Heading to London - Hifi Store/Record Shop Recommendations?


Greetings all,

Just found out I will be in London for 5 days at the end of the month. I'll be fairly free on the first day and would like to listen to some gear I might not normally see here in Atlanta. I would also like to  pick up some new vinyl if possible. 

Any recommendations for good hifi shops or record stores near the Marllebone neighborhood? I believe that's near the Oxford Circus station and The British Museum.

Thanks for the suggestions!

topofroc

I shopped London 30 years ago for classical. I have no idea what the street is like there. EIL, which is not in central London, has the records you want- mostly- but you’ll pay. If you set up an appointment, Roy Ford is one of the guys who handles sales and you can use my name. I’ve bought some nice UK pressings from them. Not cheap but sometimes, you find a bargain. I assume you are after UK pressings. As for classical or jazz, can’t tell you. Oh, these are not "new" records. 

Haven’t been since Covid hit but Honest Jon’s Records in Portobello Road and Ray’s Jazz at Foyles bookstore in Charing Cross. 

@topofroc

Any recommendations for good hifi shops or record stores near the Marllebone neighborhood? I believe that's near the Oxford Circus station and The British Museum.

 

You're best bet might be KJ West One (not too far from the Post Office Tower/Marylebone/ Baker St area etc) but be sure to ring ahead and make an appointment first.

Some of these high falutin audio stores are quite particular in the way they choose to operate.

 
Oh, and if you have the time, why not pay a visit to a certain famous zebra crossing that's not very far away either.

+1 Portobello Road market which is open on Saturdays, lots there plus records.

UK HIFI is 240V plus 20% VAT is levied on virtually everything except used goods.

Recent changes have abolished the tax-free tourist scheme.

I'd think about taking in a show, lots to choose from, Plays, Ballet, Opera, Rock whatever.

Try Rules Restaurant, Charing Cross, same steak and kidney pie recipe for hundreds of years and the Hung, Drawn and Quartered Pub, across the road from the Tower of London.

 

A walked the zebra 30 times back and forth, caused a little traffic jam for sure