Dalston is a great place to visit if you want to feel like you’re in the middle of London’s nightlife scene without actually having to be in the centre of things.
There are plenty of pubs and bars in this area, and we’ve compiled a list of our favourites so that you can make the most of your time here, whether you’re a local or just visiting the capital for a few days.
Are you in the mood to relax around friends and have some drinks? Or maybe a cool place to hang out and dance all night long?
Well, it doesn’t really matter what you’re craving, the neighbourhood has something for everyone, and you will discover it in this list of best pubs in Dalston.
Best Pubs in Dalston, London
London is filled with amazing pubs, but in case you plan a night out in Dalston, you’re in luck. From trendy speakeasies to traditional English pubs, there’s a lot of choice in this diverse neighbourhood. Let’s go through the best ones you should consider.
The Three Compasses
- Address: 99 Dalston Ln, London E8 1NH
- Known For: Drag Bingo Nights and Pub Quiz
The Three Compasses is a pub with a difference. Not only does it have a beer terrace to the front, but it also boasts a regular list of live music and DJ nights. And if that wasn’t enough, the burgers are some of the best you’ve ever tasted in your life!
The Three Compasses proudly present their creative buns as “filthy”, and you will love getting one. Try the Clucking Katsu with crispy chicken thigh, smokey miso mayo, and sweet and sour slaw – not filthy enough?
Then give a try to the Smokin’ Gun – A burger with beef patty, double cheese, bacon, and smokey gravy mayo. Your taste buds will thank you for a long while.
In terms of drinks, you’ll get to choose between great Lager, Real Ale, and even Cider, giving you enough choice for the night.
Quiz nights are a regular feature too, so there’s always something going on. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends for a drink or two, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
The Duke of Wellington
- Address: 119 Balls Pond Rd, London N1 4BL
- Known For: £7 Pizza Mondays and Free Shots Nights
With its streetside tables, The Duke of Wellington is the perfect place for people to watch and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Victorian London. The beers are always flowing, and there’s always a great atmosphere, no matter if you come during one of their many themed nights or just on a regular evening.
Before going into more details, it’s worth noting that the pub was included in the best 100 pubs in London by Time Out England.
And when planning a dinner on a Monday, The Duke of Wellington is simply a great option, with the £7 Pizza Mondays that’ll get you a succulent pizza that won’t break the bank. Not feeling it on Mondays? Don’t worry, it’s even cheaper on Fridays for lunch – only £6.
Apart from that, once a week, the management will choose a bottle randomly and offer free shots to all guests; what a great way to entertain everyone.
Of course, the selection of beer and cocktails is infinite, and you’re sure to find one to your taste. All in all, The Duke of Wellington has got covered, regardless of your definition of the best drink out!
Farr’s Dalston
- Address: 17, 19 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF
- Known For: Awesome Burgers and Live DJs
Initially a dance studio in the 1930s, Farr’s Dalston is today one of the coolest pubs in Dalston for several reasons. Such as its industrial decoration with old telephones on the wall and lack of wallpaper, making it an offbeat place.
The bartenders are passionate about their drinks and love showing off their well-crafted cocktails. Live DJs regularly come to spice up the night, which makes it an even more unique venue. And if you’re into something a little different, the pub also offers a range of vintage games to keep you entertained.
Last but definitely not least, you’ll find an extensive menu full of Italian delicacies made by Mangia Pasta & Burger. Among the best dishes, you can find their Truffle Burger, the Rigatoni Carbonara, and finger food to enjoy with a pint, including fries with parsley and Cheddar and fried drumsticks.
To conclude, Farr’s Dalston is the perfect place to be for a relaxed night out or a fun-filled evening.
The Victoria Dalston
- Address: 451 Queensbridge Rd, London E8 3AS
- Known For: The Music Room and Great Drinks
Next on our list is The Victoria Dalston, the ideal spot for up-and-coming bands looking to get their start in the music scene. Of course, that’s also a fantastic place for guests to plan an awesome evening.
This old Victorian pub is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and for letting bands really let loose and experiment with their sound.
