Why we’re obsessed with Dalston right now

And we’re not just talking about the fancy places. Sure, Mangal 2, Little Duck the Picklery and Oren are busy pretty much every night for good reason, but don’t overlook the rest. The Dusty Knuckle Bakery is a great go-to for a hangover fix (you have to try their egg chilli cheese sandwich or potato sourdough loaf), Chick N’ Sours’s fried chicken (or chk’n) is one of London’s best for a reason and Mangal 1 – Mangal 2’s more laid back little brother – is BYOB and serves up delicious smokey morsels from an authentic Okabashi grill. Even the supermarkets are good here: the TFC (Turkish Food Centre) is a particular gem. 

Ready to head home? You’re in luck: on average, your black cab or private ride on FREENOW is just six minutes away!

There’s a particular strip of charity shops on Kingsland Road which is pretty much year-round Christmas for the Depop girlies. Not only are they all in handy, close proximity to each other, they also have constantly new stock and reasonable prices. Don’t be put off if they aren’t the glossiest: the Human Relief Welfare shop is dusty and messy, but also full of properly unique finds and vintage goodies. St Vincent's is a great spot for second hand furniture and Trade is basically Asos for thrifters (you’ll find anything in there, and it always has seriously arty window displays). And they just keep on coming. Recently, the British Heart Foundation opened up a new branch in the Kingsland Centre, and the clothes are organised via aesthetic – boho, alt, sporty – need we say more?

Dalston is hectic, loud and (often) smelly. But that’s also part of its charm. You’ll be confronted with a sensory overload of different accents, languages, people and sights. It has a bubbling atmosphere which is literally inescapable. Stroll down Ridley Road Market during the day and you’ll see traders of all shapes and sizes, shouting, smiling, haggling, hugging. On a Sunday afternoon, walk by The Haggerston pub and hear frantic jazz escaping out the front door. Even the Aldi has an edge to it (just don’t take too long at the check-out).

Did you know? Thanks to FREENOW, you can zip around on two wheels! FREENOW allows you to book Dott, TIER and Forest directly from the app.