Celebrate Record Store Day in Soho

Celebrate Record Store Day in Soho on Saturday, 22nd April, with a lineup of independent record stores offering a selection of rare records and limited-release vinyl. Soho is renowned for being the home to the best indie record stores in London, with its rich music heritage and exciting nightlife. Sister Ray, Reckless Records, Sounds of the Universe, Phonica and Third Man Records all offer something different within a few minutes walk of each other. Many shops will host in-store music performances to mark the occasion as one of the biggest annual events in the music calendar.

Having their flagship store on Berwick Street since 1984, Reckless Records specialises in second-hand records and CDs and offers the best experience and specialist knowledge for every music mastermind. For Record Store Day, they will carry plenty of limited releases as well as pricing up hundreds of rare records, especially on the day. Discover new vinyl reissues across a wide range of genres behind the brightly painted shop front at 30 Berwick Street.

Sister Ray is a destination record store that has steadily grown into one of London’s most iconic suppliers of quality, alternative vinyl and CDs. Set over two floors, you can expect the finest releases for Record Store Day from artists including Blur, Elton John, David Bowie and Groove Armada. The store will open at 8 am on a first-come, first-served basis.. (75 Berwick Street).

Third Man Records is an eclectic independent record label founded and owned by Jack White from the White Stripes. The bright yellow shop at 1 Marshall Street is the only branch outside of the USA and offers a variety of genres covering blues, rock, garage, folk, country and hip hop. There is a live music venue in the basement, and budding musicians can even utilise the recording booth where customers can record their own material straight to vinyl.

Sounds of the Universe is argued to have one of the largest selections of Reggae, Dubstep, House, Disco, Funk and Soul, Brazilian, Latin, African and world beats in London and the UK. Known for their in-house collection of music, their fresh CDs and vinyl are original as they come. (7 Broadwick Street).

With a long-standing reputation for vinyl, Phonica Records will be opening at 9 am on Record Store Day with hundreds of special releases from artists including 1975, Bastille, The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Bjork and Fleetwood Mac. Excellent music will be played live by special guests throughout the day. (51 Poland Street).

Head to Soho Space at 98 Berwick Street for a new pop-up experience with Soho Radio and a diverse line-up five-day takeover 18th-22nd April. The Soho Radio pop-up will feature live shows, recorded special guests and True Music alumni playing sounds from around the world, vinyl pressing, Soho Radio merch, music magazines and books for sale, crate digging sessions and the chance to win vouchers to spend in Soho’s local record stores. On Saturday, 22nd April, music lovers are invited to join the independent music makers and broadcasters with live sets and an exhibition of artists and talent on display.

Alongside the best record stores in the country, Soho offers interesting places to shop, drink and dine that you cannot find on other high streets.

On the radar is contemporary Copenhagen label Wood Wood or Annie’s Ibiza for one-off vintage pieces. Pair innovative and directional fashion from END. with handmade rock and roll jewellery from The Great Frog. For vintage and one-off pieces, head to Dunno. Curated or discover Footpatrol for rare trainer finds. Fashion hot spots also include Nudie Jeans, Oliver Spencer and Sandqvist.

Head to Berwick Street for exciting food and drink options, dip into Chinese cuisine at The Duck & Rice or head to new opening Miznon for fluffy pittas filled with flavours of the Mediterranean. Other foodie favourites include tapas at Ember Yard, no-nonsense burgers at Tommi’s Burger Joint, a new independent restaurant on the block Maresco or discover fluffy cinnamon buns at Swedish coffee shop Söderberg. For late-night drinks, the lively Pink Chihuahua is a must; the Mexican cocktail bar is located in the basement of El Camion on Brewer Street.