N16Life_SUMMER2017

HACKNEY | SUMMER 2017
free
New Unity:
Radically different
on the inside
ISTANBUL:
two continents
in two days
Humans
of N16
The stories of
strangers across
Hackney
The
Home of
Outdoor
Sports:
Stoke Newington
The
Delicious
Guide to
Hackney
GLORIOUS
SUMMER
Make the most of the food, drink
and action in our area

HACKNEY VENUES
Hold your event in one of the
most creative and thriving
areas in London
Hackney Venues has emerged as a collection of some of the
most sought after event spaces in east London. Currently
featuring seven beautifully restored unique venues in the
heart of the borough including two stunning art-deco town
halls, an eighteenth century mansion house inside of Clissold
Park, a former water pumping station, a RIBA award-winning
sporting centre as well as a purpose-built conference centre
and a converted warehouse a stones-throw away from
Shoreditch High Street. From private parties and stunning
weddings to conferences, product launches, fashion shows
and awards ceremonies; Hackney Venues offers a space for
any occasion. Get in touch with our dedicated events team
for further information or visit our website for more details.
020 8356 5505 www.hackneyvenues.com venuehire@hackney.gov.uk
HDS992

Summer 2017
ISSUE #3
29
Andi Oliver is to open a restaurant
in Stoke Newington
18
The home of outdoor water
sports: Stoke Newington
12
HUMANS
OF N16
24
22
08
42
THE DELICIOUS GUIDE
TO HACKNEY
Radically different
on the inside
What's on
THIS SUMMER
Istanbul:
in two days
3

from the
EDITOR
Welcome to the summer issue of N16 Life.
In this edition, you will read about the
West Reservoir, a water sports centre
close to Green Lanes, that had to be
saved from being turned into a housing
development in the 1980s. We spoke to
the North London Sailing Association
and The Castle Canoe Club, which have operated on the
reservoir for many years.
Another story is The New Unity church on Newington Green
– and how it differs from just about every other church. If you
don’t believe me, check out their slogan, “Believe in Good” – yep,
that extra “o” is in there on purpose. Carrie O’Grady explains
more in these pages.
We also have our traditional selection of food and drink to
sample from across N16’s unrivalled cuisine offering – just in
time for the summer.
Food writer and cook Yasemen Kaner-White shares lemony
recipes from her book, Lemon Compendium. And if you’re set
on learning something new, why not check out our course guide?
As always, you'll find an extensive guide to what's on in your
area, and highlights of the cultural events in London that you
mustn't miss.
See you in September, and enjoy the summer!
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Yasemin Bakan
SUB EDITOR
Michael Daventry
PICTURE EDITOR
Mehmet Er
DESIGN
Ekrem Yilmaz
CONTRIBUTORS
Carrie O’Grady
Gianfranco Casula
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING/CREATIVE
SOLUTIONS
Özlem Bulut
ADVERTISING
ENQUIRIES
CALL
020 3652 0541
07459 501 545
E-MAIL
info@n16life.com
Join the conversation:
N16 Life is on Facebook
N16 Life
www.n16life.com
N16 Life is a quarterly magazine
distributed to more than 20,000
homes and businesses in N16 and
the surrounding areas.
It is also available in local cafes, pubs,
libraries and supermarkets
in Hackney.
Yasemin Bakan
Editor
Published by Metropol Media Ltd
Metropol Media Ltd cannot accept
responsibility for unsolicited
submissions, manuscripts and
photographs. While every care is
taken, prices and details are
subject to change and Metropol
Media Ltd take no responsibility
for omissions or errors.
All rights reserved.
4

THE BIRDCAGE
BAR + KITCHEN
58 Stamford Hill, London N16 6XS
thebirdcageN16.co.uk • @thebirdcageN16
Tel: 020 8806 9077

SPOTLIGHT
Hackney ON
@amygrrr
Some of our favourite
images taken by you
around the town! Tag your
Hackney pictures using
@n16lifemagazine
@weimiaolu
@caslan12
@willied000
@duygulaki77
CLISSOLD PARK
5KM RACES
theraceorganiser.com
Three summer evening 5km races
in Clissold Park offering runners a
chance to run off that working day in
a beautiful park. All runners receive
a goody bag. All abilities welcome.
13th June; 11th July; 8th August 2017
Individual Race £12, 3 Races £30
6

Brasserie
Only the freshest and
top quality ingredients
Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner
60 Newington Green, London, N16 9PX
info@cafeacoustic.co.uk • 020 7288 1235
www.cafeacoustic.co.uk

WHAT'S ON
this summer
N16 Life’s unrivalled guide to the
theatre, music, outdoor events and
children’s activities in Hackney
and across London in the warmer
months of 2017
America’s finest:
Dr Dog
oslohackney.com
An American rock band from Pennsylvania, Dr.
Dog, comes to London for just two shows.
The band's musical styling of indie rock is
strongly influenced by bands of the 1960s, such as
The Beatles and The Beach Boys, but they have also
touched upon more unrelated genres since their
inception.
Wednesday 28th June 2017 | Doors at 19:30
Tickets £15.40
East side stories:
Londoners in transition
ucl.ac.uk/library/exhibitions/east-side-stories
his exhibition at UCL
considers East London’s
T
long and fascinating
history of regeneration and
change, as the metropolis
expanded and new communities
emerged over the centuries. It
illustrates the movement from
rural to urban, everyday lives from
schooldays to work, and the good
intentions of the social reformers.
Featuring items from eighteenth
century maps to the proof copy of
George Orwell’s 'Confessions of a
Down and Out in London and Paris
by X’, it draws on the extensive
London History, Jewish and
Education collections and archives
held by UCL Library Services.
Free entry
Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm,
until Fri 15 Dec 2017
UCL Main Library (Wilkins
Building), London WC1E 6BT
Theatre and
comedy combined
hoxtonhall.co.uk
Phantasmagoria Cabaret is an unashamed
celebration of theatre and comedy, which
examines the issue of flitting between the real
and inauthentic self.
Patrizia Paolini and the three gorgeous girls of Jesus
Paolini Park, plus guest artists of remarkable caliber
make Phantasmagoria cabaret a highly engaging
and original experience, in their third appearance at
Hoxton Hall.
Saturday 22nd July; 20:00
£12
8

culture
OLIVER TWIST
CREATED FOR
EVERYONE AGED
SIX AND OVER
openairtheatre.com
Adapted by Anya Reiss from the
novel by Charles Dickens Directed
by Caroline Byrne. Discover the
original story of Victorian London's
most famous child with Oliver Twist
created for everyone aged six and
over. It will have you on the edge of
your seat and wanting more.
Monday 17 July - Saturday 5 August
All tickets £18
DALSTON
YOGA
dalstonyoga.co.uk
Dalston Yoga is based in the centre
of Dalston, in a building constructed
in the 1800s that was originally
a Hackney Cab Stable. Paulene
Morphett is the founder of and
primary teacher at Dalston Yoga.
She was introduced to yoga whilst
at university, has been practicing
steadily for 25 years and teaching for
the last twelve.
The studio space is airy and open
with natural skylight.
Single class £12
INK
almeida.co.uk
INK a new play by James Graham
directed by Rupert Goold
Fleet Street. 1969. The Sun rises. James
Graham’s ruthless, red-topped new play
leads with the birth of this country’s most
influential newspaper – when a young and
rebellious Rupert Murdoch asked the
impossible and launched its first editor’s
quest, against all odds, to give the people
what they want.
Saturday 17 June – Saturday 5 August
17 Jun - 23 Jun £32, £28, £20, £10
24 Jun - 5 Aug £39.50, £32, £20, £10
CAMPFIRE
CLUB
woodberrywetlands.org.uk
A concert like no other…
unamplified, outdoors and round
a fire; surely this is the only way to
really hear music. Since the dawn of
song, by the flickering embers and
starry skies all walks of man and
woman have gathered in song and
celebration, to tell the stories and
while away an evening.
16 June, 21 July, 18 August & 15
September, from 7pm
Tickets £10
AGAINST
almeida.co.uk
Ben Whishaw returns to the Almeida
in AGAINST, a gripping new
play about how we come to know
ourselves honestly by Christopher Shinn,
directed by Ian Rickson.
Silicon Valley. The future. A rocket
launches. Luke is an aerospace billionaire
who can talk to anyone. But God is
talking to him. He sets out to change the
world. Only violence stands in his way.
Christopher Shinn’s gripping new play,
directed by Ian Rickson, features Ben
Whishaw as Luke. Against is designed by
Ultz. Casting is by Sophie Holland.
Saturday 12 Aug - Saturday 30 Sept
9

