Dalston is cool, filled with tons of places to soak up the unique culture like Ridley Road Market and The Dalston Rio. As well as quirky bars and clubs, its pubs are cosy, food, beer gardens and real ale all making up their bones. Whether your budget is high or low, start with our list of recommended Dalston pubs.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 2nd April 2024
Boasting a stunning garden area and an unbeatable range of beers, $0ft brewery is a top choice for sipping pints around Dalston. You can expect everything from crisp lagers and flavourful stouts, brewed using traditional techniques. There are some more unique craft beers on offer here too, with a huge focus on sustainability in their methods and the locally sourced ingredients used.
One of the coolest pubs in Dalston, Hand of Glory is dosing its East London guests on something a little different. Perfect for those with a love of gin and roast dinners alike, get familiar with their pagan inspired interiors and roster of independent artwork lining the walls.
KRAFT Dalston Bar & Restaurant is one of the best places in East London for lunch. Not only do you get to tuck into scrumptious Latin American and Japanese plates, but you'll also get to sip on a boozy bevvie from brands such as Jim and Tonic Distillery and Nativo.
Three Compasses is a charming pub on Dalston Lane that doesn't conform to what you'd typically expect from a popular pub 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.
The Vic's longstanding reputation for memorable live music nights speaks for itself. Welcoming music fans of all genres through their doors down the years, pop in today and you'll find an exciting gastropub vibe is to be enjoyed by the same token. The music plays on, but there's also a fine choice of classic cocktails, locally brewed beers, rotating menus in the kitchen and a friendly atmosphere.
If there's a famous music pub in Dalston, it has to be The Shacklewell. With an intimate back room being graced daily by some of London's best independent bands, it's a well-known spot to catch a show, along with pool, affordable drinks and more.
The Crown And Castle is a historic pub located on Kingsland Road, with a legacy spanning over two centuries. It's a cost, authentic boozer with wooden floorboards and shiny screens fixed to the walls showing sports. Behind the bar, you'll find a fabulous selection of craft beer and spirits, as well as cocktails such as negronis and Tommy's margaritas.
