I LOVE this store, they have an excellent service committed to excellence. If they take a little…read morewhile replying to your emails, I can assure that it is because they are giving their best trying to give you the best solution. You can definitely trust them. Support small record stores!!

Great independent store which is a nice change from HMV!read more

HMV in Newcastle is located in the intu Eldon Square Shopping Mall, in a form of "bridge" on the…read moremall, hence it comes from the name Blackett Bridge which is the sort of street name used to make it easier to locate the store, even though it isn't on a street and is inside the mall anyway. The staff around the store didn't seem overly friendly, and the product range I saw was basically average for a HMV store. Inside, the store once again was average, maybe slightly below that, it wasn't the nicest of stores, albeit it wasn't the worst either and hadn't yet received the modernisation which some stores, such as my local branch of HMV at the Manchester Arndale have received. Some of the pricing was competitive, albeit more expensive, in some cases considerably more expensive than online retail giant Amazon. The selection of games was also minimal. The store was quite large being over two floors but still the overall feel of the store and other aspects I have mentioned sadly mean I feel this store is only worthy of a low two star rating.

Darlington is a pretty small town and has had many music shops in the past (with 'Williams' being…read morethe longest standing and most prominent). I personally think the Darlington Music Centre is one of the best music stores we've had in Darlington, the staff are friendly and always very willing and helpful. The prices are pretty competitive and if appropriate they have been willing to negotiate in the past. For a music store in a small town they also have a decent selction of guitars including big name originals like Gibson, Fender and PRS. Also for those of you wanting to learn how to play an instrument you can enquire in store for guitar lessons or drum lessons, in fact you can take the drum lessons at the back of the store so you don't need a drum kit and don't need to annoy your neighbours (until you decide you're serious about it!;)

Was looking for some sheet music & books for base guitar. A fair selection available. Have been in…read morea few times & have found it has what I need.

This is a good sized store and is one of my favourites if ever I need a DVD, CD or video game. They…read morehave many offers (they nearly always have some sort of offer on) such a buy one get one free, 3 for 2, etc. Because it is such a popular store, the queues can be very long but staff are great and usually apologetic. Their prices are good too.

This is a large spacious store located in the centre of the bridges shopping centre. Loads of…read moreoffers available on all current music and films. A valid NUS card gets a further 10% off in store and online. Really busy at this time of year but worth a visit as you can get something for everyone.

One of Newcastle's independant record shops, it's tucked away but 5 mins from the Haymarket bus…read morestation. I remember this shop when it was called 'Steel Wheels'. It may have changed to a name of lesser quality but the stock is still decent. This shop sells mostly CD's and vinyl. There is also a selection of DVDs, T-shirts and tickets for local gigs can be purchased here. This place is well worth a browse on your lunch break. There are many hidden treasures to be found. Just think, Aladdins cave without the push and shove of heaving H.M.V. The prices are relatively similar though. The genres range from dub-step to black metal.

I have ordered CD's from Spin for a few years and never had a problem until now…read more I have one order that has not been delivered after six months. I emailed and received replies from Steve Brooks apologies, will ship ASAP, suppliers on Christmas holidays but no CD's received and now I do not receive a response to my last email. A second order is now two weeks overdue and still no response to requests for a despatch confirmation. The money for both orders has, of course, been taken from my credit card. So receiving goods is a bit hit and miss or, in my case, completely miss.

Sometimes, you just have to be patient. Yes, items can take some time to be delivered, but it is…read moreworth the wait. If you have any doubts on your order, the team there are quick on emails and are approachable when phoning them. They get just as frustrated as I do when they are waiting for stock. If you are a fan of great music, this is the place to go.

Best music shop for miles around! You can get most anything musical in here and if it's not in…read morestore the staff will probably get it for you. Used and new instruments available. Also great news/noticeboard for musicians etc.

My personal favourite place to buy meat, veggies and bread…read more Big barn type market in the centre of Newcastle. Numerous stalls that offer all types of different services. Numerous award winning butchers that offer prime cuts of meat, fantastic mince and healthy plump chickens and eggs! Wonderful bakery that makes the best breads and pastry I have tried. Wonderful vegetables and fruit stands where you get can a serious deal on great vegetables. Cheapest and most authentic pick and mix selection I have ever seen Fish monger, show repair, tea shop, cafes, clothing and boot sale, cd shops, home repair, clothing alterations ... Even a room with a scale in it! Grainger Market is magical. A must see, I consider the market a tourist attraction because of how traditional it is. The people in the booths all seem very authentic and very helpful.

It took me far too long to actually go to Grainger market. I love places with lots of little…read moreindividual businesses. I was used to markets being places with cheap tat and someone with a thick Black Country accent yelling from a van about sausages, and it's just definitely not like that here. There are still veggies, butchers (and decent cheeses to boot), but there are some seriously talented craftspeople too. It's good for a look around even if you don't feel like buying anyth8ng, odds are you probably will end up doing so.