Live at the Chapel
with Ed Byrne
The monthly spectacle at the stunning
gothic Union Chapel returns with another
extraordinary line up; Observational comedy
master Ed Byrne headlines the July show, star of
Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Have I Got
News For You & many more.
Saturday 1 July , 18:30 Room: Chapel
£20 adv
FOR THE KIDS
Romeo & Juliet: the story to
break a thousand hearts
southbankcentre.co.uk
ee Shakespeare’s heartbreaking
tale paired with
S
Nureyev’s blazing ballet.
English National Ballet brings the
world’s greatest love story to Royal
Festival Hall with Rudolf Nureyev’s
passionate choreography and
Prokofiev’s exhilarating score
performed live by English National
Ballet Philharmonic.
Full of action, humour and
drama, Nureyev’s award-winning
production of Romeo and
Juliet was created especially for
English National Ballet in 1977
to celebrate the Queen’s Silver
Jubilee. The Company has since
performed it worldwide to critical
acclaim.
Royal Festival Hall
1 Aug 2017 - 5 Aug 2017
£12 - £55
ALEENA’S GARDEN
littleangeltheatre.com
Aleena’s Garden is a perfect first theatre
experience for very young children. Join
Aleena in her beautiful garden, help bring
the seeds to life, meet the animals that live there,
watch the flowers bloom, the trees blossom and the
seasons change.
Aleena’s Garden is aimed at ages 4 months to 3
years. Babies need a ticket from 4 months.
Thurs 15 & Fri 16 June
£10 Full-price Adults
£8 Children / Babies (from 4 months)
and Concessions
BOBBIN
littleangeltheatre.com
Meet Bobbin, the mischievous
spirit of a shoemaker’s workshop,
who is always ready to explore,
discover and make new friends.
This is his first night in a strange
new world and there is so much to
do he might just need your help!
An interactive, wordless show for
young children, based on ‘The Elves
and the Shoemaker’, Bobbin is
full of Tea Break’s trademark
comedy, invention and imagination.
Step inside the workshop for a
miniature, magical adventure!
Bobbin is aimed at ages 2-6.
Mon 7 – Thurs 10 Aug
£10 Full-price Adults
£8 Children (age 1 – 15) and
Concessions
FOR THE KIDS
10

culture
New music
showcase with
an Arab twist
cafeoto.co.uk
Presented in collaboration with Supersonic
Festival this musical showcase by Nawa
Recordings features some of the Arab world’s
most creative, independent and forward thinking
artists. Founded by multi-instrumentalist
musician and composer Khyam Allami in
2011, Nawa is an independent label focused on
releasing new music from the Arab world.
Having released critically acclaimed albums by
Maurice Louca, Alif, The Dwarfs of East Agouza
and Allami’s soundtrack to Tunisian director
Leyla Bouzid’s award winning debut feature film
As I Open My Eyes, the label brings its newest
artists to the UK for the first time in a genredefying
and eclectic quadruple-bill.
Monday 19 June 2017, 7.30
£20
FRIENDSFEST AT
CLISSOLD PARK
friendsfest.co.uk/clissold-park-london
Following last year's sell out tour, award-winning
Comedy Central UK's Friendsfest returns this summer
for a 12-week tour of the UK, including nine days in
London’s Clissold Park.
Brand new features for 2017 include a full-scale Joey
& Chandler apartment set, as well as never-beforeseen
memorabilia and props from the show. There's
also the best of the fest from previous years, including
Monica & Rachel's apartment, Recreate the Titles, Ross
& Rachel's Vegas chapel of love, the chance to grab a
coffee in Central Perk, something to eat in Monica's
Moondance Diner and a drink at the Chick & Duck Bar...
There's also a special Friendsfest shop on site, offering
exclusive memorabilia and merchandise.
FriendsFest will be at Clissold Park,
September 15–September 24; Tickets £26
Bespoke wedding and birthday cakes
made to order - Viennoiseries -
- French bread - Chocolates -
- Macaroons
www.belleepoque.co.uk
Newington boutique
N16
020 7249 2222
Islington boutique
N1
020 8001 8295
Selfridges
W1
11

Humans
of N16
Inspired by Humans of New York, N16 Life
records the stories of strangers across Hackney.
Here are the latest Humans of N16.
Photos MEHMET ER
DAVID S. BLANCO
I moved to Stoke Newington in 2011 with
my wife from neighbouring Highbury and
Islington where I had lived most of my
life. I spent a lot of time as a teenager in
Stoke Newington and have witnessed the
transformation of the neighbourhood.
I started Blank Editions primarily as a
vehicle for artists in and around Hackney
to release music in a very streamlined
way and document the collaborative
spirit happening in and around our
neighbourhood.
We release a variety of genres, but
I guess what makes many of these
recordings somewhat unique is down to
the fact many of our releases either share
recording facilities or members who have
collaborated in some capacity at some
point in the past. The local connections
allows artists to develop a friendship, and
work in ways that feel transparent and
natural, without contracts and lawyers.
Despite the size of the label, which is
small, it feels right to work that way.
Some of our releases have had a very
focused narrative relating to N16. For
example, our first release from Thurston
Moore, whose A side, entitled Detonation,
was a homage of sorts to the Angry
Brigade, a revolutionary group that
operated from a house in Amhurst Road
in the 1970s.
In January of this year, we released
material by a Stoke Newington based
artist working under the name Bark!
Dead Summer. The EP was called
Wanderings, which was a direct homage
to the remains of the New River and the
Piano Factory that once stoodin what is
now Red Square, just off Carysfort Road
where the label was originally founded.
In 2014, we put out a solo 7” by Yuki
Tsujii from the Hackney based band,
Bo Ningen, Yuki’s solo record had a leaf
taken from Clissold Park and inserted
into each package along with the record
itself, these records were then shipped all
over the world.
We had to get clearance from the
embassies to find out if they allowed this
kind of vegetation into their countries.
It’s funny to think that there are leaves
from Clissold Park in quite a few
countries around the world due to this
release.
We put our first record out in March
2012 and have released 26 so far with a
pretty busy schedule ahead including a
fifth year birthday event on 23 June at
Blundell Street Studios.
12

STORIES
we put out a solo 7” by Yuki Tsujii from
the Hackney based band, Bo Ningen,
Yuki’s solo record had a leaf taken
from Clissold Park and inserted into
each package along with the record
itself, these records were then
shipped all over the world.
Müge Çetinkaya
I was born in Karabük, Turkey, where I spent
the most magnificent years of my childhood
until about 12 years old.
My parents were both civil servants. I used
to visit my mother at work and loved playing
games behind the counter, imitating her and
her colleagues working with typewriters and
doing fast calculations with Facit calculators.
One of the first pieces of advice I was given
was “if you have an apple, halve it, and then
give the bigger piece to your friend”. I always
do.
After my parents’ divorce in 1986, I moved
to Izmit with my mother and little sister. Such
events teach you to take responsibility, like
taking care of my sister while our mother
was at work. I was interested in everything
to protect the environment and nature. I was
very good at literature and that’s why I still am
very fond of writing. I have a blog but I admit
that I am a bit lazy focusing on it.
At 17, I joined a local theatre group. I had
made great friends there with still ongoing
strong connections. Unfortunately, I could not
carry on acting much longer as the same year
because I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus,
an illness where person’s immune system
goes to overdrive and attacks its own organs
and tissues. It manifests itself differently and
it can have a big impact in their life. Let's just
say I learned well how to manage it.
I am a graduate of Ankara University,
Department of Sociology. After a few
filmmaking short courses in London, I studied
Broadcast Post-Production and worked for
several media and broadcast companies and
organisations such as BBC London and MTV
Europe.
I now mostly work independently on project
based roles; co-ordinating international
media for some film festivals, PR for theatre
plays, voluntary works for NGOs; the British
Lung Foundation and Greenpeace UK.
Home is the most important place in the
world. I can easily say that a lot of my friends
also feel a little lost in London even after long
years living and working here. Everybody
loves to go to their home eventually.
I hit a low when I lost my mother in 2008
but the 2013 Gezi Park upheavals fanned the
flame. I genuinely want everything to be a lot
better in Turkey and one day plan to go back
for good. For now, I miss Turkey when I am
here and when I am there, I miss London. But
in London nothing managed to fill the gap
in my life which once was loaded with full of
unconditional love given me by my Turkish
family and friends.
13

