July 8, 2026

Vinyl Radar · London

The 10 best record stores in London

From Soho institutions to Hackney tastemakers — the independent vinyl shops worth the trip, ranked by the collectors who shop them.

10 stores · 4.8 avg · 100% independent

London has one of the deepest record-store scenes on earth — Berwick Street secondhand legends, flagship megastores and neighbourhood gems. Ten shops worth planning a day around.

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Where to dig — the 10 stores

Soho holds the highest concentration — Berwick Street, Broadwick Street and Poland Street alone pack four essentials within a few minutes' walk. Hackney and Camden are the best neighbourhood scenes. Each store below has its rating, area and how to get there.

4.7 · 3,003

Rough Trade East

London's flagship independent — a huge new & reissue selection and regular in-store gigs inside the Old Truman Brewery.

Shoreditch · 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL

Website Map+44 20 7392 7788

4.6 · 1,364

Sister Ray

Soho institution — deep across genres with a strong secondhand section. A must for any serious dig.

Soho · 75 Berwick St, W1F 8TG

Website Map+44 20 7734 3297

4.5 · 1,024

Reckless Records

Berwick Street secondhand legend — the classic spot to dig for bargains and rarities in the heart of Soho.

Soho · 30 Berwick St, W1F 8RH

Website Map+44 20 7437 4271

4.5 · 890

Phonica Records

The city's electronic and dance HQ — new 12"s, house, techno and leftfield, plus its own label.

Soho · 51 Poland St, W1F 7ND

Website Map+44 20 7025 6075

4.6 · 613

Sounds of the Universe

Soul, jazz, funk and global grooves — the shop run by the Soul Jazz Records label. A crate-digger's dream.

Soho · 7 Broadwick St, W1F 0DA

Website Map+44 20 7734 3430

4.8 · 537

All Ages Records

Camden's punk, hardcore and indie specialist — small, sharp and beloved by the scene.

Camden · 27A Pratt St, NW1 0BG

Website Map+44 20 7267 0303

4.8 · 279

Stranger Than Paradise

Hackney's tastemaker shop for new and leftfield releases, inside Mare Street Market.

Hackney · 117 Mare St, E8 4RU

Website Map+44 20 3745 2607

4.6 · 273

Next Door Records

Shepherd's Bush spot with a café and community feel — great coffee, better records.

Shepherd's Bush · 304 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ

Website Map+44 20 8749 0731

4.9 · 137

Upside Down Records

Deptford independent — friendly, eclectic and one of South London's best-kept secrets.

Deptford · 203 Deptford High St, SE8 3NT

Website Map+44 7531 687699

Atlantis Records store, Lower Clapton, London

4.9 · 77

Atlantis Records Hackney

Lower Clapton independent — a great spot both for digging and for selling your collection.

Lower Clapton · 8 Clarence Rd, E5 8HB

Website Map+44 7816 963127

Frequently asked

What is the best record store in London?

For sheer selection and atmosphere, Rough Trade East is the flagship. For secondhand digging, the Berwick Street pair — Reckless Records and Sister Ray — are Soho institutions. For electronic music, Phonica leads.

Which area is best for record shopping in London?

Soho has the highest concentration — Berwick Street, Broadwick Street and Poland Street alone hold Reckless, Sister Ray, Sounds of the Universe and Phonica within a few minutes' walk. Hackney and Camden are the best neighbourhood scenes.

Do these shops buy secondhand vinyl?

Most do. Reckless, Sister Ray and Atlantis Records are known for buying collections — call ahead or check their sites for current buying policies.

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The 10 best record stores in London