Bars & Pubs

By Ben McFarland

You’ll find this Superstore opposite Tesco Express, a rather less super store on Kingsland High Street, the main artery dissecting Dalston, north-east London’s most über-arty district. Suited to its surroundings, it’s a confidently cool and slightly camp New York-style dive bar split between two floors, clad in cement, brick and steel vents. It’s enlivened with fluoro flashes, tables for two, graffiti, art installations and in-the-know aural offerings.

The long, wooden bar, manned by approachable and beautiful bar-staff, is top and tailed by a DJ booth and an open-plan kitchen. Downstairs, currently under construction, is where things get louder and larger with regular visits to boogie-town and where the unisex toilets add some extraordinary chat.

The drinks are as stripped-back as the décor. With nothing on tap, beer is just bottles courtesy of Asahi and Corona. There’s Swedish cider and a cocktail list that doffs its trilby to retro classics. We couldn’t find any wine. In terms of food, as well as substantially sized, modestly priced sandwiches, burgers and salads, there’s a daily selection of own-made cakes.

Entertainment-wise, there are plenty of ants in these pants with regular DJ showcases, exhibitions, launch parties, barn dances and music nights. There’s also free wi-fi which, depending on what you get up to, could be considered entertainment.

While tight denim shorts and pencil moustaches divulge a gay crowd, there’s no shortage of daft millinery sported by Dalston dandies and arty locals. Awfully amiable, if a little affected. Overheard at the bar: ‘Couldn’t believe it. I put a spoon in the top of my milk bottle but it still went sour.’

Time Out London Issue 2034: August 13-19 2009