Elinor Huggett
I was born in Cornwall, and studied Mathematics in
Bath before moving to London seven years ago to do
a Master’s degree in Environmental Design. I've been
living in the N16 area for more than five years now,
and absolutely love it – it really feels like a community
within the city.
I got into swing dancing about five years ago (a
friend suggested it and I got hooked!), so when I heard
about the beginning of SwingTrain I thought it was
a brilliant idea. I love that it's accessible to everyone,
no matter their age, fitness levels or abilities, and I
work hard to make sure that everyone who comes to
my classes enjoys it. The SwingTrain movements are
inspired by the vintage street dances of Charleston,
lindy hop, and shag, and they take place to the elating
sounds of swing, gospel, rhythm & blues and jazz.
The classes are for everyone! Regardless of age,
fitness or ability, my goal is always to make sure people
have a great time, get moving, and leave with a smile
on their face - no previous dance or fitness experience
required! The full body exercises work legs, arms, and
core, as well as developing coordination and mental
agility through memorable routines.
At the end of class I always have a stream of people
walking past me, grinning and saying how much fun
they've had. I always tell people from the outset that
my priority is that they have fun - and it seems to
work! It's amazing to think people can burn up to 500
calories in an hour and hardly even realise it.
Jane Edwards
I was born in Islington and moved to Stoke Newington
when I was one and spent my childhood growing up here. Lots
of my childhood memories are from times of playing over
Clissold park, swimming at Clissold park baths and I loved
spending lots of my time at The Shakespeare Walk adventure
playground.
I always dreamed of being a hairdresser so as soon as I left
school I got a job in a salon off Newington Green signing up for
a youth training scheme for 2 years.
I stayed there for a year and then had the opportunity in
1988 to come and work for the former owner of this salon Mark
Starr, who was a fantastic haircutter with a big personality.
Mark trained me over the next few years and I stayed working
with him for 18 years before I left to venture out on new things.
Three years passed and then I was given the terrible news
that Mark had passed away suddenly and I was then given the
opportunity to take over the business.
With a big push from my partner to go for it, I can happily say
I have just celebrated eight years of business this March with
ongoing support from clients new and old and also my amazing
stylist Michelle who I meet at hairdressing college all those
years ago.
Stoke Newington is an amazing place and I have seen so
many changes over the years.
I still have clients that I started cutting when I was training
nearly thirty years ago, including three generations of families
and young kids who are now in their thirties, some even
traveling from as far as Bath and even Greece.
The shop is tucked away in a lovely road behind Church
St and the high street. It has been a hairdressers for over 30
years. Previously it was a dairy called Akam & Sons and still
boasts original features including a huge marble slab in the
window, which I love to decorate throughout the year and is
adored by locals and many children who look forward to seeing
what's coming next.
I love being a part of this lovely community and hope to
continue to work here for many years to come.
14

STORIES
We are great
advocates of
learning through
play, as we truly
believe this is where
the value lies for
children under the
age of five.
Kiki Linton-Aspinall
I am a proud Londoner, born and raised in
Islington, just opposite the beautiful New River
Walk. In 1997 my mum started a new job managing
a nursery in Stoke Newington, and after finishing
secondary school in Marylebone, each day I would
get the number 73 bus from Angel right to the
end of its route. This is where my love for Stoke
Newington was born. It was inevitable that once
I permanently flew the nest I found myself in a
four-bedroom house share in Stoke Newington. It
was close to my parents, close to the bright lights
of Dalston and close to my job, which at the time
was managing N16 Playgroup.
After running N16 Playgroup for five years,
I realised that there was a need for a full day
nursery in Stoke Newington to cater to the
growing young population. It was then that I
decided to open N16 Tots. Based on Defoe Road,
N16 Tots is a small nursery with a wonderful sense
of community and home-like feel. Our main ethos
is that by being a small nursery we help each child
to feel that they are special. I personally know
each and every child and parent that is part of our
nursery, which means I am best placed to ensure
that everybody’s needs are being met.
I have always enjoyed working with children;
I attended a Montessori primary school as a
child, and my mum is also a qualified Montessori
teacher. This meant that from an early
age, I was encouraged to pursue my
own interests, which usually resulted in
spending time in the nursery, helping to
feed the children and put them to sleep.
These experiences directly shaped the
path that I took later in life. Although
we do not call ourselves a Montessori
nursery, the underlying principles of
Montessori undoubtedly shape the way
N16 Tots and N16 Playgroup operate. We
are great advocates of learning through
play, as we truly believe this is where
the value lies for children under the age
of five. We encourage all children to be
independent, and help them to explore
their own interests, all whilst having a
brilliant time!
When I go out in Stokey I love
frequenting the pubs, restaurants and
the nightlife of Dalston – usually all on the
same evening – rounded off with a 2am
amble to the one and only Best Kebab.
I love working in Stoke-Newington.
I love the diversity, the village-like
appeal, and the sense of belonging
to a community. I really hope that as
new residents move into the area,
they will continue to support the small
independent businesses that truly make
Stoke Newington the wonderful and
amazing place it is today.
15

Italian cuisine coupled with a variety
of other dishes from Europe
We pride ourselves in producing high-quality food as well as creating a
memorable experience for our customers. Come down to our restaurant
in Wood Green today to see what all the talk is about!
185A High Road, Wood Green, London N22 6BA
020 8352 2486 • info@ezraskitchen.co.uk
www.ezraskitchen.co.uk

PROPERTY
N16 postcode still
offers good value
to tenants with
the average price
for a two bedroom
apartment around
£470 per week
N16: a strong
market for tenants
Daren Haysom, Foxtons’ area director for
northeast London, explains why Stoke Newington,
Dalston and Hackney remain highly attractive -
and affordable - for people wanting to rent
Unlike the sales market,
which can be heavily
influenced by a number
of external factors, the
lettings market is mainly
led by demand. In Stoke
Newington and the rest
of the N16 postcode, demand remains
strong. With a high rate of renewals
and limited stock available, the ratio of
potential tenants per property on our
books at present averages 12:1.
Due to their property portfolio
comprising predominantly of Victorian
family homes with three bedrooms and
up, the Stoke Newington, Dalston and
Hackney areas attract a high number
of families and professional sharers.
Stoke Newington’s vibrant high street
with its wide array of independent
amenities, including world-renowned
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele and
locals’ favourites such as The Good
Egg and Zona coffee shop, can rival
the more established high street in
Islington. N16 is known for its good
sense of community and family-friendly
atmosphere, sought-after primary
schools such as Grasmere and William
Patten, and easy access to London’s
financial districts, all adding to the
appeal of the area.
The N16 postcode still offers good
value to tenants, with the average price
for a two bedroom apartment around
£470 per week, which is approximately
15% lower than in the nearby Highbury
and Islington areas. The corporate
lettings market is also well-developed
in and around N16, a popular area for
insurance companies to temporarily rehome
their clients on a short-term basis.
Another point of difference in the N16
lettings market is that 95% of its landlord
base consist of either small-scale private
landlords or “accidental landlords”, those
with only one property to let that came
into their possession by circumstance
(couples moving in together, family
inheritance etc.) rather than as a planned
investment purchase. This ensures a
higher standard of properties to let, as
many landlords have taken pride and care
in the place they used to call home, which
in return benefits tenants.
The latter becomes especially
important in light of the new regulations
effective from 6 April this year, which
will see a 25% reduction in mortgage
interest relief on additional properties,
gradually set to increase to 100% by
2020. This will bring into perspective the
value of an increase in rent in comparison
to tenant retention to avoid the void
period between tenancies. Our advice to
landlords is that tenant care has never
been more important; similarly, most
tenants want security of tenure for at
least a few years, therefore establishing
good relationships from the outset is
beneficial for both parties.
The London lettings market is getting
ready for its busiest time of the year,
usually between May and September, and
we expect the market in N16 to perform
strongly on a par with the previous year.
28-30 Stoke Newington
Church Street
Stoke Newington,
London N16 0LU
020 3728 2100
foxtons.co.uk
17

