Few record shops carry their family history as visibly as Gatefield Sounds. Located at 70 High Street in the heart of Whitstable, this proudly independent, family-run shop has served generations of music buyers while preserving the personal service, broad selection and distinctive character associated with a traditional record retailer. Its long-established presence and continued enthusiasm for new music make it equally welcoming to experienced collectors, casual listeners and younger customers beginning their first record collections.
Background / History
Gatefield Sounds began on 25 November 1972, when Mick Winch opened the original shop in Gatefield Lane, Faversham, which provided the business with its name. The Whitstable branch followed in 1979, becoming part of a wider family of Kent music shops that also included locations in Herne Bay and Sheerness, alongside Sound House branches in Deal and Broadstairs.
Current owner Jon Ashby grew up around the business and began working Saturdays in the Whitstable shop in 1990. After gaining experience across the family’s other stores, he took charge of Gatefield Sounds with his wife, Errin, in March 2016.
Much of the Whitstable interior retains original fittings and woodwork created by Jon’s grandfather and father. These details give the shop a genuine connection to its earlier years and reflect the continuity of a business shaped by several generations of the same family.
What You’ll Find
Gatefield Sounds specialises in vinyl and CDs across a wide range of genres. The selection includes pop, rock, indie, alternative, electronic music, jazz, classical recordings, soundtracks and many other styles, bringing current releases together with established catalogue favourites.
Collectors can browse limited editions, coloured vinyl, independent-shop exclusives, Dinked Editions and Record Store Day releases. Pre-order and special-order services are also available for customers looking for a particular title that is not currently on the shelves.
The shop’s approach is broad and inclusive rather than focused entirely on rarity. A familiar classic is treated with the same enthusiasm as an adventurous new release, making the stock accessible to serious collectors and everyday music fans alike.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing at Gatefield Sounds feels personal and unhurried. The original fittings, closely packed displays and regularly changing selection of new releases create the atmosphere of a proper working record shop shaped by decades of music retail.
The family-run service is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. Customers can ask for help finding a particular pressing, arranging a pre-order or exploring something beyond their usual listening habits without feeling pressured or rushed.
Gatefield Sounds also plays an active role in the local music community. The shop is a committed supporter of Record Store Day and regularly hosts special in-store events, performances and artist appearances. Previous guests have included Slaves, Syd Arthur, The Amazons, The Wandering Hearts and James Lavelle of UNKLE, turning the shop into an intimate setting for live music and memorable encounters between artists and fans.
Why Visit
- More than five decades of independent, family-run record retail.
- A wide-ranging selection of vinyl and CDs.
- Limited pressings, indie exclusives and Dinked Editions.
- Helpful pre-order and special-order services.
- Regular Record Store Day activity, performances and signings.
- An original interior with strong links to the shop’s family history.
Summary
Gatefield Sounds combines the continuity of a traditional record shop with an active interest in contemporary releases and independent music culture. Its broad stock, experienced service, family heritage and programme of in-store events make it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring Whitstable, whether they are searching for a specific album, investigating the latest arrivals or simply enjoying the pleasure of browsing.
