It’s not the end of the line! Having a good time in Dalston.

Sydenham resident, Jonathan S Clarke gives you some clues to what’s on offer at the other end of the East London Line.  

Dalston Junction is the last stop on the shiny new, open plan Overground train from Sydenham. It’s not that we have nowhere good to eat locally, but the East End has now opened up and those with an adventurous spirit should make that trip. Turning left out of Dalston Junction station takes youto the junction of Balls Pond Road, North is Kingsland High Street; south, Kingsland Road takes you back to Haggerston. I want to take you up Kingsland High Street and show you what’s on offer.

I had a late brunch in Dalston Superstore, at 117 Kingsland High Street, a 5-minute walk past Dalston Kingsland station. It’s a very chilled bar in the day with American diner style 2-seater leather benches and high tables. Mannequins and puppets hang on the walls, a roof window keeps it airy and bright. The tiny kitchen produces quick tasty dishes. I had the French toast with streaky bacon and maple syrup. Simple and tasty with fresh thick cut bread. The Portobello and Paris mushrooms on toast with garlic and parsley sauce was excellent, too. With freshly squeezed juices and “Square Mile” coffee, it’s perfect for brunch. It is also the kind of place you can lounge all day and a DJ brings the place alive in the evening. There is a great cocktail list (£8.50 each) and what is described on the drinks board as Fancy Wine at £4.50 a glass. Skinny jeans are the trend but the Dalston Superstore welcomes all.

Just next door at 115, is Evin, a friendly, cozy Turkish restaurant. Open all day and with free wifi it attracts the locals to surf and sip coffee and graze meze. Before 5pm, a lady sits by the window, making fresh Gozleme, a wonderfully light and tasty Turkish pancake: thin and toasted. Tables turn around quickly, though you can sit there all evening if you want. The humus and grilled aubergine puree with tahini and yoghurt was perfect with the freshly made pancakes. Choosing a kebab from their choice of 13 was tricky – I loved the grilled minced lamb meatballs on a skewer which came with rice and grilled peppers. Fresh, authentic Turkish food with plenty of choice and lots of vegertarian options. Try the Turkish red. Trust me.

As you walk back towards Dalston Junction you pass the Rio Cinema at 107, Kingsland High Street – £8.50 for a full price ticket. They have all the new releases but also quirkydaytime and weekend alternatives. Over 60’s have a free matinee on a Wednesday. The Vortex Jazz Club, part of the Dalston Culture House complex, just off Gillett Square is a great place to lounge in the day-time – and listen to music in the evening. 

Jonathan S. Clarke

 Dalston Superstore: 020 7254 2273

www.evincafe.co.uk  0207 254 5634

www.riocinema.ndirect.co.uk  0207 241 9410

www.vortexdownstairs.co.uk  0207 923 9532