18

FEATURE
The home of
outdoor water sports:
stoke
newington
by Yasemin BAKAN
photos mehmet er
Surprised? Yes, Hackney
isn’t the first place that
comes to mind you think
about outdoor water sports.
But just behind the Castle
on Green Lanes, Stoke
Newington, is a place that
offers precisely that.
Sailing, canoeing, kayaking and openair
swimming are all available here at the
West Reservoir Centre.
The reservoirs of Stoke Newington
were built in the 19th century to supply a
growing capital city’s water needs. They
opened in 1833 to take clean water from
the New River and store it as a clean
water reserve.
When the Thames Water Authority
announced it no longer required the
facility in 1985, it was marked up for sale.
A local residents’ campaign – Save Stoke
Newington Reservoirs and Filter Beds –
swung into action.
Rescuing the reservoirs
The campaigners found themselves
combatting plans to create a
hypermarket on the site and, with the
absence of social media, had to run
petitions, fundraising raffles, stalls and
closely-argued letters in an effort to get
their message heard.
The campaign was partially successful:
the West and East Reservoirs were saved
from development but not the filter beds,
which were allocated to housing. There
were tears and joy at the same time.
A decade later in 1996, Hackney Council
bought the western reservoir from the
now-privatised Thames Water and began
work to convert it into a water sports
centre. With the help of National Lottery
funds, it opened in 2003 as a leisure.
Today it is located on 30 acres of water,
offering courses and activities in sailing,
kayaking, canoeing and other water
sports for all for schools and community
groups, as well as adults and young
people. The centre is recognised by both
the British Canoe and the Royal Yachting
Association.
Give it a go yourself
Freddie Lovejoy, senior water sports
coach, said those adults who learn to
paddle at the centre will also have the
opportunity to take part in activities
outside the city. There will also be multiactivity
weeks during the summer to
introduce children to water sports.
19

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FEATURE
“These are usually most children’s
introduction to the water sports and is
all based around having fun and trying
something new,” he says. “These become
popular in the summer in particular.”
Paddling in the sunset
One of the most active groups at the West
Reservoir Centre is the Castle Canoe
Club, which was set up in 2000.
"It is a place saved by the community
for the community,” says Peter Emery,
the club’s chair. “I feel that Castle Canoe
Club fills in where London can lack. We
have a hugely diverse membership of
people that would not otherwise not
meet. There’s a running joke in the club
that we’re a floating social club.
“We arrange trips to beautiful places
around the country and beyond, often to
places where members have never been
before. You get a hundred new friends
as part of your membership fee. Some
members love high octane white water
while others just like to cruise down
serene rivers and our polo players are
playing in national competitions.
“The finest way to unwind in zone 2 has
to be paddling in the sunset on a Tuesday
night after work around the reservoir.”
Kayaking, canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing for adults takes
place all year round every Sunday
between 10am and 1pm, and additionally
There’s a running
joke in the club that
we’re a floating
social club
on a Tuesday night between 6pm and
8pm from April to October.
Club welfare officer Kate Dornan says
anyone interested in becoming a member
should do an induction session: “These
are fortnightly and cover the basics of
health and safety as well as paddling
technique.
“The cost is £10 for the session plus a
couple of weeks' paddling while inductees
decide whether to join us for the year.
Membership currently costs £105 per
year, with concessions available as well as
reduced joining fees later in the year.”
Dates and further information
are available on the club’s website,
castlecanoeclub.co.uk. Castle Canoe Club
members get a discounted rate on the
centre’s lessons.
Set sail on the waters
The club also organises field trips around
London – or even out of the country. Sea
kayaking on the Thames, paddling, river
trips, and kayak surfing are combined
with annual trips to Ireland and the Alps.
There’s also a polo team that competes in
regional and national leagues, and hosts a
tournament on the West Reservoir twice
annually.
There is a sailing group here – the
North London Sailing Association,
headed by Caroline Brown – although it
does not offer NLSA sailing courses, and
members must have a level 2 qualification
from the West Reservoir Centre (or an
equivalent) before joining.
“Members don't need to have their own
boats as they can use the boats owned by
the West Reservoir Centre,” Brown says.
“There are a mix of double and single
hander boats. We also have a coastal base
at Brightlingsea Essex, where we own
a small property and 6 wayfarer boats.
During the summer months, we run
cruising weekends, some more advanced
training (seamanship skills and level 3)
and also have a camping weekend.”
Membership is for £140 for adults
and £70 for children per annum. For
further information, check their website:
northlondonsailing.org
The Youth Club, provides young people
between 8-17 years old the opportunity
to participate in dinghy sailing, kayaking
and canoeing. Membership is for £102 per
annum.
21

Radically
different on
the inside
by Carrie O’Grady
‘
Believe in Good’, says
the sign outside the
church. Hang on, isn’t
that an extra ‘o’ in there?
It isn’t, oddly enough.
The New Unity, on the
north side of Newington
Green, is not like other churches: they
don’t believe in God, heaven and hell,
saints’n’sinners, or any of the other
theological trappings we associate with
traditional religions.
You may have seen it from the 73 bus
dozens of times without realising what
an extraordinary institution it is.
“One of our problems is that from the
outside, you can’t see what happens
on the inside,” says the minister, Rev.
Andrew Pakula (everyone calls him
Andy). “We had one guy who thought
the people here would be really dour,
all wearing black, with black hats – like
a cross between the Quakers and a
funeral.”
In fact the congregation are a diverse
mix of friendly, thoughtful locals,
attracted by the church’s focus on
hope, social activism, compassion and
“radical inclusivity”: literally anyone is
welcome.
“Our primary principle is that every
person matters,” says Andy. “That
drives a strong impetus towards
developing relationships – one of the
most important things we do in life.
Even, perhaps, with people we don’t
know, who might seem strange or
22

community
Andrew Pakula
One of our problems
is that from the
outside, you can’t
see what happens
on the inside
together, sharing joys and sorrows and
finding comfort when it’s needed.”
And let’s not forget the next
generation. Many Stokey families
take advantage of the church’s
excellent children’s programme, which
mixes games and crafts with lively
introductions to issues such as racism
and prejudice. Next January, Andy
hostile – people who might have fewer
privileges. We want to bring back the idea
of love in the public domain.”
Coming from anyone else, that might
sound airy-fairy, but the New Unitarians
are firmly committed to positive action.
Back in 2008, when the Civil Partnership
Act still forbade same-sex couples from
tying the knot in a religious setting,
the New Unity decided to stop hosting
heterosexual marriage ceremonies in
protest.
“We just thought, that’s discriminatory,”
Andy says. “They [the government] were
saying, yeah, it’s OK for you people to get
together, but not in a place where God’s
watching.” The church teamed up with the
Liberal Jews and the Quakers to oppose
the ban, which was lifted in 2011.
Today, they work harder than ever to
make our society a better, fairer place.
The church’s Social Responsibility Team
works closely with Hackney Citizens, an
offshoot of the community organising
group Citizens UK, on projects such
as resettling Syrian migrants, ousting
rogue landlords and campaigning
for a “living wage” (as opposed to the
existing minimum wage). Members
of the congregation volunteer to do
pastoral care or help out with the Sunday
gatherings, which manage to combine
singing and celebrating with the serious
business of crafting strategies to deal
with the fallout from Trump and Brexit.
People without time to spare can share
in the good works by
making a contribution
to the weekly collection,
which goes to a number of
different charities, benefiting
those most in need: the homeless,
impoverished elderly people, displaced
children, and many others.
One parishioner, Daniel Wilsher,
has been singing in the church choir
for two years. “There is a real sense of
mystery and energy about being part of
a community of value where ‘the faith’
is not written down in a book,” he says.
“Instead it emerges from and is lived by
its diverse membership. It’s a journey
with an unknown destination, but it’s
also about the pure enjoyment of singing
A picture of Mary
Wollstonecraft on the
church wall
plans to start a “comingof-age
programme2 for
young people aged 12 to
14, “helping kids to explore
their own values, perspectives,
beliefs or lack thereof – a sort of
Unitarian version of the bar mitzvah.”
Watching over it all is the ghost of
former parishioner Mary Wollstonecraft,
the pioneering feminist, immortalised by
ex-local street artist Stewy in a striking
life-size stencil on the church’s west wall.
It’s still possible to sit in her old pew,
#19; the wooden benches are unchanged
since the 18th century. If you concentrate,
you might just sense a trace of her bold,
heretical, dissenting spirit lingering in
the New Unity air.
23

