Hanging Around Dalston With Cool People

Widely considered as the ‘coolest’ place to live in London, Dalston started out as a small hamlet in the parish of Hackney. It embraced rapid urbanisation in mid-1800 and grew to include the surrounding areas of Shacklewell and Kingsland.

Its ‘cool’ image originated from associations with pop culture and its role as a 70s and 80s pub rock venue.

Mangal 1 Ocakbasi

Welcome to a world of succulent kebabs from the Turkish barbeque. You will be drawn to the smoky smell of meat cooking on the grill from halfway down Arcola Street. With more than two decades of excellent service, this place offers great food at a reasonable price.

Address: 10 Arcola Street, London E8 2DJ  Tel: 0207 275 8981
Website: www.mangal1.com  Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

Floyd’s

Floyd’s is a quiet little neighbourhood restaurant that serves contemporary European food, and it is slowly gaining momentum as one of the best restaurants in the area. Their menu is full of surprising flavours and keeps changing to accommodate seasonal produce from the region.

Address: 89 Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2EB  Tel: 0207 923 7714
Website: www.floydsonthelane.co.uk  Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

Dalston Roof Park

This is a great place to be on a warm summers evening. It offers a distinct selection of English pints and a hustle of activity. Here you will find lively gigs, movie screenings and other events. Originally a factory, this place was restored by Zector Architects, who turned it into a paradise overlooking a stunning skyline.

Address: 18 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL  Tel: 0207 275 0825
Website: www.bootstrapcompany.co.uk/community-event-spaces/dalston-roof-park/about-dalston-roof-park/
Nearest train station: Dalston Junction

Café Oto

This place is a haven for music lovers. A refreshing café by day, and an electric open space for lively music by night, it has consistently been a favourite among Londoners. It hosts performances by talented artists specializing in a wide range of experimental music like improv or jazz/psych rock.

Address: 18-22 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL  Website: www.cafeoto.co.uk
Nearest train station: Dalston Junction

Vortex Jazz Club

The Vortex is now one of the best jazz bars and live music venues in London, and it was originally founded to encourage local jazz musicians. It hosts a diverse selection of beautiful jazz music like contemporary, folk, gypsy, etc. Its popularity draws in an enthusiastic crowd which makes it cramped at times, but this only works to add to its ramshackle charisma.

Address: 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ  Tel: 0207 254 4097
Website: www.vortexjazz.co.uk  Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

The Railway Tavern Ale House

Offering an unusual combination of the good old English pint along with spicy Thai food, this is hands down the best place for a relaxing pint in Dalston. They have six taps serving authentic real ales from around London in rotation. It generates a casual and nostalgic ambience, with interiors that have a mid-century style complemented by an artful array of railway-related decor.

Address: 2 St. Jude Street, London N16 8JT
Website: www.facebook.com/RailwayTavernAleHouse/
Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

Ruby’s

If you haven’t had enough of Dalston’s retro element yet, then head to this cosy romantic bar, famous for its dishevelled appeal. A dilapidated-looking stairway leads you to where it is located in the basement of a five-storey town house. Their fabled drinks throw in unexpected twists of flavours in traditional cocktail recipes, which are served in vintage milk bottles. Their great music keeps up with the high standards set by its drinks and the ambience, and there is a black and white chequered dance floor as an added bonus.

Address: 76 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 7XB  Website: www.rubysdalston.com
Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

Spurstowe Arms

This place might look inconspicuous on the outside, but its interiors have a mature and sophisticated allure with polished brass, a grand horseshoe bar counter, along with freshly cut flowers at every table. Their achievement lies in the fact that both their drinks and food are equally brilliant. They have therefore garnered a loyal following among customers because, once here, you will want to visit it again.

Address: 68 Greenwood Road, London E8 1AB  Website: www.thespurstowearms.com
Nearest train station: Hackney Central

Rio Cinema

A part of Dalston’s rich association with pop culture for over a century now, this landmark is one of the few single-screened independent movie houses left in London. It shows an assortment of great movies for all ages, from all around the world, in its luxurious two-floor auditorium.

Address: 107 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB  Tel: 0207 241 9410
Website: www.riocinema.org.uk  Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

These are just some of the interesting places Dalston has to offer. So make a trip to Dalston on your next weekend and experience its buoyant charm for yourself!

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