It was love at first sight for me at Ruby’s; from the old cinema sign above the seemingly empty shop space, down the ramshackle stairs, to the eclectic candlelit interior of this intimate subterranean bar.

The stripped back décor is beautifully faded and crumbling – glazed bricks, patches of old wallpaper and half painted walls enclose a mish mash of worn furniture – but unlike a lot of Dalston venues, Ruby’s isn’t style over substance. The staff are always polite and helpful and the drinks are delicious. Special note to the superb cocktails served in a variety of cups, jam jars and Manchester milk bottles. They all leave you wanting another, or three. There’s also a well-picked wine list and some great craft beers to choose from.

I save Ruby’s for a special occasion or when I want to catch up with good friends. It’s so cosy and pretty that I don’t want to taint it. Visit but keep it a secret.