Set within the handsome Victorian surroundings of Kings Arcade in the centre of Lancaster, Forty Five Records is an independent shop where flicking through the racks comes with the option of a freshly made coffee and, on the right evening, live music. It has quickly become one of the city’s most engaging spots for anyone who loves physical music.
Background / History
Forty Five Records was founded by Martin Collins and Liz Crane, who opened the shop in Kings Arcade in November 2023. Both arrived with music woven through their lives: Martin grew up around the Morecambe scene, where his father managed the Crystal T’s nightclub, and he later spent time working in a nearby skate shop shaped by the influence of Proper Records. Liz was raised surrounded by vinyl through her father’s involvement with local bands including The Devious Soul Machine and The Midnights. That shared grounding gave the shop its character from day one. Demand soon outgrew the original unit, and the pair expanded into a far larger space within the same arcade, roughly seven or eight times the size of where they started, allowing the stock, the listening culture and the events programme to grow with it.
What You’ll Find
The shelves carry a broad and carefully chosen mix of new and pre-loved vinyl, alongside CDs, cassettes, books and the occasional piece of vintage equipment. Genre coverage runs wide, taking in house, drum and bass, dubstep, jazz, funk, soul, disco, electronica and world music, sitting comfortably next to chart names and the enduring classics of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. New collectors picking up a first pressing by a current artist and seasoned diggers hunting something obscure are catered for in equal measure. A counter serving coffee, other hot drinks, soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers means a visit can stretch well beyond a quick browse.
Experience / Atmosphere
The larger premises has given Forty Five Records room to breathe, with a bright, relaxed layout that invites unhurried digging. The welcome from Martin and Liz is a large part of the appeal, with conversation about records flowing as easily as recommendations. The shop also doubles as a small cultural venue, hosting live music and DJ sets that turn it into a gathering point for the local scene rather than simply a place to shop. It is the sort of space where a coffee, a chat and an unexpected find can fill an afternoon.
Why Visit
- Owner-run shop with deep roots in the local music scene
- Wide spread of new and pre-loved vinyl, plus CDs, cassettes and books
- Strong on dance, jazz, funk and soul alongside mainstream and classic titles
- In-house coffee and drinks counter for a relaxed browse
- Regular live music and DJ sets
- Central Lancaster location inside the characterful Kings Arcade
Summary
Forty Five Records pairs a genuinely personal welcome with a well-stocked, genre-spanning collection and a real sense of community spirit. Whether you are after a specific pressing, fancy an hour of digging with a coffee in hand or want to catch a DJ set after work, this Lancaster shop rewards the visit and keeps you coming back.
