Tenpin Records is the sort of place that makes you slow your step as you approach the window – a bright, well-organised little hub on Old Lodge Lane that quietly gets on with the serious business of record collecting.
Background / History
Based at 4, The Parade, Old Lodge Lane, Purley, CR8 4DG, Tenpin Records is a female owned-and-run, family-backed independent record shop. It’s run by Lisa Docherty alongside her lifelong friend Debbie Welch, with wider family often pitching in when the shop’s busy. While the bricks-and-mortar shop arrived in late 2022, the team’s roots go much further back: they’d spent years buying and selling vinyl online before opening a space where people could finally browse in person. The name “Tenpin” nods to a local bowling alley that once sat nearby, keeping the shop’s identity firmly tied to the area.
What You’ll Find
Tenpin’s shelves lean heavily towards quality second-hand vinyl, with stock turning over regularly and plenty of temptation in the racks. The range is reassuringly broad: dance, hip hop, jazz, classical, new wave, punk, rock & pop, folk, garage, soul and blues all feature, and you’ll often spot interesting curveballs that reflect the owners’ eclectic tastes. Alongside pre-loved finds, there’s also a selection of new and rare records, plus singles for a quick dig.
Beyond vinyl, Tenpin carries CDs and cassettes, bits of hi-fi, record storage solutions, and music-adjacent extras such as vintage band T-shirts, books, and smaller publications (including titles from Café Royal Books and work by local artists). Gift options – from gift cards to totes and shop T-shirts (availability varies) – make it easy to leave with something even if you’re between pay days.
Experience / Atmosphere
Inside, Tenpin feels bright and uncluttered, with a calm, minimalist layout that encourages proper browsing rather than frantic flipping. It’s welcoming in a very practical way: the staff will happily chat through pressings, genres, grading, and recommendations without any gatekeeping. Drop in at the right moment and you might even be offered a coffee and a biscuit. For anyone fussy about playback, there’s also the option of giving records a quick refresh using an ultrasonic Degritter cleaner – a small touch that says a lot about how much the shop cares about condition.
You’ll see a real mix of customers too: first-time vinyl buyers, serious collectors, and locals popping in for a regular midweek dig.
Why Visit
A strong, well-graded second-hand selection with constant rotation
Wide genre coverage, from dance and hip hop to jazz and classical
Friendly, knowledgeable owners who make browsing feel easy and unpressured
Extra formats and bits: CDs, cassettes, hi-fi, books, tees, storage
They buy collections and can arrange visits; payment options include cash, bank transfer, or in-store credit
Handy local details: closed Mon–Tue, open Wed–Sun, with short-stay parking nearby
Summary
If you like record shops that feel thoughtful rather than flashy, Tenpin Records is a proper Purley gem: carefully curated second-hand vinyl, plenty of cross-genre surprises, and owners who clearly enjoy helping people find their next listen. Whether you’re crate-digging for a bargain, hunting something rare, or just fancy a friendly browse, it’s well worth building into your South London circuit.
