Traders join forces to promote London’s ‘friendliest neighbourhood’

Traders in Stoke Newington have launched See you in Stokey – a campaign promoting ‘London’s friendliest neighbourhood.’

Following a successful grant application to the Council’s High Street and Town Centre Fund, the campaign by Stoke Newington Traders Association includes the launch of a new See you in Stokey website, new public art and a series of events.

Heidi Early, co-chair of Stoke Newington Traders Association, said: “Stoke Newington has so much going for it – nature reserves, an award-winning park, a theatre, amazing independent shops and restaurants and an incredible community spirit. This really is London’s friendliest neighbourhood.

“Recent years have been tough for small businesses everywhere so we are stepping up and making it easier for people see what this amazing part of the city has to offer. It’s easy to be attracted to the bright lights of bustling central London but Stokey is just a short hop away in Zone 2 and it’s unique, wonderful and utterly spellbinding.

“Stokey, as it's affectionately nicknamed by locals, is home to Abney Park (one of the Magnificent Seven graveyards) and Woodberry Wetlands, which was opened by Sir David Attenborough, is a 10 minute walk from Church St – this area has plenty of green lung space and beauty and the shopping, restaurant and night life is buzzing.”

The new website, launched this week, offers an events page, useful local info, area guides, news, listings of shops and restaurants and much more. It has been designed and built by the Local Buyers Club, the team behind My Virtual Neighbourhood and Hackney's Winter Toy Appeal.

The website will feature local news and interviews with traders – by helping the community to get to know their local business owners, it’s hoped the site will encourage repeat business and customer loyalty.

Traders hope to hold a big event in the summer for locals and visitors and there are plans to bring neglected parts of Stoke Newington back to life with public art.

Rude Studios designed the branding for the campaign and posters are displayed around the area.