Dusty Knuckle to open new bakery in Blackstock Road

The Dusty Knuckle started out in a shipping container in a Dalston car park in 2014.

Co-founders Max Tobias, Rebecca Oliver, and Daisy Terry then moved into a permanent site in 2018 around the back of the Arcola Theatre.

One of the sandwiches at The Dusty Knuckle, which is based in a shipping container in Dalston and has a second branch in Haringey. (Image: Milly Kenny-Ryder)

Then in 2021 there was a second bricks and mortar location in Green Lanes Harringay - while in recent years they have operated a van café at Highbury Fields.

Now comes a third permanent bakery location in Blackstock Road which is rumoured to open in November.

The brand is regularly named among the best bakeries in the country.

It is also known for its baked pastries - and for the socially conscious practice of training up and mentoring young people who face barriers to employment as bakers.

The site in Blackstock Road was previously occupied by an Italian restaurant. (Image: Google)

At its Harringay site the bakery serves up all day breakfasts, lunches, soups, salads and pizza in the evenings.

In recent years the site at 81 Blackstock Road has been occupied by Italian restaurant Il Cavaliere.

A planning application for new signage at the site (2026/1456) was submitted in July and approved by Hackney Council on September 25.

The applicant was Max Tobias of The Dusty Knuckle Kitchen and the details included new double glazed timber doors with a fanlight, a new "traditional Victorian awning," pink granite plinths and a painted sign with the company logo and the words "The Dusty Knuckle Bakery".

The floorplan reveals a restaurant, bakery, and cafe at the front and a kitchen at the rear.

Last year Time Out named the stretch of road one of the coolest streets in the world for its vibrant mix of global cultures, independent food spots, and old meets new blend of Hipster natural wine bars and trendy coffee shops next to traditional old-school pubs, greasy spoons, and a local butcher.

Kurdish, Turkish and Ethiopian restaurants jostle with Book Bar the bookshop and drinking spot and a Nourished Communities grocery.

Now it seems there will be a new sourdough bakery opening up at one of north London's hottest food locations.