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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