Record Store Day in London: A Groovy Guide for Students

With analogue culture on the rise, more people are swapping digital subscriptions for physical records and CDs. Once a hipster cliché, vinyl has become a mainstream joy – and what better time to explore London’s coolest record shops than on Record Store Day? 🎶

Taking place on April 18, Record Store Day is a global celebration of independent record store culture, past and present. Shops come together to celebrate the unique experience of collecting and listening to vinyl, with exclusive releases, in-store live music, DJ sets, and (if you’re lucky) some sweet, sweet discounts.

Here are five of the best record shops in London to help grow your collection:

Rough Trade East, Shoreditch 🎤

If you visit one record shop in London, make it this one. Less of a store and more of a cultural hub, it’s also a coffee shop, bar, bookstore, and – best of all – a live music venue.

Even better, many of their gigs and signings are completely free and take place inside the store itself. You could walk in on a random Tuesday afternoon, discover a brilliant new artist live, and leave with a signed record the same day. Magical.

If you don’t have a record player, they also have a great selection of books and CDs – and don’t forget to reward yourself with a flat white for not buying the whole shop.

Check out their live gigs and book in advance for more popular artists.

Sister Ray, Soho 📀

Named the world’s most visited record store, Sister Ray is a true London institution. It’s been around since the 80s, when they ran a stall in Camden Market, and it shows – in all the best ways.

Come here for intimate, indie vibes with a laser focus on the records themselves. There’s no café or bar here; just passionate staff and carefully curated selections.

Phonica Records, Soho 🪩

If your music taste leans more techno warehouse at 3am than The Smiths with a glass of red, then Phonica is your spot. They specialise in electronic music, from house and techno to disco, dubstep, and everything in between.

The staff are DJs themselves, so expect excellent recommendations. The shop even runs its own label, with plenty of club nights and events on the calendar.

Next Door Records, Shepherd’s Bush 🍷

What do pizzas and records have in common? They’re both spun and served at Next Door Records in Shepherd’s Bush.

With a full wine list, a ‘Cowboy Pizza’ menu after 6pm, and a huge selection of contemporary, jazz, reggae, house, dub, and more, it’s the perfect one-stop spot for a good time. Sorting through crates is hungry work, after all.

Crypt of the Wizard, Hackney 🖤

As the name suggests, don’t expect the latest pop hits at this shop. Crypt of the Wizard is small, a little intense, and entirely dedicated to heavy metal and underground music. If you’re a metalhead, this is basically a pilgrimage site.

Plus, we all know metalheads are big softies – so after browsing the vast collection of underground music, wander over to the Columbia Road Flower Market for wholesome vibes and a cardamom bun from Pavilion Bakery. There’s no light without dark.

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