Stoke Newington
Each quarter we take you into one of London’s villages. This time our mystery man- about-town showcases the best of Stoke Newington.
This liberal and cosmopolitan enclave of Hackney, once home to Daniel Defoe, has some of the worst transport connections in London. Nevertheless, media, advertising, PR, film and fashion types who have outgrown the hustle and bustle of London Fields and Dalston, have arrived in an unbridled wave of gentrification and white window shutters; raising families of children with unique names, and weaving baskets to carry their weekly shop of artisan sourdough from the local farmers’ market.
The best place to go and watch Stokies (as the locals are known). Observe the ageing male hipster in action; stroking his handlebar moustache whilst wearing a fishing anorak, contemplating the works of Keats and drinking an artisan porter ale flavoured with marshmallow (£6.80). Or the high-flying fashion mum having Sunday lunch with her four children, whilst providing her latest copy for the Guardian’s Style editorial to her PA.
On Saturday night expect to queue for the best pizzas in the world at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, an Italian institution from Naples originally opened by Salvatore Condurro in 1870. They only have two pizzas on the menu which featured in the film Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts. Stop off for a few craft beers and see a local indie band at The Lion, then later head to The Waiting Room, Stokey’s only nightclub with regular techno sessions which last year hosted a secret gig by Lady Gaga. Get there early as this sweatbox holds a maximum of about 25 people.
London’s best climbing and bouldering facility, housed in an old reservoir pumping station, this palace is a mecca for those with a penchant for chalk and calloused hands from all over London. It’s more than just a climbing centre. It’s a community, with an organic café, full fruit and vegetable garden with yoga, meditation and spiritual classes to help you release your inner yoghurt weaver.
Abney Park is an undiscovered gem, if you’re into graveyards. One of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ graveyards in London (apparently this is a thing), laid out in the 1800s, it is non-denominational with an entrance styled in the ‘Egyptian Revival’. Its many interesting grave and tomb styles make this a great place for a creepy walk in the twilight. Stokey is also lucky enough to also have the nearby Clissold Park, home to some local goats, deer, a butterfly dome, two ponds with fish, ducks and an angry swan. It also boasts London’s best adventure playground and supreme skate bowl, the offer of a really basic cheese sandwich and marriage ceremonies at the beautiful Grade II listed Clissold House.
Whilst this flower and plant shop has been only open a matter of weeks, it has already reached global recognition, largely due to a retweet by Jeremy Vine which details the shop’s ‘artisan sticks’ which are marketed to clueless Londoners and tourists for the competitive price of £18 each*. Apparently gathered in a sustainable method by expert local craftsmen, to show your London friends how you just love to get back to nature.
