Dalston: East London’s emerging hip hood

The popular hang out, Dalston Superstore

Once banished as East London’s seedy underbelly, Dalston is emerging as an up-and-coming artsy neighborhood just like what London’s epicenter of hip — Shoreditch — used to be. Unassumingly transforming itself at night into a party scene, stylish bars that were once pound shops are bursting with skinny-jeaned, brick-lane hipster types.

If you make your way from Shoreditch down Kingsland Road, famous for its cheap, yet authentic,  hole-in-the wall Vietnamese eateries, you’ll find yourself on Kingsland High Street, the main artery of Dalston.

International delights

Historically, Dalston is a bustling area for immigrants. With a large Caribbean population and now an even larger Turkish population, the residents are evident by the variety of budget-friendly Turkish restaurants and grocers lining the boulevard. The culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighbourhood is undergoing a rapid gentrification with many young creatives moving to the area. This gives Dalston pockets of contemporary edge amidst deliciously dingy kebab restaurants.

The artsy party scene

The area has attracted artists with studios popping up all over the hood. Dalston Underground studios, a non-profit art group that hosts artists and their work and Absorb Arts studios, which exhibits a range of talent, are two of the many studios that have converted artists to Dalston.

Dan Beaumont, a Dalston resident, recently opened Dalston Superstore. It has gained acclaim for its New-York-style East Village dive bar vibe and has an accompanying restaurant and gallery that caters to a gay and mixed clientele. It boasts two floors, live DJs, and brings in a variety of partygoers from all over London.

“There are great neighbourhoods all over London. A lot of people used to go out in West London but more and more places like Dalston are becoming popular hangout spots. London is changing all the time,” says Beaumont. “It’s a great neighbourhood. Dalston has a really vibrant culture.”

Food and fashionistas

The perfect Saturday morning can be spent at Broadway market noted for its beautifully arranged fresh baked goods, produce, and artisan crafts. The market is conveniently situated Southeast of the district on an unassuming street clattered with cozy cafes and boutiques. Nearby is London Fields, which is bedecked with lounging fashionistas on sunny days. These leisurely and picturesque ways to spend the weekend add to the increasing appeal of Dalston.

Tamami Haga, 34, has been selling home-baked treats like chocolate brownies and delicate heart-shaped berry tarts dusted with powdered sugar, at her Broadway Market stall, Coco&Me, from its inception five years ago. It’s really up-and-coming and it’s becoming more and more popular,” she said about the market. “ Five years ago not many people knew about the place.”

Residents love the area for its diversity and mix of unique individuals. “It’s a crazy mix in a good way. It’s not Shoreditch crazy but it’s subtle. It’s a great place to live and it completely transforms itself at night,” says Merle Philip, 30, lawyer who is a long-time resident of Dalston.