MUSIC fans from an independent Oxford record label have combined their passion for bands and beer by opening a shop selling both.

Big Scary Monsters, which has been releasing records from alternative bands for 20 years, have been putting the finishing touches to their new shop in Cowley Road, which they hope to open when lockdown ends next week.

The Big Scary Monsters Social Club is part bar and part music shop, and will give fans a chance to pick up releases by some of the label’s artists. Its location is perfect for music fans, being close to the Truck Store record shop, The Music Box instrument shop, and the city’s principal gig venues, the O2 Academy and The Bullingdon, along with popular bar, The Library.

Oxford Mail:

The driving force behind the idea is Kev Douch, who with Jack Clothier, also helped set up Oxford’s Alcopop label.

Mr Douch said: “The Social Club is part record store, part craft beer bottle shop and we decided to set it up as a way to realise two separate dreams: to run an independent record shop and bar.

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“Obviously right now isn’t ideal timing but honestly when is? So we’re braced for a tough winter and excited for spring when people will be able to drink in and we can perhaps even host the odd acoustic in-store.”

He said the shop was stocked with 400 LPs and 150 beers.

Oxford Mail:

He added: “The records are mostly from the punk, emo, math rock, instrumental and alternative worlds and the beers range from pale ales through to chocolate orange flavoured stouts and everything in between.

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We will be opening our doors for browsing and meeting our lovely new neighbours next week.”

See bsmsocialclub.com