Resonate’s Guide to Bristol Record Stores

By Resonate | April 25, 2022

Words by Abbie Humphries, Lewis Haywood, Hope Taylor and Dylan Shortridge

Here’s one for the crate-diggers: our guide to the best record stores Bristol has to offer…

Rough Trade

Rough Trade is located in the heart of Bristol and is a focal point for a visit to the city’s hottest record shops. The store stocks both the newest records available and old favourites you forgot existed, organised precisely for you to find them when you least expected it. The windowsill is lined with new vinyl turntables and speakers that give you plenty of choice to make sure you pick your perfect player. And if that’s not enough, Rough Trade has a remarkable array of books – whether you’re searching for an insightful feminist author or the definitive collection of Joy Division photographs, there’s something for all avid readers looking for something profound. The store is also home to a 150-capacity live room, café and bar – perfect for hosting intimate gigs and a regular spot for album launches. An array of shows can be found listed monthly on a blackboard within the store. If you take a visit, you can even get yourself some Rough Trade merch, with a portion of sales from their limited edition collection going to Shelter to fight homelessness. Check it out!

Coffee and Vinyl

Nestled within Art Club in Broadmead sits Coffee & Vinyl, an independent business started in Torquay back in November 2017 by entrepreneur Francis Reilly. “When the opportunity arose to move to Bristol in 2020 it was a no brainer,” he told me. “To come from a small town that struggles with a creative mindset to coming to the number one creative city in the UK… I couldn’t turn it down”. The small counter, lined with beautifully crafted cakes and carefully picked coffee beans from local roasters, is surrounded on all sides with handcrafted vintage wooden crates. Some contain a selection of the classics from Roy Ayers, The Beatles and Elvis, spanning rock, jazz and blues. Although the shop stocks the classics, it is also a goldmine for dance music enthusiasts. Tech house, house, garage, and dub records are in ever-changing abundance, featuring artists such as Cece Peniston and David Morales. The prices are almost as insane as the selection, with offers including ‘10 records for £7,’ it is easy to build up a substantial selection for a student on a shoestring budget. This place is truly a hidden gem in plain sight, so next time you are crossing the Bearpit, pop in for a coffee and flick through some of the best wax in Bristol!

Friendly Records

Records. Beer. Atmosphere. Located in the heart of North Street is Friendly Records. With a name like this, you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that owner, Tom Friend has curated a welcoming space for all music lovers to come and rejoice. Stocking vinyl that spans generations, this place is an Aladdin’s cave for collectors to get lost in for hours, and for those who aren’t quite sure what they are looking for, the friendly staff are on hand to share their knowledge and recommendations. With a fully-stocked bar and regular live performances, Friendly Records have it all, and even stock their own merch for die-hard fans.

Idle Hands

If you’re the type of person who prefers a 303 to a Fender Strat you’ll feel right at home in Idle Hands, a record store and label founded by local selector and crate-digger, Chris Farrell (check out our previous interview with him). The vast Idle Hands catalogue covers all corners of club-leaning sounds, from house and techno to dub and disco. Ravers of all eras and vibes will not leave disappointed. The shop is located on St Pauls on City Road, just off Cheltenham Road. The devil may make work for idle hands but the records in this shop will certainly make use of your idle fingers and feet and give you something new to flick through and then dance to.