When it comes to drinks, they have everything you could ever imagine, from excellent cocktails like the Sunset Spritz to the Flamingo Daiquiri. For beers, you can choose between draught beers – try the Partizan IPA, the Wolfpack Pilsner, and the Stowford Press Cider for something relatively lighter.
After trying their drinks, make sure to indulge in one of their succulent burgers. We recommend the Vegan Mexican with premium vegan bun, guacamole, and vegan mayo, or the Gorgonzola & Apple, with a homemade beef patty and honey sauteed apples.
What to say? The Victoria Dalston easily ticks all the boxes you may have, whatever your personal preferences.
Also Read: Oldest Historic Pubs in London
The Scolt Head
- Address: 107A Culford Rd, London N1 4HT
- Known For: The Pub Quiz Nights
The Scolt Head is the kind of pub that makes you feel right at home as soon as you step inside. The interior features wooden floors and lots of natural light during the day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Also, the friendly staff are always on hand to help you choose the perfect drink to accompany your meal.
The menu offers a range of British classics, all of which are prepared from carefully sourced produce. The Scolt Head is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family, and there’s even a cosy fireplace for chilly winter evenings.
And the food here is sensational, bringing The Scolt Head a fantastic place for lunch or dinner. Make sure to try the Beer Battered Haddock Fillet with Chips, the Tagliatelle Beef Ragout with Parmesan and Chilli Flakes, and the Aubergine and Chickpea Curry with Rice served with Mango Chutney.
And for fun evenings with friends and families, the pub is popular for hosting pub quiz nights on each first Monday of the month, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunchtime spot or a lively night out without loud music, the Scolt Head is sure to have something to suit your needs.
The Talbot
- Address: 109 Mortimer Rd, London N1 4JY
- Known For: The Premium Food and the Terrace Outside
The Talbot is a gastropub with beers from all over Europe, incredible food, and a rustic, authentic interior that will take you back in time, in a positive way.
The stunning atmosphere and the originality of the menu make it a great place to eat, drink and socialise. The Talbot has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full-blown feast.
You could taste the Beetroot Risotto with Fennel Oil and Goat’s Cheese, the 300g-Ribeye Steak served with Fries, or the Beef Burger with Coleslaw and Fries. How amazing does the menu sound?
The European beer menu offers a wide variety of options, from classic lagers to fruity wheat beers. And if you’re looking for something stronger, the Talbot also has an extensive list of spirits.
Lastly, the tables on the terrace upstairs are perfect for people-watching or if you want to enjoy the views of the city. In plain words, The Talbot is one of these places that you visit and never really forget, and you can’t skip it while in London.
De Beauvoir Arms
- Address: 113 Southgate Rd, London N1 3JS
- Known For: The Exotic Food and the Great Terrace
Our last favourite pub in Dalston is De Beauvoir Arms, famous for being a humble eatery and place to have a pint with close friends or relatives. It has a terrace outside to chill during the afternoon on summer days, and that’s arguably what makes De Beauvoir Arms such a fantastic pub in Dalston.
Among the dishes on the menu, the Crab Bruschetta with Choriander and Chilli and the Roast Salmon with Mashes and Peas and New Potatoes are some of the most exciting. Those with a sweet tooth will love seeing the Panna Cotta with Strawberries in Grappa and the Chocolate Pot with Shortbread – we bet your mouth is watering already!
Keep in mind that the menu constantly changes, so you may not find these dishes but, instead, see other incredible delicatessen.
For drinks, you can find lots of different white and red wines, as well as numerous cocktails and draught beers to wash the night away in Dalston.
To conclude, De Beauvoir Arms is one of the best places in town to enjoy a drink with friends after work or to have a cool, relaxed lunch during the weekend.
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Conclusion
The Victoria Dalston, The Scolt Head, The Shacklewell Arms, The Talbot, and all the other pubs we listed are great places to enjoy live music, good food and drink in Dalston. Each pub has its own unique atmosphere, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
Despite being complicated to choose your perfect spot between all of them, we’re confident you will have a great time in Dalston. So go ahead and go out of your comfort zone, you’re about to have some of the best meals and drinks in London!