This compact Dalston bar run by brothers Noel and Max Venning is an industry favourite. All cocktails are presented beautifully – often with fruit peel frozen in the giant cubes of ice. The powder-pink grapefruit Paloma is finished with a couple of Fragata pimiento olives and a dash of the spicy brine. Proper cocktails with an extra flourish.

The lotus-root crisps and sushi-heavy set menu at this spot inspired by a Japanese izakaya draw the crowds. But regulars end up coming back for the jazz nights and DJ sets – it’s open until 1.30am at weekends. Note: this is only a good idea if you’re up for a dimly lit and noisy night. 

Everyone in Dalston knows Snackbar for its amazing Caesar salad. We love them for their sunny garden and unbeatable vibes. 

There’s usually a queue at this Dalston bakery but it’s worth the wait for the mega sandwiches filled with combinations such as roast chicken, romesco sauce and potatoes. The sourdough is first class and the pastries are gone by lunch. The staff are bolstered by the in-house social enterprise mentorship programme and are always a delight. Possibly London’s most beloved bakery.