Step into the world of independent vinyl digging at Alan’s Records, a long-standing second-hand emporium located at 218 High Road, East Finchley (N2 9AY), in north London. With its unassuming storefront and cavernous back-rooms, this shop is a favourite among DJs, collectors and casual browsers alike.
A bit of history
Alan’s Records has been quietly operating for many years under owner Alan Dobrin, growing from modest beginnings into a specialist destination for crate-diggers. After a health scare in 2024 which saw the shop temporarily close, the doors reopened amid increased foot-traffic and a renewed sense of community. Over time the store has become more than a retail space — it’s a recognised fixture in the London record-scene, especially for those seeking deep-digged and often overlooked records.
What you’ll find
Alan’s specialises in second-hand vinyl (and some CDs and tapes) covering a broad, genre-spanning range: from soul and reggae to jazz, world music, house, punk, rock and beyond. The back-rooms reportedly house tens of thousands of records, while the front area presents bargain bins and more accessible stock. For serious diggers, this means unpredictable finds: rare imports, forgotten gems and edge-of-the-map pressings. One description calls it “a digger’s paradise”.
The experience
Walking into Alan’s Records feels like entering a world of musical possibility. The atmosphere is unpretentious and friendly — many visitors remark on how Alan himself engages with customers, takes time to chat, and treats browsing as a relaxed activity rather than a sales push. The shop layout, with its layered crates, listening stations and hidden corners, rewards patience. It’s less about slick display and more about discovery. On a busy day you may find DJs and collectors from across London (and beyond) manoeuvring their way through the aisles.
Why drop by
Depth of stock: The vast second-hand piles and variety of genres mean you’re likely to find something unexpected.
Independent spirit: Alan’s is owner-run, specialist-focused and part of London’s vinyl culture rather than just a retail chain.
Friendly, authentic service: Whether you’re new to collecting or seasoned, you’ll find genuine dialogue and helpful staff.
Adventure in browsing: The layout encourages dig-style exploration — not always convenient for speed-shopping, but ideal for treasure-hunting.
Summary
If you’re in London and looking for a record shop that offers more than just the new-release racks, Alan’s Records is worth the visit. Whether you want to unearth a rare reggae pressing, track down a house 12″ or simply spend an hour browsing and enjoying the vinyl atmosphere, this place delivers. You may walk out with the record you came for — or you might leave with an unexpected find and a renewed appreciation for what independent record stores bring to the music-lovers’ world.
