On Graham Road, moments from Hackney Central, Tome Records is the sort of shop that rewards a slow browse and a curious ear. It’s a straight-talking, crate-led space where the stock does the talking: lots of well-kept second-hand vinyl, a steady stream of new bits, and the kind of surprises that make you check your tote bag twice before you leave. You’ll find Tome Records at 234 Graham Road, London E8 1BP, and it’s open seven days a week (11am–7pm).
Background / History
Tome began life as a small, community-minded venture connected to Bermondsey’s DIY Space for London, bringing that practical, independent spirit with it when it set up a dedicated shopfront in Hackney Central. The shop is run by friends Matthew Estall and Kevin Hendrick, and it has grown into a familiar stop on East London’s record-shopping circuit. Since those early Hackney days, Tome has also shifted within the neighbourhood to its current Graham Road address, keeping the focus on approachable digging rather than shiny frills.
What You’ll Find
The backbone here is vinyl across a wide spread of genres, with plenty of second-hand stock that turns over quickly. The shop’s roots show in the attention paid to DIY culture – expect underground discoveries alongside broader staples. Depending on what’s come through the door recently, you might be flicking between punk and hardcore, leftfield electronics, dubwise pressure, hip hop, soul, oddball pop, or dance 12″s that have clearly been loved by DJs. There’s also a smaller but worthwhile selection of cassettes, plus new releases and reissues mixed in among the used finds. Tome also buys and exchanges records in-store, so collections and walk-ins help keep the racks fresh.
Experience / Atmosphere
Tome feels purposeful: no-nonsense racks, sleeves facing out where it counts, and that gentle hum of people properly looking. Browsing is unhurried, and staff are happy to chat if you want pointers without hovering if you don’t. It’s the kind of place where you can come in with a list and still walk out with something you didn’t know you needed, largely because the shop encourages the old-fashioned pleasure of taking a chance on a cover, a label, or a weirdly compelling tracklisting.
Why Visit
Strong, fast-moving second-hand selection with genuine “found it in the wild” moments
Deep roots in DIY scenes, with underground punk/hardcore and leftfield picks often in the mix
Broad genre range: equally good for curious listeners and serious collectors
A handy cassette corner for tape heads and nostalgists
Open seven days, with in-store buying/exchange if you’re thinning shelves at home
Summary
If you like record shopping that’s about discovery rather than spectacle, Tome Records is an easy recommendation. It’s friendly, well-stocked, and grounded in the idea that music culture happens in real rooms with real conversations. Drop by for a quick flip through, or give yourself time to dig properly – either way, you’re likely to leave with something interesting.
