London Guide: Newington Green. I often pass through this part of North London on my way to Daltson or dining at one of the eateries, and I’ve seen the slow evolution of this part Islington and part Hackney patch transform into a foodie hotspot. As you stroll down Green Lanes, you’ll find a few exciting shops springing up. If you’re looking for things to do in Newington Green or places to eat in Newington Green, my guide to Newington Green will be helpful.
The Green
Things to do in Newington Green
Architecture: Stop to admire the architecture in the area. Numbers 52-55, on the west side of the Green, were built in 1658 and are London’s oldest surviving brick terrace with Grade I listed status. The former China Inland Mission building and Unitarian Church both have Grade II listed building status. The Unitarian Church is one of England’s oldest Unitarian churches, which was founded in 1708.
The Unitarian Church
Mary Wollstonecraft: Be inspired by the English writer, philosopher and women’s rights advocator (1757-1797). She moved her school for girls to the area in 1784. Because Mary was a visitor to the church and you will see a banner outside the premises saying – The Birthplace of Feminism.
Mary Wollstonecraft Stencil
You will see a stencil by street artist Stewy on the side of the New Unity Church building, which appeared on International Women’s Day in 2013.
Sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft, by Maggi Hambling
Since writing this article, a sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft by artist Maggi Hambling has been displayed in Newington Green Park.
Newington Green: Relax in the Green, surrounded by a road rather like a roundabout where you will find a small children’s playground and benches to sit down on. There is a Café kiosk serving refreshments, including bacon baps and coffee plus cakes. In early July, they host an annual jazz event in the area, which is very popular.
Newington Green
Clissold Park: Enjoy the family-friendly Clissold Park, which is a short walk away. The park features a playground, paddling pool, animal enclosure, ponds and a cafe inside a grade II listed building. Read my Clissold Park Review.
Clissold Park
New River Path: Walk along the New River Path. You will see signs if you head up Green Lanes towards Clissold Park. It follows the course of the New River from Hertfordshire to Islington. It covers 28 miles in total! Read more about it on Wikipedia.
T & Shop
Shops: There are a couple of shops to browse on Green Lanes. Atom Gallery, where you will find contemporary limited edition prints and affordable art, read my Atom Gallery Review. For home accessories and gifts, pop into T & Shop. Upstairs is a café and downstairs is the shop, read my T & Shop Review. Post on Green Lanes is a stationery shop with lovely notebooks and greeting cards.
Places to Eat in Newington Green
Some restaurants I can recommend in the vicinity include Perilla: Foodie fans who will rejoice over the five-course set evening meal featuring humble ingredients to create their take on classical European flavours – read my Perilla Restaurant Review. Primeur: A former 1920s garage workshop is just around the corner where you can sample modern European small plates – read my Primeur Restaurant Review.
Perilla Restaurant
Other Place to Eat: Belle Epoque patisserie serves impressive cakes, tarts, quiches and bread (I can also recommend this bakery for a light lunch and afternoon cake). Read my Belle Epoque Review. Acoustic Café serves breakfasts and Mediterranean food. Next door is Tranga, a Spanish restaurant.
Belle Epoque Golden Eclair
While visiting in 2021, I popped into Jolene, a bakery facing Newington Green. They serve baked goods such as cakes and filled rolls for lunch. Read my Jolene Review.
Jolene Baked Goods for Lunch
Another pub to check out is Lady Mildmay for rustic Mediterranean cuisine. Wine lovers will enjoy sampling the natural wines along with the charcuterie boards at Yield N16. As there is a Turkish Cypriot community here, you will find traditional Turkish restaurants on Green Lanes.
Newington Green Information
For more photographs, see my Love Newington Green London Pinterest Board. To find out about the history of this area, read the information on Wikipedia. The Newington Green Action Group also has some good reading material relating to the history of the area. The nearest stations are Canonbury (Overground), Highbury and Islington (Overground and Victoria Line), Dalston Kingsland (Overground). It is a walk from those stations, but you get to check out the vicinity and get some exercise! Bus routes include 141, 341, 476, 21, 73 and 236.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London except for the Perilla image.
