This post is part of my London Neighbourhood Guides series. Fancy visiting another area of London? Check out my other guides here, which all include information regarding the sights, history, charm, food and drinks of the area you’re curious about.
Stoke Newington is one of those London neighbourhoods that feels slightly removed from the rest of the city. Its lively High Street, village-like Church Street, historic cemetery and leafy residential roads bring together the best of North and East London.
I lived here with Victor for six years, after moving to Stoke Newington in October 2018. It was our first flat together without housemates, and the neighbourhood quickly became one of my favourite parts of London. We spent countless weekends exploring its cafés, restaurants, independent shops, parks and local pubs.
This guide follows Stoke Newington from the High Street and Abney Park to Church Street, Clissold Park and the quieter back streets beyond. Along the way, I’ll share the places I returned to most often, including some of my favourite places to eat and drink in London.
The map below shows the boundaries of the London Borough of Hackney. The areas highlighted in yellow cover Stoke Newington and the streets surrounding Clissold Park.
Planning Your Visit to Stoke Newington
How long to spend: Allow at least half a day, or a full day if you want to visit both Abney Park and Clissold Park and stop for lunch or drinks.
Nearest stations: Stoke Newington and Rectory Road are the closest Overground stations. Several buses also connect the neighbourhood with Dalston and central London.
Best time to visit: Weekends bring the most energy to Church Street, while weekdays are better for a quieter walk and easier restaurant bookings.
Suggested route: Start on Stoke Newington High Street, walk through Abney Park to Church Street, continue into Clissold Park and finish among the cafés and pubs on the neighbourhood’s quieter back streets.
Stoke Newington High Street
If you find yourself in Dalston and keep heading north along the High Street, you’ll eventually arrive in Stoke Newington. While nearby Church Street is known for its polished, village-like character, Stoke Newington High Street retains more of its practical, everyday identity. Independent restaurants and cafés sit alongside supermarkets, discount shops, takeaway restaurants and familiar high-street chains.
Stoke Newington has long been home to thriving Turkish, West Indian, and Jewish communities. This rich cultural mix is reflected in the many Turkish and Kurdish restaurants, all-hours corner shops selling everything and nothing, and the Kosher grocery stores that line the street. Best Turkish Kebab and the 24-hour bagel shop are both essential institutions for late-night or early-morning cravings.
Of course, no high street would be complete without a chippy—and in true Stokey style, it’s a bit more elevated. Sutton & Sons offers classic fish and chips, plus oysters and other sustainably sourced seafood from their own fishmonger just across the street. I’ve had many fried haddock and what might be the best chips in London there over the years.
Other local favourites include The Yellow Warbler, a long-standing café that recently changed owners (who seem lovely, by the way). For a pint, there are two reliable pubs: The Jolly Butchers and The Axe, both favourites among locals.
In recent years, a wave of new openings has boosted the High Street’s appeal to Gen Z and beyond. WAVE (the second location of a popular vegan café) and Next Door Records Two (a sibling to the original record shop-bar hybrid) are two notable additions.
One standout that transcends trendiness, however, is Sonora Taquería—a place that genuinely appeals to everyone. Their tacos are, quite possibly, the best in all of London. They have a few veggie options too!
Abney Park
Stokey is lucky to have Abney Park Cemetery, a strikingly atmospheric green space that’s also one of London’s Magnificent Seven garden cemeteries. These seven cemeteries were built in the 19th century in response to the capital’s rapid population growth and the strain it placed on inner-city graveyards. In 1800, London had a population of around one million; by 1850, it had more than doubled. To relieve the overcrowding, Parliament passed a bill in 1832 authorising the creation of privately operated garden cemeteries on the city’s outskirts. Between 1832 and 1841, seven cemeteries opened, with Abney Park among them.
Today, these cemeteries are known for their wild gardens and Victorian Gothic architecture. Abney Park stands out for its compact size, which brings the tombstones and trees into closer proximity. This gives it an almost enchanted feel—beautiful, slightly eerie, and unusually peaceful. It’s also far leafier than most, having originally been designed as an arboretum, with a wide variety of trees planted among the graves.
