LION COFFEE + RECORDS CLAPTON & SHOREDITCH
If you’re into All Press coffee (East London’s finest) and a bit of a music connoisseur then we’ve got great news for you. Yes Lion Coffee and Records (est. 2014) has listened to your prayers and is located in Clapton (118 Lower Clapton Rd) and Shoreditch (BoxPark).
It’s the record store that sells a mix of classics and modern day vinyl, the kind of place you can spend an hour or so browsing, sipping coffee and dreaming of that new vinyl shelfie that could appear in your living room. They have great books too – which you can also purchase online. Don’t forget to check out their live events, as they support emerging independent music and the icons of course – LCR have hosted exclusive performances from the likes of Courtney Love, Gruff Rhys and Razorlight.
P.S. the owners are rad and certainly have music in their DNA. It is owned by Christopher Lloyd Hayden, drummer with Florence and the Machine, and his wife Mairead Nash, DJ, music manager (previous Florence and the Machine) and owner of Luv Luv Luv Records.
Address: 118 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0QR
SISTER RAY SOHO
More music shopping can be done over in Soho at cult favourite Sister Ray (75 Berwick St). It is in fact the record store that is featured on one of the most iconic albums of all time, Oasis ‘What’s the story.’ The location was obviously chosen because it was infamous area for records back in the 90’s. The store has since moved, but the image lives on forever – no Oasis pun intended.
The store itself was musically christened Sister Ray, named after the Velvet Underground song. Their selection is varied and interesting, so if you are looking for something they don’t have then you can email them to help you! You can literally buy anything from the new Tame Impala, King Krule, Leon Bridges to the classics such as Morrissey and Iggy Pop.
Address: 75 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8RP
SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE SOHO
A very photogenic store is SOTU in Soho, particularly it’s exterior. They started off selling records at Camden market before tubing it up to Oxford Circus to join the golden record mile. They also set up Soul Jazz Records an independent record label, book publishers, occasional film company, and sound system DJs!
The labels idea is to draw “cross cultural connections” between soul, jazz and reggae through to variety albums. Plus their collection and taste in music attracts the music legends themselves, such as Four Tet, Giles Peterson and the late Prince.
Lastly, you can’t miss it as this treasure chest of music is very photogenic – in all its tile fronted glory.
Address: 7 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DA
HONEST JON’S RECORDS LONDON NOTTING HILL
We go here for reggae, jazz and funk- they are right in the heart of Portobello Road this is the place that gets us excited for Notting Hill carnival. They have also opened one in Coal Drops Yard too in King’s Cross. Honest Jon’s started off by sociology lecturer John Clare in an old butchers on Golborne road and then employees turned owners Mark Ainley and Alan Scholefield took over.
It is now part owned by Damon Albarn (a very cool business partner) who set up a record label with the store. May Notting Hill’s music community always remain inspired, thanks to this store.
Address: 278 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TE
