Bar 55

This delightful little Bohemian bar doubles as a cafe during the day. Its name isn't obvious so look out for a street frontage which boasts classic London road signs. With colourful chandeliers overhead, bare wooden boards below, carefully chosen props - and a cocktail menu daubed in red paint on the wall, like blood - it's like a slick Victorian parlour with a little bit of a set from Se7en thrown in. Downstairs, there's a basement for special events, though it's not nearly as curated an interior. Free wifi is a bonus.

Definitely less grungey than much of the competition, Bar 55 wouldn't look out of place in the back streets of Soho and the drinks (£8) are among the more accomplished of the Dalston scene. Drinks are served from a tiny bar at the end and range focuses on twisted classics, from the Grapefruit Negroni to a White Martinez as well as old favourites - we hadn't had a Brandy Alexander since the '70s!