St, Dalston, London N16 8JN
http://www.eldica.co.uk
Dalston vintage emporium specialising in second-hand funk, soul, hip-hop and jazz records, plus all manner of retro merchandise.
Rough Trade East
Dray Walk, 91 Brick Ln, Shoreditch, E1 6QL
http://www.roughtrade.com
Rough Trade East’s spacious location in an old Brick Lane brewery plays host to a mind-boggling selection of vinyl across all genres. They also have a regular schedule of in-store gigs.
Sister Ray
34 Berwick St, Soho, W1F 8RP
https://www.facebook.com/sisterrayrecords
Soho institution Sister Ray has enjoyed the buoyant climate for independent record stores this year, moving to a larger Berwick Street premises and launching a vinyl-only branch in Shoreditch’s Ace Hotel. Filled with second-hand rarities, this is one for the heads.
Photography by Lauren Towner