London's Record Store Community Gets A New Shop!

We've launched a new record store! To celebrate the launch of UNIT we have created this blog to celebrate our favourite record shops in London. These stores are some of the best places to find hidden gems, dig through dusty crates and uncover exclusive vinyl to add to your collection. We hope you enjoy our list of the best record stores in London!

UNIT - E2 9DQ

The latest edition to London's growing network of record stores in UNIT. It's possibly the most cosy and personal record store in London. Tucked into London Sound Academy's East London studio a short walk from Bethnal Green tube station you'll find a warm welcome and shelves of exclusives. UNIT stocks a range of records both old and new with a strong focus on exclusive releases, limited editions and special editions.

What makes UNIT truly unique in London is that its housed in a fully operation electronic music academy. Not only can you buy records but you can take DJ or music production lessons. If you want to learn how to mix vinyl this is the perfect place! Contact London Sound Academy for more information.

In addition, as there is a strong DJ focus at UNIT you can not only listen to your record picks but you can actually mix them with two turntables and a DJ mixer.

Opening hours are limited at UNIT to Sundays from 12pm-6pm but the you can also arrange a private visit on any other day by contacting Buster at LSA.

Click here to follow UNIT on Instagram

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PHONICA - W1F 7LZ

Phonica on Poland Street in Soho is by far one of the most popular record stores in London. It hosts a huge range or genres and is deeply embedded in the music scene in London. They sell both online and in store and are the first port of call for many vinyl fans shopping for records in London. It's location in the heart of London's Westend is convenient for international DJs and you'll often see them stalking the isles and digging for special exclusives. The staff are very knowledgeable too and they have many turntables for you to listen to your picks.

A visit to Phonica with a cup of coffee in hand and a stroll around Soho is a must!

Click here to follow Phonica on Instagram.

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LOVE VINYL - E2 8JD

Love Vinyl is a store specialising in disco, soul and funk. It's a cosy store brimming with energy. Within the store there are a few counters run by different people so you will find records from far and wide. It's a short bus ride from Old Street or Liverpool Street.

They host many in-store events and you can catch some big DJs behind the counter. A visit on Record Store day is a must.

Click here to follow Love Vinyl on Instagram.

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ROUGH TRADE EAST - E1 6QL

Rough Trade is a chain of record stores selling vinyl, CDs, books, merchandise and coffee! It's one of the more commercial store formats with a big square footage. The famous East London branch in trendy Brick Lane is very popular and stocks a big range of music. It appeals more to buyers looking for a range of rock and pop and the more commonly available records. If you're looking for hidden gems and exclusives this is not the store for you. It's great for a coffee and a rummage!

Check it out seven days a week. Check out their other branches too.

Click here to follow Rough Trade on Instagram.

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KRISTINA RECORDS - E9 6QT

Another East London gem is Kristina Records. A small store with a focus on rare records and vintage finds. Located in Hackney it can be harder to get to but worth the journey. After the long journey you'll be happy to hear they also sell coffee, wine and craft beer. How very East London!

They also buy second hand records so if you are looking to offload some this is the place to try!

Click here to follow Kristina Records on Instagram.

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ALL AGES RECORDS - NW1 0BG

If you're a punk rock vinyl fan you can't miss All Ages Records. Located in London's alternative punk rock mecca Camden Town AAR is the go-to specialist for everything punk rock.

Amongst the shelves you'll find records, CDs, merchandise and also a great selection of fanzines.

Click here to follow All Ages Records on Instagram.

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HIDDEN SOUNDS - E8 2NH

Literally hidden away, on the 1st floor of an unsuspecting building nestled in the middle of Ridley Road market in Dalston is Hidden Sounds. This store specialises in vintage finds of all genres. There is a great atmosphere and it's the perfect stop off before a local bar crawl. Local highlights include the Ridley Road Market bar and Dalston Superstore.

Click here to follow Hidden Sounds on Instagram

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FLASH BACK RECORDS - N1 8LR, E2 7DG, N8 9DX

Flash Back Records is a small chain of small record stores in London. They have branches in Islington, Shoreditch and Crouch End. The are well known a trader of second-hand records, CDs and tapes. All their stores are perfect for digging crates to find rare records, dust off a few classics and build you collection. Records are good value for money.

You can also shop online and they provide a click and collect service.

Click here to follow Flash Back Records on Instagram.

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LET IT ROLL - NW1 8PB

Let It Roll is another new addition to London's landscape of great record stores. Its a cosy shop located in Kentish Town, close to Camden Town. In addition to a range of new and old records you'll find a coffee offering alongside cake and a really cute back garden! It's a great place to chill on a sunny day!

Click here to follow Let It Roll on Facebook

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VINYL PIMP - E9 5EU

On the fringes of Hackney you'll find Vinyl Pimp another new store for London! We are spoilt! VP specialise in reselling old records of all genres. They sell records from private peoples collections, so think of them as an agent! Great if you want to sell or buy.

Click here to follow Vinyl Pimp on Instagram

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RYE WAX - SE15 4ST

Rye Wax is our first record store on this list south of the river! Located in Peckham Rye, another hipster hotspot! Like many stores in London RW has expanded into food and drinks, event and more. It's a great hub for the South London music community and a thriving record store. Awesome for both new and old records of all genres.

Closed on Mondays

Click here to follow Rye Wax on Instagram.

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NEXT DOOR RECORDS - W12 7LJ

One of West cosiest record stores, bar and cafe. Not a huge selection but a great selection. This record store serves up quality not quantity and a side of coffee to boot!

You'll find more records in their online store.

Click here to follow Next Door Records on Instagram.

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DNR VINYL - CR0 7AF

Another South London gem is DnR in Croydon. DNR is a specialist record store catering for the UKG (UK Garage) Dubstep, Grime and US House. It's famous for being a well established hub of musical activity in South London and a prime spot to network.

If you're into Old Skool, UK and US specialist genres they've got you covered!

Click here to follow DNR on Instagram.

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CONTAINER RECORDS - SW9 8PQ

Winning the award for smallest record store in London is Container Records. Literally located in a shipping container in the heart of Brixton, South London. This small but friendly store specialises in new and second-hand records and in-store live streams. It's a great place to network with South London DJs.

Support this grass-roots store and follow them on Instagram! Pop in for a browse and grab yourself a bargain! Like many other stores you can also shop online.

Click here to follow Container Records on Instagram.

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SISTER RAY - W1F 8TG

The Sister Ray record store is a London institution and one of the most influential record stores in the history of London since its opening in 1989! As a long-established store you will find an extensive collection to sift through on your hunt for your next favourite record!

If you're in Soho make sure you also pop into Phonica!

Click here to follow Sister Ray on Instagram.

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STRANGER THAN PARADISE - E8 4RU

Yet another new store in East London, the new heart of record shops in the UK! Stranger Than Paradise is a hipster haunt with an excellent selection of vinyl filling the racks.

Wins the aware for best record store sign!

Click here to follow Stranger Than Paradise on Instagram.

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TOME RECORDS - E8 1BP

Wow, another record store in Hackney! We are loving how many amazing record shops are popping up all over the capital! While you tour the areas shops make sure you drop in and support this small boutique store!

Great customer service - simple collection.

Click here to follow Tome Records on Instagram.

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This is by all means not the full list of record stores in London. There are many many more but we encourage you to visit this great establishments and support the community! If you would like us to include your record store in this list just contact us!

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