Ridley Road Market Bar is an eclectic and beloved nightlife venue located in the heart of Dalston, East London, United Kingdom. Originally opened in the early 2010s, the bar quickly became an essential part of Hackney’s vibrant cultural landscape, celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere, affordable drinks, and grassroots approach to music and entertainment. Built on the site of a former market storeroom on Ridley Road, the bar’s deliberately unpretentious décor—think disco balls, mismatched furniture, and hand-painted signs—embodies the DIY spirit of the post-recession era in East London.

Its reputation has been cemented as a cornerstone of London’s underground nightlife, offering an inclusive space for dancing, community, and discovery, and it is particularly notable for championing genres such as afrobeats, dancehall, bashment, electronic, disco, and world music. As a mainstay for locals and adventurous partygoers alike, Ridley Road Market Bar has resisted the gentrification and commercialization pressures that have transformed much of the surrounding area, often cited as a last bastion of “old Dalston.” While the physical structure has remained largely unchanged, the bar has adapted over time, upgrading its sound system and slightly expanding its events roster to include themed nights, live performances, and DJ sets, all while maintaining the intimate, welcoming ambiance that fueled its initial popularity.

In 2022, the bar temporarily closed in line with UK COVID-19 restrictions, generating a groundswell of local support that highlighted its significance to Hackney’s cultural and social scene. Upon reopening, it reaffirmed its commitment to accessible nightlife and grassroots music, fostering both local talent and hosting surprises from established acts. Notable artists who have performed at Ridley Road Market Bar include international DJs such as Peggy Gou, Alexander Nut, and Esa Williams, as well as well-loved local selectors like Charlie Bones, Zakia Sewell, and Mr Redley.

The venue has also provided an early-stage platform for emerging London-based musicians and DJs, including members of the NTS Radio collective, Sef Kombo, and Shy One, as well as impromptu performances from globally recognized acts like The Comet Is Coming and Afriquoi.