About UK Record Shops
UK Record Shops is an independent, community-driven directory created to help vinyl enthusiasts discover, support, and celebrate independent record shops throughout the United Kingdom.
Who We Are
This site is the work of Martin Kendrick, a lifelong vinyl collector, former shop owner, and professional web developer. Martin’s journey in the record shop world began in London in 1999, where he worked at several specialist stores before opening Mash Records in Devon in 2005 — a hub for crate diggers and community events alike.
After transitioning into digital publishing and launching two online music magazines, Martin returned to London to lead digital projects for respected labels including Far Out Recordings and Dada Records. Drawing on both his insider experience and technical skills, he launched UK Record Shops in 2025 to give back to a culture that shaped his life.
This directory is not an aggregator — it’s a curated, purpose-built platform run by someone who knows what it means to be behind the counter, flipping sleeves and talking grooves.
Our Mission
UK Record Shops exists to preserve and promote the cultural importance of independent record shops by making them easier to find, explore, and support.
Whether you’re on a local vinyl hunt or planning a cross-country digging trip, we aim to be the most comprehensive, accurate, and helpful guide to physical record stores across the UK.
What Makes Us Different
Editorially Curated Listings: Every shop entry is individually reviewed and verified — no automated scraping, no outdated data dumps.
Built by a Vinyl Insider: This platform is designed with the record-buying experience in mind, from smart filtering to highlighting shop specialties.
Community Contributions: Users can leave reviews, suggest updates, and submit new listings, all moderated to maintain quality and trust.
More Than a Directory: Our blog features collector tips, interviews with shop owners, and dispatches from the world of vinyl culture.
Quality & Trust
We believe trust is earned. That’s why every review, comment, and shop listing is moderated before going live. All information is reviewed for accuracy, relevance, and tone — to ensure this site remains a reliable, respectful, and genuinely useful resource.
We also clearly label user-generated content and editorial features, so you always know the source of what you’re reading.
A Living, Evolving Project
This is not a static list. Shops open and close. Scenes change. And we’re committed to staying current — not just with listings, but with features that serve the community.
We’ll be rolling out new tools, local collaborations, and special editorials that highlight the best of record shop culture in the months ahead.
How to Get Involved
Review a Shop: Share your favourite finds and help others discover great spots.
Suggest Updates: If something’s out of date, let us know.
Submit a New Shop: Use our form to recommend places we’ve missed — we’ll review and add them quickly.
Thanks for being part of the UK record shop community. Together, we’re keeping independent vinyl culture alive — one spin at a time.