Hackney central lies to the east and Dalston to the west. Ally's place is tucked in between them, right about where Sandringham joins Amhurst. It's a quiet spot in an otherwise lively area.
I went out mostly around Dalston, found about a dozen places to eat and drink. One night after drinks, I remember being so happy to find a solid late night kebab on the walk home. The only thing I found missing in the neighborhood was a serious coffee spot on the way to the train.
Ally's home is stylish and cozy at the same time. Her art and pieces she's collected decorate the house all over. There seemed to be something interesting in every nook and on every surface. I remember a dresser with glass-fronted drawers, inside of which was a panorama of a hillside, stitched together in a wave. There's a big canvas on the wall scribbled with lyrics and odd mutterings. I liked the miniature chairs, the size of matchboxes, glued together in a pile.
It's a creative space if you're looking for it. Otherwise, it's just a clean and quiet room.
As a host, Ally, in a similar way, is full of stories if you want to hear them, but otherwise a facilitator. We didn't see much of each other, but the times when we did, I felt that we talked like old friends.