This place is actually a disused chocolate factory which now houses a variety of artists' studios…read more They have open weekends for the public twice a year and it's worth going up there on these days even if you're not thinking of buying. The next open weekend is actually next week, on Saturday the 5th and Sunday 6th July so I timed this review well, didn't I?! The building itself is fabulously preserved and none of the studios are empty. I can imagine it is a great place to work. I understand that they have recently enlarged the space to include more studios so there will be even more stuff to look at. I don't have a lot of disposable income but even I have found some gorgeous things to buy here, including pottery and jewellery. The artists very kindly put out nibbles so you can stuff yourself while you're looking at their work.

This is a fabulous set of studios, hidden off the busy Stoke Newington Road in Stoke Newington,…read moreHackney N16. Twice a year they open their doors to the public. Here's the latest one: 'It's winter time again and Open Studios are nearly upon us. There are 25 Studios at The Chocolate Factory and we will be opening our doors for one weekend only. It's a great chance to see the artists and their work, see what's new, grab some bargains and enjoy a browse. Don't forget your Christmas Shopping too! The studios are a real find off the busy Stoke Newington Road: A Cobbled yard with hanging baskets and an oasis of pots and plants set the scene for this thriving community of artists and designer makers. Follow us on Facebook for more info: Search The Chocolate Factory N16'

Interesting and very unique art gallery and art space. Afro-Latin American artworks, mainly from…read moreCuban artists here surely offer a nice and vibrant glimpse of Cuban art and culture. Amazing vintage cameras collection, a wide range of Cuban books (available for hire) and very affordable and nicely designed greeting cards from independent illustrators. I would recommend it to everyone interested in Latin and Caribean art and culture. I recently visited their latest exhibition...a splash of colour in a very warm and welcoming space. Well done 13 The Gallery for supporting art outside Western mainstream!

From the owner: Limited edition photographic prints and fine art Affordable…read moreart and crafts (including furniture design and construction with recycled materials) Photography studio (weddings, vintage/camara obscura photography, family portraits, models/actors portfolios) Professional printing with pigments Graphic and interior design

I first came across V22 because I was considering throwing an Arthouseparty there. My creative…read morepartner in crime and I were looking for somewhere to throw a midsummer-night's eve event, so we were after dark eerie corners, flowing vines that we could allow to drape in through the windows and somewhere to construct a labyrinth. While extenuating circumstances meant we had to go elsewhere, the upside is that we both discovered a very dynamic space full of raw character, which hosts the calibre of shows that have people queuing to get in, despite it tubelessly Dalson Junction-based location. One thing that separates east and west London's commercial gallery scene in my experience is this: the west end galleries' events and more formal occasions (with notably better wine); where in the east the shows frequently mutate into arty parties later on in the night; where miraculously nothing gets trashed. V22 is definitely one of the best creators of that kind of atmosphere. If you take a peek at their site you'll notice they have a strong bias towards fine art and video installations and have hosted the likes of painter Peter Jones, Artists Anonymous and even Georg Baselitz - a clear sign that they're making amazing strides for a relatively new space.

I've been buying prints from Hang Up for years now and have never been disappointed. They have a…read moregreat selection of Banksy prints, amongst others, and can always find pieces that may not be listed on their site. Would I recommend, yes!

From the owner: Limited Edition Prints, Signed and Unsigned Banksy Prints, Street Art, Collectible Editioned…read morePrints, Urban Art

I trekked here from Lewisham just to try the tofu bagel, to find out after I arrived it was sold…read moreout. A bit annoyed as I had tried calling beforehand but no one answers! That said the tiny, cosy place is dog-friendly and has a very nice barista. I got the chai latte and the leek mushroom vegan roll with chutney and it was a nice snack. The chai is more spicy than sweet, which the barista did warn me about, so keep that in mind. I added more agave syrup to my drink to make it more palatable. Other snacks are on display on the small counter as well. A nice pit spot overall just shame on the bagel (and other items were sold out as well and it was only around 1pm!)

