This venue is now closed.
The Dissenting Academy in Dalston is somewhere I'd only heard of recently but I was powerless to resist a sneaky trip to this trendy spot in East London. This alternative artist hangout sits on a pleasant corner across from Newington Green exhibiting an alluring glow, needless to say I was drawn in like a moth to a flame.
The Venue
The Dissenting Academy is deceptively big, with every turn opening up a new spacious area peppered with twilight candles in bottles and casual seating. Needless to say it's everything you'd expect in a modern East End pub but the personal touches such as posters of shall we say 'dissenting' icons really stamps the bar's character. The horse shoe bar is grand with rich wood and climbs the walls all the way to the ceiling.
The pub pays homage to its former glory as an actual Dissenting Academy.
The Ambience and Clientele
There was a chilled out vibe as we entered the bar, in fact it was pretty quiet for a Friday night. Away from the beaten track of Shoreditch High Street people can escape and unwind in the company of some soft lighting and cool music. Despite having turned up at nearly 11.00pm people were still having food delivered to their tables which looked and smelled delicious, unfortunately we'd already eaten elsewhere but we've good cause to come back and try the goods! As quaint as the conservatory was it would've been better classed as a green house on this warm summer's evening.
Check out the comfortable shabby chic furniture, perfect for drinking and chatting.
The Drinks
Upon our arrival the barmaid her best efforts to convince us to partake in some shots, and had I not worked up such a thirst walking there I probably would have obliged. I was sorry to disappoint her but a Desperados was in order, thankfully it was cool enough to quench my thirst and not so expensive as to empty my wallet. Many of the couples and artists slouched around us had bottles of wine and credit where it's due, The Dissenting Academy has a well tuned wine list.
As recommended by bar staff... not sure your GP would agree however.
Summary
Newington Green is lucky to have a local like The Dissenting Academy, by my third beer I was checking out house prices. If you're looking for a comfortable Greenwich Village-esque vibe in East London then The Dissenting Academy is your perfect pub. There is a keen appreciation for anything involved in art and music and all round fun for those who share similar passions. Highly recommend.
