Living in Stoke Newington: local designer Fred Rigby’s guide to the vibrant, independent, east London melting pot

Founded in 2008, Fred Rigby’s design studio is nestled in a mews just off the high street in Stoke Newington. He lives nearby with his partner Rosh Mahtani, the designer behind jewellery brand Alighieri.
Fred Rigby designs furniture and interiors inspired by the natural elements of the Dorset countryside where he grew up
Renee Kemps
Amira Hashish31 August 2021

I moved to Hackney 12 years ago because it was cheap - times sure have changed.

Although I have moved around the borough I have never left the area. Having grown up in a village in Dorset, Stoke Newington has a similar feel. I am always bumping into people here and I know the local store and coffee-shop owners to say hello and have a chin wag.

Best Eating and Drinking

For breakfast, coffee and pastries I head to The Dusty Knuckle bakery, Wilton Way Cafe or Esters. I’ll have a sabih for lunch from The Good Egg and a delicious supper at The Clarence, Little Duck or Rubedo.

Where I Work Out

I train with Ed Conway of Fit as F*ck in the park. It helps me clear my mind at the beginning of the day. Ed does personal training outdoors in east and north London parks.

For a Culture Fix

Andrew at Bolt Motorcycles has a great mix of clothes, music and interesting people coming through his shop, with regular events taking place. Motorcycles are built on site and there are regular mechanics workshops, too. For an added bonus, Cut & Run upstairs does a great haircut.

Clissold Park with its waterway and cafe set in a Georgian mansion is the perfect place to work out or relax with friends
Daniel Lynch

To Commune With Nature

Clissold Park is always beautiful through the seasons, there are even some deer so it feels like you’ve escaped London for a moment.

Grocery Shopping

I hate plastic packaging so I try to avoid the usual suspects; there are loads of brilliant green grocers around Stoke Newington. I would suggest popping to Harvest, London’s largest independent, organic health and artisanal food shop, for special treats.

Getting Around

I cycle everywhere. Through the lockdowns it has felt like creating a piece by sculptural artist Richard Long [who creates works that trace his physical movement through space] between home and the studio.

Dream Street

For a home, it would have to be on Navarino Road or Malvern Road, both tree-lined and filled with beautiful Victorian houses with period features. We’re showing on Malvern for London Design Festival at No 43, with Atelier LK.

Something you only see in Stoke Newington

It’s is a melting pot so there’s always something happening. It is also a bit off the beaten track, so has a village feel to it.

Church Street with its independent shops and cafes has a the vibe of a country village
Daniel Lynch

What’s the catch?

It is a bit of a mission to get into town.

In three words

Local, independent, convenient.

This summer, Rigby launched The Everyday Collection, a capsule range of playful furniture made for daily life

Schools

There are several primary schools in Stoke Newington rated outstanding or good including Holmleigh, William Patten and Newington Green. For secondary education, The Garden School (ages 4-16) is rated outstanding by Ofsted while Stoke Newington School & Sixth Form and Lubavitch Senior Girls’ School is rated good.

Living in Stoke Newington

Average house price: £1,239,397

Average flat price: £508,775

Average price to rent a house pcm: £2,952

Average price to rent a flat pcm: £1,641

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