Dalston Eastern Curve Garden — Attraction in London

(1 star – only because zero isn't possible)

I’m deeply shocked and appalled by our recent experience at the Curve Garden in Dalston. What was meant to be a birthday celebration for my 13-year-old disabled son turned into an incredibly upsetting and humiliating incident for our entire family and group.

The manager shouted aggressively at my son for picking up a large stick—something that was openly lying around the garden space, clearly a part of the natural environment there. Instead of addressing the situation calmly or with any kind of understanding or empathy, especially towards a child with additional needs, he became immediately confrontational.

When I tried to calmly advocate for my son, the manager turned his aggression toward me and the rest of our group. He was not just rude—he was threatening and verbally abusive. Despite us having set up for a birthday party, we were told to leave in a manner that was not only abrupt but downright hostile.

I cannot overstate how unacceptable this behaviour was. No one—especially a child—should be treated this way in a public space, let alone one that presents itself as a community-focused garden. This is not how you run a safe, inclusive, or respectful environment.

I sincerely hope the management is held accountable for this appalling conduct. I would strongly advise other families, especially those with children or anyone with additional needs, to think twice...

A proper hidden gem – calm, creative, and community-led

Tucked away behind an unassuming wooden gate on Dalston Lane, this place is exactly what you hope to find in the middle of a busy bit of London—a peaceful, leafy haven that somehow still feels full of life.

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden isn’t just a pretty green space (though it absolutely is that). It’s clearly been built with heart. You’ll find fairy lights strung through the trees, tucked-away benches, raised beds growing all sorts, and a relaxed mix of families, couples, creatives, and locals all happily coexisting.

There’s a small café hut serving hot drinks, craft beers, and the odd snack or pizza—plus lots of community events throughout the year. I stumbled across a music evening once, and another time it was a lantern-making workshop. There’s no pressure to join in, but the sense of welcome is real.

It’s also surprisingly green in the nature sense—proper planting, bees buzzing, birds flitting about, and not manicured to within an inch of its life. It feels loved, not polished.

Only thing to note: it can get busy on warm evenings, and it’s not huge, so maybe don't expect loads of open space to run around in. But honestly? That just adds to the cosy vibe.

In short: A beautiful, slightly magical spot that makes you feel like you’ve found something special. Pop in for a coffee or a wander—you’ll leave feeling better than when...

This is a lovely garden but sadly not a 'community' garden for all residents. Well, it is for a certain community - that of young, affluent Dalstonite hipsters and social media types but I have spotted very few black faces - bizarre as the local Dalston community is, or was, made of many African and Caribbean communities. And very few people who don't look comfortably off. This 'community garden' does not seem to be for the poor or old local population. It also charges to get in before 7pm on a Tuesday, despite its remit of being open and free until 7pm and woe betide anyone who inadvertently brings their own drinks - this is not a park or a public place as the rude and officious management will tell you. See this as a private venue with strict rules. I am saddened at the changing face of Dalston and the dearth of true...