East London's vibrant Stoke Newington is set to welcome a new pub dedicated to a pioneering feminist icon, breathing fresh life into a legendary local venue. The Mary Wollstonecraft Freehouse will open its doors later this year at 181 Stoke Newington Church Street, taking over the site previously occupied by the much-loved Ryan's bar.
From Ryan's to a Radical Namesake
The change marks the end of an era for the N16 area, as Ryan's closed its doors for the final time on 28 December 2025 after an impressive 32-year run. The bar bid a fond farewell on Instagram, posting: 'It's been a blast' and thanking its 'lovely customers for the memories'.
However, the substantial venue, which boasts a massive beer garden, will not remain vacant for long. The space is being transformed into a pub named in honour of Mary Wollstonecraft, the 18th-century writer, philosopher, and groundbreaking feminist who once lived in the neighbourhood.
Honouring a Local Feminist Hero
Mary Wollstonecraft is a figure of immense historical significance, particularly for the area. Born in nearby Spitalfields in 1769, she authored the seminal feminist text, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, in 1792. Her connection to Stoke Newington and Newington Green is well-documented.
This new pub is not the first local tribute to Wollstonecraft. A controversial statue created by artist Maggi Hambling was unveiled on Newington Green in 2020, sparking debate but solidifying her presence in the area's physical landscape.
Tragically, Wollstonecraft died at the young age of 38 in 1797, just days after giving birth to her daughter, Mary Shelley. Shelley would later achieve literary immortality by writing the Gothic masterpiece Frankenstein in 1818.
A New Chapter for a Stokey Institution
The opening of The Mary Wollstonecraft Freehouse represents a fascinating evolution for a prime spot on trendy Stoke Newington Church Street. It transitions from a beloved general local to a venue with a specific, intellectually charged theme, reflecting the area's rich history of radical thought and community.
For locals and visitors alike, it promises to be more than just a place for a pint; it will serve as a casual, social monument to one of history's most important advocates for women's rights. The launch later this year is eagerly anticipated by those keen to see how this historic figure is celebrated in a modern, convivial setting.