By the mid-20th century, the cemetery had reached capacity and fallen into disrepair. It remained neglected for decades, but in 2024 it underwent a major restoration. It now features a welcoming entrance with a café, community rooms, and workshop spaces. The central chapel has also been beautifully restored and is once again hosting events, breathing new life into this unique corner of Stoke Newington.
Church Street
If anyone in London knows Stoke Newington, they likely know Church Street. This village-like high street is at the heart of what makes “Stokey” so beloved. With its leafy charm and strong sense of local character, Church Street offers a slower pace that feels miles away from central London, even though it’s just a few stops from the city.
What makes this street special is its independent spirit. Most of the shops and food spots aren’t chains, but thoughtfully curated local businesses. There’s a classic mix of staples—a bakery, a butcher, a bookshop, a pub—alongside a rotating cast of boutiques and cafes that keep things interesting. It’s also one of the best places in North London to find a gift. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, a child, or just yourself, you’ll find something a little different here. For kitchen lovers, Kitchen Provisions and Prep are treasure troves. For kids, What Mother Made stocks adorable handmade clothing and toys. Then there’s Search & Rescue, Nook (my personal favourite), and Know & Love—all full of beautifully curated homewares and design-forward gifts. Don’t forget to swing by Earlybird Designs for cards and wrapping paper that are way more fun than your standard supermarket aisle.
When it comes to food and drink, Church Street really shines. One of my favourite affordable gastropubs in London is The Clarence Tavern, which delivers on both atmosphere and outstanding seasonal dishes.
For something a bit livelier, The Auld Shillelagh is hands-down the best Irish pub in London. It’s narrow, always buzzing, and pours a perfect pint of Guinness every time. It’s the kind of place where you might pop in for one and stay all night.
The Good Egg is a reliable choice for brunch or dinner, particularly if you enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired food. For pizza, Vicoli di Napoli serves proper Neapolitan-style pizzas in a relaxed setting. Rasa, meanwhile, is a longstanding neighbourhood favourite specialising in vibrant South Indian vegetarian cooking. Its dosas alone are worth the visit.
Clissold Park
Just a short stroll from Church Street is Clissold Park, one of the loveliest green spaces in North London. It’s the kind of park that feels like a true part of the neighbourhood—always full of joggers, picnickers, dog walkers, and families. There’s a small menagerie with goats and deer, a beautiful pond with ducks and swans, and plenty of shady paths for a quiet walk.
At its heart is Clissold House, an elegant 18th-century mansion that now houses a café with great views over the park. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a meal or to grab a coffee and sit in the sun.
The Back Streets of Stoke Newington
Just behind the bustle of Church Street and the High Street, the back streets of Stoke Newington reveal another layer of charm. Quiet rows of terraced townhouses line leafy lanes, giving the neighbourhood a relaxed, residential feel. Tucked among them are some real hidden gems.
Esters is my favourite brunch spot in all of London—not your typical eggs-and-avocado fare, but thoughtful, seasonal dishes I genuinely crave every day.
Nearby, Romeo & Giulietta has the best gelato in all of London, even better than some of the places I’ve tried in Italy (they are Italian anyway, so don’t come after me!). Seriously, their supreme pistachio is so good!
For drinks, The Shakespeare is a proper local pub with a welcoming vibe, and The Luminary is a stylish café and bakery run by a social enterprise that supports women from disadvantaged backgrounds—a lovely place to support and enjoy.
Stoke Newington is one of those rare London neighbourhoods that manages to feel both tucked away and full of life. The High Street, Abney Park, Church Street and Clissold Park are all close enough to explore in one day, but each reveals a different side of the area.
Come for a walk through the parks, a browse through the independent shops or a long lunch, and leave enough time to settle into a local pub afterwards. Stoke Newington does not shout for attention; it invites you to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the neighbourhood.
#Looking for more of Hackney? Continue exploring with my guides to Clapton, Hackney Central and London Fields, or browse the complete London Neighbourhood Guides series.
No Comments