You’re now right in front of Beanos-have a good look! The building stands out with its bold purple and yellow brick facade, nestled just off the corner of Middle Street. There’s a splash of green from the plants lining the upper windows, and a grand old arch above the entrance. To the right, you’ll spot a more classic barbershop with jaunty red stripes, but keep your eyes on the quirky, purple Beanos sign-right on the left, near the corner. That’s your landmark.
Now let’s imagine you’ve just stepped into the 1970s. There’s a buzz in the air, the faint thump of a bassline leaking under the door, and the distant whiff of vinyl records-a bit like summer rain on plastic, with a hint of adventure. Beanos wasn’t just a shop; it was a whole world for music lovers. Founded in 1975 by David Lashmar, who fancied himself a bit of a rock star, this place kept growing, moving into bigger and bigger homes until finally landing here, inside what was once an old printing works. The walls, if they could sing, would probably belt out a bit of Bowie or The Clash.
Picture people flicking through endless rows of records, searching for hidden gems. There’d be laughter, the occasional heated debate-“Rolling Stones or The Beatles?”-and the constant hiss and crackle as another vinyl found its match. By the 90s, Beanos was a legend, the biggest second-hand record shop in Europe. If you wanted rare vinyl, this was THE spot-but survive the rise of CDs and supermarket music? That was like trying to out-dance Michael Jackson in his prime!
As times got tough and Beanos had to shrink, music fans clung on, hoping for a miracle. The shop finally closed in 2009, but not before sending 8,000 records off to make movie magic in The Boat That Rocked and starring in a film itself. Even after, Beanos kept shape-shifting: a quirky market called STUFF, then a lively kids’ play café, and now it’s a private event venue called Project B-a new story for each visitor.
Imagine, just for a moment, the sound of jazz, rock, and laughter echoing off these courtly yellow bricks. Maybe, if you listen closely, you’ll still catch that rhythm in the street air. If these walls could make a playlist, it would be worth a million-and knowing Beanos, it would definitely be on vinyl.
If you’re ready for even more Croydon tales, let’s take a stroll to our next stop!
