Hackney chefs launch Dalston Cola
Busy with the fizzy: Dalston Cola
From Kingsland Road it was clear to see that the stall holders were gone and a summer storm was brewing.
But spilling out from a rammed Ridley Road Market Bar, the guests at the Dalston Cola launch party on Thursday 21 June were in high spirits and clutching the aforementioned ‘spice and citrus infusion’ to wash down the tasty eats on offer.
‘What the Dickens?’, for example, crafted savoury BLT bites and there were sweet canapés too, some of which were made with a splash of Dalston Cola’s brother liquid, Raw Fiyah ginger beer.
Bubbling with talent and experience, Dalston Cola creators Steve Wilson and Duncan O’Brien previously worked together at the White Hart on Stoke Newington High Street and formed a partnership to get serious about this fizzy drink.
I had my first taste of the distinctive Dalston Cola at the end of 2011, at The Russet on Amhurst Terrace (another of Wilson’s ventures). It was at Passing Clouds, however, that he first had the idea. Customers were regularly asking for big brand cola and, not wanting to disappoint them any longer, he researched recipes and processes to concoct an upstart challenger to ‘the real thing’.
Wilson and O’Brien’s energy was reflected in the revellers hailing the official arrival of this new drink, milling around the black-and-white tiles of the dancefloor. With a DJ set and live music, this was billed as a pop-up party but it was no secret that the launch was business. The duo needed no encouragement to discuss both the product and their know-how, keen to spread the word of this lovely London cola far and wide.
Having clearly captured hearts and minds in Hackney, Dalston Cola is now looking to court investors, secure a bottling plant and scale up its operations. They have already attracted interest, with German and Italian inquirers making contact with the beverage boys.
How did these individuals on the continent hear about East London’s hottest recipe for refreshment? “I don’t know!” said Wilson, wide-eyed, shaking his head with a wry smile.
Many continue to fear for new products and businesses but in this case you could point to The Russet, a creative café started with spontaneity and shy of footfall, which Wilson says is proving popular through providing barbecues on Saturday and sumptuous Sunday roasts.
Tasting more like cola bottle sweets than other similar soft drinks, Dalston Cola could stand out in the sector. As a big year for everything British and an ongoing love of that what’s local, it might be capable of sweeping the city, leading to more success for Wilson.
Made with cola nuts from Ridley Road Market and, where possible, delivered by bicycle, Dalston Cola is currently available online and at a small number of establishments in the borough, including Passing Clouds, The Russet and Vortex.
The Arcola Theatre, Wilson says, is having an overhaul of its bar and is also in talks about stocking the drink. Both parties humouring my suggestion of renaming it ‘Ar Cola’ in that location does sadly seem unlikely.
Revellers enjoy a drink at the Ridley Road Market Bar
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