London Guide: Stoke Newington, also known as Stokie to locals, is in North London, postcode N16, in the Borough of Hackney. My guide covers Stoke Newington’s Restaurants, shops, and places of interest, such as the beautiful Clissold Park. If you’re looking for things to do in North London or the best places to visit in London, read on for my Stoke Newington Guide.
This is an interesting part of London, with the village-like atmosphere of Stoke Newington Church Street. This connects with the rawer Stoke Newington High Street and Stoke Newington Road, which transitions into Kingsland High Street, Dalston. The nearest station is Stoke Newington Underground, which brings you out close to where Church Street and the High Street connect. It’s a great place to visit at the weekend when you can laze around in the park, grab a bite to eat in one of the many independent eateries or browse the design shops.
Stoke Newington Places of Interest
Just off Stoke Newington Church Street is Clissold Park, which opened in 1889. This stunning Victorian Park has been awarded a Green Flag, so it is one of the best green spaces in the country. A wide range of amenities is on offer, including tennis courts, outdoor table tennis, a summer paddling pool, a large playground, ponds, a bird aviary, and an animal enclosure with deer, stags, and goats. Clissold House is situated within the grounds. This Grade II* listed eighteenth-century mansion serves as a café and function room. On a sunny day, you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a pot of tea while you survey the grounds. They often host events and festivals in the park, which are always very family-friendly.
Clissold Park
You might spot the turrets of a castle while you are in the park. This Grade II* listed Victorian water pumping station has been converted into a climbing centre known as The Castle. It’s very cool inside and is always busy with a mix of professional and amateur climbers. Pop in and take a look while you’re in the area, as it’s very impressive, and you’ll still be able to see many of the original Victorian fixtures inside. They also have a fantastic café which serves Fairtrade and organic produce.
The Castle Climbing Centre
Not far from The Castle are the New River Path, the West and East reservoirs and the West Reservoir Centre where you can go kayaking and sailing. There is also a small café situated inside the building, which has an alfresco space overlooking the reservoir. The Woodberry Wetlands are across the road, where you will find another café. It’s a lovely spot for a sunny-day stroll.
West Reservoir and New River Path
When you’re in Clissold Park, you’ll also see the spire of St Mary’s Church. This stunning 13th-century Gothic-style building was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. John Oldrid added the spire later, in 1890. It’s a fantastic building that you should take a moment to admire as you pass by.
St Mary New Church
On the opposite side of the road, you can still see the original St Mary Old Church, which is so quaint you’ll feel as though you are in a country village. The larger and newer version was built to accommodate the growing community.
St Mary Old Church
Not far from the church is the Clissold Leisure Centre, which boasts two swimming pools, a sauna, a gym, squash courts, and courts for badminton, table tennis, and basketball. It also has a nice cafe inside. Close by is the Town Hall and Assembly Rooms, which have been restored to offer decadent 1930s interiors rich with dark mahogany wood, elegant marble and one of Europe’s largest working mirror balls. You can hire out these spaces for weddings and events. This is another beautiful building to admire.
Town Hall and Assembly Rooms
A little further along on Stoke Newington Church Street is the Library. You’ll notice a sign on the corner of Edwards Lane that says ‘Gallery’. Art exhibits and various activities often take place here, and they’re always worth a visit.
Library and Gallery Space
Another building worth mentioning is Abney Public Hall, also known as the Stokie Village Hall to locals. You’ll find this venue situated on Stoke Newington Church Street, and you can hire it for weddings and events. The Hackney Flea Market is also held here once a month, featuring sellers of curiosities, jewellery, vintage goods, clothing and plenty more interesting objects. Pop in and browse when you see the sign outside, and grab a snack and a cup of coffee while you are there.
Abney Hall and Hackney Flea Market
On the opposite side of the road, an entrance to Abney Park leads to an overgrown Victorian graveyard that makes for an interesting stroll. This was a burial ground for Dissenters, those who practised their religion outside of the established church. An alphabetical planting of tree species lines the perimeter, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in flora and fauna. The London Borough of Hackney now owns it and manages it in partnership with the Abney Park Trust. They usually have a guided walking tour on the first Sunday of every month at 2 pm, but do check the website for up-to-date information. It’s easy to get lost in the cemetery, so avoid visiting late in the evening when it’s starting to get dark, and make sure you have enough battery left on your mobile in case you need to check a map.
Abney Park and Cemetery
For organic fruit, veg, meat, artisan bread, and cheeses, head over to the Stoke Newington Farmers Market. It’s usually held on Saturdays from 10 am until 2.30 pm at St Paul’s Church on Stoke Newington High Street. The produce is organic or biodynamic, and most of the farmers are from within a sixty-mile radius. It’s not massive, but you can pick up something tasty for your lunch. They also serve hot coffee, so you can stop for a drink and a bite to eat while you soak up the community atmosphere.
Farmers Market
Stoke Newington Shops
Stoke Newington Church Street is located near Clissold Park and is lined with charming shops and eateries. It’s a great place to buy a gift for a friend or yourself. You’ll find a few home accessory shops and lifestyle stores, including Nook, which offers kitchenware, utility products, and select beauty products. Search and Rescue stocks an eclectic mix of vintage objects along with cool and quirky home accessories and gifts.
Search and Rescue Lifestyle Shop
Shops of note along Stoke Newington High Street, heading towards Dalston, include Rouge, which stocks rustic vintage furniture from Northern China and Mongolia, along with textiles, ceramics, and jewellery. If you love vintage clothing, pop into Beyond Retro.
Stoke Newington Restaurants
This area is a great place to eat, with a high concentration of independent cafes and restaurants and pavement seating for alfresco dining. Along Church Street, you can enjoy breakfast and brunch at The Parlour, which has a good selection of cooked breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches and some yummy cakes. The Good Egg serves Middle Eastern-inspired brunch dishes, many of which feature eggs. Pick up your loaf of bread or a tasty pastry from Spence Bakery. A fantastic cafe serving the most delicious food is situated on a nearby back street called Ester’s and is located at 55 Kynaston Road. It’s worth seeking out; they have only a few dishes, but everything tastes amazing.
Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria
Along the High Street, you’ll find a large Thai restaurant called Yum Yum. Café Z Bar is a great brunch spot, offering a variety of breakfast dishes, including Turkish, Middle Eastern, and English-style options, as well as meze. Try Sutton and Sons for fabulous fish and chips. For reasonably priced meals, you can also try the many Turkish restaurants nearby. I’ve eaten at a couple, and the one called Istanbul was quite good. If you’re on the hunt for a pub for a pint, try The Rose and Crown near Clissold Park, The Three Crowns, or The Jolly Butchers, which are a bit further away.
Stoke Newington Further Research
The nearest station is Stoke Newington, which is on the Overground line. Alternatively, you could travel to Rectory Road, which is also on the Overground Line. You can also start from the Dalston end and walk towards Stoke Newington, in which case you should travel to Dalston Kingsland or Dalston Junction stations. If you want to explore the Castle Climbing Centre and the Reservoir, then you could arrive via Manor House tube station, which is on the Piccadilly Line, and walk down Green Lanes. Read my recent article on the area, Ten Things To Do In Stoke Newington. Happy exploring!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.