It’s a haven for nature lovers in the midst of the city
It’s the perfect place to stop by for a cup of tea (or a pint a bit later on)(Image: Amber-Louise Large)
There’s no such thing as ‘excessive’ at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, where blissful eclecticism meets nature’s soothing influence. Just one minute from bustling Dalston, this serves as a sanctuary for tranquillity-seekers and nature enthusiasts who embrace the motto emblazoned on the vibrant pink sign at the entrance: “Keep Cities Wild.”
Nature dominates here, quite literally. The local Hackney garden has been constructed along a disused railway line and vegetation scrambles over every available space: from timber barrels to wooden beams, from tin cans to corrugated rooftops. Despite its proximity to the trains and buses of Dalston Junction, the only sound visitors can detect as they relax on the sumptuous outdoor sofas or settle at a handmade wooden bench is the whisper of the breeze.
That breeze sets the delightful decorations – from lampshades to juice-cartons-turned-bird-houses to disco balls – dancing like a cheerful mobile. As daylight fades, the radiance of candles, sparkle of LED strings (countless numbers of them) and even small orange and blue spotlights directed at the disco ball take over. The warming cups of Fennel or Bengal Spice tea are substituted with affordable pints of Guinness.
The garden is open year round(Image: Amber-Louise Large)
Dalston Curve Garden was established in 2010 to provide a ‘wild’ space in the densely populated borough of Hackney. It is managed for and by local residents – a precious garden oasis in what can occasionally feel like the concrete mayhem of urban life.
You’re even allowed to bring your own food and drink (excluding alcohol) for a garden picnic. It’s a space for locals to use as they please – and many of them opt to indulge in the homemade chai cake or vegan vanilla cake on offer at the café.
For the little ones, there’s an entire play area at the bottom of the garden, featuring a vibrant and colourful stage. The petite tables and red chairs, available for everyone to use, evoke memories of school days and lend an extra touch of youthful charm to the garden.
This small corner of the city that insists on remaining wild is a place where hours can easily be lost. Locals pop in for a brew during their lunch break or settle in for half a day at any time of year.
Dalston’s uber-cool local garden feels like it could be in Berlin(Image: Amber-Louise Large)
There’s even a hamper filled with blankets for chillier evenings: they certainly know how to look after visitors in this secret-garden-esque spot.
Getting there
While it may feel like it’s miles away from the hustle and bustle of Tube trains and London buses, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is conveniently located right outside Dalston Junction Overground station and is surrounded by bus stops serving the number 277.
Entry is free and the garden is open:
Monday – 1pm to 8pm
Tuesday – 2 to 8pm
Wednesday – 1pm to 10pm
Thursday – 1pm to 10pm
Friday – 1pm to 10pm
Saturday – 12pm to 10pm
Sunday – 12pm to 8pm
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