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!
January's Record Store of the Month: The Record Café, Bradford
This month's winning store, The Record Café, brings together great music, food and beer under one roof for the good people of Bradford. We love The Matchday Playlist they do in association with Bradford City AFC, and their active social media presence. Congratulations guys – we hope you celebrate with your beer hamper!
Keith from the shop tells us more:
"We opened The Record Café in November 2014, and are now in our 6th year of providing the good people of Bradford with the finest new vinyl records, beer and charcuterie.
It may seem an odd combination, but it’s simply music, food and drink. Well curated. It’s been a fun ride so far with so many highlights. We’ve made great friends with both suppliers and customers, have a lovely group of regulars, and attract people from all around the country.
The buzz of learning something new every day, and constantly trying to improve keeps us going.
We love selling Record Tokens. It’s a simple process, and it’s always a nice feeling when you’re selling something that’s being bought as a gift."
Congratulations to the whole team! You can find The Record Café at 45-47 North Parade, Bradford. Don't forget your Record Tokens!
Keith also shared with us his current top spins:
"So far this year I’ve really enjoyed Rose City Band - Rose City band. It’s right up my street. Shoegazey ambient grooves.
The new Blossoms LP is great. I love the big production 80s sound that seems to have come back over recent years.
Black Pumas and Bambara I’ve been listening to a lot this last week too."
And upcoming releases he's looking forward to:
"I’m looking forward to the new Orielles LP, they’re Halifax based which is local to us, so it’s brilliant to see them doing so well.
And in the next few weeks I’m excited about Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, Proper Ornaments and Real Estate.
It’s already shaping up to be another great year in new music!"
Previous Record Stores of the Month
December 2019 - Sister Ray, London
November 2019 - Phase 1, Liverpool
October 2019 - Empire Records, St Albans
September 2019 - Record Collector, Sheffield
August 2019 - Black Circle Records, Leighton Buzzard
July 2019 - Beyond Vinyl, Newcastle
June 2019 - The Orpington, Bromley
May 2019 - Vinyl Fiction, Manchester
April 2019 - Spiller's Records, Cardiff
March 2019 - David's Music, Hertfordshire
February 2019 - Winyl, Manningtree
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