Dalston Area Guide
A locals' guide to Dalston
Where do Dalston locals go?
Diddy's
Diddy's, a café by day and bustling bar by night is a cultural hub situated on the corner of Mare Street and beck road. Just a stone throw away from London fields, this bright and light space offers everything from coffee to their signature cocktails at reasonable prices creating an environment where patrons feel valued and where you "can have a night out without feeling like you have spent all your rent money" owned by Diddy herself.Read more
Did you know?
"Renowned pioneer of female independence, Hackney born Dorothy Levitt was the holder of both the world water speed record and the ladies land speed record. Her tip for women drivers travelling alone? Carry a revolver!"Explore Dalston
What locals say about Dalston
“I love Hackney because it is so diverse and a great place to be. It is an amazing feeling to live in Hackney because it is filled with so many different people from all around the world. I love going to Hackney empire to watch shows with my friends, especially comedy shows. I've grown up in Hackney all my life and I've watched it transform into this amazing place I knew it could be. All the buildings, streets and roads bring back so many memories and each place in Hackney has significance to me and that's why I love it. I couldn't wish for another place to be other than Hackney due to its welcoming people, diversity, talent and its beauty. Hackney really is the place to be.”
Awa
“Hackney is a prized jewel in the crown of East London. With its Victorian architecture and ample transport links into the commercial heart of London, busy city workers can commute to Liverpool St in ten minutes yet still happily spend their weekends drinking Artisan coffee on the green expanses of London Fields. It is a true cultural melting pot, in the sense that it has embraced all of the influences borne upon it, as well as within. Music, art and food are central to Hackneyâs cultured soul so you cannot spend a day here without falling in love with at least one of them. With a large influx of young, first time buyers in the last five years, as well as the original crowd that have seen drastic changes in the last decade, Hackney has a genuine sense of rejuvenation to it â a borough that has slipped seamlessly from antiquated to vintage and is still ripening in 2015.”
Alex
“The people, sense of community, everything I need is nearby. I just wish it wasn't so expensive - I want to stay here!”
Simone
Activities near Dalston
Ed Gamble: Fresh Hell
Another 'bracing flurry of idiocy' from the comedian Ed Gamble.
The Music of The Lord of The Rings: Tribute to Howard Shore
Our precious concert in a 19th century church in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington. Experience the majestic music of the iconic saga «Lord of the Rings» films in a unique experience not to be missed. A delight for the whole family is guaranteed. Performed by the modern orchestra Mystery Ensemble, the virtuoso playing of the musicians will instantly transport you to a distant fantasy world with elves, hobbits and dwarves! Music loved by millions of people gives you goosebumps.Read more
Conscious Pilot
Conscious Pilot was founded by Joe Laycock and Jack Sharp as a successor to theatrical punk group Cheap Teeth, the pair birthed the project from their joint love of immersive, beat-driven soundscapes and an exploration of subtle shifts.Read more
Tom Jenkins (Solo) Live @ Servant Jazz Quarters, London
Tom Jenkins returns to London for a night of Solo acoustic songs and story telling.
Baby Berserk + Min Taka
Acid Box x Sebright Arms presents: Baby Berserk + Min Taka Baby Berserk Baby Berserk was born in Amsterdam and founded by Mano Hollestelle, Eva Wijnbergen and Lieselot Elzinga. Known for their seamless blend of music and fashion, Baby Berserk captures the essence of contemporary nightlife, balancing the raw energy of a live band with the infectious pulse of club music. Their latest work offers a refreshing and invigorating boost for the mind, body, and soul. “Slightly Hysterical Girls With Pearls” dives headfirst into the vibrant chaos of modern culture. It’s an album that challenges the status quo, delivering tracks that range from the hypnotic allure of media-fueled entertainment to the fierce battle cries for equal rights and personal freedom. Min Taka Taking her name from a myth of a vanishing planet, Min Taka shares her inner world through genre-bending sound that moves between indie, liquid dnb, synth, hyperpop. Her songs reflect on themes of identity, belonging, femininity, and connection. Min Taka’s sonic universe ranges from intimate and soft to intense electronic commotion. Inspired by the likes of Mitski, Sassy 009, Cocteau Twins, Kero Kero Bonito, and Charli XCX, the pixie-pop artist’s latest EP “I Think We Should Just Move In Together” was released in July 2025. Presented by Sebright Arms This is an 18+ eventRead more
Natalie Shay
Natalie Shay is a critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning musician and songwriter known for her explosive live performances and vibrant, infectious anthems.Read more
Steely Dancing
Wear your shirt with the largest, piontiest collar. Unlike 19, we CAN dance together! Come join us for Steely Dancing, every 1st Tuesday of the month. Happy hour 6-9pm Free entry Presented by Ridley Road Market Bar. This is an 18+ eventRead more
About Dalston
Dalston is a district of east London, located in the London Borough of Hackney. It is situated 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Charing Cross. Its historical borders are Kingsland Road and Kingsland High Street in the west, London Fields in the east, Downs Park Road in the north and the Shoreditch parish boundary in the south. Its main shopping street, Kingsland High Street, follows the route of the Roman Ermine Street, and has the road number A10. Modern Dalston is often seen as the area surrounding both sides of Kingsland High Street, even though some of the west side is within the London Borough of Islington. As such, it bestrides the main route north from the City of London. Contemporary Dalston is a lively neighbourhood with a varied population. Architecturally it is a mixture of 18th and 19th century terraced houses and 20th century council estates.
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Feedback about living in Dalston has been submitted directly by the public and may not necessarily reflect the views of Foxtons. The description of Dalston was modified from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons licence. Land Registry data is Crown copyright. All the views and contributions contained within Foxtons Local Life are those of the contributors. All content is assessed before publishing for taste, however free opinion is encouraged. Foxtons accept no payment or sponsorship for content that is posted about Dalston.