Dalston Bars

When it comes to the nitty, fun and gritty of live music in London, The Victoria is up where with some of the best of them. Not only a prime indie music space, The Victoria is ever a bustling pub known for their affordable pints, classic interiors and top pub grub.

Three Compasses is a charming pub on Dalston Lane that doesn't conform to what you'd typically expect from a popular bar in zone two. It isn't a super-chic hipster parade with a microbrewery and a room for stroking cats; it takes a much more simple approach - focusing on serving up some of the best burgers in London, pouring the finest ales, offering a plethora of board games, and boasts some of the friendliest bar folk around. 

Not only is this east London spot bringing you innovative cocktails, craft beer and Basque ciders, but they're soaking it all up with mouthwatering Spanish-inspired dishes. Expect Atlantic plancha with a side of vinyl music and a laid-back atmosphere.

Little sister to Dalston Superstore and Voodoo Ray's, come to this camp paradise for the ultimate kitsch night out. Drag queens lead the night as you take to the stage, belting amazing songs and aided by special effects, all while sipping cocktails.

Rudie's is a chilled-out, Jamaican-inspired bar in Dalson offering up tasty Caribbean food using traditional Jamaican cooking techniques, a delicious array of crafty cocktails and a great reggae soundtrack.

While it may be a slight walk from Dalston, if there's any pub in East London that's worth it, it's Hand Of Glory. Noted for their witchcraft and pagan inspired interiors, head on down for a premium pub meal alongside their Seven Deadly Gins. 

Bringing food, wine, cocktails and sleek interiors, this gorgeous bar in Dalston also hosts a series of DJs, live acts, art exhibits and a range of other creative events.

Continually rated as one of the true gems on the east London scene, Ruby's pulls in crowds from all over the capital to their intimate basement bar confines. The Bar specialises in a seasonal menu of innovative cocktails, with the Lounge focusing more on a wider choice of beers, wines curated from Clapton experts Verden and Vietnamese street food from the Hanoi Kitchen. A hidden treasure perfect for all occasions.