Platform Two Records brings a proper digger’s spirit to Bexhill-on-Sea: the kind of independent shop where the racks are the main event, and you’re actively encouraged to take your time, pull things out, and follow a hunch.
Background / History
The shop sits in a lineage that will mean something to collectors in the know. Platform Two follows on from an earlier incarnation, with the baton passed on locally and the focus kept firmly on interesting records rather than gimmicks. It’s currently run by Alex and Graci, who have kept the place rooted in the everyday rhythms of a seaside town while giving it a clear personality of its own.
What You’ll Find
Platform Two leans heavily into quality second-hand vinyl, with buying, selling and trading very much part of how the stock turns over. That sense of movement matters: regulars have a reason to keep popping back, and first-timers quickly clock that there’s always the chance of something newly filed and slightly unexpected.
Genre-wise, you’re looking at a thoughtfully skewed selection that favours psych, garage, prog, jazz, soul, reggae and punk—music with character, sleeve notes worth reading, and plenty to tempt you beyond the obvious classics. Alongside LPs, you can expect 7” and 12” singles, plus extras like CDs, books and box sets, which can make the shop feel more like a small, personal archive than a simple buy-and-go counter. New stock is added weekly, so even a short browse can turn into a proper rummage if you arrive on a good day.
For collectors who like to cross-check pressings, it’s also active as a seller on Discogs, which gives you a hint of the shop’s collector-friendly mindset: grading matters, details matter, and the focus is on records people actually want to play.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing here feels purposeful but relaxed. The shop’s size works in its favour: you’re close to the music, close to the sleeves, and close enough to strike up a conversation without it turning into a performance. Staff approachability is a big part of the appeal—more “let’s find you something you’ll love” than hard sell—and the shop plays a quiet cultural role in town by giving crate-diggers and music lifers a regular place to meet the week.
Why Visit
Strong second-hand vinyl focus, with regular turnover through buy/sell/trade
A clear tilt towards psych, garage, prog, jazz, soul, reggae and punk
Sensible, collector-aware approach to stock and condition
Singles, CDs and music books alongside LP browsing
A friendly, unrushed shop where a quick visit can become a longer dig
Summary
If you like record shops that feel curated without feeling staged, Platform Two Records is well worth seeking out. It’s a straightforward, music-first space with a distinctive range, steady new arrivals, and the sort of browsing that rewards curiosity—perfect for anyone who’d rather discover a left-field favourite than tick off another predictable purchase.
