CHEF JOO WON’S INSIDER GUIDE TO… STOKE NEWINGTON

39 minutes ago
2 min read

Calong’s chef/owner shares the best places to eat and drink in the trendy North London neighbourhood

Stoke Newington eagerly welcomed cosy neighbourhood Korean restaurant, Calong into its bosom last year, and it’s been hoovering up glowing reviews from even the hardest-to-please critics ever since.

The secret to its success is husband and wife duo, Joo Won - who maintained the Michelin star at Galvin Windows for many years - and Sujin, whose glittering CV includes The Wolseley and Delauney.

It has already been Michelin-recommended, thanks to its small, daily menu of unique Korean dishes, created with European influences.

Their classical French training shows in the wonderfully creative dishes, like the signature kimchi fritters and Joo’s fried chicken with sweet chilli and peanut.

Joo has taken a break from delicious Korean and French inventions to bring us the best places to eat and drink in Stoke Newington, from morning to night.

Calong, 35 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0NX

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COFFEE

ESTERS

It’s a little cosy neighbourhood café just off Stoke Newington Church Street.

The quality is consistently excellent, especially the coffee. They also serve a simple brunch, and it’s usually busy on weekends.

ESTERS, 55 Kynaston Rd, London N16 0EB

BREAKFAST

The Good Egg

They serve great coffee, but it’s really the vibrant Middle Eastern flavours that make it special.

The brunch is full of colour and bold seasoning, simple mezze, pita wraps and sharing plates done properly.

My favourite is the flatbread with hummus, fried eggs and chilli flakes. It’s full of flavour.

The Good Egg, 93 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AS

LUNCH

Jolene

It's a pretty bakery with sweet and savoury pastries served throughout the day.

But they also cook really good seasonal, ingredient-based dishes and pasta. It’s simple, elegant and very delicious.

Jolene, 21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, London N16 9PU

DINNER

Clarence Tavern

This is lovely gastro pub on Church Street. Very British-led seasonal cooking, generous plates of properly cooked meat, game when in season, and thoughtful vegetable sides.

The wines are excellent as well. They’re usually closed on my day off, so I don’t get much chance to eat there at the moment — but I’ve loved it every time I’ve been.

Clarence Tavern, 102 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0LA

DRINKS

High Water London

I went there for a few drinks after staff dinner for the first time and I have been going back ever since for one or two.

Very friendly staff and interesting cocktails.

High Water London, 23 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 8BJ

INSIDER TIP

Bianca's

Bianca's is a place I’d really love to try. It’s just around the corner from us and opened not long ago.

The cooking looks very well executed. Unfortunately, they’re closed when I’m off on Mondays, so I’m not sure when I’ll get the chance to visit — but I’m really keen to go.

Bianca's, 175 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 8BP