is officially open!

It's on Dray Walk, the pedestrian bit between Brick Lane and the car park at the back of the old Truman's Brewery, two doors down from the Big Chill bar.

The shop is L-shaped and big for Rough Trade standards, think about half the size of the Fopp on Tottenham Court Road (RIP). Cafe with confy seats at the front, stage at the back and a huge counter with gramophones for your listening pleasure. Industrial decor in brown and grey. It smells of fresh paint.

CDs in tall racks similar to Fopp, vinyl on more traditonal browse storage. Stocks appear to be a little low and don't try to buy 7" because they haven't been entered into the computer yet. Many boxes await unpacking.

Staff look stressed.