Fat Black Record

What is it? Fatblack sounds faintly confrontational until you realise it’s simply a nod to the glossy heft of black vinyl. Tucked away in Huamark, the shop caters to modern collectors who prefer their pressings fresh and their sound systems considered. A few steps away, sleeker machines from Rega hint at more serious aspirations. 

Why we love it: Order, blessed order. Everything is arranged with intention, so you’re not crouching on the floor rifling through neglected stacks hoping for treasure. The curation feels sharp without being snobbish. You can browse without intimidation, which is rarer than it should be in audiophile circles. The pricing is fair, too. Not bargain-bin fantasy, but sensible enough that upgrading your speakers or building a first setup feels achievable rather than reckless. The staff speak in calm, comprehensible sentences and they’ll happily explain the difference between cartridges without making you feel like you’ve wandered into a physics seminar. 

Time Out tip: Scan carefully. Among the crisp new pressings you’ll spot vintage records in surprisingly pristine condition, hiding modestly between contemporary releases.

Thara Rom Alley, Hua Mak. Open daily, midday-8pm