Manchester means music, from Northern Soul to new wave, so if you’re making a musical pilgrimage, pick up albums from the city’s most popular record stores and ship them back home to spin for your friends.
These seven shops in Manchester, most located in the Northern Quarter, are must-visits for audiophiles. Some offer perks like dance parties and even a vegan café.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Piccadilly Records
You can nab both fresh and vintage music in sprawling indie record store Piccadilly Records. Ask the staff — known for really knowing their stuff — to help you find whatever you need to complete your collection. While Piccadilly Records dates back to 1978, this particular shop in the Northern Quarter opened in 1997. You can expect a huge range of vinyl and CDs across genres like indie, funk, and electronic.
Beatin Rhythm Records
Northern Soul originated with obscure R&B tracks played at Manchester dance parties in the ’70s, so it’s natural that local stores stay well stocked, from Archie Bell & The Drells to New Orleans soul powerhouse Irma Thomas.
Northern Soul shrine Beatin Rhythm Records, situated in Prestwich, specializes in rare soul and funk albums and singles, with early Motown and Chess albums filling the shop’s shelves. They’re also well stocked with books on Northern Soul and Motown tees.
Eastern Bloc Records
Put on your dancing shoes and ask the friendly crew at the crowd-pleasing Eastern Bloc Records to guide you from electronica to dubstep records. After stocking up on vinyl, you can take a break for coffee or craft beer in the sunny outdoor café in Stevenson Square (complete with vegan and vegetarian options).
Watch their schedule for evening DJ dance parties to try out your dance moves.
Vinyl Resting Place
Northern Quarter favorite Vinyl Resting Place has, hands down, the best shop name in Manchester. Their friendly and knowledgeable clerks will help you dig through thousands of well-categorized albums, including the ones posted all over the walls.
The shop is located on the third floor of Afflecks indoor market, and you can’t miss its name in lights.
Vinyl Revival
Vinyl Revival in the Northern Quarter sells rare wax dating back to the ’50s, freshly cleaned and in collectible condition. While you’re here, pick up something like a T-shirt sporting a vintage image of The Smiths or — for the most Manchester of souvenirs — Liam Gallagher flipping the bird to update your wardrobe.
Check the shop’s online schedule for in-store music sets from indie bands. The shop is so popular that if you visit on Record Store Day (April 21) for live music and giveaways, you’ll be lucky to get through the door unless you get there early.
Clampdown Records
Clampdown Records in the Northern Quarter has an extensive punk, soul, and jazz vinyl collection curated by music experts, and both new and used records are priced to sell. You can also pick up vintage rock T-shirts, DVDs, and rare memorabilia in this indie shop. Browse online in advance to help narrow down your wish list.
Kingbee Records
Locals’ favorite Kingbee Records‘ collection of Northern Soul albums number into the thousands, and they purchase enough vintage vinyl from all music genres to keep music lovers coming back for more.
You can’t miss their bright-yellow storefront in the Chorlton area of Southwest Manchester. Dig through bargain bins for deep cuts you never knew you needed, and give them a test spin on the shop’s handy turntable.
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