Top 10 Hidden-Gem Record Shops Off the Beaten Path

Discover ten under-the-radar UK record shops—from Cornwall to London waterways—that promise treasures beyond the high-street chains:

1. Pug Records (St Austell, Cornwall)
   A Par Market stall turned vinyl haven, Pug Records offers classic rock, jazz, hip-hop, and a curated rare-pressings selection.

2. Junkwax Records (Penzance, Cornwall)
   Tucked up Market Jew Street steps, this minimalist one-room store stocks vintage and contemporary vinyl alongside hi-fi gear and printed memorabilia.

3. Far Land Records (Penzance, Cornwall)
   Penzance’s independent shop combines new releases with coveted collectables, plus friendly in-store service and online ordering.

4. The Record Deck (Floating on UK Canals)
   Britain’s only canal-traveling record shop docks at pubs and festivals, offering everything from ABBA to witch-house on dry-weekend voyages.

5. Casbah Records (Greenwich, London)
   Creek Road’s southeast gem specializes in indie, garage, surf, psych, and dusty disco boxes—staffed by enthusiasts who drive in from Surrey.

6. The Little Record Shop (Hornsey, London)
   A former actor’s tiny Hornsey storefront stocks eclectic German kraut rock, French folk jazz, and rare prog—favoured by Gilles Peterson.

7. Stranger Than Paradise (Mare Street, Hackney)
   Curated experimental, ambient, and new-wave vinyl by ex-Sounds of the Universe staff, this Hackney newcomer is a left-field enthusiast’s dream.

8. All Ages Records (Pratt Street, Camden Town)
   Hardcore, punk, and “shouty guitar” aficionados flock here for a niche, community-driven selection that spans 7″s to gig fanzines.

9. Crypt of the Wizard (Hackney Road, London)
   A metalhead’s sanctuary, offering rare 7″ and 12″ metal pressings alongside knowledgeable, welcoming staff in a gritty East London locale.

10. Phonica Records (Poland Street, Oxford Circus)
    Premier dance-music crate-digging hub with rare soul, techno, and disco vinyl plus in-store parties—essential for DJs and collectors.