Explore the areas we serve – from parks, entertainment and transport links, to shopping, eating and drinking.
Dalston has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade to become one of the most sought after places to live in east London. The local community is a proud mixture of city professionals, young creatives and first and second generation families with roots in the Caribbean, Africa and Turkey.
The regeneration that has taken place all across Hackney over the past ten years has seen Dalston shake off its once downbeat image to become a late-night hotspot filled with popular restaurants, eateries and bars.
Ridley Road market is still going strong after 130 years and remains the beating heart of Dalston. Over 150 stalls pitch up across the course of the week selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to household goods. From the newly created community gardens, to the many green spaces found on the outskirts of the area, it’s easy to see why so many residents choose to stay and raise families in Dalston.
For anyone looking to rent or buy in an area that provides everything they need right on their doorstep, Dalston is one of the best places to begin searching.
The name Dalston is believed to have derived from a farm called ‘Deorlaf’s tun’.
The first written record of Dalston is from 1294 when it was referred to as Derleston.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair used to live in the area from 1980 to 1986.
Other famous past residents include Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Sir Charles James Martin.
Fassett Square in Dalston was the inspiration for Albert Square in the TV show EastEnders.
Many of the older properties in Dalston stem from the Victorian era, with a number of villas and terraces populating the streets that stem off from Kingsland Road. Industrial buildings have been converted into trendy apartments, while new flat developments are appearing all the time. The property landscape in the district continues to evolve every year, with new opportunities appearing all the time for renters and buyers.
One of the main advantages of moving to Dalston is the connectivity provided by public transport. Dalston Junction London Overground station was modernised and reopened in 2010, connecting locals to West Croydon, Crystal Palace and New Cross. Dalston Kingsland is just around the corner and is also served by the same Overground network.
There is no shortage of buses that can be used to travel into the centre of London, with direct destinations including Victoria, Marble Arch, Waterloo and London Bridge. Liverpool Street and Bethnal Green stations are only a short bus ride away, providing access to the Central, District and Hammersmith & City Lines.
Although there are no parks in the immediate vicinity of Dalston, Hackney has a wonderful selection that is only a short distance away. In total there are 58 parks in Hackney, so it won’t prove difficult to find a space to get away from the hustle and bustle whenever you need.
Victoria Park offers 86 hectares of open space, with the Regent’s canal found running through its Western edge. London Fields, Hackney Marshes and Hackney Downs have plenty of greenery to offer, while there is also Springfield Park, Clissold Park and Haggerston Park on hand to enjoy through the course of the year.
Whether you want to stroll, run, cycle or just sit down to enjoy the views, the 282 hectares of greenery available in and around Dalston mean you are never too far away from natural surroundings.
Changes made in Dalston over the past decade are also reflected in the performances of local schools. Mossbourne Community Academy is the highest performing school in Dalston, closely followed by Clapton Girls’ Academy and Highbury Fields School. Other schools that have a fantastic reputation are The City Academy and Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form. For families with younger kids looking for a highly respected primary school, Holy Trinity Primary School and Princess May Primary School are just two of many that stand out.