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THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTRE

This liberal and cosmopolitan enclave of Hackney,

once home to Daniel Defoe, has some of the worst

transport connections in London. Nevertheless,

media, advertising, PR, film and fashion types who

have outgrown the hustle and bustle of London

Fields and Dalston, have arrived in an unbridled

wave of gentrification and white window shutters;

raising families of children with unique names,

and weaving baskets to carry their weekly shop of

artisan sourdough from the local farmers’ market.

Whilst this flower and plant shop has been only open a matter

of weeks, it has already reached global recognition, largely due

to a retweet by Jeremy Vine which details the shop’s ‘artisan

sticks’ which are marketed to clueless Londoners and tourists

for the competitive price of £18 each*. Apparently gathered in

a sustainable method by expert local craftsmen, to show your

London friends how you just love to get back to nature.

Abney Park is an undiscovered gem, if you’re into graveyards. One

of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ graveyards in London (apparently this

is a thing), laid out in the 1800s, it is non-denominational with an

entrance styled in the ‘Egyptian Revival’. Its many interesting grave

and tomb styles make this a great place for a creepy walk in the

twilight. Stokey is also lucky enough to also have the nearby Clissold

Park, home to some local goats, deer, a butterfly dome, two ponds

with fish, ducks and an angry swan. It also boasts London’s best

adventure playground and supreme skate bowl, the offer of a really

basic cheese sandwich and marriage ceremonies at the beautiful

Grade II listed Clissold House.

BOTANIQUE FLORIST (AKA THE STICK SHOP)

ABNEY PARK CEMETERY & CLISSOLD PARK

On Saturday night expect to queue for the best pizzas in the world

at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, an Italian institution from Naples

originally opened by Salvatore Condurro in 1870. They only have

two pizzas on the menu which featured in the film

Eat Pray Love

with Julia Roberts. Stop off for a few craft beers and see a local

indie band at The Lion, then later head to The Waiting Room,

Stokey’s only nightclub with regular techno sessions which last year

hosted a secret gig by Lady Gaga. Get there early as this sweatbox

holds a maximum of about 25 people.

The best place to go and watch Stokies (as the locals are known).

Observe the ageing male hipster in action; stroking his handlebar

moustache whilst wearing a fishing anorak, contemplating the

works of Keats and drinking an artisan porter ale flavoured with

marshmallow (£6.80). Or the high-flying fashion mum having

Sunday lunch with her four children, whilst providing her latest

copy for the Guardian’s Style editorial to her PA.

THE PRINCE PUBLIC HOUSE

WORLD FAMOUS PIZZA AND A NIGHTCLUB

VILLAGE LIFE

Each

quarter we

take you

into one of

London’s

villages.

This time

our mystery

man-

about-town

showcases

the best

of Stoke

Newington

Stoke

Newington

London’s best climbing and bouldering facility, housed in an old

reservoir pumping station, this palace is a mecca for those with a

penchant for chalk and calloused hands from all over London. It’s

more than just a climbing centre. It’s a community, with an organic

café, full fruit and vegetable garden with yoga, meditation and

spiritual classes to help you release your inner yoghurt weaver.

*For those who

think £18 is a bit

keen for a stick,

and as numerous

national newspapers

noted, you can also

walk 200 metres

to Clissold Park

to try your hand

at gathering and

crafting your own

stick collection

for free.

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

31

VILLAGE LIFE