I'm so happy that Norwich can sustain a good, old-fashioned independent record store. This place is…read morethe epitome of that. It's got a wide selection of vinyl and CDs from bands you know and bands you don't and a deck in store if you are so inclined to "scratch". The staff are helpful but it can feel a little like you don't belong if you're not quite hip and trendy. That's always the case with these places though so you just have to tell yourself you are cool enough. If I need gig tickets I find this is a really good place to come, they've got all the gigs listed outside and it's easy to buy them for all the major venues in Norwich. This is what a record shop should be. The only problem is money, I don't have any and for that reason it's an utter tease. I go in for a single and I want to come out with my arms filled but I can't. Also kudos to the guy in there for being honest and saying it'd be cheaper and better to just buy a new record player from Cash Converters than to buy a new needle from him. He might have lost that sale but he gained this good review and my future business.

A REAL indie store. Helpful staff. Large selection of Vinyl & CD + books/zines & they also handle…read moregig tickets. Support them.

I like music, but not playing it. I have zero talent. I can't even play "Chopsticks" or "Yankee…read moreDoodle Dandy" without missing a key. So when the guys in the office (who do have talent) decided this was our lunch time distraction, I was a little hesitant. Cookes is a large store with a great selection of musical instruments and other tools of the music industry. Guitars, keyboards, amplifiers, drums, lighting booms, microphones and recording equipment. Lots of it looked very expensive, but there were a few bargains to be had for the beginner who is just checking it out. I didn't buy anything, but I was certainly impressed by the selection. My coworkers, who do have talent, come here at least once a week and can usually be found lugging something back to the office.

Situated on the opposite side of the river to all the trendy bars and clubs on Riverside is The…read moreWaterfront. A grimy, run down building with a lackluster interior and a floor that your feet will stick to all night long. But don't let that put you off! During the week it is used as a music venue and although you'll never see the likes of Oasis play there, it does attract great up and coming bands. It also offers local bands a chance to showcase their talent with nights organised by local promoters. At the weekends the venue is used as a club that generally caters for the 'alternative' Norwich scene. Friday nights tend to alternate each week between 80's and 90's theme, which may sound cheesy but the DJ's actually play decent music from those decades. It is nothing like your typical Flares or Reflex nightclubs. Every Saturday in the main room downstairs is a club night called Meltdown, which tends to play alternative music catering for the indie/emo/punk/rock/dance genres. Up stairs there are two rooms. One is a small café bar, which is great to as a chill out area as there are plenty of tables and chairs located around. The other room is larger which has a different set of DJ's each week will be a different themed night. Anything from New Electro to Britpop to Heavy Metal or Rap. There's rarely any trouble in The Waterfront and you'll always make a new friend each time you go there. Overall, it's a great night out with a quality friendly atmosphere!

Despite the dated look and the sticky floor this is probably the best place to catch bands on their…read moreway up. With a capacity of about 750 it feels intimate even when full. Bar is not too pricey, possibly due to catering to a student crowd. Check what is on and give it a go.

In general, I don't buy my CDs or DVDs in HMV anymore. This store is quite good though, in that it…read moresells tickets to local gigs. The staff were friendly and enabled my student discount even though I had forgotten my NUS card on one occasion, which was nice of them - they didn't have to! The store is big, a lot bigger than it looks from the outside, and the range is generally good. They often have sales on, though I think the 'sale price' is no better than online prices if you look around.

HMV is situated on Gentlemans walk (there is another closer one in the Chapelfield Mall) the main…read moreshopping area of Norwich. Once I was outside this shop a visitor described it as a tardis..and yes it seems a lot bigger inside than you would think. Always a good place to pick up some CD/DVD/game bargains when they have a sale on. As you would expect from a mainstream outlet like this they are always fully stocked with popular and new releases. If however you are after more obscure titles the staff are always helpful in ordering what you want. Just recently the store has had a re-vamp and they have made the games area much larger with a lot more demo machines so you can try before you buy and surf the web to find your next purchase.

The Chapelfield HMV is of a good size, and stocks many dvds, cds, electronics and games. The store…read moreis relatively easy to navigate as items are clearly sectioned throughout. The range of stock varies, and although there is a lot available it is not the best place to go if there is a specialist or rare item that you're looking for. HMV predominantly deals in chart and well known films and artists. The staff are very helpful and friendly on most visits.

This HMV store is in Chapelfield and is the larger of the two stores in the city. The shop is very…read morebusy especially during the run up to christmas. It is very well laid out, you are able to actually find what you are looking for without always asking for assistance. The store displays vast amounts of CD's, DVD's and Games, you will certainly find something suitable for everybody. The staff are great and will help you as soon as you need assistance, they are well trained and know their music and films and obviously love their job. The prices are fairly reasonable and you can certainly get an excellent bargain at sale time, especially on DVD's so you can buy early and tuck them away for Christmas. HMV also take returns without too much fuss providing they are unopened, they also sell gift cards which are great to pop in the post to friends and relatives.