Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington's Church Street is set in London's hip N16 postcode within Hackney, neighbouring Dalston, Finsbury Park and Shoreditch. In the 1960s, Stoke Newington saw an influx of writers, artists and politicians and has since become a popular commuter region full of charm and zest. The lack of tube connection helps keeps the tourists away, preserving the bohemian community atmosphere.
Church Street is the area's lively epicentre, with packed-out cafés, bars and pubs, including the famous Auld Shillelagh Irish pub. Stoke Newington (or "Stokey" to the locals) is known for its strong presence of independent businesses. Home to many vintage shops, boutiques and diverse restaurants has led to Stoke Newington becoming a much sought after part of London.
Stoke Newington has a generous amount of open space allowing plenty of parks, the biggest being Clissold Park, hosting numerous fares and festivals throughout the year. Nestled in the centre of the park, you can also find a mini-zoo with rabbits, chickens, goats and deers, providing plenty of attractions for local families. Abney Park Cemetery, is another beautiful park off Stoke Newington's Church Street. Now a nature reserve and arboretum, this park retains its' spooky, overgrown atmosphere it has had since the Victorian period, when it was a cemetery for non-conformists.
Adding to Stoke Newington's literary history, great writers such as Daniel Defoe and Edgar Allan Poe once lived here. There was even a pub called the ‘Robinson Crusoe’ in honour of Defoe’s most famous work.
