Stoke Newington Church Street

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stoke Newington Church Street is a road in north London in the borough of Hackney. The road links Green Lanes (A105) in the west to Stoke Newington High Street (A10) formerly Ermine Street, in the east. First noted in 1329, it was recorded as Newington or Newton Lane in 1403, then Church Street in 1576 and as the current name from 1937, making it now the longest street name in Greater London.

With its many attractions, the street and surrounding area is now a destination for visitors from across the world. Abney Park, an arboretum and non-conformist cemetery, has an entrance on the street as does Clissold Park. Also on the street is the municipal town hall and assembly hall of the old Borough of Stoke Newington, both now being refurbished.

There are two churches on the street, both known as Saint Mary’s. The first was built in 1563 and was partially rebuilt in the 19th Century and then again in the 1950s after heavy bomb damage during World War II. The second, newer, church is the impressive 19th Century Saint Mary's New Church with its 250-foot steeple.

The street has become famous for its large number of public houses and restaurants providing a diverse range of food, drink and entertainment. Some are widely renowned with a good reputations while others offer basic or fast food.

There are a number of licensed venues serving alcohol and hosting live music. For entertainment Ryan’s Bar and the Auld Shillelagh have live music licences. The Daniel Defoe pub (named after a former resident) offers a good range in real ales and has a passable beer garden. For dining, the two Rasa restaurants offer Kerala cuisine (Rasa Travancore not being vegetarian), Il Bacio and Il Bacio Express specialise in Italian cuisine and the Fox Reformed provides a high standard of dining. Other popular places include the Spence bakers for a good range of breads, Anglo Asian and Shamsudeen for Asian cuisine.

In addition to public houses and restaurants, the street is also home to a wide range of independent shops and boutiques offering unusual craft items, jewellery, and clothes.