It probably goes without saying, but we love record shops. Whether they're big or small, rocking a minimalist aesthetic or packing more vinyl than you can shake a stick at into overflowing crates, we love how each and every one has something special in store for its customers. From the quirkiest locals to the big, gig-hosting powerhouses, we pick one each month to be our Record Store of the Month. They get a tasty gift from the Record Tokens team, and you get to discover the best independent record shops this country has to offer - win-win!
February's Record Store of the Month: Winyl, Manningtree
Winyl is a relative newcomer to the indie record shop scene, opening its doors in October 2018 in Manningtree, a busy and beautiful estuary town near Colchester which is currently enjoying a boom thanks to local development and the ongoing commuter exodus from London.
We spoke to owner Steve to find out more about the shop - and what's behind the intriguing name!
Steve says:
"We sell brand new vinyl; re-issues, limited editions, picture discs, box sets, independents-only coloured vinyl and are proud to be part of Record Store Day. We also sell and trade 'vintage' vinyl, which we clean and grade instore and sell back out as a reasonable price. Our attitude is that we want guests to be encouraged to buy, play and enjoy records rather than lock them away or just 'possess' them. We buy for cash, trade old for new and have even been known to trade vinyl for wine (more of that later).
"We wanted to re-create the good old days of record buying, so our stock covers a broad spectrum from classic rock and pop, metal, soul, jazz, blues, dance, reggae and some world music - you never know what you might find, however if you can't see what you are after we do special orders.
"The USP, and it is unique in the UK as far as I am aware, is the other part of the business - WINE (now you're getting it). I have handpicked a selection of quality wines that are not only (mostly) organic, vegan and delicious but have stunning labels reflecting the time and effort of record sleeve artwork. The great thing is you can "have me in" or "take me out" as we are licensed for on and off sales.
"We run events too. So far we have held a book signing night with Graham Jones (author of The Last Shop Standing and The Vinyl Revival and the Shops That Made It Happen) a few 'singles clubs', where guests bring their own vinyl or play ours, drink, chat and swap anecdotes. No-one has got together so far, but you never know. Our next event is a songwriting circle where we invite musicians and aspiring songwriters to the store to share their art and collaborate. More are planned, with of course #RSD19 on 13th April being a massive event - this will be our first so super excited and want to make it very special.
"Winyl is an intimate, stripped back reclaimed timber and black metal (!) environment with a modern deck to play test, or just play the vintage records, free wifi and streaming for requests (the weekends usually involve a bit of dancing). We are dog and child friendly so no excuse not to visit."
You can find Winyl at 16 South Street, Manningtree - don't forget your Record Tokens!
Previous Record Stores of the Month
January 2019 - Rapture Witney, Oxfordshire
December 2018 - Crash Records, Leeds
November 2018 - Pebble Records, Eastbourne
October 2018 - Spinning Discs, Sheffield
September 2018 - Reflex Records, Newcastle
August 2018 - Banquet Records, Kingston
July 2018 - Hundred Records, Hampshire