Music / Shops
‘Cult’ record shop to relocate
After a decade serving vinyl enthusiasts, cult record shop Longwell Records has decided to move to new premises.
The Keynsham-based shop will relocate to Clifton Arcade, bringing its 10,000-strong collection, which includes some rare EPs and LPs.
Owner Iain Aitchison, who was born in Southmead, spent nearly 30 years working in the NHS supporting people with substance abuse before opening the shop, which previously occupied a shipping container at Wapping Wharf.
After a decade serving vinyl enthusiasts, cult record shop Longwell Records has decided to move to new premises – photo: Longwell Records
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Aitchison said the move from Temple Street in Keynsham represents a “bittersweet but necessary” evolution for the business.
“We are so sad to leave Keynsham but after ten years, I felt it was time to be in an area with a better footfall,” said Aitchison, who said he is also excited that the new shop will be close to one of his favourite spots, Primrose Cafe.
“I absolutely love being in Bristol, the city I was brought up in,” he added.
Since opening in 2016, Longwell Records has become something of a Bristol institution, attracting collectors from around the world and hosting intimate gigs from artists including Razorlight, Amber Run and Jade Bird.
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Aitchison recently met up with Fatboy Slim at Clifton Arcade during the launch of 1loveart.
The popular DJ obliged by signing copies of his albums. And much to the delight of the team at Longwell Records, every signed record sold out, where all profits were donated to Keynsham Foodbank.
Aitchison himself gained local celebrity status after landing a cameo in his friend Stephen Merchant’s BBC series The Outlaws, playing a pub landlord.
Aitchison himself gained local celebrity status after landing a cameo in Stephen Merchant’s BBC series The Outlaws, playing a pub landlord opposite Christopher Walken – photo: James Pardon/BBC
Aitchison’s passion for music seemed to have passed down to the next generation as his daughter Maisie is an aspiring soul and R&B singer.
“I absolutely love the musical and other stories I have heard in the shop over the last ten years,” Aitchison said.
“Not always about the biggest names in the music game, but the passion and love some people have for their favourite bands or music really shines through.”
Owner Iain Aitchison with his daughter Maisie, who is an aspiring soul and R&B singer – photo: Longwell Records
Longwell Records’ continued survival relies on buying used vinyl collections – something Aitchison hopes the move to BS8 will help support.
“Nothing better than getting a lovely used vinyl collection as we can then make customers very happy with maybe a record or two they don’t own,” he said.
“Being in Clifton, we may well get some people coming to Longwell Records to sell us some.”
The shop is due to open in Clifton Arcade in February in premises previously occupied by Jo’s Tea.
Since opening in 2016, Longwell Records has become something of a Bristol institution, attracting collectors from around the world – photo: Longwell Records
The relocation marks an ambitious new chapter for a shop that has built its reputation on accessibility and community spirit.
“Who knows what the Clifton shop will bring, but judging by the amount of interest thus far, it could turn out to be a joyful move,” said Aitchison.
“We want to bring the fun, humour and humility that all record shops should have and give the record customer a really nice experience.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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