The Searchers

Nothing says 'class act' like a ladder with wheels. You know, the ones to reach those built-in shelves that go all the way to the ceiling. Preferably in a darkened oak reading room, with Chesterfield sofas, a well-stocked liquor trolley, a butler, and cigars and pipes on hand.

Those things notwithstanding, a ladder with wheels in a used record and book store on shabby (not shabby chic, just shabby) Smith Street also politely but firmly suggests class. More so, really, when the contextual competition is the bad fish & chip/dimmies joint across the road and the Funky Stuff exotic goods store in the Video Busters. Plus, it just doesn't get any classier than naming a second-hand place after the greatest Western ever made.

Proprietor Damien is one of the world's nice guys, and a gentleman and a scholar to boot. He's got a great selection of used vinyl and always has fresh stock to check up on. Books too - keep an eye on his art books, there are often amazing barely-read monographs of shit-hot artists here. He also has those Penguin anniversary orange paperbacks (cheap) and plenty of used stuff (did I mention the shelves reach the ceiling?).