Set within a working industrial unit on the leafy fringe of Epping Forest, Slab Records rewards the kind of visitor who treats a record shop as somewhere to lose an afternoon rather than somewhere to make a quick purchase. It sits directly above Soundlab Studios on Loughton’s Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, and that connection to a real, busy recording facility gives the place an unfussy, music-first feel that collectors warm to straight away.
Background / History
Slab Records was established in 2018 by James Horwood, taking over a room that Soundlab Studios had previously used as a chill-out space for visiting bands. The studio itself has been running for well over a decade and has hosted an eclectic roll-call of artists, from E17 and Iron Maiden’s Paul Di’Anno to rappers such as Dave, Potter Payper and J Hus, which lends the building a genuine sense of musical history. The shop began modestly, with James buying in second-hand collections, and even on opening day, with little stock on the racks, curious collectors turned up to dig. From there it has grown steadily into a substantial bricks-and-mortar destination with a far broader spread of records than its industrial-estate setting might suggest.
What You’ll Find
Vinyl is the heart of the operation, with a strong leaning towards vintage and pre-owned pressings sitting alongside newer titles and a deep back catalogue. The in-store selection runs to well over 10,000 items and spans rock, pop, soul, jazz, reggae, electronic and plenty besides, so patient flicking tends to turn up something unexpected. Because much of the stock comes from real-world collections rather than distributor lists, the racks are refreshed constantly and reflect decades of other people’s listening. James actively buys collections from across the UK and can arrange free collection, and there is also a mystery pack service for anyone who fancies a curated handful of records chosen to suit their tastes. A presence on Discogs keeps the shop ticking over online, though browsing in person is very much encouraged.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing here is properly hands-on. There is a lot to get through, the grading is taken seriously, and the welcome is friendly and relaxed whether you arrive with a long want-list or simply turn up to see what has landed. Collectors who come to sell as well as buy single out the straightforward, no-pressure approach, and James clearly enjoys the conversations that come with the trade, from debates about pressings to hearing how people catalogue their own libraries. The studio surroundings keep the mood grounded and free of any showroom polish, which suits the audience perfectly. Free parking on site and a short walk from Debden Underground station on the Central line make it an easy trip, and the late Tuesday opening gives after-work diggers a window that few independents offer.
Why Visit
- A large, ever-changing selection of second-hand vinyl that rewards a proper dig
- Stock drawn from genuine collections, so repeat visits rarely feel like repeats
- A friendly, knowledgeable owner who buys collections and gives honest grading
- A distinctive setting above a long-running recording studio
- Late opening on Tuesdays and free on-site parking
- Mystery packs and a worldwide Discogs presence for collectors near and far
Summary
Slab Records is a destination shop for people who prefer real-world rummaging to endless scrolling. With sizeable racks, a steady flow of pre-owned finds and a calm, well-informed atmosphere shaped by its recording-studio home, it has quietly become one of the more rewarding stops for vinyl hunters in this corner of Essex. Whether you are chasing a specific title or just seeing what turns up, it is well worth building into a day out around Loughton.
