d1v1d's Qype profile

A bit of the old East Village vibe transplanted in Dalston - London's own version of Deee-Lite :) Friendly bar staff and Kirin on draft (at least at end of March). Enjoy now because brewery in Sendai was damaged in earthquake and tsunami. By day, the Superstore is a cafe and art gallery; had a late breakfast recently - yummy french toast with bread of substance.

Superstore isn't just a DJ bar - they also feature artwork and recently hosted the FRINGE Gay Film festival. In my book, that's a community commitment and not just a profit-making venture.

But mostly it's about the music - and the Superstore is featuring very fine DJs and has a superb, rather intimate disco in the basement. Red backlighting at rear bar, laser lights and a good (not too loud) sound system make for good vibes and dancing all 'round.

No issues personally with bouncers but have not been late at the weekend.
Worth following the FB and Twitter feeds for up-to-date music and events. It's worth a trip to Dalston if you've not been. Easy access from the Dalston Junction overground station - transfer to overground from Victoria Line in Highbury & Islington or from the Jubilee line in Canada Water

A cyclist's living room, or from a non-cyclist's perspective, a beehive great vibe spot with extras - competent mechanics who often fix minor issues on the spot, food and drinks throughout the day, good-sized tables from which to work, cycling events on the big screen evenings - it's tempting not to go home!

Customers are a mix of cycle messengers, freelance designers, people commuting to / from work by bike, workers from nearby firms.

Food ranges from a freshly-made porridge with honey and bananas before work, mixed salads and soups for lunch and hot dishes for dinner, not to mention special brews and home-made cakes in the evening.

Ample and secure bicycle parking out front and in the yard.

All complemented by an enthusiastic team who are constantly busy cooking, serving, cleaning up, tearing down and setting up tables for events.

Don't miss the message pillar with its prominent 'No frowning on Friday' sticker.

A word about the workshop - I've had minor adjustments and a major incident with a jammed chain - all fixed straight away and with no charge. It helps if you consider bringing you bike in for maintenance where you pay a fair price for labour and parts - perhaps not the cheapest but Sam and his team are highly experienced and can get you back in the saddle whilst you enjoy coffee, cakes, a drink or a meal. And the workshop hours are longer than many shops. If you need special order parts, the workshop is good about following through with orders and confirming bookings for longer jobs by email.

Fantastic spot for a coffee and cake - sheltered from wind - nice morning sun. Great place to have a chat with friendly strangers :)

New for 2011 season - expanded kitchen and improved ordering process for food, more tables and a picnic blanket section in nice weather.

Same ambience - just more friendly strangers - eventually they will be friends :)

The best submarine sandwiches and wraps in the UK! Bright blue and yellow sandwich shop adjacent to Vauxhall Station (east side of railway line). From the greeting at the door to the freshest bread, lean meats, fresh veg andcoffee, this shop is a bright star in the otherwise post-industrial traffic corridor around Vauxhall. Generous sub sandwiches are around a fiver and you can order a half sandwich with bread or a wrap. My fav is the Depth Charge wrap for £4.35. Comfie tables and chatty staff and customers. It's a bit of upper Market St, San Francisco dropped into a railway arch. Open very late on weekends and now offers breakfast.

The East London Line is now open for passengers. Well worth the wait, the line combines the best of 19th and 21st century innovation. For travel south of Wapping, the line goes through the Brunel Tunnel, the world's first underwater tunnel. North of Whitechapel, the line is spanking new with fantastic views of Shoreditch and Hackney on the way to its northern terminus in Dalston. Spacious carriages - and you can walk between them if one is too full. Well worth the ride even if it's not on your regular commute!