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Half Islington, half Hackney, Newington Green is so much more than a roundabout with some green in the middle. Here are seven things you'll only know about if you live in the area.
1. It's got probably the best greengrocer in the world (or at least London)
With the best selection of exotic fruits you've never heard of, top organic produce and the scent of fresh herbs wafting through it, Newington Green Fruit and Vegetables has made the area famous for all the right reasons. If you're strapped for cash there is also a super-cheap fruit stall where any bowl of fruit or veg is just £1. Either of these options beat going to the local Tesco Express. But be warned, it's always too full. Prepare for a long queue and get those elbows ready.
2. It's got more parklife than a Blur gig
Not only is heavyweight Clissold Park – with its zoo, tennis courts and outdoor swimming pool – just a ten-minute walk away, the small green within the roundabout, aka Newington Green, packs a mean park punch for its size. The cafe Lizzie's on the Green serves good coffee, tasty food and homemade cake and is right next to the children's play area. Parents can get coffee and still keep an eye on their kids. Lizzie and her staff are super-friendly too.
3. It's steeped in history (the good kind)
In the eighteenth century, Newington Green evolved into a hub for radical thinking and social reform sparked off by the establishment of an influential Unitarian church which is still active today. Mary Wollstonecraft, philosopher and author of 'The Vindication of the Rights of Women', lived and worked in the area and brought her girls' school with her, earning the Green its 'birthplace of feminism' credit.
4. The world is your oyster (card)
Victoria, Clapton or Waterloo – wherever you're going, a bus goes there too. At least that's what it feels like in Newington Green. Countless bus routes run through the Green and most of them run incredibly regular services, especially the 73, which goes through King's Cross, Euston and the West End, all the way to Victoria bus station. AND it's a new Routemaster. If bus envy were a thing, Newington Green residents would be on the receiving end of it.
5. It's the centre of (free) style
Newington Green and the surrounding areas seem to have a disproportionally large number of stylists living in them, as well as vintage markets, antique furniture shops and people moving house. So while there are lots of pop-ups to attend, this also means a good deal of bargains and even freebies. Princess May primary school has a weekly car boot sale with plenty of rare finds for the discerning eye. Walking the area's residential side streets you'll also often find unwanted furniture, shoes and handbags or an old vinyl record collection left on the pavement – for free. Keep your eyes peeled around here and you just might get lucky.
6. We've got the sounds of the Overground
If you're travelling a little further than a bus can take you then you're in luck, as Canonbury station is just ten minutes' walk from Newington Green. As it's on the Overground it's well connected, air conditioned and, well, over ground. There's no losing internet or sunlight and you can reach anywhere from Stratford to West Croydon to Richmond without even changing trains. Again, if train envy were a thing, Newington Green residents would get that, too.
7. You can eat, drink and be merry
With established cafés like Acoustic offering a consistently delicious daytime menu, new restaurants such as Newington Table bringing fresh food inspiration to the extra long... well, table, and the ale and ambience of award-winning pub the Alma, the potential for good times is great.
And most importantly, everyone's welcome.
Check out nine things you'll know if you live in Clerkenwell.