Sounds of the Universe
A legendary Soho record store with a global beat, rare finds, and a legacy tied to The Rolling Stones.
Sounds of the Universe is a legendary record store in Soho, London, celebrated for its vast and eclectic collection of vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia. Located in a historic building once linked to The Rolling Stones, the shop specializes in reggae, dub, funk, soul, and world music, with a reputation for rare finds and knowledgeable staff. Connected to the influential Soul Jazz Records label, it’s a must-visit for music lovers seeking both new releases and vintage gems.
A brief summary to Sounds of the Universe
- 7 Broadwick St, London, W1F 0DA, GB
- +442077343430
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday afternoons for a quieter browsing experience and more personalized attention from the staff.
- Ask the staff for recommendations—they’re passionate about music and often have insider tips on rare or new releases.
- Check out the second-hand vinyl basement for unique finds and classic jazz, soul, and alt-rock records.
- Look for Soul Jazz Records releases, which are exclusive to the store and its affiliated label.
- Bring a sturdy bag or purchase one of their strong cardboard mailers to protect your records for travel.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tube
Take the Central or Northern line to Tottenham Court Road station, then walk approximately 5 minutes to 7 Broadwick Street. The route is flat and accessible, with clear signage throughout.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including the 14, 24, 29, and 73, stop near Soho Square, a 3-minute walk from the store. Buses run frequently, but expect some delays during peak hours.
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Walking
From Piccadilly Circus, walk south along Regent Street for about 10 minutes, then turn left onto Broadwick Street. The walk is pleasant and offers views of Soho’s vibrant streets.
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Cycling
Cycle lanes are available along Oxford Street and Regent Street. Secure bike parking is available nearby, but space is limited.
Sounds of the Universe location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Sounds of the Universe
A Legacy in Vinyl
Nestled in the heart of Soho, Sounds of the Universe occupies a building steeped in musical history. Once a London pub and famously associated with the early days of The Rolling Stones, the shop now stands as a beacon for audiophiles and collectors. Its walls echo with the legacy of rock legends, while the shelves brim with the latest and rarest vinyl, CDs, and music-related books and DVDs. The store’s connection to Soul Jazz Records, a renowned British label, ensures a constant flow of curated reissues and exclusive releases, making it a hub for both classic and contemporary sounds.Eclectic Selection and Global Beats
Sounds of the Universe is renowned for its diverse inventory, spanning reggae, dubstep, house, disco, funk, soul, Brazilian, Latin, African, and world music. The shop’s commitment to global sounds is reflected in its regular shipments from countries like Jamaica, Brazil, Japan, and the USA. Whether you’re searching for a vintage 45” single, a rare dub-techno 12”, or a classic jazz album, the store’s knowledgeable staff are eager to help you discover something new. The second-hand vinyl basement is a treasure trove for soul, jazz, and alt-rock enthusiasts, while the ground floor showcases new releases and a wide array of listening posts for exploring fresh sounds.Community and Culture
Beyond its impressive stock, Sounds of the Universe is a vibrant community space. The staff are known for their enthusiasm and willingness to assist, often going the extra mile to help customers find obscure releases or recommend other local record shops. The store’s atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a favorite among both seasoned collectors and casual music fans. Its connection to Soul Jazz Records also means that visitors can access a curated selection of reissues and exclusive merchandise, further cementing its status as a cultural landmark in London’s music scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
0.4 km
Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Shaftesbury Ave
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Discover London’s vibrant Shaftesbury Avenue, the epicenter of the West End's theatre scene, offering a myriad of shows, dining, and nightlife options.
Chinatown Gate
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Experience the vibrant spirit of London's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a cultural gem filled with culinary delights and rich heritage.
Denmark St
0.4 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Liberty’s clock
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Liberty's Clock, an iconic landmark in Carnaby, London, embodying the city’s rich heritage and architectural beauty.
Café de Paris
0.4 km
Legendary West End cabaret where royalty danced, stars performed, and history was made—now closed after 96 years.
Hasdan
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant heart of London at Hasdan, where shopping, culture, and history meet on Tottenham Court Road.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.4 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
Swiss Glockenspiel
0.5 km
A 10-metre Swiss timepiece performing mechanical magic in London's West End, where Alpine tradition meets modern precision.
