LDN to MCR: A Roadmap to Iconic British Record Shops

Embark on a musical pilgrimage from the capital to the North West, exploring some of the UK’s most storied record shops. This post details the best London stores—both new and second-hand—before mapping out the journey to Manchester, home to its own vibrant vinyl scene.

London Record Shops

  1. Rough Trade East (Brick Lane, East London)
    Located in the Old Truman Brewery, Rough Trade East offers an enormous selection of new and second-hand vinyl across genres, from punk to soul. Their in-store stage even hosts live performances several nights a week.

  2. Sounds of the Universe (7 Broadwick Street, Soho)
    Founded as a market stall, this Soho staple now prides itself on specialising in reggae, dubstep, house, disco, funk, soul, Brazilian, Latin, African and world beats. It’s also the headquarters of Soul Jazz Records.

  3. Sister Ray (13 Berwick Street, Soho)
    As one of the world’s most visited record shops, Sister Ray stocks everything from new releases to rare second-hand pressings. They were instrumental in founding Record Store Day and remain an institution for vinyl hunters.

  4. Banquet Records (72 Clarence Street, Kingston)
    Although slightly outside central London, Banquet Records is frequently cited as a hub of the Kingston music scene, hosting in-store gigs and selling new releases on vinyl and CD.

Tip: Most London shops in Soho, Shoreditch and Hackney are clustered within Zone 1–2. Plan your route to minimise tube changes, keeping an eye on whether shops are closed on Mondays.

Travelling from London to Manchester

  • Distance and Duration: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly is approximately 162 miles (261 km). The fastest direct trains take around 2 hours 6 minutes, with average journeys lasting 2 hours 51 minutes.

  • Frequency: There are roughly 125 direct services daily, with trains departing every 15 minutes during peak times. The first train leaves London around 04:29 and the last around 22:03.

  • Ticketing: Off-peak standard fares start from about £76.30; Advance Singles can be as low as £13.90 if booked early.

Note: Booking 6–8 weeks in advance typically yields the best prices. If you’re travelling at weekends, check schedules carefully—some services may be slower or require changes.

Manchester Record Shops

  1. Piccadilly Records (53 Oldham Street, Manchester)
    Founded in 1978, Piccadilly Records is Manchester’s most celebrated shop, stocking a vast range from indie and punk to electronic and jazz. It has won Music Week’s Best Independent Record Store and tops many UK best-of lists.

  2. Vinyl Exchange (18 Oldham Street, Manchester)
    Operating since 1988, Vinyl Exchange is the North West’s largest second-hand LP and DVD seller. With two floors of ultra-rare deep cuts and chart-toppers, it’s a paradise for crate diggers on any budget.

  3. Sifters (177 Fog Lane, Burnage, Manchester)
    Open since 1983 and famously referenced in Oasis’s “Shakermaker,” Sifters sells an extensive array of new and used vinyl across all genres. Gallagher brothers and visiting collectors alike frequent this South Manchester haunt.

  4. Vinyl Resting Place (3rd Floor, Afflecks, 52 Church Street, Manchester)
    Located in the iconic Afflecks market, this shop is run by a dedicated vinyl nerd who stocks niche and unusual items, from Northern Soul to avant-garde electronic. Perfect for those seeking rare or unexpected finds.

Tip: Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter is the epicentre of Manchester’s record-shop culture. You can visit Piccadilly Records, Vinyl Exchange, Vinyl Revival and Oxfam’s charity shop under one short walk (roughly 0.2 miles).

Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1 (London Morning to Afternoon)

    • Arrive at London Euston; head to Rare & Second‐hand: Sister Ray → Sounds of the Universe → Rough Trade East; sample café offerings at Rough Trade.

    • Depart for Manchester (late afternoon train).

  2. Day 1 (London Evening / Manchester Late Evening)

    • Arrive in Manchester; explore Northern Quarter nightlife.

  3. Day 2 (Manchester Full Day)

    • Morning: Piccadilly Records → Vinyl Exchange → Oxfam Emporium (charity-shop bargains).

    • Lunch break in the Northern Quarter.

    • Afternoon: Vinyl Resting Place → Sifters; extend to Kingbee Records in Chorlton if time allows.

  4. Optional Extension (Day 3)

    • Consider heading to nearby cities: Leeds for Sister Ray/Liverpool for Music Exchange, if you have extra time.

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