Shop talk

Last Friday I popped into Gramex, the world’s best second-hand classical CD and record shop, just behind Waterloo Station.

Last Friday I popped into Gramex, the world’s best second-hand classical CD and record shop, just behind Waterloo Station. The owner took one look at me and declared, ‘This gentleman is tired. He needs a cup of tea and a Belgian bun.’ Before I had time to reply he dashed into the bakery opposite. Two minutes later I sat there, sticky bun in hand, while he put the kettle on.

They wouldn’t do that in HMV. Actually, I suspect they won’t be doing anything in HMV by this time next year. One of its Oxford Street stores has closed; the other contains the only proper classical music department in the capital and — no offence — it has the smell of death about it.

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