Tucked away at 101 West Street, Farnham, Surrey (GU9 7EN), 101 Collectors Records has established itself as a destination for music-lovers of all persuasions. An independent record store with genuine personality, it combines new and re-issued releases with high-quality second-hand finds, and brings a broad, eclectic mix of genres under one roof.
A bit of history
The shop was originally founded in 2002 by Andy Hibberd and built on decades of ears-on-the-ground dedication. In April 2022 the baton passed to a new team: Richard Stone and his partner Tara now lead the store, with shop manager “Kenny Record” curating a popular “Kenny’s Picks” display of staff recommendations. According to Farnham’s local directory, the shop has been “an ever-present Farnham staple for the past 30 years,” giving it a depth of presence in the town beyond many independent retailers.
Since the new ownership took over, the interior has been refreshed—new layout, wall art, flags and decorations incorporated by the team who also have a background in art and design.
What you’ll find
101 Collectors Records places a strong emphasis on vinyl—new, re-issued and used—alongside CDs, DVDs/Blu-Rays, band merch including T-shirts and slip-mats, and more. The genre coverage ranges widely: from metal, heavy rock and stoner desert-rock (a particular strong suit) to hip-hop/rap, electronic, modern pop, video game sound-tracks, jazz and more. The shop themselves describe their selection as “from Clutch to Taylor Swift, Harry Styles to Public Enemy and Miles Davis to Sergeant Thunderhoof” — pointing to a “well-curated mix across genres.”
For collectors and general music fans alike, the presence of second-hand stock means you can turn up looking for rare or unexpected gems; the new and re-issue section ensures you won’t miss out on current high-profile releases either. The store also caters for the listening journey: staff picks and in-store recommendations make browsing more than just a transaction.
Events, community & special releases
The shop plays an active role in the independent record store scene: it participates in Record Store Day (RSD) and has featured on shop-lists for exclusive RSD releases. One highlight was the store’s involvement with Frank Turner’s “12 gigs in 24 hours” world-record attempt on 5 May 2024 in association with a local venue — a sign of the shop’s willingness to engage in community music events.
Why visit
Friendly & knowledgeable staff: The team at 101 know their music and are keen to chat, suggest titles and help dig deeper into your tastes.
Broad genre mix: Whether you’re after heavy rock, hip-hop, electronica, jazz or soundtrack curiosities, you’ll find something.
Collector-friendly: Both new and second-hand stock means real finds + everyday essentials.
Local feel with independent credibility: More than a chain, the shop has roots in Farnham and a clear personality.
Merch and extras: Not just records—look out for band T-shirts, slip-mats, and other music-loving gear.
Participates in RSD and other events: Keeps the releases interesting, and gives you a reason to visit regularly.
