Following the departure of Rita’s Bar & Dining, Dalston’s live-music legend Birthdays has taken advantage of the still-booming blue-collar burgers and beers trend by launching Psychic Burger – a humming joint on the ground floor of the venue that’s ideally placed for grabbing some down and dirty grub before the gig. The short menu fits the bill perfectly, so take your pick from five different patties, served in a brioche bun and topped with a crispy onion ring – the soft-shell crab version with sweet chilli sauce and garlic aïoli is a must-try. Otherwise, buttermilk fried chicken, ribs, various sides and snacks such as pork skin popcorn are good to eat while on the hop. Drinks run from a fistful of cocktails (the bourbon iced tea is recommended) to a raft of craft beers and a small, thoughtfully edited wine list.