Hunting for the Best Record Stores: Sounds and Grounds in Cowes

On the north coast of the Isle of Wight, tucked in the heart of Cowes, you'll find Sounds and Grounds. A family run second-hand record store and café where passion for vinyl meets a warm local welcome.

The Exterior of Sounds and Grounds

A family-run second-hand music shop

The story of Sounds and Grounds began when Jamie, who had recently moved to the island with his lovely wife Michelle, reached out to his now son-in-law Josh. With Josh's experience managing a music shop in Sutton, it quickly became a family affair. Together, they brought a shared dream to life. Building the shop from the ground up, shaping every shelf and counter by hand with emphasis on letting the original features of the building shine through. The result is a space that feels both personal and creative, where every detail tells part of their story.

From the start, Sounds and Grounds has been about community and a genuine love for vinyl. The shop grew from a desire to share music and keep the culture of record collecting alive. Their stock comes from independent collectors who reach out to sell or donate their collections, ensuring that every record has its own unique history and less records being lost to landfill. Each piece is carefully tested for scratches and given a fresh plastic sleeve with a detailed label and often noting recording dates and locations, a thoughtful touch that reflects their commitment to quality and care.

Inside Sounds and Grounds Showing The Vast Collection of Vinyl Available

A record shop and a community hub

The family take great pride in curating a collection that now spans around 8,000 records, available online via Discogs. Their website is due to be updated in the new year (2026), with things to look out for including new stock, branded merchandise, and the popular Shindig magazine. They're also planning more in store live events following the success of performances by the Tom Ford Quartet and Hipshaker, which filled the store with energy and community spirit. Whether you're after rare and sought after records or simply browsing for something new. The team offers personal recommendations backed by genuine knowledge and enthusiasm. Their love for music is infectious, it's clear from the chime of the guitar when you step through the door.

Manager Josh Serving Customers

And if you're in need of a break, the in store café is just as special. Offering a variety of coffees, teas, and hot chocolate with vegan plenty of options available, it's the perfect place to unwind after a good treasure hunt. The family are some of the loveliest people to chat with, always happy to share stories, talk music, or even photography. And if you visit, don't miss Michelle's dark chocolate hot chocolate it’s genuinely one of the best you'll ever taste. Sounds and Grounds isn't just a second hand record store; it's a community space built on passion, craft, and connection. Whether you're local or visiting the island, it's a place where music, conversation, and coffee come together beautifully.

The Best Hot Chocolate I've Ever Tasted.

Find Sounds and Grounds (Cowes, Isle of Wight) on Ganddee - your guide to shop vintage and second-hand across the UK and Ireland.