Long before it was named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Britain and bearded hipsters started moving here, artists, aspiring artists and all sort of creatives were already based here, they were sipping fair-trade coffees and shopping at independent shops earlier than most of the other Londoners.

Check out our Spotahome Neighbourhood guide for one of London's best (and my favourite) area on eating, drinking, shopping and enjoying the best of this East End hotspot.

EATING & DRINKING IN DALSTON

Tina we salute you

WHERE: 47 King Henry’s Walk, London, N1 4NH
There is a large table right in the centre of its room with walls covered in art. Tina features a great and delicious selection of homemade cakes, fair trade coffee and surely the best restaurant name in London :)

A post shared by Tina, We Salute You (@tinawesaluteyou) on Jan 31, 2018 at 4:55am PST

Cafe OTO

WHERE: 18–22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London, E8 3DL
Italian Vogue described OTO as the coolest cafe in London and if you spend some time there, you will realise why. There is great live music, unexpectd drinks and a mixed, interesting crowd hangs here every day. The concert programme at Cafe OTO is managed by OTOProjects – a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). During the day, OTO is a cafe offering delicious Persian food from Zardosht and cakes.

A post shared by NTS Radio (@nts_radio) on Mar 27, 2017 at 9:11am PDT

Hash E8

WHERE: 170 Dalston Lane, E8 1NG
An independent restaurant run by husband and wife, Hash E8 is THE brunch spot in Dalston as well as for a British meal. The couple also makes great cocktails.

A post shared by HASH E8 (@hash_e8) on Aug 31, 2017 at 11:20am PDT

L'Atelier

WHERE: 31 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 8BJ
I've recently spent some time in London, I obviouly decided to rent a place in Dalston and this little cute coffee shop became my local for the two weeks I spent there. Fast internet, EXCELLENT flat whites and handmade cakes made it the perfect place to get some work done as well as for a well-deserved stop after running around.

A post shared by digital cafes ☕️??‍???‍?? (@digital_cafes) on Feb 13, 2018 at 8:39am PST

THINGS TO SEE & DO IN DALSTON

Rio Cinema

WHERE: 107 Kingsland High Street E8 2PB
I am against the big chains and I always try to support the smaller and local business. I used to come all the way to Rio to watch its independent and old classics movies.

A post shared by Rio Cinema (@riocinema) on Jan 20, 2018 at 6:37am PST

London Fields Lido

WHERE: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
Yeah, I know summer doesn't exist in London, however, if you are feeling hot, here's the place to cool down. They have an Olympic-sized pool that’s open all year round and facilities include a cafe, a large sunbathing deck and swimming lessons.

A post shared by Trough (@troughsupper) on Feb 12, 2018 at 1:09am PST

SHOPPING IN DALSTON

Oxfam Dalston

WHERE: 514-518 Kingsland Road, E8 4AR
There are tons of these charity shops spread around London, but this specif shop is a whole different story. Every morning there are dozens of people coming to check the new goods and it is not uncommon to find designers gems or precious goodies.

A post shared by Oxfam Dalston (@oxfamdalston) on Jun 17, 2017 at 10:58am PDT

Pelicans and Parrots

WHERE: 40 and 81 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, London, N16 7XJ
If you've just moved to the area, this is the right place to go to find vintage and unique places to decor your flat. Not only shoes and clothes and homewares, this gorgeous shop also features a rum shack downstairs.

A post shared by pelicans & parrots (@pelicansandparrots) on Jan 11, 2018 at 3:17am PST

Beyond Retro

WHERE: 92 -100 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 7XB
If you are into 70s dresses and vintage trainers, this is going to be your favourite shop in whole London. Not only shopping, Beyond Retro resides in a gorgeous building and now also features its own cafe.

A post shared by Beyond Retro (@beyondretro) on Feb 12, 2018 at 6:51am PST

Ridley Road Market

WHERE: 51/63 Ridley Road, Dalston, London E8 2NP
This food market is another Dalston institution and it's rumored that it inspired UK soap Eastenders authors while there were strolling around its stalls and merchants. You can get all sort of fruit and vegetebles as well as a bagel bakery and a Turkish restaurant.

Read more about London in the guides below:

Spotahome Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things to Do in Shoreditch, London
Spotahome Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things to Do in Hampstead, London
Spotahome Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things to Do in Soho, London
Spotahome Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things to Do in Notting Hill, London
Spotahome Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things to Do in Camden Town, London

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