Searching for a place to enjoy a drink or two in Dalston? This guide to the best Dalston pubs will get you off to a great start.
London is brimming with trendy and historical pubs that offering a glimpse into the past while keeping the taps open and your glasses full. Although they are not the oldest pubs in London, Dalston pubs offer a place to celebrate local crafts, arts, and live music.
Many pubs in the area have a Caribbean influence, so don’t be surprised if you find a sneaky rum-based cocktail amidst your pints.
Discover the best pubs in Dalston.
The 8 Best Pubs in Dalston
Crown & Castle
Located in the heart of Dalston, the Crown & Castle is a modern-looking drinking hole with a long history. Having served drinks for 200 years, it has recently reopened after being closed for renovations.
The owners made updates to the decor and the outside of the building. These modernisations have rejuvenated the gastropub for many more years to come.
If you are looking for pubs near Dalston Junction, consider the Crown & Castle for a pleasant pint.
Railway Tavern No.16
The Railway Tavern No.16 is in a public house dating back to the 19th century. This spacious pub near Dalston Kingsland station offers delicious cask ale. You’ll find it on the corner of St Jude street and King Henry’s Walk.
If you are vegan, you’ll love the Railway Tavern’s pizza bases. They produce one of the most sustainable pizzas by using organic heritage grain flour and locally sourced ingredients.
Celebrate any occasion by booking a booth with your drinks on tap at this notable Dalston Kingsland pub.
The Duke of Wellington
This pub offers fortnightly films, comedy nights, and cold beers. The Duke of Wellington is a great pub to savour a variety of ales in the centre of Dalston. Located on the corner of Balls Pond Road and Culford Road, the Victorian building and street-side tables create a relaxing atmosphere.
This is a popular venue to watch sports, so you may need to book a table to guarantee a space in front of the big screens on match day.
The Scolt Head
Feel at home while sipping on an ale at The Scolt Head, located on the corner of Ardleigh and Culford road. The ambient vibe outside with tables beneath the trees makes this a great pub to visit when the sun is shining.
You can enjoy a good selection of beers alongside traditional food prepared from carefully sourced ingredients.
If you love the beer and food from The Scolt Head, you can take a frozen meal and mini keg home with you.
The Shacklewell Arms
This pub offers an adventurous venue for a drink and meal. The Shacklewell Arms has simple wooden floors in a building constructed in the 1870s.
While old in appearance, it is young at heart. The venue celebrates live music most weekends, and you’ll often find independent musicians visiting while touring London.
The rear terrace has patio heaters that help to create a warm Caribbean atmosphere. Consider visiting The Shacklewell Arms for a night of entertainment and refreshing ale.
The Three Compasses
Your gastronomic experience at The Three Compasses pub offers simple yet delicious food from Stephen Fries Burger Merchant. And the beers on tap won’t disappoint you either!
Situated in a centuries-old building on the corner of Dalston Lane and Cecilia Road, it has an authentic old bar look and feel.
Savour a sip of your ale in the sun outside. Or settle inside for the evening to answer trivia during the pub quiz.
The Victoria
A longstanding pub with a genuine Victorian heritage, The Victoria is a vibrant watering hole. You can expect to find beer brewed in London, classic cocktails, and a selection of new and old-world wines. They also offer rums from the Caribbean to help you warm up and unwind.
The venue hosts live music events. Some consider it to be the centre of the music scene in Dalston. If you would prefer a quiet evening, check their social pages for events beforehand.
Spurstowe Arms
If you are looking for a more mature crowd in Dalston, the Spurstowe Arms is where you’ll find your tribe. It has a nondescript exterior and a stripped-back charm inside.
The grand horseshoe bar, polished brass, and display of cut flowers help the pub to appeal to a slightly older crowd. You can expect groups of friends in their thirties drinking alongside families enjoying a Sunday roast.
Settle in for a pint, or head out into the beer garden for some sunshine. This is a great place to enjoy a day unwinding over a beer or cocktail.
