The 7 Best Record Shops in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best record shops in London in 2026 are Rough Trade East on Brick Lane, the flagship of London's most famous independent label and shop; Sister Ray, Reckless Records and Phonica in Soho; Sounds of the Universe for reggae, soul and jazz; Honest Jon's on Portobello Road; and Flashback Records in Islington for second-hand vinyl.

Soho's Berwick Street, Poland Street and Broadwick Street still have London's densest cluster of record shops, within a five-minute walk of each other. East London's Rough Trade East is the big destination, and Notting Hill and Islington have long-running specialists. Many shops buy as well as sell, and Record Store Day each April brings exclusive releases and queues. For other independent shops, see our bookshops guide.

1. Rough Trade East — Brick Lane, Shoreditch & East London

London's biggest independent record shop, with in-store gigs.

$$ Mid-range

Rough Trade East, in the Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane, is the flagship of the legendary Rough Trade label and shop, with a huge range of new vinyl and CDs across genres, regular in-store gigs and signings, and a café.

It is the first stop for any music lover visiting London.

Good to know: Check the in-store events calendar for free gigs.

Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL

Google Maps Website

2. Sister Ray — Soho (Berwick Street)

A Berwick Street institution for new and used vinyl.

$$ Mid-range

Sister Ray has sold records on Berwick Street since 1989, with a wide range of new releases and reissues across indie, rock, electronic and more.

It is the anchor of Soho's record-shop street.

Good to know: Combine with Reckless Records a few doors along.

75 Berwick St, London W1F 8TG

Google Maps Website

3. Reckless Records — Soho (Berwick Street)

Second-hand vinyl and CDs, bought and sold since 1984.

$$ Mid-range

Reckless Records specialises in quality second-hand vinyl and CDs across rock, soul, jazz, dance and more, and buys records from the public.

Its racks turn over constantly, so regulars visit often.

Good to know: Bring records to sell; it buys over the counter.

30 Berwick St, London W1F 8RH

Google Maps Website

4. Phonica Records — Soho (Poland Street)

London's essential shop for house, techno and electronic music.

$$ Mid-range

Phonica is a specialist in electronic music, from house and techno to disco and ambient, with listening decks and staff who know their stuff.

It is a destination for DJs from around the world.

Good to know: Use the listening decks before you buy.

51 Poland St, London W1F 7NG

Google Maps Website

5. Sounds of the Universe — Soho (Broadwick Street)

Reggae, soul, jazz and global sounds from the Soul Jazz label.

$$ Mid-range

Sounds of the Universe is the shop of the Soul Jazz Records label, specialising in reggae, dub, soul, funk, jazz and music from around the world, new and second-hand.

It is a treasure trove for crate-diggers.

Good to know: Head downstairs for the second-hand section.

7 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DA

Google Maps Website

6. Honest Jon's — Portobello Road, Notting Hill & Kensington

A legendary jazz, soul and reggae shop since 1974.

$$ Mid-range

Honest Jon's on Portobello Road has sold jazz, soul, reggae, blues and world music since 1974 and runs its own respected record label.

Visit on a Saturday alongside Portobello Road Market.

Good to know: Combine with the Saturday Portobello Road Market.

278 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TE

Google Maps Website

7. Flashback Records — Islington (Essex Road)

A friendly second-hand vinyl shop with a basement full of bargains.

$$ Mid-range

Flashback Records in Islington sells second-hand vinyl and CDs across all genres, with a basement of bargains, and buys collections.

It is a relaxed, well-organised shop away from the Soho crowds.

Good to know: The basement is where the bargains are.

50 Essex Rd, London N1 8LR

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to buy vinyl in London?

Soho's Berwick Street area (Sister Ray, Reckless Records, Phonica, Sounds of the Universe) for a concentrated crawl, and Rough Trade East on Brick Lane for the biggest selection of new releases.

What is Rough Trade East?

The flagship shop of Rough Trade, the London independent record label and store, in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, with a huge stock, in-store gigs and a café.

Where can I sell records in London?

Reckless Records and Flashback Records both buy second-hand vinyl and CDs, as do several other shops.

When is Record Store Day?

Record Store Day takes place every April, with limited releases at independent shops; expect queues at the big London stores.

Which London record shop is best for dance music?

Phonica in Soho is the best-known specialist for house, techno and electronic music.

1. Rough Trade East — Brick Lane, Shoreditch & East London

2. Sister Ray — Soho (Berwick Street)

3. Reckless Records — Soho (Berwick Street)

4. Phonica Records — Soho (Poland Street)

5. Sounds of the Universe — Soho (Broadwick Street)

6. Honest Jon's — Portobello Road, Notting Hill & Kensington

7. Flashback Records — Islington (Essex Road)

Frequently asked questions

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