Phonica Records is a leading independent record shop in Soho, London, specialising in electronic and dance music and recognised as London’s premier vinyl specialist. Established in September 2003 during a time of declining vinyl sales, it has grown into a cornerstone of the capital’s dance music culture. Situated at 51 Poland Street, the shop offers an encyclopaedic stock spanning house, techno, rare soul, jazz and world music across multiple formats. Renowned for its knowledgeable staff and authentic atmosphere, Phonica regularly hosts in-store performances, listening parties and Record Store Day events, while its collaboration with Island Records in 2009 saw the venue temporarily transformed into a museum celebrating Bob Marley and U2. Its affiliation with The Vinyl Factory further cements its reputation, linking the retail experience with vinyl production and cultural events across London and beyond.
Phonica Records
51 Poland Street
London
W1F 7ND
Opening Hours
Mon: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tues: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thurs: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Fri: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sat: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Reviews
The best record shop in London. Loads of (re) mixes. Vintage and new records (and CDs). I collect the music of the great late Patrick Cowley since 1978 and Colin found me a vinyl (older) bootleg with Hit Man (Chantal Curtis) on it synthesized bij Patrick Cowley. Which I did not have? And I can assure you, I have a lot of PC. Many thanks for this! Highly recommend to go there if you visit London from abroad. It is located in Soho.
First time visiting in person after ordering multiple times from the US. Proper shop, wide selection, multiple listening stations, knowledgeable staff. Mostly centered around new records, so may not hit the sweet spot for those hunting for used records at a bargain. Many of the listening stations had one issue or another, but I can’t blame the shop since it’s in a heavily trafficked area.
Phonica Records is easily one of my favorite record stores, and for good reason. The listening stations with neatly installed turntables are a standout feature, allowing you to preview records before making a decision—plenty of turntables available, so you never wait for your turn. The store is impeccably stocked, especially if you’re into electronic music. From techno and dub techno to ambient and beyond, they consistently have an impressive range of genres, and they’re always up-to-date with the latest releases. The staff are fantastic—knowledgeable, approachable, and always ready to guide you toward something you’ll love. Whether you’re hunting for a specific record or just exploring, Phonica never disappoints. Highly recommended for its excellent setup, selection, and customer service!
Love Phonica - the store and the website - and it’s an essential London stop if your thing is electro/techno/house. Had a small issue with an online order this week which they resolved promptly, and went way beyond in terms of putting things right for me. Very impressed by the level of customer service. Thank you, guys. Recommended.
Large selection of great records, friendly staff and nice vibes. Stumbled upon a few rare Arabic records too which is always nice to see