London area of Stoke Newington guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Stoke Newington neighbourhood

A small village until the Middle Ages, Stoke Newington is a multicultural area in north London with its own strong identity and community spirit. The compact centre around Stoke Newington High Street boasts a rich array of independent retailers, including bookshops, second hand clothing stores and a knitting shop. Extremely popular with artists and bohemians, "Stokey" also has loads of open green spaces, including Clissold Park (with its Grade II listed mansion), Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington Common, and the West Reservoir, home to the Royal Yachting Association and a climbing centre housed in an old water pumping station built in the style of a Scottish castle. The writer Joseph Conrad lived in Stoke Newington (or 'New town in the wood') and today the neighbourhood is home to comedian Stewart Lee and singer Paloma Faith. The UK's first all organic farmers' market was in Stoke Newington, whose other popular spots include the Irish pub Auld Shillelagh and Turkish restaurant Testi, a must for meat-lovers. In the summer, the White Hart pub is very busy thanks to its outdoor barbeque and massive beer garden around the back - a ramshackle drinking area which mixes trees, grass and a terrace with ample space, shade and seating.

See our recommended nearby Stoke Newington Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.