This post is part of my London Neighbourhood Guides series. Fancy visiting another area of London? Check out my other guides here, which all include information regarding the sights, history, charm, food and drinks of the area you’re curious about.
Let’s be honest: Dalston High Street isn’t exactly a looker. It’s loud, chaotic, a bit messy and yet, somehow, completely magnetic. That’s because what Dalston lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in character. This is a neighbourhood that buzzes with life, creativity and culture. It’s one of the few parts of London that still feels truly “real”.
Dalston’s vibrant energy comes from its people. For over a century, waves of immigration have shaped the culture of the area. Once a hub for Jewish communities from central Europe, it later became a key arrival point for Caribbean immigrants in the 1950s and 60s. More recently, it’s become home to Turkish, Vietnamese and Polish Londoners, and that blend of influences is still felt everywhere.
Take Ridley Road Market, for example. This open-air market is the beating heart of Dalston. You’ll find stalls selling everything from African-Caribbean music and fabrics to Middle Eastern groceries. Don’t miss Ararat Bread, where they bake the fluffiest, freshest naan in town.
Let’s take a closer look then! The map below shows the boundaries of the Borough of Hackney, and the area highlighted in blue is the neighbourhoods I cover in this post, which consist of Dalston and Shacklewell.
Music and Nightlife
Dalston’s love of music and nightlife runs deep. The main street is lined with late-night venues, off-licenses and food spots, but it’s the places tucked just off the main drag that give the area its soul.
One of the best is Cafe OTO, a low-key café by day that transforms into an experimental music venue at night. It’s the kind of place where you can stumble into something completely unexpected. Think abstract jazz, noise sets, even artist talks. Vogue Italia once called it the coolest venue in London, and honestly, that still holds up.
Another favourite is EartH, a beautifully restored former cinema that now functions as a sprawling event space. The programming is always eclectic. One night it might be a rising London indie act, the next, an acoustic set from a global star (the Jonas Brothers, believe it or not, once did a secret gig here). Around the corner, The Shacklewell Arms serves up cheap pints, great live music and a reliably scruffy crowd. Vortex Jazz Club, just off Gillett Square, is a brilliant spot for intimate jazz gigs. I’ve been a few times, and it always delivers something special, whether it’s experimental or classic. Servant Jazz Quarters is another beloved venue in the area, and while I haven’t made it there yet, it’s constantly recommended by people whose taste I trust.
Culture & Entertainment
Dalston also has a fascinating past as a local entertainment hotspot. In the early to mid-20th century, the neighbourhood was full of cinemas and theatres. Most are long gone, but the Rio Cinema still stands proudly on Kingsland High Street. It’s one of the last independent cinemas in London, and you feel that history as soon as you step inside. Whether it’s a cult classic or a new release, the Rio makes any screening feel like an event.
If you’re after something more interactive, there’s Draughts, a board game bar tucked away near the station. With good beer and hundreds of games to choose from, it’s an easy way to spend a few hours, and a welcome break from Dalston’s usual high-octane pace.
Bars
There’s no shortage of bars in Dalston, and each one brings its own personality. If you’re after well-made drinks and a little polish, High Water is an excellent place to start. Three Sheets is another small but exceptional cocktail bar, known for its stripped-back menu and inventive drinks. Despite its minimal design, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s relaxed, approachable, and consistently brilliant. One of the best spots in the area for something a little more refined is Hacha, a beautifully designed agaveria known for its crystal-clear mirror margaritas.
For a slower-paced evening, dan’s is a warm and friendly neighbourhood wine bar that’s easy to settle into. It’s the kind of place where you might stop for a quick glass and end up staying for hours. The wine list leans natural without being fussy, and the staff are always happy to make recommendations. It’s cosy, unfussy, and very much in tune with the spirit of the neighbourhood.
Dalston is a real hub for audiophiles, with several venues designed as much for the sound as the drinks. “mu” is a sleek, Japanese-inspired listening bar — all soft lighting, sharp cocktails, and rich vinyl playing through a beautiful sound system. Brilliant Corners has a similar energy, with DJs spinning vinyl and a crowd that’s somehow both relaxed and completely tuned in. Both places blur the line between bar and club, but in the calmest, most curated way.
For a louder, more unpredictable night, Bar Lotus delivers neon lights, pulsing music and a party vibe without the full club commitment. And if you’re in the mood for something truly offbeat, there’s Warehaus, a part-gallery, part-bar, part-party hidden in an industrial unit. It’s the kind of place you don’t find unless you know, but when you do, you’re in for a weirdly wonderful night.
