Small & cosy Dalston cocktail bars

With a menu that takes inspiration from Japanese izakaya – intimate bars that serve small plates – Brilliant Corners nails the intimate bar feeling with its set menu and elevates the experience with top-tier cocktails and ​​DJ sessions on a class audio system. Great sushi, saké cocktails, and vinyl records – life’s simple pleasures in our opinion.

Brilliant Corners is illuminated by lanterns and moody tealight candles, creating a low-lit ambience in its dark and minimalist surroundings – exactly what you want from a Dalston cocktail bar.

We recommend the Smash cocktail if you like herbal flavours and gin, and if you rate saké as much as we do, try the Mukai Shuzo, Ine Mankai, the flavour profile consists of red rice, rosé saké, and red berries.

Three Sheets is a cosy unpretentious spot on Kingsland Road. The decor is modern, playfully edging farmhouse chic with its marble tabletops, exposed brick wall, and green accent.

What it lacks in size, Three Sheets makes up for in its cocktails. We recommend trying their Delicious Sour or a good ole Dirty Martini. It’s a no-frills-seriously-good Dalston cocktail bar with drinks served by passionate staff.

If you’re looking for Kendrick Lamar or David Bowie added to your cocktail – make your reservation at Hacha. This Dalston cocktail bar uses a mini speaker to stir your drink’s ingredients – you read that correctly. It’s hard to miss Hacha with its bright turquoise exterior and open windows on Kingsland Road. Inside, there are plenty of leafy green plants to make you feel right at home in the East End.

Labelled as one of the best cocktail bars in the world, Hacha boasts the title of being Dalston’s only agaveria with an ever-changing list of 25 different spirits, so there’s always something new. The Mirror tequila and mezcal margaritas are fan favourites and best served with tacos.