Donna Mackay

Stokey’s got plenty of pretty greenery for sun-soaking when the weather’s nice and lovely. So whether you want to pack a bottle of Pimms or just a cool cucumber sarnie, this selection of lawns, gardens and wooded wonderlands will satisfy your picnic needs in N16. Clissold Park If you crossed London Fields with Crouch End, Clissold Park would be their most gorgeous bastard child. A favourite of joggers, families and weekend picnickers, It’s the crème de la crème of parks and has a suite of amenities to match. Head towards Green Lanes on sunnier days for a premium space. There’s a paddling pool to cool off those weary feet and a herd of Fallow deer to gawk upon post-picnic. Thankfully they’re enclosed, so there won’t be any awkward incidents when you’re nibbling on your quinoa. 316 Green Lanes, N16 9HH A post shared by Joyce Yang☝🏻️ (@yichingcaca) on May 14, 2017 at 7:44am PDT Allens Gardens Neatly hidden behind Bethune Road lies one of Stoke Newington’s best-kept secrets – Allens Gardens. The petite pocket of green comes with an extra bit of serenity that the British pound just can’t buy. This real life secret garden is teeming with flora and – and though it may seem unconventional – gorgeous graffiti that only adds to the view. Grab a spot on a grassy area among the trees and park your picnic blanket. Heck, there’s even a zip-line to burn off those scotch eggs. Bethune Rd, N16 8SB Butterfield Green Another green space slightly tucked off th

The weather might be a bit hit and miss at the moment, but here are five lush places that’ll get you in the mood for some serious summertime vibes.   A post shared by Simplifying Food Choices (@tasteslikelondon) on Apr 19, 2017 at 10:58pm PDT Palm Vaults, Hackney The ’70s-styled, pink and green Pantone wonderland that is Palm Vaults is one of Hackney’s most happening spots. Bringing the outdoors indoors, this totally tropical succulent-filled café is an urban oasis for anyone that’ll dig an acai bowl with an added floral garnish.   A post shared by ProudCamden (@proudcamden) on Apr 18, 2017 at 6:49am PDT Proud Camden Roof Garden, Chalk Farm Proud Camden Roof Gardens is the newly renovated alfresco destination sitting ‘proudly’, ahem, atop Camden Market. With decking, rock features and even an inbuilt – albeit miniature – waterfall, you can pick a spot on the huge sofas and lay back when the sun’s out.   A post shared by Laura Chapman (@laurachapman2) on Jul 30, 2016 at 11:21am PDT Alfred Le Roy, Hackney Wick The Alfred Le Roy is a bar with a difference. Set on the Lea river, the team behind the Crate Brewery deliver summer in style on this seafaring stead. Hop aboard for a cocktail-fuelled canal cruise with a panoramic view and maritime exploits.     A post shared by Bourne & Hollingsworth (@bourneandhollingsworth) on Jun 27, 2016 at 1:50am PDT Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildin

Spring is finally here, so it’s time to peel yourself off that winter security blanket aka the sofa and hit the great outdoors. Trade the well-trodden streets and overpopulated parks of London for these fresh, waterside stops and go for a more adventurous meander.   A post shared by The Barge House (@thebargehouse) on Mar 18, 2016 at 7:23am PDT     1. The Barge House, Haggerston Avo eggs? So last year. If you’re not eating your entire meal from the inside of an artisanal loaf, your brunching is basic. Luckily, The Barge House has your back, so make a pit stop here while strolling through the ‘Haggerston Riviera’ and settle down for some carb-packed delights.      A post shared by Proud East (@proud_east) on Jan 22, 2017 at 2:57am PST    2. Proud East, De Beauvoir Town With a resplendent front-row view of Regent’s Canal, Proud East (previously The Proud Archivist) is a restaurant, bar, gallery and events space. It’s perfect for that weekend breakfast schmooze that slowly drifts into an afternoon then an evening cocktail fix. And when you’re done with all of that, squeeze in a bit of ping pong – you’d be foolish to pass it up.    A post shared by Something Different London (@somethingdifferentlondon) on Dec 19, 2016 at 12:35am PST   3. Puppet Theatre Barge, Maida Vale Bored with brunch and looking for some canalside culture? Look no further than the Puppet Theatre Barge, a waterborne venue, set against the verdant backdrop of Little Venice, specialising in

To most Londoners, there’s a vague recognition that Walthamstow sits at the end Victoria line. But ask the residents and they’ll proudly tell you it’s most definitely at the start of the line. It may look way out yonder on an A-Z, but E17 is truly beloved by the people who live there. You know you live in Walthamstow when… ...you've had bacon jam before everyone else Relish, jam, or protein-laced witchcraft? Walthamstow is the creator of this unusual yet cherished jam, fostered locally by the team behind Eat17 and the neighbouring 'world’s poshest Spar'.     A photo posted by HayleyMarie26 (@purplehayzie) on Feb 6, 2017 at 1:23pm PST   ...you know that there’s so much more to Walthamstow than The Village The Village is all good for that flat white, a Sunday wander and the strip of restaurants and shops on Orford Road – even though it's usually over-run by people looking for a brunch fix. ...Walthamstow market is your hometown glory It's where you can pick up everything from African veg to Indian spices and the most unglamorous of knick-knacks. ...you've occasionally revelled in the neon glory of God’s Own Junkyard  The shop may be tourist fodder these days but this fluorescent graveyard is still a local fave.   A photo posted by Brand Union (@brandunion) on Feb 6, 2017 at 6:09am PST   ...William Morris is your homeboy No one reps for E17 quite like William Morris – not even East 17. The Walthamstow native is loved by art aficionados globally who've found themsel