The
Delicious
Guide
TO Hackney
N16 Life Magazine uncovers the gems in our local cuisine
that celebrates the diverse culture on offer in our area.
A voyage of fine
dining tastes
Perilla Dining
Perilla Dining is a restaurant serving
high-quality European dishes with
a creative twist in a fine dining
setting. Its menu changes every day, giving
customers the opportunity to discover
different tastes, which is perhaps why
the team describes its offering as “fine
dining without the fuss”. The Cuttlefish
Bolognese (£11) is particularly tasty, while
the preserved plum custard and pears
poached in wine and citrus (£7) and blood
orange custard with olive oil will change
your understanding of what dessert is!
1-3 Green Lanes, London N16 9BS
020 7359 0779
perilladining.co.uk
24

FOOD
Neighbourhood favourite
Floyds
On Dalston Lane, a quiet turning off
the busy main drag of Shacklewell
Lane, is a restaurant serving
modern European cuisine. The cost and
intimate setting – both its location and its
interior décor – makes Floyds somewhere
special: turquoise blues transport you to
the seaside and make you feel like you’re
on holiday. The service is friendly and
casual. We went for the pan-fried dover
sole, fennel, blood orange, sea vegetable
salad (£19). A light and nourishing choice
for the summer.
89 Shacklewell Lane, E8 2EB
020 7923 7714
floydsonthelane.co.uk
Home cooking, Eastern
Turkey style
Istanbul Restaurant
Istanbul Restaurant is known for its
grilled kebabs, but its menu also
boasts an array of regional Turkish
dishes.
Saçkavurma – a mincemeat and
vegetable fry; aubergine-based
karnıyarık and Turkish-style casserole
are just a few of the lesser-visited
dishes on offer.
Stuffed içliköfte, specially prepared
by local Turkish women, is a delicacy in
Turkey’s east and southeast. It consists
of a cracked-wheat shell filled with
minced meat, spices, minced onions
and parsley and is served with yoghurt.
Restaurant owner HüseyinÜzüm,
who hails from the southern city of
Kahramanmaraş, says he is delighted to
offer his home cuisine in Dalston.
9 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 8BH
020 7254 7291
istanbulrestaurant.co.uk
Nepalese dumplings
House of Momo
Serving momos, one of the most
popular dishes in Nepal, the House
of Momo is one the locals’ favourites.
These are dough wraps with a meat or
vegetable filling accompanied by spicy
dipping sauce.
There are steamed or steam-fried
options, all served in a relaxing canteencafé
atmosphere alongside other dishes
from Nepal. The restaurant is run by
Shubha Giri from Kathmandu and also
serves fresh “Thali Bowls” with aloo gobi
curry, palak paneer, rice, daal, parathas
and mango pickle. Along with Nepalese
food, they serve Nepalese Himalayan
organic coffee roasted locally and local
craft beers. Prices start at just £4.
52 Boleyn Road, London, N16 8JP
020 3632 4208
Eclectic British food
Victory Mansion
This establishment, with its name
coming from Orwell’s Nineteen
Eighty-Four, is run by a team of five.
World-class cocktails & eclectic British
food on Stoke Newington High Street
in the form of this beautiful, hand-built
neighbourhood bar. Victory Mansion pays
homage to the most significant literature,
food and drink that has inspired London
over the last Century.
Chef Sam Wilkinson brings his unique
take on eclectic, casual dining, inspired
by his time with Ottolenghi, Bentlies
and Cole pepper. Stuart Binks and Benji
Purslow put their names to an inventive
cocktail list they can finally call their own.
Cauliflower & turmeric bellini, poached
river trout, pomegranate & lemon balm
(£9), Braised beef cheek, purple sprouting
broccoli, horseradish &cashel blue cream,
apple salad(£10) are light and charming.
A bottomless brunch is served every
Saturday and Sunday(£17,50)
18 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7PL
020 3441 6900;
victorymansion.co.uk
25

REVIEW
Bespoke beauty
treatments for you
Beauty is my passion. Those are
the words of Ingrid Raphael,
a medical aesthetician and
cosmetician in Stamford Hill.
Ingrid knows vast amounts
about beauty and skincare – so much
so that she has been running an airy,
relaxing shop in the area offering facials,
manicures and massages for five years.
The treatments you receive are agreed
with you after an analysis of your skin.
They can range from personalised facials
that create a beautiful complexion
whatever your skin condition, to reviving
body treatments designed to help you
relax and unwind.
Rather than picking from a menu of
options, you simply tell your therapist
how long you want you facial to last
(costing between £33 and £120) and
Ingrid takes care of everything else.
Treatments are complimented by
a range of unique products such as
SkinCeuticals, Medik8 and Niod.
My 90-minute facial included an
intensive face and head massage; peeling
and cold jade rollers; a nourishing and
moisturising mask; and
a dermapen treatment.
The change and renewal
in my skin was visible the
following day.
Ingrid knows that each
person’s skin has different
needs, which is why every
Hackney resident must
visit for her professional know-how
and expert bespoke care. For further
information, visit her website.
ingridraphael.com
+44 (0) 7814 361028
The One-Stop Shop

FOOD
CHAMPAGNE
LIMONCELLO COCKTAIL
SERVES 8
• 1 lemon wedge, cut for rims
• 8 lemon rind strips
• 8 tbsp Limoncello
• 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 bottle Champagne, chilled
A lemony zest
for summer
A new collection of recipes based around perhaps
the most popular citrus – the Lemon Compendium
– is now available from Yasemin Kaner-White.
Sugar the glass rims by rubbing a cut
lemon wedge around the rim of each
glass, then dip in sugar. Next, roll up
the strips of lemon rind and place one
into each of the champagne flutes.
Add 1 tbsp Limoncello and ½ tsp juice
to each glass. Divide champagne
evenly among glasses.
Serve immediately.
The book is the result of months of
research, tasting and travelling
and offers a varied account of all
things lemony. It’s not just food –
health, beauty and household tips, lemon
festivals in Europe, as well as historical
accounts can be found alongside the
lemonlicious recipies.
LEMON SORBET
IN LEMON SHELLS
• 8 large lemons
• 340g sugar
• 360ml water
Cut off the top third of the lemons, not the
stem end, and reserve for the ‘cap.’ Hollow
out each lemon, putting the juice and flesh
(not the pips or pith) into a blender. Slice
a little off the bottom of each lemon shell,
being careful not to cut through to the
inside of the lemon. This will make them
sit straight when placed on a plate.
Freeze the shells at least 1 hour or
overnight. Then fill with sorbet (made as
per instructions below) and freeze again.
To make the sorbet, combine the sugar,
lemon juice and water in a saucepan, over
a medium heat, stir until the sugar has
dissolved. Stir the lemon zest. Remove
from heat, set aside allowing to cool.
Methods
Ice Cream Maker – transfer mixture to
ice cream maker, process according to
manufacturer's instructions.
Freezer Method – pour into container,
cover and place mixture in the freezer.
When it is semi-solid, rack up with a fork
and freeze again.
Fill each frozen lemon shell with the
sorbet, top off with a lemon cap, freeze
again until completely frozen, then serve.
This delicious pudding can be prepared
2–3 days in advance, simply keep covered
in a container stored in.
27