Hmm what do I like about this place? EVERYTHING!! I've walked past this place for like a million…read moreyears and today was the first time I made it inside and well, it was the best decision EVER!! Armed with a serious need for caffeine, I headed inside and was greeted by a lovely friendly server. I ordered an almond cortado, which was the perfect blend of strong, but not bitter. Food wise, I ordered a salmon bagel and it was beautiful - freshly made and still hot. The salmon was complemented by lots of green leaves and a generous amount of cream cheese. Wifi wise, it's a pound donation, which goes to charity and is super fast! Can't fault this place seriously, it's my new hangout in Dalston!

On the first weekend of each month, a Dalston-based studio opens its doors to the world. Absorb…read moreArts isn't however, like your usual East London gallery party. The invitation is to go into the artists' place of work and view a selection of finished works, and some in progress. The overall feel of the evening is like a rawer version of Freize, but in a more compact space. The emphasis is very much on fine art painting, photography and screen prints specifically, and was packed to the brim with people, some of whom had come up from the Arcola Theatre downstairs. There was one very eye catching piece of (what I thought was) sculpture in the back room, consisting of a thick, imposing black post sticking up from the ground. It was attached to a thinner pole jutting out at right angles which spun round in circles, threatening to decapitate any tall people that walked past. There was a bird stuck on the end of it, which looked like a rare pigeon. Turns out it was actually a device that is commonly used by hunters for attracting birds so they can be shot at! Very Countryside Alliance. But in the metropolitan world of the East London art scene it became a bewitching (if not beheading) installation that looked funny and unsettling at the same time. I went to see two artists: Katie Cox-Miller and Elly Clarke. I was treated to some warming mulled wine, music and mince pies for my (non-existent) troubles. Each time I go there are new surprises. Like an art treasure hunt but in one space. The artists are there and happy to talk about their work. I'd go again in a heartbeat.

If you are going to Dalston market, you will find fruits and vegetables but if you continue into…read morethe street, you'll find on the left a shop named Dalston Mil Fabrics. There you can find more than mil (thousand) fabrics, colors, printed fabrics , textiles even the fabric that you only dream of is there. Prices are cheap and there are also a lot of buttons and zips as well as pens for drawing on clothes and also colors if you are fed up of your small pink dress turn it into black by dying it. You can also talk with the staff if you are not sure about your choice. It's a shop where a lot of fashion students go.

This is the second time they told me one price then when they've cut the fabric they claim they…read moretold you a different price (of course the new price that you 'misheard' is more expensive). They take the bet that most people are too embarrassed to walk away, and will pay. Beware! They are very dodgy.

I had read about Urban Fog in a design newsletter and added it to my mental list of things to do…read more The weather this weekend was perfect for a cycle ride across London to this hidden gem in a Dalston side street. The project is led by a team of designers who share a passion for art and architecture. They converted a derilict space into a magical refuge. I don't want to give too much away - go and see for yourself! I am a complete sucker for tea and cake, especially after a bike ride on a Sunday afternoon. This is were the teahouse part of the concept comes in. An unusual choice of hot and cold teas - as well as cocktails! - is on offer, and some lovely home made cakes. I'll be back next weekend to make the most of this work in progress and am sad already that it will all be over on the 21st.

Follow a creaky staircase leading up to the rafters of this quaint old repurposed church, (making…read moresure you love on Lolly, the gallery dog, along the way,) and you'll instantly be rewarded with one of the coolest little galleries in London. The fine ladies at Vyner Street have devoted their gallery to showcasing and selling UK student and graduate art, and making this art accessible to the new art buying public such as myself. It's really just a win-win situation for the novices in the art world on all sides, and it's certainly one of those "hey... why didn't I think of this" experiences. I'd highly recommend popping by during the first Thursday of each month, where the reward at the top of the creaky staircase is bound to be something of the sweet and/or alcoholic nature. Affordable art + booze + a loving gallery pup? Sounds like an adventure waiting to happen!

One of my friends in London lived at the end of Vyner street across from Victoria's park. So for…read morehe and his girlfriend, this was pure stomping grounds. I guess periodically they have art openings on this street, where everyone seems to converge. One part Chelsea and one part williamsburg, you'll find plenty of free beer, wine and snacks to choose from. Afterward, a quick walk along the canal will take you to Broadway Market, and as I recall a carlsburg special in hand I was feeling no pain... We went to a gastropub on that block, though I don't recall the name...