Newington Green is the coolest neighbourhood in London in 2026, according to Time Out

London is crammed with neighbourhoods that, in some way or other, you might consider ‘cool’. Dalston’s non-stop vibes, Soho’s decades-established charisma, Peckham’s rich cultural blend, Notting Hill’s sleek bistros, Camden’s punks and skateboarders… whatever your definition of cool, London’s got it.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that part of the capital featured in Time Out’s 2026 ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. This year’s list includes places nominated by Time Out’s global network of travel experts, who weighed in with top spots to eat, drink, shop and chill out right now. The final order was decided by a panel of Time Out editors.

Named the coolest neighbourhood in London this year was, drum roll please… Newington Green. The leafy, chic area, which is sandwiched between Islington and Hackney, placed 33rd in the global list.

Newington Green was nominated by Time Out UK editor-in-chief Joe Mackertich. He said:

‘Yes, Newington Green’s winsome appeal isn’t new. It’s been “very nice” there for a while now. What is inarguable though, is that the area has achieved a kind of critical mass of niceness.’

Joe reckoned that the area contains so many top cafés, pubs, indie food shops and critically-adored restaurants that it’s currently the best place to eat and drink in London.

And Newington Green isn’t just a pretty face with great grub: it’s also, as Joe explains, ‘a neighbourhood with centuries of history and tons of community spirit’. Once a major hub for London’s Turkish and Cypriot immigrant population, N16 also boasts the Newington Green Meeting House, which has been a home for progressive causes for over 300 years.

Where to start if you’re visiting Newington Green? Well, Joe picks out trendy gastropub The Golden Tooth, butcher-nightclub Stella’s, posh bakery Jolene, Turkish food joints Sariyer Balik and 01 Adana, top boozer the Army & Navy, wine bar Cadet, fresh pizza spot Bar Etna and the legendary Mildmay Club. You can peruse a gallery of Newington Green’s chicest spots here.

2026 marks the the ninth edition of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Previous London areas that have made the cut include Peckham (2018-19), Soho (2020), Dalston (2021), Walthamstow (2022), King’s Cross (2023), Leyton (2024) and Camberwell (2026).

Crowned the coolest neighbourhood in the world this year was Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga, followed by Rabat’s L’Ocean District and Neos Kosmos in Athens. Two other communities in the UK made the cut: Glasgow’s Govanhill (in fifth) and Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter (24)

You can read the full list of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods in the world here.

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