FOOD
WATERMELON, LEMON
& ROSEMARY SLURP
• 500ml water
• 185g caster sugar
• 2 sprigs rosemary stripped & chopped
• 18 lemons, juice only
• 1 medium watermelon, de-seeded & cubed
• 8 cups ice cubes
Over a high heat bring the water and
sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the
rosemary, and set aside to steep for 1 hour.
Place the lemon juice with the watermelon
in a blender.
Strain the rosemary syrup through a
mesh strainer into the blender, puree until
smooth. Refrigerate until very cold, give it
a good stir before serving over ice.
LEMON STYLE
COUSCOUS
I like to eat this with lamb chops, but it
accompanies most meats or fish, as well
as being a meal on its own perhaps with
some grilled haloumi for the vegetarians
out there...
SERVES 4
Libya
CUSCUS BIL-BOSLA
Libya's national dish, traditionally
shared and eaten from one large bowl,
accompanied by small salad's, and a
host of other snacks surrounding it, for
example dolma (rice and mince stuffed
bell peppers) however, the dish alone, is
certainly satisfying…
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 90ml olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 600g lamb leg meat, cubed
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 tsp salt
• 880ml boiling water
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 230g cooked chickpeas
• 1 lemon, juice & zest
• 400g couscous
• Pinch salt
• Garnish
• 2 lemons, wedges
Begin by pounding together the spices
in a mortar and pestle, set aside. Heat
50ml olive oil in a large frying pan, add
the onions and meat, cook until the
onions start to caramelise, throw in the
potato and 1 tsp salt, stir until golden.
Transfer to a casserole dish, de-glaze
the pan by pouring 480ml water into
the frying pan, collecting all the pan
juices, pour into the casserole dish. Now
add the spices and tomato paste, stir
well, cooking until potatoes are soft and
then add the chickpeas, lemon juice and
zest.
Next cook the couscous, place in a
bowl with 400ml boiling water, 40ml
olive oil and 1 tsp salt, stir and cover
with cling film, leave for 10 minutes.
When the couscous is ready, place on a
serving plate topped off with the lamb
mixture, serve with lemon wedges.
BLUEBERRY & LEMON
RICOTTA CAKE
GLUTEN FREE
• 250g ricotta cheese
• 140g soft butter
• 140g ground almonds
• 140g golden caster sugar
• 6 medium eggs, separated
• 1 lemon, zest & juice
• 75g dried blueberries
• 25g fine polenta flour
• Icing sugar, for dusting
Heat the oven to 180ºC. Grease and
line the base of a 23cm diameter
spring-form tin. Put the ricotta, butter,
almonds, sugar and egg yolks in a large
bowl and beat together with a wooden
spoon until creamy. Add the lemon zest
and juice with the dried blueberries.
Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl
until they peak softly. Fold the polenta
into the ricotta mixture, then gently
fold in the whisked egg whites. Pour
the cake mix into the prepared tin
and bake for 35 minutes. The cake is
cooked when it is golden and just firm
to the touch. Allow it to cool in the tin,
then transfer to a serving plate and
dust with the icing sugar before
serving up.
N16 Life readers get
FREE POSTAGE if they are
order a copy of the Lemon
Compendium for £25.
Email yasemen@parmuto.com
and mention this magazine
when ordering. Signed
copies also available.
28

Q&A
You are a professional musician. What
drew you to a career as a chef? Where
does your love of cooking come from?
Cooking is something that has always
been a huge part of my life. Over
the years music and cooking have
become inextricably linked. I think
the inspiration for both comes from
the same place, both are a way of
communicating with other people.
Good food
that tastes
amazing
Musician, broadcaster, cook and Great
British Menu judge Andi Oliver has
opened her first restaurant in Stoke
Newington Church Street
You have got two jobs-was that
transition difficult?
I've always had a few jobs so no! It's
weirder for me to only be doing one
thing at a time.
What is your favourite kind of food to
cook and why?
I love it all really, and the lovely thing
about what we're doing at Andi's is that
I can explore all kinds of cooking. We
have our all-day brunch setup which
is more hearty and comforting. Then
at night we get to be more refined: the
most important thing for me is the
yummy factor, it has to be delicious!
Is there any particular reason you've
chosen to open your restaurant in
Stokey?
Well I only live down the road in Clapton
and have done for about 18 years, so
Stokey is part of my stomping ground,
and I've always spent time here and
when this particular site came up we fell
in love with it, it has such a great vibe
and just fit our needs perfectly.
29

Q&A
We're calling it
'down home fancy
food', a little bit of
something lovely
for everyone
boyfriend he made some particularly
weird scrambled eggs the other day? He
insists on putting all sorts of soy sauce
and chillies in them. I am NOT, as they
say, “feeling it”.
Have you ever had any major
disasters on TV?
When we did Christmas Kitchen we
were cooking five dishes a day and a few
Could you tell us about the restaurant?
At Andi's we're aiming to create a real
neighbourhood vibe, a home from home
where people can relax, enjoy themselves,
get delicious food and drinks. We're
calling it 'down home fancy food', a little
bit of something lovely for everyone.
Why did you choose green colour for
the facade?
All of the design for the restaurant is by
Debs Armstrong from strong&co, she's
a genius and she's a Stokey resident
actually! Her use of colour and light in the
design and her attention to detail, has
blown me away, I'm in love with it all.
What's cooking in the
restaurant kitchen?
Well we've got all our gorgeous brunch
dishes, baked eggs, energy bowls with
roast seasonal vegetables & chargrilled
proteins like shrimp, or halloumi, lamb
chops or tofu, then you've got a French
toast bacon sandwich with maple syrup
and a fried egg or a salt beef Reuben's!
Then at night our newest special is
a seared lamb rump, bubble & squeak
cake topped with cuttlefish ink aioli, I'm
pretty excited about it! For vegans or
vegetarians I'm working with a green pea
socca, pickled and pan roasted spring
vegetables and a watercress cream (made
with avocado and hazelnut milk). Like it
says on the window: beautiful things for
everyone!
Where did you get the best
and worst food?
I am rather a big fan of
Escosesa down the road from
us actually. Gorgeous tapas,
brilliant drinks made by brilliant
chefs in a lovely environment, works
perfectly for me! We've also been going
up to Hackney road to Bad Sports for
incredible Tacos, I like to go to the
flower market then pop in to see what
they've got on their grill yesterday. It
was an amazing lamb barbacoa, jalapeño
special - blooming delicious! At the other
end of the spectrum, whilst I love my
things got rushed I had a
nightmare with some filo
pastry that just kept tearing
and sticking to everything.
Luckily “one I made earlier” was
to hand but it went into the oven
looking like I'd dropped it at least three
times!
What do you think will be the next big
food trend?
I think that people want food that is
good for them but still tastes amazing!
Colourful, well sourced, delicious AND
healthy! We CAN have it all!
30

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ever beer for kebabs!
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Brantwood Road,
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GLOBAL LODGE.indd 1 22/05/2017 03:07

REVIEW
It’s great fun trying
to stay still as you
navigate swings,
ladders and a highaltitude
zip wire
Walking
above the trees
Go Ape, well-known around the country for its
adventure courses, has opened its second branch
in North London in Alexandra Palace
Being out in the open air is
a therapeutic, soothing
experience. It makes you
happier and feel more at
ease with yourself. This is
especially true of children,
who will delight at the
experience of Go Ape – an unrivalled
opportunity to spent time in a forest and
find their inner Tarzan.
But walking above the trees? Don’t
worry, they tie you in a secure harness
so that even if you trip, you won’t fall. I
went with a friend who was nervous about
her safety and badgered the Go Ape
team with just about every silly question
she could think of. They were calm and
reassuring as they told her there was
nothing to be afraid of.
The worst-case scenario was falling off
the swings and staying suspended in midair
– which would amuse the children and
parents around us, but nothing more.
But I have to say that those innocentlooking
swings were a lot higher up than
they appeared from the ground. It was
such a thrill to look down below – you
really feel the adrenaline pumping. But
the harnesses do their job and reassure
you as move along the course.
It’s great fun trying to stay still as you
navigate swings, ladders and a highaltitude
zip wire. The experience takes
about one hour in all, depending how fast
you go.
It was a rainy day when we went, which
we thought would be unsuitable for this
kind of activity – but this was not the
case. In fact, the mud made it all the more
fun: rain is perfectly fine, but thundery
conditions are not suitable for Go Ape.
Both my friend – who has a fear of
heights – and I were able to navigate the
challenging Tree Top Junior without
getting stuck in mid-air. It was such a
delight to complete an outdoor activity
like this.
Go Ape Alexandra Palace is a healthy
family day out combining adrenaline,
open air and physical activity. We’ll be
back with our nephews and nieces before
you know it.
Go Ape’s prices start from £18.
Visit goape.co.uk
33

Unleash your
CREATIVITY
Is that beautiful piece of furniture in the corner of
your room gathering dust? Are you desperate to
learn how to bake? If you’re a creative type with
itchy hands raring to go, Hackney has some of the
best courses you could ask for
ARTISAN BREADMAKING
ARTISAN BREADMAKING
Abbot Street Car Park, London E8 3DP
craftfood.london
If the Great British Bake Off leaves you
feeling inspired, or you’ve ever wanted
to know how to make great bread,
this is your opportunity to learn from
the best. The course is run by one of the
expert bakers at The Dusty Knuckle, an
artisan micro-bakery based in a cleverly
converted shipping container, five
minutes from Dalston Junction.
With three professional deck ovens,
the bakery supplies some of the best local
restaurants and delis, as well as selling
bread at weekend farmers’ markets.
They do two classes. The first is an
introductory half-day course (£75) which
runs on Tuesday evenings where they
teach you the basics of making amazing
artisan bread in your own home, baking
a yeasted dough in the bakery and then
making a proper sourdough which guests
then take home to bake the next day. The
evening is rounded off with a rustic meal
and a glass of wine.
The other course is a full day artisan
bread masterclass (£135), which runs on
Sundays from 9.30am. On the course
guests make different types of bread
including sourdough, slow fermented
white (yeasted dough), focaccia, soda
& walnut & raisin bread. The course
includes lunch, delicious coffee and
refreshments through the day.
Courses run every four weeks and the
latest dates are on the website.
Introduction to Breadmaking: Tuesday
13 June and every four weeks thereafter.
Artisan Bread Masterclass: Sunday 2nd
July and every four weeks thereafter.
34

