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(The online editions of N16 from 1 - 7 do not include adverts.
However, we have added more images and updated phone numbers where possible.)
Welcome to the first issue of N16. Why that title? Does a postcode make a difference?
Perhaps it shouldn't; governments have been fiddling with local boundaries since the 1960s
when the independent borough of Stoke Newington was forced into a shotgun wedding with
next-door Hackney. In reality, however, organisations such as estate agents and insurance
companies base their prices on such details. The former will tell you that after years of
being 'Islington borders', Stoke Newington is now 'much sought after' and house prices are
high. The latter assert that it is a risky area for car theft and premiums are, yes, also
high a desirable area with some villains around.
Less definable, but equally important, is the belief of many people who visit, live or
work in the Church Street area that 'Stokey' does have distinct characteristics that mark
it out from more fashionable Islington to the west and its comparatively anonymous
neighbours to the north and east. Its police have achieved a certain level of fame, as has
for very different reasons the annual and excellent Church Street Festival. Its MP is
Diane Abbott, the first black woman to be elected to the House of Commons and it has
Baroness Stoke Newington in the House of Lords.
 Its
transport system is certainly unique perhaps adding to the feel of life in an enclave with
the venerable 73 bus bumping and grinding its way along the street as it heads towards the
West End. It may be difficult to get in or out of Stoke Newington but once there, the
cafes, bars (including a renowned jazz bar) and restaurants of Church Street provide
around 35 places to eat, drink or enjoy music on a strip of less than half a mile. Add to
this the (good) second-hand clothes, jewellery, book and CD shops, the well-established
fabric, health food and specialist stores and you have a compact area bustling with
inner-city life that cannot be matched anywhere else in London.
Stoke Newington people are a mixture of ethnic origins, occupations and levels of income.
It's easy, and fascinating, to dwell on the writers, actors, musicians, journalists and
eccentrics who can be seen on the street. The area also accommodates those who have to
live in less than trendy council flats and students on low grants in multi-occupied
houses. They are also part of the community. This paper will reflect all these interests,
and many more.
We shall publish clear information on the best places to shop, eat and drink; the current
topics (particularly transport and property) and encourage the publication of a wide range
of opinion. A new N16 website (www.n16.com now at www.n16mag.com) to let you know what's
on and where is being created in partnership with Audiografix, a top local multimedia and
web design company.
In the past, Stoke Newington was an area known for its dissenters, radicals and those who
enjoyed a good time. It's no coincidence that 'Champagne Charlie' (of the song of the same
name) resides in Abney Park Cemetery. In the same spirit, N16 will bring news of modern
life and times around Church Street.
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