Café Oto

Oto, a word that means 'sound' in Japanese, is one of Dalston's most intriguing venues. A café-cum-platform for experimental, world and leftfield acts, the 150-capacity venue is a melting pot of creative talent. Its unusual music remit takes in plenty of free improvising noiseniks - Eddie Prévost, Evan Parker - alongside Japanese noise rockers and artists from the stranger ends of the rock, folk and classical scenes. There's also lit and film events as well as the odd exhibition, and volunteer staff help ensure a friendly, community vibe.