I guess it was only a matter of time, but it was still sad to see that the long-serving JB’s record store in Hanway Street, central London has closed down.
Located at 36 Hanway St – just a few metres from bustling Oxford Street, close to Centrepoint – the record shop had an excellent reputation amongst vinyl enthusiasts, but it was stripped off all its contents and fittings when I passed by on the weekend.
With JB’s now gone, the only surviving record store on Hanway Street is On The Beat Records at number 22, which is well worth a visit. Take a look at this feature from November 2012.
More: Discuss record shops on the urban75 forums.
Update:
JBs records live on and can be found at 108, Lower Marsh, Waterloo, London SE1 7AB .
Telephone 02072611968.
Shop opening hours Monday- Saturday 11.am-7pm
Info j.bsrecords@yahoo.com.
Huzzah!
Is it lack of demand or high rents that have caused this? When I last set foot in a record store- Manchester 6 months ago- it was pretty busy.
This shop had real character and will be much missed. I only visited a few times but they were always friendly, knowledgeable and keen to help me find whatever I was looking for. Last time I was in there, they told me that they were hoping to relocate to somewhere near Waterloo. Any news on that?
j’bs records has now relocated to 108,lower marsh,waterloo,london SE1 7AB Telephone 02072611968. shop opening hours monday- saturday 11.am-7pm info j.bsrecords@yahoo.com.
Was this the shop a young Shane McGowan worked in?