play_arrow
Dirty Disco 598: A soulful journey through London inspirations and 38 exclusive promos. Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco 597: Deep Frequencies & London Dreams Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco 596: exclusive promos, spring grooves and deep rhythms Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco 595 – spring grooves, deep rhythms and jazzy soul Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco 594: A soulful journey through deep house and future grooves Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco 593 – The Ultimate Guide to This Week’s Deep House Journey Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco Episode 592: Spring Grooves, Deep Emotions & Underground Energy Kono Vidovic
play_arrow
Dirty Disco Episode 591: A Deep Dive into the Best House, Nu Disco & Electronica Kono Vidovic
Few cities deliver the record shop experience quite like London. Whether I’m chasing rare soul 45s, digging for deep house 12-inches, or just soaking up the vibe with a coffee in hand, this city always hits the right note. London’s vinyl culture is alive, diverse and constantly evolving, offering everything from dusty basement crates to polished listening bars filled with underground gems.
From iconic institutions to hidden neighbourhood gems, here’s my guide to the most essential spots to visit. Whether you’re a touring DJ, a dedicated collector, or a weekend browser, these shops will fuel your music passion.
Located in the Old Truman Brewery, Rough Trade East is more than a record shop. With an in-house coffee bar, regular live shows, and an expansive selection of vinyl ranging from punk to electronica, it’s a must-visit. The vibe is welcoming and curious, and their staff knows their stuff.
If you’re into house, disco, techno or anything underground, Phonica is your place. It’s become the go-to destination for DJs and selectors worldwide. New drops hit the shelves weekly, and their listening stations let you preview in peace. For lovers of electronic grooves, Phonica is a pilgrimage.
Run by the people behind Soul Jazz Records, this gem focuses on reggae, dub, jazz, afro and cosmic grooves. The collection is deep, curated with love and globally respected. Don’t leave without digging through their basement.
If second-hand treasure hunting is your thing, Flashback should be on your map. Split across three locations, their range spans everything from collectible rock LPs to rare electronic pressings. Their Shoreditch shop has a dedicated electronic section worth getting lost in.
Since 1974, Honest Jon’s has delivered eclectic music from around the globe. Jazz, soul, afrobeat, Caribbean gems and experimental sounds fill their racks. They also run a label that reflects the spirit of the store: leftfield, quality, essential.
You might also enjoy Resident Advisor’s London crate digging feature for more underground insight.
An underrated spot in the southeast. Expect indie, garage, surf, psych rock and the occasional box of dusty disco. The staff are friendly and open to chat, and the prices are fair. A true neighbourhood record store.
New releases and leftfield sounds live here. Opened by former Sounds of the Universe staff, this shop is tightly curated and leans heavily into experimental, ambient, new wave and forward-thinking electronics.
They recently featured in London’s best new record stores list by FACT Magazine.
A classic Soho digger’s destination with walls packed with indie, punk, electronic and reissues. They’ve got both new and second-hand stock and a staff team always happy to nerd out with you over obscure B-sides.
One of London’s newer gems, this shop focuses on adventurous and experimental music across genres. Expect ambient, modern classical, weird electronics and things you didn’t even know you needed. Great for collectors with an open ear.
Vinyl isn’t just back. In London, it never left. From underground DJ culture to audiophile listening rooms, records remain central to how the city experiences music. Whether I’m crate-digging for the perfect set or collecting for my own wall, London’s shops continue to define what makes this city a musical capital.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out my latest podcast episodes where I spotlight new vinyl releases, review dusty gems and talk all things electronic culture.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.
Welcome to Dirty Disco 598, a new episode straight from the heart. After a trip to London with my son, filled with energy, movement and inspiration, it felt only right […]
Join our mailing list to receive a weekly free music download & podcast updates.
