london happenings: record store edition
CALLING ALL VINYL LOVERS…
From rare jazz pressings to punk 7-inches that still smell of the 70s, Soho is a treasure chest for vinyl lovers. Whether you’re chasing a chart-topping classic, a cult gem, or just the thrill of flipping through the racks in a shop that feels like a time capsule, Soho spins a record for every mood. Below are the neighbourhood record stores worth knowing, and losing an afternoon in.
SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE RECORDS
LOCATION: 7 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DA
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 1 Minute
Sounds of the Universe is Soho’s legendary vinyl destination and the beating heart of Soul Jazz Records. From reggae, Latin and funk to dubstep, techno and post-punk, its selection spans global sounds both new and rare. Upstairs hosts fresh releases and downstairs is a treasure trove of second-hand gems, all curated by deeply knowledgeable staff. Beyond records, you’ll find books, merch and vintage gear.
SISTER RAY RECORDS
LOCATION: 75 Berwick St, London W1F 8TG
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 1 Minute
Sister Ray has been a cornerstone of Soho’s music scene since the 1980s, spinning everything from rare punk 7-inches to the latest indie releases. Born from a love of vinyl and the spirit of counterculture, the store is a haven for crate diggers and music obsessives alike, with walls lined by decades of sound and stories. Beyond the records, Sister Ray keeps Soho’s musical heartbeat alive, hosting live performances that champion independent artists.
THIRD MAN RECORDS
LOCATION: 1 Marshall St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BA
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 3 Minutes
Third Man Records arrived in Soho in 2021 with all the flair you'd expect from White Stripes frontman Jack White: bold colours, vintage vibes, and a serious love of vinyl. This isn’t just a record store; it’s a curated playground of music, merch, and live gigs, complete with a retro phone booth and basement venue tucked beneath its bright yellow storefront.
RECKLESS RECORDS
LOCATION: 30 Berwick St, London W1F 8RH
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 1 Minute
Holding its ground as the original record store on Soho’s legendary Golden Mile, Reckless Records specialises in second-hand vinyl and CDs across every genre. From rock and soul to dance and dub, it’s a haven for collectors and curious diggers alike. With knowledgeable staff, cult status, and serious crate-digging cred, it’s one of London’s most beloved record shops.
PHONICA RECORDS
LOCATION: 51 Poland St, London W1F 7ND
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 3 Minutes
Emerging in 2003 during a vinyl drought, Phonica Records quickly became a beacon for dance and electronic music lovers across London. The record store broke the mould of single-genre stores by offering a "broad church" of electronic music, ranging from rare soul 7″ tracks and library soundtracks to minimal techno and big-room house.
THE NOOK, BROADWICK SOHO
LOCATION: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 0 Minutes
At the heart of Broadwick Soho’s plush, residents-only lounge sits a vintage-style vinyl player, spinning handpicked records sourced from Soho’s iconic music shops. Hotel guests can slip in with a cocktail or coffee, pick out a record, and let the warm analog crackle set the tone while city noise fades beyond the pink Broadwick doors.
