Last Updated on April 30, 2022

It’s time for a kebab folks!

There’s nothing like a kebab to end your night out. There are precious few other statements in the English language that are as agreeable as this one. But what if I told you the nation’s favourite night out food has just got a much classier upgrade? KRAFT Dalston is dishing out superb kebabs, alongside a stunning array of homebrewed beer and gin. So, instead of ending your night out with a kebab, I would recommend starting with one at KRAFT instead.

Breezy is definitely the word to describe Kraft’s interior. Not that it’s nippy in the slightest, but plants, long glass windows, tall seating areas and overhead fixtures make it an airy and easy place to sit and have a drink. The welcoming atmosphere is matched by the friendly service, the waiters are eager to have a chat about their menu, their favourite cocktails, and how they make their gin and beer on-site. It is hard to miss the huge silver distilling equipment behind the bar, a nice touch to remind guests of KRAFT’s commitment to cutting its environmental impact. The companies behind KRAFT’s beer, which is created by German Kraft, and their Gin, distilled by pop-up masters Jim and Tonic, are committed to reducing their CO2 emissions and fighting water waste. A noble cause that doesn’t compromise on taste.

We started with two house cocktails each, one was a twist on a classic G&T, the Rosa, made with grapefruit gin, aromatic tonic, a dash of orange and garnished with juniper berries. Refreshing and sharp, it was everything a craft G&T should be. The flavours contrasted completely with the other cocktail, the sweet and sparkly BubbleBee, consisting of Kraft’s Roobee Gin, lemon, sugar, and topped off with prosecco.

We eagerly pored over the food menu. Of the starters, the Turkish Korean Fried Chicken and the Rare Breed Beef Brisket ‘Doner’ immediately stood out as sounding exquisite. We also decided to try their creamy hummus, topped with peanut curry pesto accompanied by flatbreads, with some added pork shawarma, just to top it off. The Korean Fried chicken came alongside a beautifully smooth garlic mayo, that complemented the sweet and crispy meat. The hummus was beautifully spiced and was the perfect accompaniment to the end of our drinks. The undisputed highlight, however, was the succulent Brisket. It was just the right balance of tender and rich, and the meat melted in the mouth.

Feeling well-satisfied with our starters, we returned to KRAFT’s drinks menu. One of the great things about Kraft is their eagerness to get you to try things, with very reasonably priced flights of both gin and beer. Having already gone for the gin cocktails, we decided to try KRAFT’s beer instead. With a flight each, of three 1/3rd pints for £6, we managed to cover the entire beer menu. They ranged from a delicious chocolatey stout and a zingy and fresh IPA packed with a delicious hoppy flavour to their guest draft, the Umbrella Apple Cider. Considering all of Kraft’s beer is brewed on-site, it’s an impressive feat to have such a wide range of beers. It would be equally as rewarding popping in for a couple of pints as it is for a full dining experience.

Finally, the time came for the kebabs. We decided on KRAFT’s Free-Range ‘Fried Chicken’ Shish and their pork and fondue extravaganza, The Dirty Bab. Having had far too many kebabs in my time, I can guarantee that these were up there with the best. The ‘Fried Chicken’ was deliciously crispy and perfectly spiced. The real winner here however was the incomparable Dirty Bab. A pork-based wonder smothered in fries and with a side of fondue. There was little not to love about both of these, and the rest of the menu looked just as delicious.

At this point we were far too full for dessert, so we treated ourselves to a final cocktail each instead. We went for a smoky Mezcal number to top the night off. Mine, the Oaky Smoky, had a delicate grapefruity taste that ended with a zingy punch. The other was a Mezcal version of a Tommy’s Margarita that leaned on lime and rosemary-infused agave and green chartreuse to round it off. Both were delicious.

KRAFT Dalston is a wonderful space that lives and breathes sustainability and friendliness. It’s great as a dining experience and as a chill place to have a pint. I’m planning to eat my weight in brisket next time I’m there, as I definitely will be back.