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Rising from the ashes of Sister Ray records, Revival is one of those unique record shops that constantly surprise you with what it has in stock. Dealing with second hand records, you’re always likely to find a hidden gem that time forgot.

Prices are much more reasonable than its competitors within the area and the staff are friendly. Plenty of genres are covered within this small space and whatever music you are into, you are bound to find something.

Well worth a visit if you have a good hour spare, and are prepared to wade through some rubbish to find that one piece that’ll make your week.

Electronic music heads unite! This haven for all things danceable (and the odd thing not), is the stomping ground of most budding dj’s and a few famous ones.

To play records that are over a month old nowadays on the dj circuit is a fate worse than death, but Phonica manages stay ahead of the game with new arrivals coming in all the time. House, electro, disco, reggae and hip hop is all covered here.

Staff, as far as record shops go, are friendly enough if you catch them on a good day. Listening posts are plentiful but the sheer amount of records that people need to hear on a daily basis will mean that you have to wait, especially if you arrive after about 5pm.

This expanding empire of second hand shops has branched out into musical instruments, men’s and ladies clothing, and all sorts of goods. The record exchange however seems to be the backbone of the operation.

Be prepared, if you know nothing about music, or indeed you know less than the snooty sales assistants about music (which you will), you will be treated like a peasant. My tip is to hand over your records, say nothing, avoid eye contact, pay, and leave.

The selection of rare and hard to find records more than makes up for the moral beating you may well get from the staff. It really is second to none. All genres are covered in depth, and if you are looking for the hard to come by, then let your wallet do the talking. It’s not cheap by any means!

This expanding empire of second hand shops has branched out into musical instruments, men’s and ladies clothing, and all sorts of goods. The record exchange however seems to be the backbone of the operation.

Be prepared, if you know nothing about music, or indeed you know less than the snooty sales assistants about music (which you will), you will be treated like a peasant. My tip is to hand over your records, say nothing, avoid eye contact, pay, and leave.

The selection of rare and hard to find records more than makes up for the moral beating you may well get from the staff. It really is second to none. All genres are covered in depth, and if you are looking for the hard to come by, then let your wallet do the talking. It’s not cheap by any means!

This trendy West London hot spot is a favourite for hipsters, city types and the odd celebrity here and there. The strict door policy is somewhat off putting and you can be ejected from the queue for not being ‘cool’ enough.

If you do make it in however, you may be pleasantly surprised. The basement itself is split into two sides, the bar area and the dance floor, with the dj booth awkwardly placed in between the two.

You’ll find a rustic style decorated venue, with doodles on the walls, beautiful people propping up the bar and even more beautiful people “shaking their thang”. This can at times be a little intimidating, but the place and music makes up for the snobbery.

There are bargains galore at this multi million pound organisation selling off other shops unwanted goods. How it works is beyond me, but I guess the old ‘something for everyone’ philosophy pays off.

These huge complexes offer menswear, ladies wear, toys, and household goods all rolled into one neat (?) package. Literally you’d be hard pressed to leave having not been tempted by something.

I’m a sucker for shoes, and always come away with a top brand goody from the racks and racks that TK Maxx has to offer. Avoid the sales at all costs, or be prepared to fight for your goods! The choice is mind blowing.

Rob could be described as a legend in Nottingham, not to mention the Northern Soul music scene, and his shop has really earned him that legendary status.

You’ll never forget the first time you go to Rob’s. You’ll remember the mess, the dust, the old television, Radio 1 on the go, the cold, the piles and piles of forgotten records and cd’s that only seem to get bigger and bigger. Rob mumbling to himself as he can’t find the cd you’ve asked for, but he’ll be able to tell you exactly where a record is in the debris that he calls a shop.

Genius could very well be the word to describe this record collectors haven (or hell depending on how you look at it), but remember there is only a slight difference between genius and madness.

Believe me you have never seen anything like it. I am still half expecting to find a missing person under one of the piles. Be prepared to spend hours in there.

Rusting bikes, toys from yesteryear, vintage records, army surplus, graffiti paint, retro video games and seedy sex shops are but a few things you’ll find in this arcade in the west side of town. And that’s not even going into the characters you’ll meet whilst you’re down there.

Students flock there picking up all kinds of worldly goods to see them through the long days of sitting around doing nothing. If you have time on your hand and fancy a good rummage, be prepared for what you might find!

In the same vein as places such as the Broadway cinema and Lee Rosy’s tea shop, the Alley Café is another establishment that only a select few will ever know about. Tucked away just off the market square on one of the quietest streets you’re likely to find in Nottingham, the Alley Café is a hub for students and locals alike, all sharing the good food, good drink, ethical, and community kind of spirit that brings this place alive.

Alley Café is tiny, and with only a handful of seats, you’re likely to have to wrestle your way to get seated, but the food and drink it has to offer alongside its unique charm is enough to keep you there for hours on end.

Situated in the depths of Camberwell in south London, Redstar is in an area that most East-enders would scoff at, at the thought of having to travel down there to go on a night out. There’s no decent bus service, and there’s no tube. But this hasn’t stopped Redstar being the surprise find of the clubbing scene.

Promoters have flocked here to put nights on at this two floor pub/bar/discotheque and it has seen some pretty exciting nights grace its generous sized stage.

The ground floor is a large open plan room with a long bar and big dance floor and stage area, easily described as an old ex pub. The upstairs room is a more intimate venue resembling more of a club than its downstairs counterpart.

Drinks are not City prices and you’ll often find the weird and wonderful nonchalantly bopping in and out like they own the place. If you can be bothered to travel, have a go.