The Alibi

When it comes to basement bars in Dalston you need only walk a hundred yards or so between venues on Kingsland High Street. The area is covered with them –although you can’t see them, they’re underground – which just goes to show that the Alibi must be doing something positive to be up there among the most popular.

Located a short way up from Dalston Junction, you’ll spot the bar either by the queue that snakes along the street or the simple sign on the wall. Head down the staircase and what you’ll find is every bit as sleazy, loud and fun as you’d imagine of a basement bar in Dalston.

Split into various rooms with partitions there is seating dotted around and a fair few spaces focused on dancing. The back booth is available for hire but if that’s not your bag then you can usually find it unreserved and simply force out whoever’s sitting there upon your arrival. Subtly of course, whispering, odd looks and space invasion usually do the trick.

A young clientele run around from room to room, bar to dance-floor, listening to whatever the venue has chosen on the night in question. Think electro, bashment, dubstep, nineties indie, hip-hop, even film and karaoke nights. Music is big at the Alibi and it attracts talented new DJs and up-and-coming bands to the booth and stage respectively.

It’s sweaty, it’s sleazy and it’s loud; it’s the perfect night out in Dalston.