SUMMER COURSES
Cocktail Masterclasses
in Kingsland Road
Woodworking techniques
Woodworking techniques
Unit 3 Fountayne House,
Fountayne Road, N15 4QL
furnitureschool.co.uk
The London School of Furniture
Making offers short courses to
enthusiastic Londoners keen to
learn traditional woodworking
techniques. The school has a suite of
basic skills classes which lead on to
project-based courses where you can
make a box, coffee table or chair.
Once you feel comfortable with handling
the tools you can go to their supervised
Reupholster that old chair
Every guest gets
their own area at
a bar station
access sessions and make a small project
of your own. If you're not sure whether
you'll like working in wood or just want to
try them out, then you might be interested
in a 2.5hr taster class.
Small classes ensure that you will get
plenty of time to discuss and review your
progress with your tutor Helen. Classes
run 9.00 till 4.00 Monday to Friday and
some evenings 6.00 till 9.00.
Course fees start at £55.
Reupholster
that old chair
The School of Stuff
B002, Lighthouse Studios,
89A Shacklewell Lane,
Dalston, E8 2EB
theschoolofstuff.co.uk
The School of Stuff is a studio
dedicated to teaching furniture
crafts in Dalston running four
five-day intensive courses over
the summer. One of the courses, Modern
Upholstery, runs between 17 and 21 July
2017 (£475.00), which covers modern
upholstery techniques. Familiarise
yourself with material, and learn
techniques, such as how to cut and shape
foam, how to make a pattern for a new
top cover for your modern chair, and how
to use a sewing machine accurately to
make a perfectly fitting fixed cover.
The other course is Project Upholstery,
running between Monday 4 and Friday 8
September 2017. The five-day intensive
project based session will teach you the
techniques required to reupholster a
chair of your choice. Price £475.00.
Cocktail Masterclasses
in Kingsland Road
TT Liquor, 17B Kingsland Road,
London E2 8AA
ttliquor.co.uk/cocktail-making-classes
Drawing upon a decade’s worth
of experience, the team behind
Kingsland Road’s newly
opened TT Liquor introduce
their cocktail masterclass series;
entirely interactive experiences taught
by a seasoned industry mixologists.
Completely interactive, every guest
gets their own area at a bar station to
make a selection of varied cocktails
with their own equipment, guided by an
experienced mixologist.
Fitting up to 5 people per workstation,
the cocktail classes are perfect for larger
classes, whilst smaller groups can get a
more intimate experience at their own
station.
Guests can choose from one
of four classes: Cocktail Making
Classes, Molecular Cocktail Classes, Gin
Cocktail Classes, Rum Cocktail Classes.
Price £70.
35

THE BIRDCAGE
BAR + KITCHEN
58 Stamford Hill, London N16 6XS
thebirdcageN16.co.uk • @thebirdcageN16
Tel: 020 8 8069077

FEATURE
Hackney:
London’s fashion
capital
Home to the studios of such fashion designers
as Christopher Kane, Simon Rocha, Bora Aksu,
Roksanda Ilincic, Hackney has long been on the
fashion industry’s radar. But a luxury outlet zone
– London’s first – in Hackney Walk promises to
place the borough firmly on the map
37

FEATURE
Globally recognised
brands like Burberry,
Anya Hindmarch,
Aquascutum and
Pringle of Scotland
already had an
established outlet
presence in Hackney Walk, but it was the
wider development of the area that really
caught the industry’s attention – and that
of tourists.
£6 million was raised in regeneration
fund started after the riots swept this
part of London in 2011. Hackney Walk has
been transformed into the capital’s first
luxury outlet zone, having opened at the
end of 2016 on Morning Lane opposite the
old Burberry factory.
Twelve formerly unused railways arches
unite them, converted into beautiful retail
spaces by renowned British architect
David Adjaye. It is rapidly becoming a
major attraction for London.
The Hackney Walk project emerged
in 2011 after that summer’s riots, when
Hackney Council received a £2 million
post-riot regeneration injection of funds
and spent it on transforming East London
into a fashion centre once again. A
further £4 million was spent by Network
Rail on restoring the arches.
This area was a centre for clothesmaking
and the textiles industry until the
1990s. Hackney Walk is now riving that
spirit in 2017, a tradition that stretches
back to the 19th Century when 15,000
people were employed in factories and
workshops across Hackney.
Efforts continue to transform Hackney
A tradition that
stretches back to
the 19th century
when 15,000 people
worked here
Walk into a venue with offices and shops
on a par with Bicester Village – and more
conveniently located for London.
The brands on offer
Hackney Walk's arches are occupied
by an array of recently opened luxury
outlets including: two outlet stores from
MatchesFashion.com for womenswear
and menswear; Gieves & Hawkes; Joseph;
UGG; multi-brand concept store Present;
luxury cashmere brand Colombo; Zadig &
Voltaire: Folli Follie and Nicole Farhi. All
retailers offer up to 70% off regular retail
prices.
But that’s not all. The Stitch Academy
offers free-of-charge workshops and
masterclasses, while the Hackney
Shop organises weekend events with
some of the leading names in the
fashion business. There is also pop-up
retail space available for independent
designers.
Recent pop-up outlets have included
House of Sunny, Henry Holland, Mary
Benson, Holly Fulton and Piers Atkinson.
Good wine, good food
A gastronomical treat awaits you at
Hackney Walk, where Legs restaurant will
provide you with a contemporary lunch
with fine wines. The evening menu is
particularly worth perusing.
In short, Hackney Walk is more than
a retail destination but a central point
of fashion, arts, food and culture. It
combines the world of luxury with
iconic design.
www.hackneywalk.com
Opening Times
Monday-Saturday 10.00 - 6.00 pm
Sunday 11.00 - 5.00 pm
39

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
A beer only for kebabs
- now in Hackney
Kebabs are one of the most popular
dishes in London – but does it
need a beer of its own?
That’s what local
entrepreneur and
restauranteur
Ibrahim Dogus says
about his new label,
Bira London.
Taking its name
from the Turkish word for beer,
the bottled beverage was officially
launched in London just before
Christmas.
It has a secret recipe that Dogus
says suits barbecue flavours and
liberal use of spices. It has been
described as a dry, very smooth
lager with a crisp taste, a strong
body and notes of barley.
Bira was served during this
year’s British Kebab Awards, where
Dogus said: “The kebab industry is
worth over £2.2 billion in the UK so
it was time it had its own beer.
“I’m delighted as a businessman
to be launching an iconic drink into
a fiercely competitive marketplace.
It would also be fantastic if people
fall in love with the beer and
discover what top end cuisine
means for the kebab as a result.”
The drink is available across N16
in such venues as Melek Kitchen,
Hasan Meze Mangal Restaurant
and Bella Vita restaurant in
Hackney Broadway Market.
Eat In
Take Out
Hot/Cold Sandwiches
Breakfast
Daily Soup
Homemade Cakes
Whole Grain Salads
All our food is
made in-house.
53 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0AR • 020 7249 9061
Camia Deli.indd 1 05/12/2016 23:03

26
Stuffed Calamari with Shrimps
Eating here is a live history class
Under the Ottoman Empire the guilds of cooks were fiercely secretive about
their culinary tricks. Consequently few recipes survive from the four and half centuries of
Ottoman rule (1453 to 1918). In as district of old houses just off a little square lined with
plane trees, next door to one of the finest Byzantine churches, St. Savior in Chora,
Asitane has devoted itself to the re-creation of this lost cuisine
New York Times
Kariye Camii Sokak No: 6 34240 Edirnekapi Istanbul, Turkey T:+90 (212) 635 7997
www.asitanerestaurant.com

