Stoke Newington residents are lucky to have some of London’s most prestigious arts venues on their doorstep.  Hackney Empire, which has been splendidly refurbished back to its former Victorian glory, offers a varied programme including spectacular musicals, opera and pantomime. The Arcola Theatre in Dalston, with its reputation for putting on top quality, innovative productions by up and coming playwrights, is now firmly established on the theatre going circuit. Down the road in Islington is Sadlers Wells, the King’s Head and, of course, the Almeida Theatre, which continues to stage highly acclaimed sell-out productions.  
 
The Rio Cinema in Dalston is a thriving and energetic independent cinema. Ryan’s Bar on Stoke Newington Church Street is one of many live music venues. And jazz devotees will know that the Vortex is now in Dalston.
 
Educational events, workshops and music programmes are held at Hackney’s Sutton House, Hackney Museum and the nearby Geffrye Museum.