Background / History
Upside Down Records opened on Deptford High Street in November 2023, carrying forward a lineage that south London record buyers know well. The shop is run by Philippe Giron, who spent the final fifteen years of his career managing the much-loved Rat Records in Camberwell before it closed its doors in 2022. French by birth, Giron settled in London in 1997 and earned a reputation for musical knowledge that stretches from ragtime blues and jazz through to techno, reggae, post-rock and electronica. When Rat Records came to an end, he kept trading online through Discogs, eBay and Instagram, welcoming customers to browse his collection by appointment, before committing to a permanent home at 203 Deptford High Street. The new shop, as he puts it, was born from the ashes of that earlier institution.
What You’ll Find
The focus here is firmly on second-hand vinyl and CDs, carefully selected rather than simply stacked high. The racks take in house, reggae, drum and bass, IDM, jazz, funk and fusion, sitting alongside soul, indie, electronica and plenty that resists easy categorisation. Prices are pitched fairly and the turnover of stock rewards regular visits, with fresh arrivals appearing all the time as new collections are bought in. The shop also buys records and hi-fi from the public, and stocks turntables, amplifiers and DJ equipment chosen with the help of audio technician Mike Hall, so it is as good a place to sort out your set-up as it is to find the records to play on it.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing here feels relaxed and genuinely sociable. The interior is bright and uncluttered, with wooden floors, exposed brick and well-ordered crates that invite slow, careful digging. Giron’s depth of knowledge is the real draw, and conversation flows easily between staff and the steady mix of seasoned collectors, DJs and curious first-timers who pass through. The aim from the outset has been to create a social hub for music heads, and that spirit comes through clearly. Its setting on Deptford High Street, one of the most characterful and culturally mixed market streets in south-east London, only adds to the appeal, making a visit easy to fold into a wider afternoon of exploring the area.
Why Visit
- Thoughtfully curated second-hand vinyl and CDs across a genuinely broad range of genres
- Run by one of south London’s most knowledgeable and well-connected record sellers
- Regularly refreshed stock, so there is always something new to uncover
- Records and hi-fi bought from the public, plus turntables, amps and DJ gear for sale
- A welcoming, conversational atmosphere that works for collectors and newcomers alike
- A short walk from Deptford’s lively high street, market and rail links
Summary
Upside Down Records has quickly become one of the most rewarding stops for vinyl in south-east London. It pairs a carefully chosen, ever-changing selection of second-hand records with real expertise and an easy, friendly welcome, while doubling as a place to buy and sell hi-fi and DJ equipment. Whether you are hunting a specific pressing, building a collection from scratch or simply enjoying an unhurried dig, this Deptford shop is well worth seeking out.
