History of 41 Kingsland Road
The building at 41 Kingsland Road, Dalston, was one of the oldest surviving pie and mash shops in London. Beneath its doorway lies a mosaic bearing the name Cooke and the date 1862 - a reminder that this site was established even before the turn of the 20th century, when the Cookes first brought pie and mash to East London.
An East End Landmark
Designed and built as a purpose-made pie and mash shop in the late 19th century, the Dalston premises became a fixture of Kingsland Road. Its glazed tile interior and domed windows made it instantly recognisable, while the marble counters, wooden benches, and marble counter inside were both practical and welcoming. For generations of local families, market traders, and workers, this was more than a place to eat - it was part of daily life in Dalston.
The Cooke Family in Dalston
The Cookes were already well-known for their pies, mash, liquor, and eels when they took over the Dalston site. For most of the 20th century, the shop bustled with regulars. Memories of queuing at the counter, the smell of fresh parsley liquor, and the chatter of Hackney voices made it a cornerstone of East End tradition.
Closure and Preservation
After serving the community for decades, the Dalston branch finally closed its doors in 1996. By then, changing tastes and economic pressures had reduced the number of traditional pie and mash shops across London. But the Dalston building remained special. In 1991 it had already been granted Grade II listed status, recognising its unique architecture and cultural significance. A year later, in 1997, the landmark took on a new life as Shanghai, a Chinese restaurant that became a Dalston institution in its own right. Shanghai retained much of the original interior—tiles, benches, and marble counters- so diners could still experience the atmosphere of a historic pie and mash shop while enjoying a very different kind of East End hospitality.
A Living Heritage
Today, the premises at 41 Kingsland Road stands as one of the few surviving examples of an authentic East End pie and mash shop. The 1862 mosaic at its threshold is a reminder of the generations who passed through its doors, and of the Cooke family’s enduring link to Hackney. Though it no longer serves pie and mash, it remains a proud part of Dalston’s identity - a place where the history of London’s working-class food culture is written into the very fabric of the building
And now, it’s home to The Black Eel- our biggest project yet- we’ve brought new life to this Dalston landmark. Inside, you’ll find a main bar, a private karaoke room, darts, shuffleboard, pétanque, flexible hire spaces, and relaxed lounge corners. Out back, there’s one of East London’s biggest hidden gems: a sprawling beer garden with tucked-away seating, greenery, and space to celebrate. In the kitchen, Riley’s serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu full of bold flavours, comforting plates, and Sunday roasts that don’t mess about.
The Black Eel is more than just another pub- it’s a place where Dalston’s history and East London’s future come together, built for people who want more from their local: more space, more atmosphere, and more ways to enjoy.
