Birmingham is a big city, so it can be hard to find the best record stores to get your vinyl fix. From the city centre to Kings Heath and further afield, here are our favourite places to flick through LPs!
SWORDFISH RECORDS
Proudly independent since 1979, Swordfish Records is your one-stop shop for all things audible. While they moved from their original location on Temple Street a while back, their new home on Dalton Street is still easily accessible from all parts of the city centre and is home to more wax than you can shake a stick at. Here you’ll find the latest releases amongst a wealth of classic LPs to get your teeth stuck into.
THE DISKERY
Those who have been to The Diskery will know that it’s somewhat of a local treasure trove – and those who haven’t, well you’re in for a treat! This vinyl haven on Bristol Street is the ideal place to pick up a retro rarity. Proudly England’s oldest record store, the owners of The Diskery are even known to offer you a cup of tea and a doughnut while you browse the racks.
IGNITE RECORDS
Situated within The Square shopping centre, Ignite Records is a bit of a hidden gem in Birmingham’s vinyl market. Shop owner Rich Perri somehow manages to stock absolutely every release in his small corner of the shopping centre – and if he (somehow) doesn’t have what you’re after, he’ll even order things in for you if you ask him nicely.
POLAR BEAR RECORDS
Polar Bear can be found on the bustling Kings Heath street that is York Road, just a stone’s throw from the Hare & Hounds. This is the place to go for local releases and the latest CDs – but they’ll order vinyl in for you if you ask. Polar Bear stocks an eclectic mix of music with everything from jazz to reggae and metal to prog rock on offer.
ENTERTAINMENT WORLD
Last but not least is probably the most unlikely place in the city to find a record store. Inside this retro gaming store in the south Birmingham suburb of Sheldon is a rather impressive selection of pre-loved LPs which are waiting for you to flick through. Give yourself a couple of hours though, as it’s really easy to lose track of time here…
