Music Megastores in London
Two companies dominate the megastore scene
in London, namely HMV and zavvi (formerly Virgin Megastore). Conveniently located within
easy travelling distance of each other, you'll find a wide-selection of music CDs (with sections devoted to
virtually all musical genres) along with videos, DVDs, computer games, posters and music related books. Smaller branches of
both brands are located across London, while if you're in the hunt for chart
CDs, then larger branches of WH Smiths are also worth a visit.
150 Oxford Street (HMV "Oxford Circus"), W1D 1DJ, Tel: 020 7631 3423, All
major credit cards accepted, Open: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm and Sun noon-6pm, Tube: Oxford Circus,
Show Map
360 Oxford Street (HMV "Bond Street"), W1C 1AB, Tel: 020 7514 3600, All major
credit cards accepted, Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-8pm and Sun noon-6pm, Tube: Bond Street,
Show Map
Website: www.hmv.co.uk
(online ordering available)
HMV has two large stores on Oxford street with each site stocking a vast selection of music and
video/DVD over three floors. The stores are well laid out, which helps occasional shoppers find
what they're looking for quickly. Both stores frequently have special deals with CD albums priced
from £5. A limited stock of vinyl, mostly 12" club mixes are also available. In addition, the
group's Bond Street store also allows you to burn your own CD compilations from a range of
albums.
14-16 Oxford Street, W1D 1AR, Tel 020 7631 1234, All major credit
cards accepted, Open: Mon-Sat 9.30am-9pm and Sun noon-6pm, Website: www.zavvi.co.uk
(online ordering
available), Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
Previously the flagship store of Richard Branson's megastore empire, the entire group has
recently been rebranded as zavvi. Noted for its basement live stage where acts like My
Chemical Romance, Katie Melua and Goldfrapp have performed to launch new releases.
Specialist London Record Stores
With a thriving club scene and demand for a wide variety of music sounds,
London is thankfully well served by specialist music stores. In particular, they provide the
opportunity to obtain club mixes and rare vinyl grooves as well as sought after second-hand
material. The following selection covers mainly stores that have their own websites, although the
best small specialist shops are also included.
53 Rupert Street, W1V 7HN, Tel: 020 7437 8272, Website: www.cheaporecords.co.uk,
Tube: Piccadilly Circus,
Show Map
An Aladdin's cave of 70s and 80s vinyl, videos and books. Although you're unlikely to unearth any
real rarities here prices are, as you would expect, cheap!
36 Hanway Street, W1P 9DE, Tel: 020 7637 7734, Website: www.divisionone.co.uk,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
Despite its diminutive size, Division One makes for an excellent stop if you're in the hunt for
indie vinyl releases. Offers all kinds of 60 vintage cuts as well as the very latest club/garage
releases. Very friendly staff.
278 Portobello Road, W10 5TE, Tel: 020 8969 9822, Website: www.honestjons.com,
Tube: Ladbroke Grove,
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Jazz and soul institution on the Portobello Road which offers a good mix of new/second-hand jazz,
jazz-funk, fusion and soul recordings. Highly regarded.
231 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LT, Tel: 020 7229 8010, Website: www.intoxica.co.uk, Tube: Ladbroke Grove,
Show Map
Although the signage for Intoxica is more Mexican restaurant than vinyl Mecca, the shop is chock
full of rarities from the 60s, 70s and 80s, A real treasure trove for anyone wanting quality
second-hand vinyl, all the popular musical genres are catered for including jazz, soul, blues, surf
and swing beat. More recent vinyl from 80s and 90s bands (such as U2, The Smiths) is stocked
alongside 7" and 12" new releases.
MDC Classic Music
31 St Martin's Lane WC2N 4ER. Tel: 020 7240 0270, Website: www.mdcmusic.co.uk, Tube: Charing Cross,
Show Map
Highly likeable downtown store which stocks a comprehensive selection of orchestral, opera, chamber
and choral music. CDs from favourites such as Maria Callas, Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras
alongside quality classical recordings from Beethoven, Mozart, Verdi and Liszt. DVDs also
stocked.
Music & Video Exchange
38-40 Notting Hill Gate, W2 4DS, Tel: 020 7243 8573, Website: www.mveshops.co.uk, Tube: Notting Hill Gate,
Show Map
Chain of second-hand vinyl, CD, video and DVD shops, of which a number also sell used equipment.
While several branches can be found in Notting Hill Gate, the above location specialises in
rarities, rock, indie, folk and blues. For classical recordings, head for the well-stocked Exchange
at 36 Notting Hill Gate.
Ray's Jazz Cafe
113-119 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0EB, Website: www.foyles.co.uk,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
If jazz is your bag make sure you stop off here. With a great selection of CDs, vinyl, imports and
even 78 records, most styles and genres are covered (with blues and folk records too).
What's more, helpful service, decent prices and a central location with Foyles on the
Charing Cross Road make it
nigh on unbeatable for quality jazz recordings. Were we impressed? Definitely!
26/30 Berwick Street, W1V 3RF, Tel: 020 7437 4271, Website: www.revivalrecords.uk.com, Tube: Piccadilly Circus,
Show Map
Situated along Berwick Street on the site of the former Reckless Records shop, Revival
stocks a wide range of second-hand music both on vinyl and CD.
130 Talbot Road, W11 1JA, Tel: 020 7229 8541, Website: www.roughtrade.com, Tube: Ladbroke
Grove,
Show Map
Having spawned the famous Rough Trade label, both the Talbot Road
and Dray Walk stores continue the company's fine tradition for stocking the very best grooves from both the
UK and US. All manner of new indie releases, with hip-hop, garage and drum 'n' bass all featuring
heavily. Rarities and a good selection of Rough Trade merchandise is also available.
34-35 Berwick Street, W1V 3RF, Tel: 020 7734 3297, Website: www.sisterray.co.uk,
Tube: Oxford Circus,
Show Map
Excellent stop off point for harder to find records at down to earth prices. Particularly strong
rock/new wave and techno vinyl/CD sections.
1 Keswick Road, Putney, SW15 2HL, Tel: 020 8875 1018, Website: www.soulbrother.com, Tube:
East Putney,
Show Map
Well-run soul oriented shop stocking second-hand vinyl and CDs plus new 7", 12" and album releases
from the US. Stacks of famous 60s and 70s recordings, along with smooth jazz, funk, new soul and
rarities.
55 Greek Street, W1V 5LR, Tel: 020 7734 0795, Website: www.traxrecords.co.uk,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
Gay/hi-energy, trance, hip-hop and house cuts including the very latest European releases.
9 Berwick Street, W1F 0PJ, Tel: 020 7439 2775, Website: www.vinyl-junkies.co.uk,
Tube: Piccadilly Circus,
Show Map
Dance oriented record shop specialising in house, funk, disco and new jazz beat. The very latest
US, UK and European 12" releases plus a highly polished (fully e-commerced) web presence.
51 Lexington Street, W1F 9HL, Tel: 020 7434 3472, Website: www.wyldpytch.com, Tube: Piccadilly Circus,
Show Map
Specialists in R & B, funk, jazz, and hip-hop, Wyld Pytch is a favourite for London DJs as well
as those wanting the latest US/UK cuts and promos. Downtown location is a real boon too.
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