Record hunters across north Nottinghamshire have long made the trip to Huthwaite Road for Chris’s Music, a genuinely old-school second-hand shop where the stock rewards patience and a thorough rummage. It is the kind of independent that trades on knowledge and turnover rather than gloss, and regulars keep coming back precisely because they never quite know what they will unearth.
Background / History
Chris’s Music is an owner-run independent on Huthwaite Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield, carrying the personal stamp of its proprietor and trading under the memorable “Vinyl Not Vindaloo” banner on social media. The shop has built its trade the traditional way, through carefully sourced second-hand stock, word of mouth and a steady community of collectors, rather than following high-street trends. Alongside the over-the-counter trade it runs a mail-order service, sending records out to buyers who cannot reach the shop in person.
What You’ll Find
The emphasis is firmly on pre-owned music in physical form. Crates and shelves hold LPs spanning every genre and era, from rock, pop and soul through to jazz, blues, folk and reggae, with a healthy run of 12-inch and 7-inch singles, picture discs and the occasional rare or one-off pressing for collectors to chase. Beyond vinyl, the shop carries cassettes, CDs, 8-track cartridges and music videos, plus a supporting cast of music publications and memorabilia. It is the sort of varied, unpredictable stock that makes each visit different, and prices stay sensible for the quality on offer.
Experience / Atmosphere
This is a compact, personal shop rather than a polished chain outlet, and that is precisely its appeal. Browsing is unhurried, conversation about music comes easily, and the owner’s own knowledge means a passing question often turns into a recommendation or the story behind a particular record. The modest size keeps the pace relaxed, giving collectors and casual visitors alike room to dig at their leisure. Opening is centred on Wednesday to Saturday with a midday break on weekdays, so it is worth checking the hours before making a special journey.
Why Visit
- A dedicated second-hand specialist with vinyl spanning all genres and decades
- Rare pressings, picture discs and a strong selection of 7-inch and 12-inch singles for collectors
- A wider range of formats including cassettes, CDs, 8-track cartridges and music memorabilia
- A mail-order service for buyers based further afield
- Friendly, owner-run service backed by genuine music knowledge
- Sensible pricing on quality stock
Summary
Chris’s Music is a reminder of how rewarding a proper independent record shop can be. Its ever-changing second-hand stock, breadth of formats and welcoming, knowledgeable service make it a genuine destination rather than a quick stop, whether you arrive with a want list or simply an afternoon to spare. For anyone exploring the Nottinghamshire vinyl scene, it remains one of the most characterful places in the area to lose track of time among the crates.
