Record Stores
All Ages Records
Address: North London (Camden) - 27A Pratt Street, NW1 0BG
Nearest station: Camden Town
www.allagesrecords.com / @allagesrecords
All Ages is an independent punk and hardcore record store, that’s packed with vinyl, tapes, books and merch. Based in Camden since 2003, All Ages is an absolute go-to if you are into the heavier music scene.
Now one of the most notorious hardcore record shops around, All Ages started as a stall in Camden Market, before being housed under bricks and mortar in Pratt Street.
Amongst hundreds of new and restock records, I always like to check out their punk section and enjoy rummaging through their wide-ranging collection of cassette tapes. As well as a record shop they also act as the first stop for the alternative community to find out about gigs, zines, labels, new bands and the UK punk-rock scene.
Tucked away off the main high street in Camden, All Ages is a prominent force in the London alternative music scene and is renowned for keeping the true spirit of punk alive!
Rough Trade East
Address: East London (Shoreditch) - Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
www.roughtrade.com / @roughtrade
Their UK flagship store is based just off Brick Lane, but they also have their original, much sought-after shop in West London. All their sites strive to provide the most diverse and exciting music possible, all under one roof!
Rough Trade was opened in 1976 by Geoff Travis, who was inspired by the “community-based environment” of the ‘City Lights Bookstore’ in San Francisco. Then in 1978 the shop evolved, establishing Rough Trade Records, which later became the label for bands such as The Smiths, Arcade Fire, Pinegrove and The Libertines.
Their East London store commands an incredible 5000 sq. ft of floorspace and is located in the former Truman Brewery. As well as hunting through their vast selection of vinyl, if I’m with a friend it’s always fun to jump in their photo booth and get one of their legendary black and white photos as a memento. They also stage live performances and record signings, including previous shows from Radiohead, The Bronx, Idles and Interpol, amongst many more (keep an eye on their website for ticket releases).
Rough Trade is an iconic record store with a vehement do-it-yourself attitude, which has impacted the music industry worldwide, generated legions of fans and inspired the creation of numerous bands. All that from humble beginnings as a small shop in Notting Hill, from which it is now spans across the globe.
Alan’s Records
Address: North London (East Finchley) - 218 High Road, N2 9AY
Nearest tube: East Finchley
An absolute treasure trove for anyone who loves vinyl, Alan’s is overflowing with every music genre imaginable; including a tremendous rock ‘n’ roll section that’s ready and waiting to be trawled through. Alan’s is located slightly out of central London, but it’s 100% worth the trip north!
They sell authentic second-hand vinyl, with roughly 15,000 records and 3500 CD’s in stock, there are always some great finds and countless hours of crate-digging to be spent in here.
The owner, Alan Dobrin opened his store over 20 years ago, after deciding to turn his appreciation for vinyl into a full-time occupation, crediting the iconic Radio 1 presenter John Peel for getting him into music.
Every time I visit I’m just in awe of the many rare collectables and music memorabilia which decorate the walls, including original pressings from some of our generation’s greatest musical heroes.
A quintessential neighbourhood record store, with a passionate following of music enthusiasts, vinyl collectors and even famous faces including Ray Davies and Jarvis Cocker - no wonder Alan’s is one of vinyl fanatic Marcus Barnes’ favourite stores and one he endorses with its inclusion in his influential book ‘Around the World in 80 Record Stores’.
Flashback Records
Address: East London (Shoreditch) - 131 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG
Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street
www.flashback.co.uk / @flashbacklondon
Flashback is the place to go if you like to take your time to rifle and rummage through hundreds of quality second hand records. Their Shoreditch branch spans over two full floors, stocking a wide range of music genres, with a focus on sourcing first pressings and rare collectable vinyl.
Their first shop opened in 1997 on Essex Road before they went on to set up another outlet in Crouch Hill and their flagship store in Shoreditch. They also have a record label and are known to put on regular in-store shows featuring up and coming artists.
I always have a great experience at Flashback, as they stock high quality vinyl at competitive prices and have friendly enthusiastic staff on hand to help.
Don’t wait until record store day comes around to show them some support and enjoy an afternoon hunting through their varied collection of grade-A vinyl.
