London's best: Independent record shops
1. Haggle Vinyl, 114 Essex Road, N1 (hagglevinyl.com)
Founded by Lynn Alexander after his son, based in South Africa, asked him to buy some records for him, Haggle offers a massive range, from classic vinyls to more modern hits. As the name suggests, prices are very reasonable.
2. Rough Trade East, 91 Brick Lane, E1 (roughtrade.com)
This 5,000sq ft store, in a former Stella Artois brewery, is described as a “Mecca” for music fans and stocks a wide selection of CDs and vinyls as well as books. An in-store live stage will host such artists as Veronica Falls and Electric Guest later this year.
3. Harold Moores Records, 2 Great Marlborough Street, W1 (hmrecords.co.uk)
An independent record shop in the heart of Soho. Set over two floors, this hidden treasure specialises in jazz and classical vinyl.
4. Flashback Records, 50 Essex Road, NI (flashback.co.uk)
This independent record store has CDs and vinyls split over two floors, as well as DVDs and books. Fancy a retro outfit to accompany your vinyl? It also runs a vintage clothes shop opposite.
5. Sister Ray, 34 Berwick Street, W1 (sisterray.co.uk)
Named after the Velvet Underground song, Sister Ray is the largest independent record store in the West End. It stocks a large choice of CDs and vinyls, from classic hits to modern tunes. Staff — with more than 30 years’ experience — are knowledgeable.
