◎ London Record Shops
London, shop by shop.
Themed guides to London's record shops, by genre and by area. Where to dig for jazz, soul, funk, reggae and electronic — and what to expect once you're inside.
This is the considered map of London's record shops, split by what you're actually after. For the general guide to the city — history, geography, routes — start with our London episode of Vinyl Cities. Here you go deeper: by genre or by area.
Genre
Jazz vinyl in London
Sounds of the Universe, Honest Jon's, Soul Brother and the new British wave.
Genre
Soul, funk & rare groove
The 45-specialists and deep-catalogue shops, from northern soul to rare groove.
Genre
Reggae & dub
Sound-system culture, original Jamaican pressings, the reggae specialists.
Genre
Electronic, techno & house
The DJ 12-inch, from Phonica in Soho to the new Peckham wave.
Area
Soho on foot
The densest cluster of shops in a few blocks: Berwick Street and around.
Crate digging
Second-hand & bargains
Where to dig for used vinyl in London: deep stock, fast turnover, honest prices.
Itinerary
Weekend & markets
How to plan a weekend of records across London's shops and markets.
Itinerary
London in one day
Just one day in London: the itinerary that saves you a wasted afternoon.
Gear
Hi-fi & turntables
Audio Gold's restored vintage, the high-end listening rooms, Richer Sounds and the record shops that also sell gear.
Genre
Punk & prog in London
The prog big bang, 430 King's Road and the shops of both worlds.