After several days of grey and rain, I arrived in Stoke Newington on a rare sunny afternoon and as soon as I stepped off the bus, it felt like I’d left London entirely. Despite being in the heart of Hackney, Stoke Newington Church Street doesn’t feel like a typical London high street. In fact, that’s exactly what makes it so special and why both locals and visitors often call it a village within the city. Recently named one of the best high streets in the UK by American Express Shop Small and GlobalData, Stoke Newington Church Street was the only London location to make the top 10, and now that I’ve seen it for myself, it’s easy to understand why.
The study ranked the UK’s best high streets for independent shops considering several factors including the number of independent businesses, variety of business types, vibrancy of the high street, as well as the the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners in each location, and taking a look at how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets.
Stoke Newington Church Street is stunning, peaceful, characterful, and full of personality, offering a kind of laid-back and community charm that’s rare in the capital. What struck me most was how green and village-like the entire street felt. There’s no Tube station in sight, no overwhelming crowds, no chain stores dominating the landscape.
Instead, it was just independent coffee shops, bakeries, a local fishmonger and a butcher, greengrocers like Stoke Newington Green, gift shops, florists, and boutiques, all between two lovely parks, Clissold Park and Abney Park, and overlooked by the beautiful spire of St Mary’s Church which also adds to the village feel of the entire street.
One of the highlights was Stokey Garden, a gorgeous plant shop that unexpectedly opens up into a hidden garden café and restaurant at the back.
My friend and I wandered through, only to find a stunning seating area bathed in sunlight, and surrounded by plants. We sat and enjoyed some delicious food and drink, and for a moment, it genuinely felt like we were on a weekend getaway in a village far away, not in zone 2 of London.
As we browsed the street, we stumbled into unique boutiques like Know & Love, Hilda, and Prep, all proudly independent, with their own universe and shelves full of one-of-a-kind finds.
Even one of the local opticians, Eyes of Stokey, stocks independent glasses brands.
It was refreshing to shop at a relaxed pace, without the usual rush or retail overwhelm that you can find in a fast-paced city like London.
Spence Bakery must not be missed either and has been a local staple for about 24 years now. The bakery sells a range of delicious baked goods and a group of local residents were stood outside laughing and chatting away after having made their purchases which really added to the local feel and warm atmosphere of the street.
