Newington Green in North London's Islington has been officially recognised as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, ranking just behind Govanhill in Glasgow and Belfast's Cathedral Quarter in an all-UK list. A local resident shares how they enjoy the area's weekend highlights.
The Army and Navy Pub
The Army and Navy, a local pub, was named the best pub in London in 2024. It has undergone a serious makeover in recent years. Before the pandemic, missing letters on its sign earned it the nickname 'The Arm and Nav'. Today, it has been transformed from a local's boozer to a locals' boozer, featuring a huge garden where visitors watch football and enjoy drinks.
Time Out commended the pub, saying: "It's the kind of place where everyone can feel welcome, from local locals to the new wave of younger pintspeople, and for that we commend it."
Golden Tooth and Babsang
Golden Tooth, located at 79 Green Lanes, was previously The Leconfield, a pub that seemed to attract a maximum of 10 punters at a time. After the Golden Tooth moved in, with restaurateurs behind London Fields' Papi serving food alongside drinks, the venue became busy and cheerful. It now offers dishes like currywurst and mussels toast with house lardo.
Babsang, formerly a staple of Dalston Lane offering a lunch deal including a fizzy drink, sticky fried tofu, rice and a starter for £10, moved to the Green Lanes side of Newington Green last year into a bigger restaurant. Aside from one disappointing mushroom hot pot, the food is described as delicious.
The Mildmay Club and Local Eateries
The Mildmay Club was established in 1888 as the Mildmay Radical Club, a place for working-class people to discuss politics, drink and play pool. After a difficult period, it is now in a boom period with membership reaching into the multiple thousands. It boasts a theatre, a rifle range, a nine-table snooker hall, World Cup showings, meat bingo and a bar.
Adana is highlighted as the best place to eat in the Greater Newington Green area, offering lahmacun or gözleme as snacks, or grilled flatbread, lentil soup, a complimentary side salad and a selection of meats. Belle Epoque serves what is described as the best almond croissant in town. Yield is recommended for special occasions, with half a bottle shop and half a place to sit and drink natural or orange wine. Perilla, located where Green Lanes and the Green begin, is noted for perhaps the best food in Newington Green, though it comes at a price.
Convenience and Services
New Green Supermarket, a late-night mini-mart, is described as the undisputed king of convenience on the Green, stocking an unfathomable amount of produce. Stitch by Stitch is recommended for tailoring services, including trouser alterations, suit adjustments and dress fittings.
