Record Store Day 2022: Where are the best record stores in London?

Record Store Day is the one day a year when over 260 independent record stores come together across the UK, to celebrate their unique culture and history.

It provides the opportunity to support local stores and brings together music fans, local musicians, sellers and promoters.

It is celebrated every year on a Saturday, in April, and this year falls on Saturday, April 23.

On the day, many shops across the UK host performances and events to celebrate the occasion, while there is also special vinyl released, made exclusively to mark the annual event.

Here are some of the best record stores you can visit in London, that are taking part in Record Store Day 2022:

Shrubs and Dubs

61a Hackney Road, London, E2 7NX

Shrubs and Dubs is the first concept store to sell plants alongside records, and on Record Store Day they will be giving a free plant away with every record purchased.

The store is owned by vinyl junkie Kieran and plant enthusiast Faye, and through the store they love to showcase local talent and support independent artists.

Shrubs and Dubs also holds workshops in pot painting, vase painting and ‘turntablism’ 101.

They also hold a DJ industry insights workshop, where aspiring DJs can learn from industry professionals, with years of experience behind the decks.

Casbah Records

320-322 Creek Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9SW

Cashbah Records is described as being quite retro, with a mixture of Kensington Market, Paul’s Boutique and a Chelsea drugstore.

The owner had a lifelong dream of owning his own record shop, ever since he started dealing in records in the early 1980s.

At one point, he even had a mobile shop in an old converted bus.

Over the years, the store has had some famous faces wander through its doors, including members of Primal Scream, Vic Reeves, Foals and even comedian Lenny Henry.

Level Crossing Records

49 Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London, SW14 8AB

Level Crossing Records combines two of the owner Mark’s passions: music and coffee.

After being a record collector and trained barista for many years, he chose to open a record store with an espresso bar.

Level Crossing also likes to host live acoustic performances and recently also did some fundraising for Ukraine.

It’s the perfect place to sit and talk about your favourite music over a cup of coffee.

Stranger Than Paradise

Mare Street Market, 117 Mare Street, London, E8 4RT

Stranger Than Paradise is owned by three best friends who wanted to bring the record store experience back to basics - good records, service and in-store events.

They wanted to build a space for customers to meet fellow music fans, drink, dance and have fun.

Record Store Day is Stranger than Paradise’s chance to bring out the DJ’s and cocktails, and party.

Lion Vibes

98 Granville Arcade, Brixton Village, London, SW9 8PS

Lion Vibes originally started out as a stall outside Brixton station, in the 1990s.

The main focus of Lion Vibes was buying and selling 1960s and 1970s ska, rocksteady and reggae records.

The store is one of the oldest and most established retailers of original reggae vinyl in the world.

Specialising in selling reggae vinyl, its catalogues cover all forms of Jamaican music, from the 1950s to very the latest releases.

Peckham Soul

Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST

Peckham Soul is a record store that stands for inclusion and diversity. 

They are proud to promote diversity and this is evident through the range of genres they sell - from obscure afrobeat, to the best in nu-jazz, rare soul, electronica, and even soundtracks from the 1960s.

The store supports local artists and musicians in southeast London, while the area is known for producing some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary music.

Peckham Soul will have in-store DJ sets and one-off releases to celebrate Record Store Day 2022.

The Book and Record Bar

20 Norwood High Street , London, SE27 9NR

The Book and Record Bar offers a wide range of music genres from psychedelic rock and punk, to soul and reggae.

It hosts bring your own record nights, live bands and a radio show, the West Norwood Broadcasting Company.

The store also sells locally based coffee, and is fully licensed to serve a selection of beer, wine, cider and spirits.

Let it Roll

121 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 8PB

Let it Roll Records sees themselves as a creativity hub, not just a record store.

They have new, limited edition and second hand records, across a wide variety of genres.

Store owners want you to chill out with family (and pets), feel relaxed and enjoy the atmosphere in their beautiful garden.

Let it Roll also hosts events in their garden, and have previously had record signings, talks and performances there.