Istanbul:
two continents
in two days
It’s a city with an 8000-year history, charting a story from Byzantium
to Constantinople before assuming its present name, Istanbul. As a vast
metropolis spread across two continents, how could you possibly see it
in just two days? Here’s our guide to prove you can.
by Yasemin BAKAN
Day One
Sultanahmet
We assume you are staying in a hotel in
Sultanahmet, the heart of the old city on
the European side, as this will help you
save time.
Start your first day with a visit
to the Blue Mosque (Turkish:
SultanahmetCamii). It’s called blue
because of the tiles on the interior and
was built between 1609 and 1616, during
the reign of Ahmet I. Entry free.
From the mosque, cross the square to
the magnificent Hagia Sophia museum
(40 TL/£8.99). An Eastern Orthodox
cathedral when it was built in 537 AD, it
was converted into a mosque by Mehmet II
when he took the city from the Byzantine
Empire in 1453, earning himself the
moniker “the Conqueror” in the process.
In the 1930s it was converted into
a museum by Ataturk, the founder of
modern Turkey, and it is a stunning sight
to see mosaics and frescos featuring
Christ, the Virgin Mary and Byzantine
emperors alongside Arabic script from
the building’s mosque era.
Yerebatan Sarnıcı
Also worth seeing in the same area is
42

GETAWAY
the Basilica Cistern (20 TL / £4.50),
a breathtaking underground water
reservoir built with 336 columns during
the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I.
It will take you three to four hours to
see these magnificent historical sites.
TOPKAPI PALACE
Afterwards, move firmly into the
Ottoman era with a visit to the Topkapı
Palace complex (40 TL / £8.99, closed
Tuesdays) where you could easily while
away the hours touring the grandiose
home of the sultans that reigned over
a vast empire. There are various low
buildings surrounding courtyards,
pavilions and gardens in an area covering
approximately 7.5 million square feet.
In addition to Ottoman sultans’
possessions and documents, you can
also see the sceptre of the Prophet
Muhammad. There is also a café with a
magnificent view of the Bosporus where
you can take the weight off your feet for a
minute.
If, after that, you are still not tired, drop
into the nearby Istanbul Archaeological
Museum.
DAY TWO
KUZGUNCUK
Today we are off to the Asian side – or,
as Istanbul people call it, the Anatolia
(Anadolu) side. The short boat trip across
the water from Eminönü on the shores of
the Bosporus to Üsküdar won’t be easy
to forget. From here, take a bus or cab
for the 10-minute trip to Kuzguncuk, the
artistic village that was once a meeting
point for different cultures with its
mosque, synagogue and Greek Orthodox
and Armenian churches.
This little neighbourhood was once
home to Jewish, Greek, Armenian and
ethnic Turks – in particular, it is where
ten thousand Jews settled when they
deported from Spain in the 15th century.
That is why it was known as “Little
Jerusalem”. Armenians followed in the
18th century alongside a small Greek
community. There was not even a mosque
here in Kuzguncuk until 1952.
BEYLERBEYI PALACE
Next head over to Beylerbeyi Palace
(20 TL / £4.50), the summer home of
Ottoman sultans, where guests from
around the world – including European
royalty – would be hosted.
It was constructed on the orders of
Sultan Abdulaziz and is a magnificent
show of crystal chandeliers, magnificent
staircases, the “Yıldız” style of porcelain
crockery, Hereke carpets and dolphinshaped
marble fountain.
KUZGUNCUK WAS ONCE
HOME TO JEWISH,
GREEK, ARMENIAN AND
ETHNIC TURKS
KÜÇÜKSU PALACE
Another Ottoman palace is at Küçüksu
(2.50 TL / 55p, closed Mondays &
Thursdays) which was designed as a
hunting lodge for Sultan Abdulmecid.
The 8-room stone building was built in
the 1850s. The outside features baroqueinspired
pomegranate and goose
figurines, while the interior boasts a twin
staircase and lighting provided through
Bohemian crystal.
Abdulmecid would spend the weekends
here to hunt, popping over from the
Dolmabahçe palace on the European
side of the city by boat. He would return
home in the evenings as the palace has no
bedroom.
Some scenes from the 1999 James
Bond film “The World Is Not Enough”
were filmed here at this architectural
treasure. Its location, on the shore of the
Göksu, has been the subject of many 19th
century European painting.
ANADOLUHISARI
With a leisurely walk, proceed to the
AnadoluHisar jetty. Form this point you
can see two castles, one on either side
of the Bosporus, overlooking the water
for centuries. AnadoluHisarı (Anatolian
Castle) was completed in 1395 as part
of Sultan Bayezid I’s preparations for a
second siege of Constantinople. Spend a
little while at one of the cafes around the
Göksu near AnadoluHisar, particularly if
the weather is sunny.
From here, you have two options. You
can either proceed to the bar street in
AnadoluHisarı
43

getaway
Asitane Restaurant's
stuffed melon dish
nearby Kadıköy to enjoy yourself as locals
do and take the last boat back to your
hotel in Eminönü. Or you can cross back
to the European side immediately and
visit the district of Emirgan.
Emirgan
Assuming you proceed to Emirgan,
there are boats available to take you
across the water for 7.5 TL. Here you
will find the Sakıp Sabancı Museum
(sakipsabancimuzesi.org/en), founded
by one of the most well-known and
successful business families in Turkey.
The museum displays the families
collection of calligraphy and paintings.
From here, proceed to the Emirgan
Koru where, if you are visiting in the
spring, you will see some magnificent
tulip displays and the pink, yellow and
white palaces built by Ismail Pasha
between 1871 and 1878.
Where to eat on the
European side?
For a quick, traditionally Turkish lunch
in Sultanahmet, pop over to the Tarihi
Sultanahmet Köftecisi for a meal of köfte
(meatballs) and beyaz fasülye salatası
(white bean salad). For the evening meal,
why not consider Akin Balık (akinbalik.
com.tr), a fish restaurant down the hill
next to the Karaköy jetty by the Galata
bridge? An alternative is the Karaköy
Lokantası (karakoylokantasi.com) for
some authentic Ottoman cuisine.
People in Istanbul also enjoy Asitane
Restaurant (asitanerestaurant.com),
which serves such palatial delights
as meat stew encased in melon and
Ottoman-style sherbet. And while you’re
in the area, why not check out the Kariye
Museum (kariye.muze.gov.tr; £6.74) – it’s
all reachable by boat from the Galata
bridge. Just travel to Ayvansaray.
Kuzguncuk Balıkçısı
Some scenes from
the 1999 James Bond
film “The World Is
Not Enough” were
filmed here at this
architectural
treasure
For a more contemporary but still
traditional Turkish dining experience,
check out the meyhane (tavern) scene.
After warm and cold mezes you can enjoy
fish, meat or chicken at the restaurants
– all served with Turkey’s national
drink, rakı. The best is Refik Restaurant
(refikrestaurant.com), which has existed
since the 1960s. Try the lakerda, a
pickled bonito dish eaten as a mezze in
the Turkey. It is made from one-year-old
bonito migrating through the Bosphorus
and is especially prized.
If grilled kebabs are your thing,
then you can’t go wrong by visiting
Umut Ocakbaşı (Katip Mustafa Çelebi
Mahallesi, HasnunGalip Sk. No:8 Beyoğlu)
or Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Bekar Sokak No.28,
Istiklal Caddesi, Taksim).
Where to eat on the
Asian side?
The Bosporus shore is lined with stylish
restaurants, but these are pricey. Drop
into the back streets of Kuzguncuk for a
calmer, cheaper and local option – like the
Kuzguncuk Balıkçısı, seafood restaurant.
Fish soup is 9 TL / £8, while seasonal
fillets start from 15 TL / £3.40.
When you’re at AnadoluHisar, why
not check out Break Cafe (Toplarönü
Riyaziyeci Çıkmazı No: 2 Anadoluhisarı,
Beykoz/İstanbul Phone: +90 216 323 20
20) on the seafront, where you can feast
for between 20-30 TL / £4.50-6.50. Don’t
forget to try a Turkish coffee – it’s a true
delight!
Transport
The Istanbulkart is Istanbul’s answer to
London’s Oyster card. Load up about 35
TL / £8 onto the card, which will be plenty
to see you around the city for two days.
It’s valid on buses, trams and boats. Taxis
are metered, but if you take one avoid
surprises by asking the driver how much
he expects the fare will be.
Galata Bridge & Galata Tower
45

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