discover new music over great coffee at this gorgeous hove record store

If you too have always dreamed of a cosy record shop where you can discover great music on vinyl whilst drinking proper coffee, then get excited, because Capsule Records is now open in Hove.

The new store has transformed the I Gigi site (RIP) on Western Road in Hove. Think sexy mid-century-inspired interiors and a gorgeous colour scheme coupled with heaps of carefully selected records from classics to re-issues and new releases with a focus on jazz, soul, funk, disco, house, dub and electronica. Swoon. We know where we’ll be hanging out from now on.

Sarah and Lawrence capsule records hove

Behind the new shop are co-founders and passionate music lovers Sarah Hennessy, Lawrence Bleach (pictured above) and Simon Skevington who say they will help customers identify their musical ‘sweet spots’, guiding them towards great new albums or labels.

The team have also curated a few collections, each containing up to 35 vinyl albums that are related by style of music, artist connections or label. The best thing? There’s no Spotify algorithm at play here!

“We’ve sourced some of the best albums and compilations we can, from old favourites to undiscovered gems. We’re really happy with the beautiful, relaxed space we’ve created here at Capsule. It’s somewhere people can drop by for a coffee, listen to great music, have a meeting, have a browse and hopefully indulge in the sheer joy that is discovering a new album or label,” said Sarah.

“Vinyl is something that transcends age. We welcome people who have been collecting records for decades, and young music lovers just starting out on their journey of discovery. You know that feeling when you find a new artist who makes the hairs on your arms stand up, or a record that fits perfectly in your collection? We’re all about helping customers achieve exactly that,” she added.

Capsule records hove

The clever addition of a comfy cafe at the back of the welcoming store means you can relax, enjoy the atmosphere and the great in-store sounds. Run by Hove roastery Black Mocha, as well as their own coffee, they’ll also be serving up tasty teas from local tea brand MDTea.

And if you are popping down (which we’d definitely recommend that you do), then don’t forget your headphones – each record features QR codes allowing you to listen to an album before you commit to buy. Clever stuff!

We also love the fact that (unlike some record shops), there’s zero snootiness here. As Sarah says: “Everyone is welcome here… we’ll inspire, guide or just leave you browsing in blissful solitude to find something you’ll love.”

Tuesdays to Fridays, 11am – 6pm; Saturdays, 10am – 6pm; Sundays, 11am – 5pm
37 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF

capsulerecords.co.uk