Londis N16 - The Cornerstone of a Community

On a bustling corner in Hackney, there’s a shop that holds the echoes of countless stories. Its shelves are lined with fresh fruit, nostalgic penny sweets, and jars of trendy salsa, but the real treasures lie in the connections formed here. For nearly 50 years, this corner shop has been the heart of a community, a place where generations of Hackney residents have gathered, gossiped, and grown.

Behind the counter stands Mayank Patel, who arrived in Hackney in the late 1970s as a teenager. Like many families starting anew, his family saw the shop as more than just a business—it was an opportunity to put down roots. From the beginning, they worked tirelessly to build something lasting, something meaningful.

Mayank recalls those early days with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. The area was different then—less polished, but full of life. Families like his, many newly arrived in Hackney, were starting from scratch. The shop became more than a convenience store; it was a bridge between cultures, a place where people shared recipes, stories, and a sense of belonging.

I remember my parents waking up at dawn to go to the vegetable market... Every item on the shelf was chosen with care, not just for profit, but for the people who walked through the door.

Mayank Patel

And walk through the door they did—year after year, generation after generation.

A Changing Hackney

Over the years, Hackney has transformed, shaped by waves of migration and, more recently, the pressures of gentrification. The Patel family’s shop has weathered these changes, adapting its offerings to meet the needs of a changing customer base.

From homemade samosas and fresh vegetables to Monster Munch crisps and hipster kimchi, the shop reflects Hackney’s vibrant diversity and evolving tastes. Yet, at its core, it remains the same—a place of connection, resilience, and tradition.

If you’re curious about the hidden histories of Hackney and Newham or simply love a good story about community, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to The Hackney and Newham History Social Club Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or listen here: The Hackney and Newham History Social Club | Immediate Theatre to hear the full story.