This fashionable residential area is part of Dalston and Shacklewell, and was, back in 2009, voted part of the coolest place to live in Britain. Certainly, Stoke Newington Road, which forms the neighbourhood’s western border, offers some of the best nightlife in London, including Dalston Superstore and, nearby, the Shacklewell Arms. The Dalston Eastern Curve Gardens and Hackney Downs also provide an unexpected dose of nature amongst this bustling urban sprawl, and is perfect for a Sunday chill after a weekend on the town at one of these many night spots. The rows of handsome Victorian terraces along wide, leafy streets, have become valuable flats for creatives and young professionals. With an array of local conveniences, trendy cafes and bars, and a host of nearby stations on both the Underground and Overground networks, this once notorious neighbourhood is now one of the most sought-after parts of town.

The area of Dalston was first recorded as Derleston in 1294, beginning its life as a farmstead owned by a man named Deorlaf, with Shacklewell referring to what was probably a well-spring near to which animals were shackled, recorded in 1490. In the 16th century Sir John Heron, supposedly the richest man in Hackney, had a manor in the area. Interestingly, it’s always been a key spot for entertainment; in the 1600s it had become a playground for the middle-classes and was home to freakshows and pleasure gardens. By the mid-18th century, Dalston was just a handful of large manor houses, but by the early-19th century a number of middle class terraces had emerged alongside the station, which was opened in 1850. A strong Jewish community had formed by the 20th century, moving into homes that were purpose built for the community in 1905. Many of these houses were damaged in the Second World War, forcing the council to clear much of the area, which saw a mass rebuilding of this area in the postwar period.

This area is home to the independent Rio Cinema; one of the last survivors of Dalston’s 20th century cornerstone entertainment institutions. You can also spot the cinema in the movie “One Day” featuring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.

As is the rest of the greater Hackney area, gentrification is a distinct challenge to the community. Its popularity as a “trendy” part of London has attracted creative industries to the area, but the extra demand for housing has squeezed out long-time residents and businesses. Additionally, the popularity of nightlife has brought issues of anti-social behaviour to the area.

One of the most significant proposed developments planned in the area comes in the shape of a 120-room hotel to encourage tourism to the high street which would replace the Tesco Express on Kingsland High Street. This proposal will bring more visitors to the area and may boost the local economy, although some locals are concerned about a rise in anti-social behaviour. While Plans were initially put forward in 2017, there has been push back from local residents meaning construction work is yet to begin. Meanwhile, the upcoming Lucent House scheme on Rendlesham Road is representative of the plethora of small scale luxury developments that have appeared across the borough in recent years. This project in particular consists of nine family apartments above ground-floor commercial space.