Published:
12:00 10 July 2022
With eight independent shops and an array of vintage stores also selling records, Norwich is a vinyl lover’s paradise.
From the latest edgy indie releases from Soundclash to classic 1960s seven-inch singles from Out of Time, the city is the place to dig some cash.
1. Sound shock
Paul Mills, owner of Soundclash Records on St Benedicts Street, Norwich.
– Credit: Sophie Wyllie
Where? 28 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4AQ
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
A Norwich institution, this shop has been supplying Norwich locals with the latest releases, cult favorites and classics from a wide range of genres since 1991.
The store is particularly good at picking up new indie releases and is packed on Record Store Day.
2. Circular sounds
Circular Sounds in St Benedicts Street
– Credit: Archant
Where? 5 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PE
Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
A second-hand vinyl paradise filled with CDs and vinyl from many genres and decades.
The shop is a great place to spend hours due to its music shelves and rows filled with rarities and bargains.
3. Venus Vinyl
Venus Vinyl started out as a market stall in London and now has a hugely popular store in Magdalen Street
– Credit: Venus Vinyl
Where? 136 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD
Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Starting life as a London market stall, this new vinyl store is perfect for picking up the latest obscure releases not stocked by other stores.
The store often carries limited editions that are out of stock elsewhere, although unfortunately for those who like second-hand vinyl, there are none at Venus Vinyl.
4. Beatniks
John Naylor of Beatniks in Magdalen Street.
– Credit: Casey Cooper-Fiske
Where? 50 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JE
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
One of the best places in town to pick up a music bargain, with great prices on its extensive stock of second-hand vinyl and CDs.
The store is great for picking up discounted classics and rarer cult albums with a particularly good selection of indie, punk and experimental music.
5. Out of time
Eric White, associate of Out of Time record store on Magdalen Street
– Credit: Danielle Boden
Where? 4 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1HU
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Saturday
This small, well-stocked shop in Magdalen Street is the place to go for retro 1950s and 60s records, with a particularly impressive rack of psychedelic and rhythmic 1960s singles.
There is also a selection of CDs and other music memorabilia.
6. Tap to play
Press to Play record store in St Benedicts Street. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2021
Where? 54 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4AR
Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One of the best places to listen to the music of classic rockers such as the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Beatles, this shop offers reasonably priced vinyl cases and affordable CD stands.
The store also sells concert DVDs and a wall of rare records.
7. Beautiful city sounds
Andrew Watson of Fine City Sounds.
– Credit: Casey Cooper-Fiske
Where? 22 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DX
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This record store has a large selection of singles and CDs at the entrance and a large selection of vinyl up a small staircase at the back.
The shop also has a selection of corporate record covers for sale, perfect for finding a match for sleeveless singles as well as a small selection of record players.
8.Lowell
Cat Stones in its Lowell store in Norwich
– Credit: Archant
Where? 8 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DS
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Although it only carries a small selection of new records, Lowell offers a good selection of the latest releases and also stocks some limited edition Record Store Day and Love Records Stores titles.
The back of the store also offers a wide range of clothing and vintage items.