Right in the thick of Loughborough’s independent shopping circuit, Winged Ape Vintage & Antiques is the sort of place where a casual browse can quickly turn into an armful of unexpected finds – and that includes a worthwhile rummage through vinyl.
Background / History
Established in 2016, Winged Ape has grown into a recognisable Ashby Square fixture with a clearly personal touch: it’s family-run, built around carefully chosen stock and a strong re-use mindset that suits anyone who likes their shopping a bit more sustainable (and a lot less predictable).
What You’ll Find
Although it’s not a single-purpose record shop, music is very much part of the mix. Expect vinyl alongside vintage homewares, furniture, clothing, toys and collectables – the kind of varied, ever-changing selection that rewards repeat visits. Record-wise, the shop points towards a broad spread rather than a narrow niche, with genres described as ranging from pop through to reggae, and the overall stock turns over regularly thanks to new items arriving weekly and a buy-and-sell approach.
Beyond the racks, you’ll likely spot antiques and industrial-leaning pieces, upcycled items, framed art and pop-culture collectables – handy context if your idea of record shopping is as much about the hunt as it is about a laser-focused genre section.
Experience / Atmosphere
Winged Ape feels more like a well-curated treasure room than a regimented retail space: you’re encouraged to take your time, poke around corners, and follow whatever catches your eye. That sense of discovery is part of why it’s become a local talking point – and it’s even had moments in the national spotlight, including an appearance connected to BBC’s Antiques Road Trip.
For record diggers, the appeal is simple: you can flip through vinyl, then immediately get distracted by a stack of vintage prints or a piece of retro kit, then wander back for “one more” look at the records.
Why Visit
A vinyl selection that sits naturally within a wider vintage/antiques hunt
Regularly changing stock, with new arrivals each week
A central Ashby Square location, handy for combining with other town-centre stops
A browse-friendly setup where you can discover records and unexpected vintage pieces in one trip
A shop with local character and a bit of wider attention thanks to TV features
Summary
If you enjoy record shopping as a wider day of digging – the pleasure of finding something you didn’t know you wanted – Winged Ape Vintage & Antiques fits the bill nicely. Come for the vinyl, stay for the treasure-hunt energy, and leave with a bag that’s rarely just records.
