The Best Bars in Hackney and Dalston

A wine bar focused on small independent producers, with bottles visible throughout the room and staff who can discuss the winemaking practices in detail. The list rotates constantly, nothing is precious, and the bar encourages experimentation. Food is minimal but correct, matching the wine rather than overshadowing it. Quiet on weekday afternoons, lively evenings.

Order: Ask what's currently open from the Jura region

A hybrid wine bar and bottle shop where you can drink the same bottles you see on shelves. The selection emphasizes natural and low-intervention wines, the staff know their inventory thoroughly, and prices on bottles are reasonable. The bar itself is minimal, with standing room and limited seating, designed for drinking and discussion rather than dining.

Order: A glass of whatever they recommend, then buy a bottle to take home

A wine bar that's been central to Hackney's natural wine movement, with a list that changes weekly and covers regions from Georgia to northern Spain. The bartenders taste everything on the list, the selection is never trendy, and the crowd is genuinely curious about the wine. Weekday lunches are quiet, weekends require arrival early.

Order: A full glass of orange wine and stay for the conversation

A brewery taproom with rotating guests and a serious approach to cask conditioning. The interior is clean and minimal, the staff knowledge is high, and the food programme uses the beer list as starting point. Quieter midweek, busy weekends. Cask ales are prioritized but keg options exist for specific styles.

Order: The current house bitter and whatever cask is freshest

A converted chapel functioning as bar, music venue, and community space. The bar serves craft beer and natural wine, the programming includes live music and events, and the atmosphere is genuinely democratic. The crowd crosses age and background. Quality of event programming varies, but the space itself is always worthwhile.

Order: Check the calendar, arrive for whatever's on

A traditional Victorian pub that's kept its character while upgrading its beer selection. Original features remain: tile work, bar counter, and general layout. Draught selection includes both cask ales and contemporary craft options. The crowd is mixed, the food is secondary, and the atmosphere is that of an actual neighbourhood pub rather than designed entertainment.

Order: A pint of the house bitter and a game of darts

A Turkish bar where Arak and Raki dominate the spirit selection and food is available late into the night. The interior is intentionally bare, the crowd is local, and the atmosphere shifts from dinner tables to drinking bar after dark. Staff move at pace, service is efficient, and the Turkish mezze is genuinely excellent. Cash preferred.

Order: Arak with water, and whatever hot appetizer is ready

A dedicated cocktail bar without the pretension sometimes attached to the category. The bartenders know spirits in detail, the cocktails use interesting techniques and unexpected ingredients, and the menu rotates seasonally. The interior is simple, service is focused, and the crowd is there for the drink rather than the scene.

Order: Whatever seasonal cocktail features an ingredient you've never tried

A courtyard bar that works as a hangout rather than a destination. Multiple bars operate within the space, serving beer, wine, and cocktails. The atmosphere is social and mixing, the food is street food quality, and the mood is young without being exclusive. Works particularly well on weekends when outdoor space is central.

Order: Whatever you want from whichever bar looks best

A daytime coffee and food bar that transitions to cocktails in the evening. The space is designed for lingering, the staff understand the transition between service styles, and the menu adjusts accordingly. Breakfast is serious, coffee is good, and evening cocktails are properly made. The crowd is relaxed throughout the day.

Order: Coffee and pastry at breakfast, a cocktail by 6pm