Phonica Records

A Berwick Street landmark, Phonica is a meeting point for genuine music lovers of all genres. Rows of dark wood shelves house a plethora of carefully selected records, encircling concave bubble chairs brooding under warm lights. While Rough Trade East attracts all the publicity, Phonica is almost universally lauded as the soul of London’s record stores. It specialises in high quality headphones, record bags and DJ equipment, complementing the diverse collection of electronica, hip-hop, soul and house records on sale. Every genre is accounted for and it’s possible to give virtually everything in the store a spin before you buy; it’s often enjoyable to turn up with no prior plans and ask the clerk for a recommendation based on a particular genre. You’ll be given a knowledgeably curated selection of records to try out. This shop is the real deal.

Opening hours: 11:30 - 19:30 except Sunday, which is 12:00 - 18:00.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus