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A Guide to Newcastle’s Best Record Shops

April 22, 2018 in Featured 14


I’ve always thought there’s something special about listening to music on a traditional record player, the crackle as the needle hits the vinyl, the beautiful artwork that adorns the sleeves, the physical interaction with the artist’s work is something you just don’t get from a download. I still regularly listen to my treasured collection of soul, funk and disco records on my old Bush record player; It’s in desperate need of a service but I adore it!

record collection vinyl blogger music

My little treasured collection

It would seem I’m not alone with my love of of the retro format, there’s been a vinyl revival recently, record sales are at a 25 year high and the UK’s annual Record Store Day in April gets bigger and better every year!

In honour of #RSD18, a day when over 200 independent record shops across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture, I have put together the ultimate guide to vinyl shopping in Newcastle. (Stores listed in no particular order – they are all awesome)!

RPM MUSIC: Old George Yard, NE1 1EZ

www.facebook.com/thecuttingedgeofvinyl/

rpm music record shop old george street newcastle

Image credit: NGI

Tucked away on Old George Yard behind the Bigg Market, this hidden gem is one of Newcastle’s best loved record shops. The shelves are packed with indie, rock, hip hop, electronic, funk, soul and blues. RPM also sells refurbished vintage record players so if you need something to spin your tunes on, this is the place to come!

BEATDOWN RECORDS: Unit 1 Bewick Street, NE1 5EE

www.beatdownrecords.org

Beatdown Records newcastle

Image Credit: Nick Wrightson

Beatdown is an aladdin’s cave for vinyl hunters, you could easily lose half a day trawling through the racks of records and chatting with the muso staff. The stock is regularly refreshed with new & old LP’s (as well as CD’s and DVD’s) and there are often rarities waiting to be discovered. You’ll find this jewel of a shop just a stone’s throw from central station.

J.G WINDOWS: 1-7 Central Arcade, NE1 5BP

www.jgwindows.com

j.g windows central arcade newcastle

The beautiful Central Arcade in Newcastle is home to J.G Windows, one of the UK’s longest established music stores, it’s been at the heart of the North East music scene for over a century. There are two floors filled with instruments, audio equipment, printed music and of course, a huge selection of brand new vinyl!

REFLEX: 23 Nun St, NE1 5AG

www.reflexrecordshop.com

Record store day is alive and well #recordstoreday #newcastle #reflex #lovevinyl

A post shared by James Oliver (@jamesleeoliver) on

Reflex is a small but perfectly formed record store in the heart of Newcastle. Friendly, helpful, enthusiastic staff who you would definitely want on your team for a music quiz – plus a vast collection of records in every genre imaginable, what more could you want?

BEYOND VINYL: 88 Westgate Road, NE1 4AF

www.beyondvinyl.co.uk

Image credit: Beyond Vinyl

Newcastle’s newest vinyl hangout only opened this year but has already enjoyed a successful Record Store Day, treating customers to an amazing selection of new releases and pre-loved records.

LONGPLAY CAFE: Sandhill NE1 3JF & Grainger Market, NE1 5AE

www.longplaycafe.co.uk

long play cafe records newcastle

The folk behind Longplay Cafe have combined their passions for coffee and vinyl and created two of the coolest record stores in the city. Their first opened on Newcastle Quayside a couple of years ago and more recently they moved in to the Grainger Market (one of my favourite places in Newcastle). They serve up some rather scrummy food too and host regular live music events, what’s not to love?

QUAYSIDE SUNDAY MARKET: Quayside, NE1 3DE

www.newcastlegateshead.com/shopping/quayside-market

outdoor weekend market newcastle upon tyne local

There are usually a couple of music stalls at the weekly market that takes place on Newcastle Quayside every Sunday. I once bagged about a dozen soul and Motown LP’s for a fiver, so it’s definitely worth a rummage!

STAY FREE: Antiques Centre, 2nd Floor, 142 Northumberland Street, NE1 7DQ

www.facebook.com/StayFreeRecordsNewcastle/

Credit: Tony Fiddes

Tucked away on the second floor of the Antiques Centre on Northumberland Street, there’s a treasure trove of old LP’s waiting to be discovered at Stay Free Records. Take a trip down memory lane as you rifle through the records and enjoy a natter with Tony the owner who is a veteran of the Newcastle music scene. Opening times are a bit a sporadic so check on Facebook before you visit.

VINYL GURU: 69 Westgate Road, NE1 1SG

www.vinylguru.co.uk

Image Credit: Vinyl Guru

Following a recent move from Kingston Park, Vinyl Guru can now be found in the city centre, not too far from Beatdown Records and Beyond Vinyl. It seems this part of Toon is becoming a bit of a mecca for vinyl lovers!

586 RECORDS: 3rd Floor, Commercial Union House, 39 Pilgrim St, NE1 6QE

www.586records.com

568 Records was brought to my attention by several followers on Instagram and Facebook (thanks guys)! It’s located on the third floor of a building I pass nearly every day so I can’t believe I’ve not discovered it sooner, I guess it just goes to show how important it is to ‘look up’!

Do you still listen to music on vinyl? Do you have a favourite record store? Share your thoughts be leaving a comment below 🙂

This post was originally published in 2017 but updated in 2018 to include even more fantastic record stores in Newcastle, if you think I’ve missed any let me know!

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Leon Sullivan (@leonsullivan73)

You really should give 586 Records on Pilgrim Street a visit too

Anon
Anon
6 years ago

You need to check out Vinyl Guru in Kingston Park! Also surprised you’ve not mentioned Stay Free Records, that’s a belter!

Durty Piggy
Durty Piggy
6 years ago

586 Records is a “must visit”. Without a doubt my favourite record shop in Newcastle. Tony the owner is most welcoming, knowledgeable and always has time for you. One visit and you will find yourself going back again and again. A range of music that is diverse and unique. Go have a browse. Its well worth the effort.

Bob Alexander
Bob Alexander
6 years ago

Can you tell me the name of the record shop in Newgate Street under the Swallow Hotel back in the 1980s ??

fabfatmama
5 years ago

I need to come record shopping in Newcastle! In Teesside we only have one – Sound It Out. It is great though.

Hannah x
http://www.fabfatmama.com

Anonymous
Anonymous
5 years ago

You mean Tyneside!

ian
ian
4 years ago

586 records is bollocks’ guys never in the place. It’s closed more than it is open’ wasted plenty of time trying to get through the closed door!

Ian

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Bill Gray, RAM RECORDS, formerly in the QUAYSIDE MARKET, legend! Nuff said.

Nick
Nick
3 years ago

Does anyone know if any of these stores offer a vinyl cleaning service for a reasonable price?

salman
11 months ago

Great Thanks for posting such Great information.

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