Green’s Dictionary of Slang

barner n.

[barn n.1 ; Highbury Barn, a lavish pleasure-garden and entertainment centre, flourished as a ‘northern Cremorne’ from 1835–71 when escalating rowdiness finally cost the owner his licence]

a fashionable young working-class man of north London.

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[UK] (ref. to 1860-80) J. Ware Passing Eng. of the Victorian Era 20/1: Barner (North London 1860–80) A ‘roaring’ blade, a fast man of North London; from Highbury Barn, one of those rustic London gardens which became common casinos.