Rough Trade

About Us

Rough Trade began trading in 1976 at 202 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill.

Originally specialising in US and Jamaican imports, it soon became one of the leading outlets for the burgeoning punk scene, and subsequently a pilgrimage point for anyone buying or selling new DIY new wave music and fanzines.

In 1978, Rough Trade Records was born. The first release was Paris Marquis by Metal Urbain, soon to be followed with releases by Stiff Little Fingers, Swell Maps, The Raincoats, Cabaret Voltaire...

After a period of rapid growth, the shop and label businesses separated 1982. As a result, the shop moved round the corner to 130 Talbot Road and the label went on to sign some band called The Smiths.

In 2006 we celebrated our 30th Anniversary

And now in 2007 alongside a refurbished Talbot Road store, you see our biggest project yet, the East End shop just off Brick Lane

A revised and more ambitious Album Club (complete with digital subscription) follows soon.....