The Alibi

It's hard not to love the Alibi. Vicious soundsystem? Check. Gorgeous crowd of hot young things? Check. Discerning yet pumping music policy? Check. Throw cheap drinks, a genuinely friendly vibe and free entry into the atmosphere into the deal and you've got a serious proposition for a great night. Located in a basement on the main stretch of the Kingsland Road, The Alibi can be spotted at peak times by the vast crowd gathering at its entrance. No matter. There's an off-license not two minutes walk from the queue, so grab a couple of drinks and enjoy the in-crowd banter as you wait to descend. Even better, turn up a little bit earlier to chat to the shabbily gorgeous and friendly bartenders and you may even get a free shot thrown in (Pretend it's your birthday. They're always looking for an excuse). The shot combinations are particularly fun - go for the Dr Pepper flavoured shot, Amaretto and... well, something else delicious thrown in for effect.

The place fills up very quickly - it isn't big. The interior is really nothing to write home about. And as expected, queues for the bar and cloakroom can become very lively. But how is that different to anywhere else? Also, probably a good idea not to bring your best shoes - we've ruined several perfectly good pairs of trainers on particularly energetic evenings here in the past. But you won't care. Bring people you know you like, get a few rounds in and have a quintessentially East London night on that quintessentially hipster stretch of prime real estate known as Dalston. You're welcome.