Dalston

One of Hackneys less desired suburbs, Dalston is not exactly a glamorous location, but it does have a vibrant and quirky nature that makes residents fiercely loyal to it. The eclectic and multicultural backdrop of Dalston and the close proximity to Londons financial district has seen an influx of wealthier people moving in and trying to gentrify the hustle and bustle of the extremely exotic suburb.

Stand on the high street and see the iconic Gherkin gleaming - so close you could almost touch it. Look the other way and you have the beginnings of trendy Stoke Newington and the fashionable bars and restaurants in Church Street. Wander Kingsland High Street and see the ethnic eateries, smell Caribbean, Turkish, African and Vietnamese restaurants all in close quarters and serving excellent value for money meals.

Every weekend the excellent Dalston Street Market behind the Kingsland Shopping Centre boasts some fairly exotic fruit and vegetables at unbelievable prices for London. Further along the Ridley Road market is reputedly the basis for the long standing 'East End' soap the Eastenders. The mixture of races at this market is incredible, Indian, Chinese, Jamaican, Londoners, Turkish and African, all chatting away in a myriad of languages and dialects.