Pubs
Despite all the bars, you can still find proper pubs around here, though you’ll have to wander off the high street to discover them. The Prince George and The Prince Arthur are both excellent neighbourhood spots, within five minutes of each other.
The Railway Tavern has a slightly more traditional feel. This place feels like the Platonic ideal of a London pub: warm lighting, great beer, friendly staff and just enough room to tuck yourself into a corner. It strikes the perfect balance between being a proper drinking pub and somewhere you could just as easily read a book on a quiet afternoon. The selection of beers is always solid, and it draws a good mix of locals and newcomers.
Just around the corner, Red Hand is a more modern take on the pub. It’s smaller, sharper and focused almost entirely on craft beer. The ever-changing tap list is always interesting, with local breweries well represented. It’s less traditional than some of the other spots nearby, but that’s part of its charm. It feels very Hackney in the best way.
Cafes & Bakeries
Coffee lovers will feel right at home here. The best cup of coffee available in Dalston can be found at the Allpress Espresso Roastery. The origins of Allpress Espresso can be traced back to Auckland, New Zealand. It was 1986, and Michael Allpress was gaining traction with Allpress Espresso Carts, an idea he grabbed onto after witnessing Seattle’s specialty coffee boom.
Today, Allpress Espresso operates a dozen cafes, employs almost 250 people, and sells more than 1,500 tonnes of coffee each year to restaurants and cafes around the world. The Roastery in Dalston acts as a base of operations for their entire UK and European business, so it’s not any random chain spot.
Just a short walk away, Brunswick East brings the best of Aussie brunch culture to Dalston. Set inside a converted industrial building, it’s bright and airy with a menu full of fresh, seasonal dishes that keep locals coming back.
For a peaceful break from the bustle, the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a hidden green oasis. This community-run garden is packed with wildflowers, handmade seating and offers a quiet spot to enjoy a tea or coffee while soaking up some fresh air.
Finally, no visit to Dalston is complete without stopping by The Dusty Knuckle. Widely considered one of London’s best bakeries, it’s famous for its sourdough loaves and those irresistible focaccia sandwiches. Whether you’re grabbing a sandwich or just a crusty loaf, it’s the kind of place you want to keep coming back to.
Casual Eats
Dalston is full of places where you can get a great meal without the need for reservations or a dress code. It’s the kind of neighbourhood that really values good food served in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re after a quick bite on a lunch break or something comforting after a night out, there are plenty of options that hit the spot.
Mangal I is a proper Dalston institution. This Turkish grill has been around for years and still draws a steady crowd. The focus here is simple: perfectly cooked lamb and smoky flatbreads that keep people coming back time and again. I don’t eat meat, but I absolutely love their cold mezze plate and falafel.
If Korean food is more your vibe, Babsang serves up comforting, authentic dishes with warm flavours and generous portions. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back and feel instantly at home. My favourite dishes include the toppoki (rice cakes in a spicy sweet sauce), Korean Fried Tofu, and the jiajang (black bean sauce) with noodles.
For a quick, tasty bite on the go, Papo’s Bagels brings a slice of New York to East London. Their fresh bagels, piled high with classic fillings, are perfect for a packed lunch. I have eaten many a lox and schmear bagel on hiking trips outside London.
Swanky Restaurants
For a more elevated dining experience, Dalston has plenty to offer. Mangal 2, run by two brothers, takes the Turkish grill to the next level with creative dishes full of personality and vibrant flavours. It’s a great spot for a night out that feels both special and unpretentious. Read my separate restaurant review on Mangal 2 here.
Little Duck: The Picklery is a charming, minimalist restaurant focusing on hyper-seasonal plates, many of which feature their signature house-made pickles. It’s perfect if you enjoy thoughtful, creative food in a relaxed setting.
Oren has quickly become one of the area’s go-to destinations for Mediterranean cuisine. With fresh ingredients and bold flavours, it offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that suits everything from casual dinners to celebratory meals.
For those after a bold and communal dining vibe, Acme Fire Cult combines open-flame cooking with a cool, industrial aesthetic. The food is full of fire and flair, making it a standout spot for something a little different.
Dalston and Shacklewell might not have the polished high streets or postcard-perfect charm of other London neighbourhoods, but that is exactly what makes them special. These are places full of life, creativity, and a real sense of community. Cultures mix easily, music drifts out onto the pavement, and excellent food is always close by. Whether you are here for a gig, a quiet coffee, a proper meal, or a night that ends later than planned, there is always something happening. Nothing feels forced or overly curated. It just feels real. That is what keeps people coming back.
What will you explore first in Dalston and Shacklewell?
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