Ellie's
“Matches your preference for quiet, immersive environments. This venue's atmosphere aligns with your saved favorites.”
L'ambiance
Ellie's is the kind of unpretentious cocktail bar that feels like it's been part of the Dalston fabric forever, even though it's a fresh take on the space once home to Pamela. You'll find yourself drawn to the rows of stools at the bar, the glowing green sign out front, and that effortless neighborhood vibe where locals mix with visitors without any of the usual pretension. The £8 martini deal is legendary—grab one on a Wednesday and pair it with takeaway from the chippy next door while the alt throwbacks playlist keeps things loose. What sets Ellie's apart is its commitment to being a real drinking hole rather than a destination for Instagram photos. The cocktail list punches above its weight with a tart raspberry daiquiri and a spicy margarita that actually have some kick. When the weather's nice, the open front and pavement tables become a prime spot to watch the Dalston parade go by, and there are plans for rotating kitchen residencies that should make weekend visits even more compelling. This isn't a place to go for a quiet conversation—it's for groups of mates, casual dates who want to talk over drinks, or anyone who wants a solid cocktail without the markup and the mood music.
Known For
- •£8 martinis all day Wed-Sun
- •raspberry daiquiri
- •spicy margarita
- •takeaway from next-door chippy
Best For
Location & Hours
We-Th 17:00-00:30; Fr 17:00-02:00; Sa 15:00-02:00; Su-Tu off
Avis (1)
The neighborhood bar that feels like home
Ellie's has quickly become a favorite in the Haggerston-Dalston stretch, offering that rare combination of good cocktails, fair prices, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The £8 martini deal alone is worth the trip—potent, well-made, and available all day on weekdays and most of the weekend. I've spent several evenings here, and the vibe never changes: it's always lively but never chaotic, with a solid playlist of alternative classics that keeps the energy up without drowning out conversation.
The cocktail menu is concise but effective, with the raspberry daiquiri standing out as particularly well-balanced—not too sweet, with a nice tart finish. The spicy margarita also delivers, though if you're not used to heat, maybe start with a light hand on the jalapeño. What really sells the place, though, is the setting. The bar itself is small but comfortable, with enough room to spread out if you're in a group, and the open front means you can people-watch while nursing your drink.
It's not perfect—the space can get cramped when it's packed, and there's no food on site yet (though they're working on it). But for what it is, Ellie's hits all the right notes. It's the kind of place you'll find yourself returning to because it feels like home, even if you're just passing through Dalston.
Lire en français
Ellie's s'est rapidement imposé comme un incontournable du quartier Haggerston-Dalston, offrant cette combinaison rare de bons cocktails, de prix raisonnables et d'une atmosphère vraiment accueillante. L'offre de martinis à 8£ vaut à elle seule le déplacement—puissants, bien préparés, et disponibles toute la journée en semaine et une grande partie du week-end. J'ai passé plusieurs soirées ici, et l'ambiance ne change jamais : toujours animée mais jamais chaotique, avec une playlist solide de classiques alternatifs qui maintient l'énergie sans étouffer la conversation.
La carte des cocktails est concise mais efficace, avec le daiquiri à la framboise qui se distingue particulièrement—ni trop sucré, avec une belle touche acidulée en fin de bouche. La margarita épicée fonctionne aussi bien, mais si vous n'êtes pas habitué au piment, commencez peut-être avec une main légère sur le jalapeño. Ce qui vend vraiment le lieu, c'est le cadre. Le bar lui-même est petit mais confortable, avec assez de place pour s'étendre si vous êtes en groupe, et la façade ouverte permet de regarder passer le défilé de Dalston tout en sirotant votre verre.
Ce n'est pas parfait—l'espace peut devenir exigu quand c'est bondé, et il n'y a pas de nourriture sur place pour l'instant (bien qu'ils y travaillent). Mais pour ce qu'il est, Ellie's coche toutes les bonnes cases. C'est le genre d'endroit où vous aurez envie de revenir parce qu'il vous donne l'impression d'être chez vous, même si vous ne faites que passer à Dalston.