Music / wapping wharf
Independent record shop to open in Wapping Wharf
Longwell Records, which has welcomed a long line of big-name and emerging musicians into its Keynsham shop over the years, is embarking on a new chapter with the launch of a shop in Bristol.
Wapping Wharf will be the home of Longwell Records’ second shop, stocking new and used vinyl records and t-shirts with designs by local artists including Oli T and Inkie.
Artists including Razorlight, Amber Run, Billy Nomates, Mike Peters, The Allergies, Phoxjaw and Jade Bird have performed in the Keynsham shop since it first opened in 2016.
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Owner Iain Aitchison, who grew up in Southmead and describes himself as “a lover of all things Bristol”, said: “I’m really looking forward to becoming part of Wapping Wharf’s very supportive independent community and bringing some added spice to an area that is already a fantastic location.
“I am hoping to bring some quite big names to our new home, making the most of the great relationships we have with many record labels.”
Musicians Marla and David Celia, with Iain Aitchison in the middle.
Iain opened Longwell Records’ shop in Keynsham after a 30-year career in the NHS as a substance misuse worker and support worker, supporting people with learning disabilities. A EuroMillions lottery winner helped Iain launch his Keynsham shop, by offering him six months’ worth of rent, after spotting his potential as a shopkeeper.
“My shop has grown into something quite special; it’s very inclusive and supportive of the local arts and music scene.
“We stock new and used vinyl with a great reputation for price and for our friendly approach. We know our customers by name, and vice versa, and often have conversations about things going on in their day-to-day life, a mutually supportive relationship.”
The new shop will be located in Cargo 2 at Wapping Wharf in the unit formerly home to ethical clothing shop Found Hea, which is now focusing on its new venture with Fig 1 at Quakers Friars.
Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Iain and his team to Wapping Wharf. It’s brilliant that they are bringing something completely new to the already eclectic mix of independent businesses that call the neighbourhood their home.”
Main photo: Longwell Records.
Read more: ‘I knew early on that Wapping Wharf must have independents at its heart’
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