LDNERS

Fave Places in Dalston

Max Venning

Three Sheets, the cocktail bar co-founded by Max Venning with his brother Noel, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and in honour of the milestone, he's curated his own guide to Dalston. A resident since 2013, he's seen the area change, with legendary nightclubs like Visions and Dance Tunnel being replaced by cocktail bars and restaurants. As he says, " I’m not going to bang on about how great it used to be, although it was, it's still an incredible place to live, it’s just a little more grown up."

THE DUSTY KNUCKLE

Is the potato sourdough at Dusty Knuckle the best loaf of bread in London? It’s definitely up there. A great bakery and a great company that really cares about what they do and about looking after people. The products are all really top notch, alongside the aforementioned loaf, a special shout out to the breakfast roll, and the chilli cheese focaccia with bacon.

PARASOL

A relatively new underground cocktail bar with a DJ and a nice buzz. Although we miss the Nest nightclub that was there a few years back, this is really the venue for the modern Dalston-goer. Great tunes and affordable drinks.

ARARAT BREAD

Right at the end of the market, just by St Mark's Rise is a stalwart of Dalston. The guys there allude to the fact it is a mix of Pakistani and Turkish heritage. What I do know is that a fresh naan from here is as good as you’ll get in London. For a hangover I go for the cheese bread to take the edge off.

EARTH

Two great venues rolled into one, this is as eclectic a mix of music as you’ll find anywhere. Venture upstairs for a brilliant venue that feels like it’s from another era, and downstairs for a more clubby vibe. I’d also pop into Mersin Tantuni next door for a delish Turkish snack on my way home.

DEAD GOOD COFFEE

Obviously I’m biased, we share the space with these guys to do our prep in Dalston. The coffee is great and the vibes are even better. Matcha is not really my jam but they do great matcha based drinks, and an amazing Croque in a Croissant. You can grab a seat and watch the guys prepare the cocktails for the week ahead.

SPURSTOWE ARMS

Long the hangout for the fashion crowd and now a mix of this, plus the families that have moved to the area. Always busy, always fun and with the added addition of Dough Hands, the best London pizza I’ve had so far. People sometimes say the service is a bit slow, but in reality they’re a lovely crew.

UMUT 2000

Well documented, and rightly so. The best in the area especially if you’re looking for some more interesting dishes, although the classics are also great. Chicken kofte and lamb shish is my order, and if we’re with a group, probably we’d add the lamb’s liver on hummus too. You can still twist their arm for decent corkage, and the food fits so well with a great bottle of red.

HECTOR'S

Jimmy made his name over at Hill & Szrok when it was maybe the coolest restaurant in East London, and then a few years ago he brought his brilliant palate over to Dalston and opened Hectors. As is thankfully becoming more commonplace, he really pioneered Natural wines that don't taste like a farmyard. Championing conscious winemakers that produce wines with finesse and nuance. Go early, it's rightly popular.

PAPO'S BAGELS

Believe the hype, as good a bagel as you'll get in London. They just moved to Hackney Downs but I’m keeping that in the Dalston conurbation area. In the summer you have to go for Georgia’s Heirloom “IYKYK”, especially when there’s wild garlic about.

BABSANG

Korean food and a busy vibe. They do table barbecues, but I’m more into the starters and the fried chicken with yangnyeom Sauce. The topokki is amazing alongside some ice cold Hite beers and soju. The owners are always kicking about and are great fun.

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