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A City Guide to Stoke Newington

Stoke Newington in Hackney has it all. Well, except its own tube station, but that needn’t matter when you’re living in one of London’s best locations, serviced by buses aplenty and the Overground. Church Street is where it’s all happening, but you’ll find ample open space in and around this bustling passage to enjoy a little more peace and quiet – from the beautiful Abney Park Cemetery (one of London’s magnificent seven) to the reservoirs and wetlands, and Clissold Park.

Coffee

Where there’s a large proportion of London hipsters, there are often an inordinate amount of cafes – but how can you tell which serve a good flat white? We recommend the Yellow Warbler, just a little off the beaten track from Stoke Newington High Street, but handily alongside one of the main bus routes into the city and just shy of the station. Small, but perfectly formed, they offer specialty coffee from a limited number of excellent suppliers, and delicious breakfasts. What’s more, if you like dogs as much as you like coffee, do be sure to follow them on Instagram for their careful curation of coffee and pooches on location.
@yellowwarblercoffee / 9 Northwold Road

Do also check out:

Sapid Coffee – massive doughnuts at the weekend, and excellent coffee @sapid_coffee / 168 Church Street

Curators Coffee – down at Newington Green, boasting freshly baked pastries, bread and a little general store for jams and local treats @curators_coffee / 20 Newington Green

Brunch

Go straight past the queues at the Good Egg (although do be sure to try it at least once – even if just for the babka) and head down the side streets to Esters N16. We recommend that you get there early to ensure a seat. It’s well worth it for the totally unique menu on offer. For example, last week they were serving ‘French toast with poached loquats, citrus puree, lemon ricotta cream, noyaux and olive oil meringue.’ We’re not even sure what a loquat or noyaux is, but we know it needs to get in our mouths on a civilised Sunday morning.
@estersn16 / 55 Kynaston Road

Do also check out:

Lizzy’s at the Coal House – overlooking the beautiful Woodberry Wetlands, serving excellent teas, coffee and brekkers. / Access via New River Path, Woodberry Wetlands

Pub

If you know Stokey, you’re likely to have heard of the Three Crowns. Excellent boozer and menu by day, live music venue by the eve… it’s also a destination for dancing on the tables by the darkness of night at what they have coined ‘Stoke Newington’s Biggest Free Party.’
Most evenings of the week are host to something tasty such as Pie & A Pint on Mondays, or Steak & Wine Night on a Thursday and plenty of other offers that mostly satiate a Londoner’s thirst for gin.
@threecrownsn16 / Junction of Church Street and Stoke Newington High Street

Do also check out:

The Prince – 20 lines offering the best of British beers and cider, an excellent Sunday roast, and sometimes a huge block of cheese at the end of the bar. @theprincen16 / 59 Kynaston Road

Dinner

You might never stop eating dinner out if Stoke Newington has anything to do with it. It’s simply packed with places to eat and, once you’re done with that, it’s not like Dalston is too far to walk and so on goes the never-ending feasting. If you’re staying in the hood though, Andi’s recently won a local’s favourites awards. They serve food all day but it looks especially cosy in the evenings, lit by candles and a certain ambience that can only come from excellent hospitality. Andi herself (former chief judge on 2017’s Great British Menu) describes her restaurant as ‘A little love in your tummy.’ We could all use more of that.
@andis_restaurant / Church Street

Do also check out:

Wander – A casual, modern Australian restaurant, created through a combination of the owner’s cultures, travels and experiences. @wanderrestaurant / 214 Stoke Newington High Street

Drinks

Again, there are so many places to have a drink in this neighbourhood – from clandestine underground bars, to fancy wine bars with high stools, and – actually – a really good Wetherspoon’s. On the slightly less rowdy side though, is one of the neighbourhood’s most recent openings: The Mint Gun Club. Serving really rather innovative cocktails and fine teas, owner Rich’s enthusiasm for beverages is almost infectious, as is the warmth with which you are welcomed. Whether you’re in the market for a tasty distillate or a miniature tea ceremony, this place is totally unique.
@themintgunclub / 4a Brooke Road

Walk

When you’re not too busy eating or drinking, Stoke Newington really is blessed with places to stroll. Clissold Park is ideal for summer lounging, but it’s Abney Park Cemetery that’s unmissable at any time of the year. One of London’s great garden cemeteries-come-open-space, the peace here is almost impenetrable. Follow overgrown paths and fallen-down tombs as you wind your away around this magnificent piece of history and conservation. Often times there are guided ghost walks, or literary events in the old chapel. Albeit a place of rest, it’s a hub of life and activity and integral to the area.

Entrances on Church Street and Stoke Newington High Street.

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Take the Family

Aunt Glenda is in town with the cousins and you’ve got to find somewhere to seat everyone and remain under a certain budget. Yum Yum’s – an institution as far as Stokey is concerned – is a huge Thai restaurant that’s ideal for big groups. Great food at good prices, you’ll find yourselves seated along long, banquet-style tables and wondering where the waiter got lost in the labyrinth of this place. Don’t worry, they’ll find you, eventually.
187 Stoke Newington High Street

First Date

Eek. Where to go on a first date? Well, any of the above really, but we also think Ryan’s Bar is a top notch choice. It’s long been a popular boozer on Church Street that has refused to succumb to the ‘super cool’. Excellent beer, excellent garden, no frills, it’s the most honest place for a quick drink and, if you like your date, the rest of N16 is your oyster.
@ryansn16 / 181 Church Street

Public Transport

Major bus routes: 67- 73 -76 – 106 – 149 – 243 – 276 – 393 – 476
Overground station: Stoke Newington
Nearest tubes (30-min walk): Manor House / Arsenal Station, Piccadilly Line – or take the 106 to Finsbury Park for the Victoria Line and National Rail Services

We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Stoke Newington to find your next home in the neighbourhood.