Pillow Talk: Between the Sheets of Kingsland Locke Hotel, Dalston
This on-trend aparthotel lets you live like a local in one of London’s lesser-touristed ‘hoods, with cool co-working spaces that draw creatives in and cinemas and clubs to keep you out.
Few corners of London have had quite such a dramatic transformation as formerly down at heel, now desirable Dalston. Long ignored as a gritty hinterland, bridging swanky Islington with happening Hackney, the noughties saw this east London enclave explode into the epicentre of the British capital’s hipster scene. Opened right on the neighbourhood’s buzzing high street is the Kingsland Locke hotel, which distills the best of the area into a quirky industrial-chic environment where they pay more than lip service to eco-friendly living. Here’s how to stay right in Dalston…
Kingsland Locke
Hotel
Polished concrete, plush velvet and swathes of white-and-teal tiling set a carefully crafted tone of 21st-century urban swank at Kingsland Locke. Just across the road from Dalston’s legendary Rio Cinema, the hotel beckons you in to explore its airy open-plan interiors and miscellany of culture-reffing curios. As well as offering upscale apartments for out-of-towners, the aim is to create a community hub for locals, too – with an in-house microbrewery, gin distillery and kebab restaurant, all primed to attract a steady flow of Dalstonites through its doors.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Botanical Garden, Park
Ridley Road Market Bar
Bar, Market, African
Rio Cinema
Cinema, Movie Theater
Servant Jazz Quarters
Concert Hall, Music Venue
Mangal 2
Restaurant, Turkish
Long before its hipsterization, Dalston was better known for its abundance of excellent Turkish restaurants. Most of them are still in business, dishing out late-night lahmacun (meat pizzas) or hangover-busting menemen (spiced eggs) to appreciative locals. But leading the crowd is Mangal 2, which has evolved a rather more elevated take on Turkish cooking. You’ll find sourdough pide (flatbreads) and lobster rolls next to authentic charcoal-grilled kebabs on the menu, as well as artist-duo Gilbert & George dining on the next table most evenings.
Dalston Superstore
Gay Bar, Pub Grub, European
Beyond Retro Dalston
Shop
While you’re a little spoilt for choice for vintage shops in east London, Beyond Retro Dalston offers one of the largest clothes collections for your sifting pleasure (12,000 garments at the last count). It’s housed in a huge, handsome art deco building that’s become the local go-to for all manner of pre-loved swag, fashion accessories and one-off pieces. A great place for a rummage if you’re planning a night out.
EartH
Music Venue
This rejuvenated 1930s cinema has become the hub of Dalston’s artistic, literary and music scene, attracting performers from all over London, the UK and beyond. The multi-arts space funnels and showcases talent in three distinct areas – the hall, theatre and kitchen – hosting a dizzyingly diverse range of events from live music and markets to comedy and cinema. Programming is rooted in innovation and creativity so expect some of the hottest new talent – as well as some established names.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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