St Giles in the Fields
0.5 km
Medieval leper hospital turned Palladian masterpiece—nearly 1000 years of London's sacred and troubled history
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Leicester Square
0.5 km
London's glittering entertainment epicentre where cinema, theatre, and street culture converge in the heart of the West End.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Ziggy Stardust album cover
0.5 km
Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
Unmissable attractions to see
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
0.0 km
Renowned for innovative, award-winning chocolates and artisanal treats in London’s vibrant Soho district.
House of MinaLima
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting graphic art of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts in Soho’s magical House of MinaLima gallery and shop.
Reckless Records
0.1 km
Explore Reckless Records in London, a cultural hub for music lovers offering an extensive collection of vinyl and CDs in a vibrant setting.
Berwick St
0.1 km
Historic Soho market blending fresh produce, global street food, and eclectic shopping in a lively pedestrianised London street.
Berwick Street Market
0.1 km
Historic Soho market blending fresh produce, global street food, and iconic vinyl culture in the heart of London.
Soho
0.1 km
Discover Soho, London's vibrant district known for nightlife, dining, unique shops, and rich cultural experiences, perfect for every traveler.
The Nellie Dean
0.1 km
Historic Soho pub serving classic ales and hearty pies in a lively, welcoming atmosphere since the 18th century.
Nose sculpture
0.1 km
Explore the Nose Sculpture in London, a quirky landmark that embodies creativity and invites playful interaction in the heart of the city.
Las Vegas Arcade Soho
0.2 km
A lively Soho basement arcade offering classic and rhythm games, pool, and air hockey in a vibrant, social setting.
Village Soho
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at Village Soho, a premier gay bar in the iconic Soho district, known for its welcoming atmosphere and lively events.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
0.2 km
Discover London’s tiniest gallery on Dean Street, where big ideas shine through a small window, open 24/7 to inspire and engage all who pass by.
Self-Guided London Beatles Tour
0.2 km
Explore London’s Beatles landmarks at your own pace with an immersive self-guided audio tour featuring iconic sites and hidden gems.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at The Admiral Duncan, Soho's iconic bar and pub, celebrating inclusivity and entertainment in the heart of London.
London Self-Guided Walking Tour
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the vibrant heart of Soho, London’s cultural melting pot.
Duke Of Wellington
0.2 km
Victorian heritage meets Soho nightlife at this Grade II listed pub on iconic Wardour Street.
Essential places to dine
Inamo
0.1 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Blanchette
0.1 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
0.1 km
A romantic Soho townhouse serving refined Franco-Mediterranean dishes with an acclaimed wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Social Eating House
0.1 km
Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
Quo Vadis
0.1 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Hoppers Soho
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Blacklock Soho
0.2 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.3 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Gauthier Soho
0.3 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Bantof
0.3 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Mele e Pere
0.3 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Noble Rot Soho
0.3 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Meet Fresh
0.3 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pop Up 38
0.1 km
A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
Glassworks London - Soho
0.1 km
Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.2 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Machine-A
0.2 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
La Boutik
0.2 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Radha's Boutique
0.2 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.3 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
Canvas Collection
0.3 km
Discover handmade ceramics, jewelry, and accessories in Carnaby's artistic gift haven—unique treasures from London's creative makers.
House of secrets
0.3 km
Step into House of Secrets on Oxford Street and discover a magical world of Harry Potter collectibles and enchanting souvenirs in the heart of London.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.3 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Goldsmith Vintage
0.3 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Liberty
0.4 km
Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival icon blending heritage craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and timeless design in the heart of London’s West End.
Primark
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Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Basement Sate
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Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.1 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.2 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
NQ64 Soho
0.2 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Duke of Argyll
0.2 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.2 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
Thirst Bar Soho
0.2 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
The Black Book
0.3 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
The Thin White Duke
0.3 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.3 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Cahoots London
0.3 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Disrepute - Soho
0.3 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Swift Soho
0.3 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.3 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
St Moritz Club
0.1 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Sunset night club
0.1 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
The Box Soho
0.2 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.2 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
Sophisticats Soho
0.2 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Bordello London
0.2 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
101 Nightclub London
0.2 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
La Capannina Club
0.2 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.3 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Penthouse London
0.4 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Luxe Club
0.5 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Ivy Club
0.5 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Tiger Tiger London
0.5 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.5 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Cuckoo Club
0.5 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly