Read the article here in Suitcase Magazine >> (linked) << and full interview below.
Peter and I (Jade) lived in Stoke Newington when the company was just a twinkle in Peters mind. The company started in our living room off Stoke Newington Church Street over a decade ago and it is still at the heart of our day to day life.
We were living in total chaos in the early days – quickly realising we could not have plaster dust and half made spheres everywhere – and Peter found a small shop front to start working in on Kynaston Road. Then when he had an order for a globe larger than the doorways would allow – he had to start thinking bigger and found what is now our studio.
At the time our studio was a big empty warehouse that used to be Cash & Carry – without rooms, insulation, heat, air conditioning, hot water etc. We have organically grown the company within this space since – while turning it in to a functional art studio and workshop that works for our unique process.
What is the vibe in Stoke Newington?
It is a mix of young families (lots of strollers blocking up the pavement at times!), young professionals, creatives, and local characters of all backgrounds. Despite gentrification it is a multicultural area, with large Asian, Irish, Turkish, Jewish and Afro-Caribbean communities.
What is on offer will tell you all about a neighbourhood – natural wines, amazing florists, small batch gelato, on-site bakeries, organic everything, independent shops, designers making their own clothes, ethically sourced items, craft beer, endless options for coffee shops, and cute brunch spots. Great place if you are vegan and gluten free, but just as great for the meat eaters as well – from sushi, to tapas, to fish mongers, cheese mongers, to independent free-range butchers. You will find your hand-poured soy candles and independent published magazines and cute card shops – but also a lot of culture and quirky locals as well!
Weekdays it can feel like a village in a nice way. Friday and Saturday get very busy in the daytime with people visiting the shops, having brunch, strolling to the parks and beyond. And at night there are endless options depending on what sort of scene you are looking for – young and rowdy, live music, comedy, singles, or quiet and cosy.
We are cut-off in a way with no direct tube line – so it can feel like a mix of locals, Londoners almost on a day-trip, and people from other areas like Islington or Dalston walking over or biking over on a sunny day. It is rare to see actual tourists.
Ideal way to spend a weekend day?
Start in Abney Park Cemetery from Stoke Newington High Street and cut towards the Stoke Newington Church Street exit through the middle / taking as much time as you can to enjoy the trees and gravestones and monuments. The middle pathways are great but the smaller overgrown paths are fun to get lost in asa well.When you exit Stoke Newington Church Street take a right and walk the length of Church Street towards Clissold Park. Stopping in the shops, for coffee, for breakfast brunch or lunch. Take in the two historic churches and stroll the park itself walking around the lakes towards the back – and for a cheeky drink or a coffee at the cafe in Clissold Park to sit and relax.When re-charged head back up Stoke Newington Church Street – maybe have a drink at the Rose & Crown first – walking up the length of Church Street again on the other side making sure to check out the shops you missed on the way down. Settle in for another meal, snack or drink at one of the endless great options on and off Church Street depending on your mood, the weather, which perfect seat you spot and snap along the way.
Breakfast, relaxed lunch, or coffee :
– The Good Egg : Israeli Deli style food and cute interior. Tel-Aviv inspired flavours and a cute interior – the Sabih is life-changing but very messy (don’t order on a date) and their Babka is legendary. The place is usually bustling and you might have to wait / once inside also service can be slow but worth it!
– Esters N16 – local coffee shop with small unique / short / creative menu all cooked fresh with local ingredients. No laptops allowed which is good – and they have in-house baked gluten free things.
– The Green Room Cafe and Flower Shop : Healthy casual cafe food and cute back garden or eat in flower shop.
– The Spence Bakery : Take-away pastries, break, sandwiches, coffee. Always busy with a few spots to perch.
– The Acoustic Brasserie : Breakfast, Mediterranean, big menu – Both the Church Street and Newington Green locations are nice and informal.
Evening Drink :
We are spoiled with choice in Stoke Newington, there are more pubs in this neighbourhood than most so it is hard to narrow down – there is a different recommendation depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the weather. Different recommendations if you have kids as well – there are a lot of child-friendly pubs and others that are a better choice for avoiding strollers!
Pubs | Day or Night :
– The Auld Shillelagh – for a very causal evening – an old and real pub with locals and character. It is fun to sit up front at the narrow bar space, tuck in to the back room on a winters eve – or out in to the garden in Summer. A glass of red in the winter or a Guinness. This is where we take our visiting American clients who want to see the real England.
– The Prince – gastro-pub, up-market and light and airy with small outside too. A little walk off the Church Street you will feel in the know for finding it. Glass of Rose in the Spring – come at the right time and the sun is shining in the front room.
– The Three Crowns – Another old pub with character. I always come early in winter to try and snag a seat by the fireplace. We always recommend our visiting clients who want to stay nearby to stay in their B&B upstairs. They have cosy pub quiz nights, some outdoor seating, lots of beautiful old wood and nice old windows. It feels cosy while having space for a larger group of friends
.- White Hart – We go here on sunny days / early evening in the summer when we are looking for a big garden area and nice sunny spot.
– The Axe Pub – off the beaten track relaxed pub with lots of beers on tap and good food / roasts.
– The Shakespeare – very local vibe off the beaten track. They have a fire in winter and lively atmosphere.
Cocktails | late night :
– Fontaines – a fancy cocktail bar with Art Deco vibe for later in the evening or after dinner. A little walk up to the High Street. I’ll be having the Paloma.
– Original Sin – Cocktail bar hidden underneath Stokey Bears. From the team behind Hoxton Square’s highly-regarded Happiness Forgets but more of a chill vibe and pretty interior. They have a free-to-play pool table as well.
Wine :
– Yield N16 – deli items and good natural wines for takeaway – as well as a small and romantic outdoor seating area. Cute for dates or catch up with a friend.
I honestly could name 10 more pubs / bars within walking distance of our studio!
Friday night favouites :
– Escocesa : Spanish Tapas.I choose the ambience at the bar or middle high tables rather than the back room. Lively.
– Black Pig with White Pearls – An authentic Spanish tapas bar and restaurant. Specialising in Ibérico, which is used in their generous servings of tapas and mains. Inside, the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming with Melvin at the helm, always smiling and ever charming. Lit by ambient candlelight and with traditional Spanish flamenco music playing subtly in the background, you will feel like you have stumbled across a bar in the heart of Spain. All the staff are warm and friendly – feels like a home from home. A definite local favourite for a romantic dinner or a really good spot with a small group of friends.
– Perilla – Romantic dinner / fancier dinner / special occasions. Really unique and delicious food and a gorgeous interior.
– Rasa – specialising in South Indian cuisine with a lot of Vegetarian options – it has been around for as long as I can remember. Casual.
– Aun – Japanese Tapas
Gourmet | Deli | Gelato :
– Stokey’s Delicatessen – perfect to pick up more unique items and everything needed for an impressive charcuterie.
– Made in Little France – independent wine merchant.
– Gallo Nero – A slice of Italy in the heart of Stokey and this place is the real deal. There are actually two branches of Italian deli Gallo Nero (one on Stokey High Street, one on Newington Green Road) and both have plenty of pasta, sauces, meats, cheeses and more. We’re talking proper Parmigiano Reggiano (26 months matured), slices of Salame Napoli and stacks of Sicilian Panettone. Their Tiramisu is to die for.
– Romeo & Giulietta – Small gelato shop with fresh homemade and ever changing flavours including proper vegan ones (and many vegan options). There is also Oddono’s on Church Street – which is fresh gelato though made in South Kensington!
Culture & Walks :
– Clissold Park is popular of course – a beautiful large green space with many different areas to stroll and sit, part of the old river that used to run openly through the area, two lakes, rose gardens, wisteria, a bowling green, a skating area, fallow deer, goats, and aviaries of birds. Head to the grade II listed Clissold House – this late 18th century mansion in the centre of Clissold Park park and has a cafe which locals grab a drink and sit on the slope in front of the house – or bring their own picnic.
– One of the famous, ‘Magnificent seven’ garden cemeteries of London – Abney Park cemetery was laid out in the 1840s and is hidden gem that doubles as a nature reserve and arboretum. Head towards the middle to find the abandoned, Abney Chapel which has an interesting history. Notables like Salvation Army founder William Booth were buried here, as was Betsi Cadwaladr, a nurse who worked alongside Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War. There are guided walks and events throughout the year.
– Look for the ‘Ghost Signs’ – the old painted signage of business long gone.
– West Reservoir Water Sports Centre – a huge lake and water sports centre – an unexpected urban oasis for swimming, water polo, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. They have a waterside cafe (The Reservoir) with a big outdoor terrace overlooking the lake.
– Stoke Newington’s St Mary’s Old Church is a former chapel that is now a not for profit arts organisation and venue that hosts all manner of events, performances and day time activities, for the benefit of the local community. Originally built in the 1560s and the only surviving Elizabethan church in the whole of London, St Mary’s Old Church also has an outdoor stage that hosts live music and performances in the summer months.
Other interesting things or stores in Stoke Newington?
– Revere the Residence – Kate Revere, Founder, created Revere the Residence, inspired by her teenage daughter Piper who is autistic, profoundly deaf and blessed with a creative ability. They both have a passion for interiors, styling, art and finding unusual finds from new independent creators.
She notes that only 5% of people with a learning disability are in employment in the UK.
Combining all these skills, as well as meeting Piper’s needs, whilst responding to the ethics at the heart of the community they live in: Kate came up with the idea for a social enterprise. A homeware and lifestyle shop where people can spend their money wisely, on unique products, and support their community. The Revere the Residence social enterprise was born. Knowing that many of Pipers peers needed this opportunity too in Hackney.
Kate made this her founding principle: that everyone employed or gaining work experience through Revere the Residence would be either a young adult with a disability or a parent of a disabled child. This is not for pity or praise, it’s about levelling the field. They work with Mencap, colleges, community groups and local authorities to establish strong links to help give opportunities to as many people with disabilities as possible.
– Rouge Shop – Been in the neighbourhood since 2005 – careful selection of rustic, vintage and contemporary furniture from Northern China, handmade ceramics, luxurious textiles, and a diverse range of decorative interior accessories. It also has a wellness space offering Kundalini yoga and sound healing They also run craft sessions including sashiko stitching and indigo dye workshops. All our events are designed to foster creativity, connection and community.
Tao is at the heart – Rouge seeks to offer a meaningful, refined and holistic experience with harmony, simplicity, patience and compassion at its centre.
– Jarr Market – aims to cut down on unnecessary food packaging. All items are sold packaging-free. Bring your own container, weigh your food and buy only what you need. They also sell toiletries, cleaning products and re-usable containers.
– We have an incredibly talented neighbour John Nolan – from our windows we get to see him creating insanely realistic animatronics.
– There is the Chocolate Factory – home to 27 studios of artists, authors, illustrators, ceramicists, printmakers, lighting designers, illustrators, painters, photographers, film makers and graphic designers. They open their doors to the public once or twice a year where you can visit the studios and view new work for sale and buy direct from the the artists and makers.
– Gage Pottery Studios – I think you can take classes there as well?
Any must-visit boutiques or shops?
– What Mother Made – independent children’s label creating unique clothing all cut and sewn in East London / vintage inspired and playfully traditional.
– Array– an edit of gender neutral and menswear as well as home objects.
– Sonia Taouhid – Beautifully handmade and unique clothing. Every garment is produced with care in their boutique atelier, in limited runs and can be customised / made to your measurements.
– FOLKA – specialises in objects of modern craft, folklore and one-of-a-kind pieces with a focus on handmade work from around the world.
Ceramics, textiles, glassware, jewellery and stationery, as well as more unusual items. The shop is run by Karolina Merska, a pajaki chandelier maker and art historian.
– Prep – nice things for your kitchen / home.
– Bless – began life in November 2019 as a pop up shop and is now a store for soul seekers and conscious beings.
Their unique and ever changing edit is inspired by six principles that are fundamental to founder Ashlyn Gibson’s daily life.”Around The Table” is a series of workshops, talks and in store gatherings.
“Bless Sanctuary” is a modern rustic private space for Tarot readings, soul guidance, reiki healing, weekly Morning Tea Rituals.
They do belly blessings and alternative hen party celebrations and more.
– Search & Rescue – curated home goods and gifts
– Know & Love – curated home goods and gifts
Tell us something we don’t know about the neighbourhood…
There are many Turkish Gozleme restaurants and traditional Jewish Bagel shops along Stoke Newington High Street and beyond. Stoke Newington is famed for its Turkish food. Perhaps the two most highly-regarded restaurants are Cirrik and Testi. Testi’s signature dish of lamb testicles.
The oldest surviving Wetherspoon pub can be found in Stoke Newington – the Rochester Castle is definitely not the finest pub in the area but it does have a beer garden and incredibly cheap menu. It seems to be busy at every hour of the day!
Since 2010, Stoke Newington has also had its own literary festival, created to celebrate the area’s literary and radical history. It takes place in early June in venues across the area.
Communist Party meetings were held in the Town Hall in the post-war years. In the 1960s it was home to a number of squatters, artists, bohemians and also political radicals. Famously, the ‘Stoke Newington 8’ were arrested on 20 August 1971 at 359 Amhurst Road for suspected involvement in The Angry Brigade bombings.
The Newington Academy for Girls, also known as Newington College for Girls, was a Quaker school established in 1824 in Stoke Newington. In a time when girls’ educational opportunities were limited, it offered a wide range of subjects. It was also innovative in commissioning the world’s first school bus. One of its founders was William Allen, a scientist and businessman active with the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade.
The site of Abney Park was formed from the estates of Fleetwood House and Abney House, the latter of which had been the home of renowned non-conformist and hymn writer Isaac Watts. This association quickly made Abney the foremost burial ground for Dissenters – those practising their religion outside the established church. It was founded on these principles, with a non-denominational chapel at its core, and was open to all, regardless of religious conviction.
Uniquely in London, Abney was also originally laid out as an arboretum, with 2,500 varieties of plants. An alphabetical planting of tree species was set out around the perimeter along with collections of oaks, thorns, pine and others within.
Daniel Defoe lived in Stoke Newington – most famous for his novel ‘Robinson Crusoe’. His other novels include ‘A Journal of the Plague Year’, ‘Moll Flanders’ and ‘Roxana’. Extra fun facts… as a young man, Defoe is widely believed to have taken part in the Monmouth rebellion against the Catholic king James II – a treasonable act for which many others were tortured and executed. Defoe later worked as a spy for the government of James’s Protestant daughter, Anne.
He wrote propaganda that was often powerful, but sometimes backfired spectacularly, getting him thrown in prison. And along with everything else, Defoe was a merchant – importing (among other things) tobacco, beer, wine, silks, muslins, cochineal, wax, dates, tea and ostrich feathers.
Tell us about a place only locals know…
Locals I suppose may be more likely to make use of and head down Albion Road and to Newington Green.
Go down to one of the cheap and amazing Turkish restaurants on the High Street or Green Lanes.
The Turkish grocery stores are also amazing – you can’t tell from the outside but they have everything you could want at a fraction of the price of the chain markets.
For fruit and veg they are great too but the big winner is > Newington Green, fruits & vegetables – stacks of beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables at unfathomably reasonable prices. Every fruit and veg you could want and great nuts and other bits as well.
We are likely to go to one of the more local feeling pubs like the Shakespeare, The Axe Pub, or the Three Crowns mentioned before – depending on the weather either looking for a fireplace cosy seat or somewhere with an outdoor space.
– Dinner. For a treat I would always choose Perilla for dinner or a long boozy weekend long lunch – Romantic dinner / fancier dinner / special occasions. Really unique and delicious food and a gorgeous interior. Or Black Pig with White Pearls in the winter for red wine and a long candlelit dinner. Or Jolene is popular as well. … or I would go for a super relaxed and cheap Turkish restaurant any day.
– Yield N16 – deli items and good natural wines for takeaway – as well as a small and romantic outdoor seating area. Cute for dates or catch up with a friend.
– Locals make use of the craft stores on Stoke Newington High Street like Ultimate Craft where you can find all sorts of every day things you did not know you needed. There are more crafty stores are as well like Knit with Attitude.
– Gallo Nero – Mentioned before. A slice of Italy in the heart of Stokey and this place is the real deal. There are actually two branches of Italian deli Gallo Nero (one on Stokey High Street, one on Newington Green Road) and both have plenty of pasta, sauces, meats, cheeses and more. We’re talking proper Parmigiano Reggiano (26 months matured), slices of Salame Napoli and stacks of Sicilian Panettone. Their Tiramisu is to die for.
– When heading out of Stoke Newington, take the New River walk to Islington and you can walk between the two along the river with lots of greenery and wildlife – it is such a unique part of London you can only see on foot.
