Cooking, Creativity, and Community
A Day in Londis N16
On any given morning in Hackney, the sound of pots clanging and spices sizzling fills the air above Londis N16. In this episode of The Hackney and Newham History Social Podcast, we step into the daily rhythms of the Patel family, whose corner shop is more than just a place to grab milk and bread—it’s a hub of culinary creativity and community connection.
Anju Patel, the matriarch of the family, is at the heart of it all. What began as a simple love of cooking has evolved into a small-scale production of sought-after dishes and chutneys. Her signature green chutney started with just a handful of jars but has grown into 300 pots a week, loved by locals and snapped up as soon as they hit the shelves.
I started because I love cooking
Anju Patel
Anju shares, smiling as she stirs a pot of curry.
My customers kept asking, ‘Why don’t you sell this?’ So, I did.
Anju Patel
Tradition and Innovation
Anju’s kitchen is a blend of tradition and experimentation. Her Friday specials—dairy-free curries and fragrant samosas—are the highlight of the week for many customers. Her daughter-in-law adds to the mix with recipes like a lemon and lime pistachio dessert, showcasing a fusion of Asian inspiration and modern creativity.
Food isn’t just business for the Patel family; it’s an act of connection. Customers swap stories over samosas, share dietary needs, and build bonds that go beyond transactions.
Balancing Work and Life
For the Patels, running the shop isn’t just about serving the community—it’s about building a family legacy. Anju reflects on her father-in-law’s advice:
Spend time with your children. Once they grow up, they don’t need you as much.
Anju Patel
Sundays are sacred family time, with dinner prepared by Anju’s daughter-in-law and everyone gathered around the table.
Even so, the pull of the shop remains strong.
I can’t sit still
Anju Patel
Anju laughs.
Even when I’m with my grandchildren, I end up in the kitchen!
Anju Patel
From chutneys to curries, from family dinners to late-night deliveries, this episode captures the heart of Londis N16: a place where food, family, and community come together.
Listen to the full story in episode 6 of The Hackney and Newham History Social Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or listen here: The Hackney and Newham History Social Club | Immediate Theatre to hear the full story.