I visited one of the best high streets in the UK – one thing stood out | UK | News
After several days of gray and rainy weather, I arrived in Stoke Newington on a rare sunny afternoon and as soon as I stepped off the bus I felt like I had left London entirely. Despite being in the heart of Hackney, Stoke Newington Church Street doesn’t look like a typical London high street. In fact, this is exactly what makes it so special and why locals and visitors alike often refer to it as a village within a city. Recently named one of the UK’s best streets 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 with my own eyes, it’s easy to see why.
The research ranked the UK’s best high streets for independent shops, taking into account a range of factors including the number of independent businesses, the diversity of business types, the vibrancy of the high street, as well as the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners in each location, and took a look at how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets.
Stoke Newington Church Street is a stunning, peaceful street full of character and personality, offering a kind of convenience and community charm rare in the capital. What impressed me the most was how green and village-like the entire street felt. There isn’t a subway station in sight, no overwhelming crowds, no chain stores dominating the view.
Instead, between just two lovely parks, Clissold Park and Abney Park, there were independent cafes, bakeries, a local fishmonger and a butcher, greengrocers, gift shops, florists and boutiques such as Stoke Newington Green, overlooked by the beautiful spire of St Mary’s Church, which gives the whole street a village feel.
One of the highlights was Stokey Garden, a gorgeous plant shop that unexpectedly leads into a secret garden cafe and restaurant at the back.
My friend and I wandered around, but found a gorgeous seating area bathed in sunlight and surrounded by plants. We sat down and enjoyed the delicious food and drinks and for a moment it really felt like we were on a weekend getaway not in London’s 2nd district but in a village far away.
As we browsed the street, we came across unique boutiques like Know & Love, Hilda, and Prep; they’re all proudly independent, their own universes, and their shelves are full of unique finds.
Even one of the local opticians, Eyes of Stokey, stocks independent eyewear brands.
It was refreshing to shop at a relaxed pace, without the usual rush or retail rush you might find in a fast-paced city like London.
Spence Bakery is also not to be missed and has been a local staple for nearly 24 years. The bakery sells a variety of delicious baked goods, and a group of locals stand outside laughing and chatting after doing their shopping; which really adds to the local feel and warm atmosphere of the street.
