Uptown Records 3 D'Arblay Street London W1V 3FD Tel 020 7434 3639 Fax 020 7434 3649 Click here for a map

Uptown Records, the name says it all really, one of central London's premier record shops found in the heart of Soho, a visit here will not dissapoint.

The shops is on two floors, the ground floor sells Soul, RnB and hip hop, take a trott down the spiral staircase and downstairs you will find US house/garage and UK Garage. As this reviewer is partial to some US Garage it's this part of the shop we will concentrate on.

Downstairs, which is fully air-conditioned and believe me you need in the summer, you will find house by the shed load. US, UK even some Italian but only the class stuff you understand.

The manager downstairs is Paul Farris, who when not behind the counter can be found gigging at some of the countries premier club nights. Paul knows his stuff and will always point you in the right direction. There are six or seven listening posts which means even at the busiest of times you can get to hear what you want.

Uptown seem to have a monopoly on Subliminal records and also lots of Soul Furic test pressings. You will also find all the usual US House suspects as well as Defected and other UK offerings.

Into accapellas, well look no further, plus some classic Salsoul tracks among others. Downstairs is also a UK Garage freaks version of heaven with all the latest whites to keep you going.

Uptown also stocks all sorts of records bags and boxes as well as slipmats and run a mail order service to boot.

The club4it.com team rate Uptown highly, the service is excellent and if they don't stock it then it's probably not worth having.