Love, Secrets, and Samosas

Hackney’s streets hold more than memories—they hold secrets. In Episode 5 of The Hackney and Newham History Social Podcast, we unravel stories of hidden weddings, secret recipes, and the quiet strength that binds communities together.

One such secret belongs to Kooi Chock, a Malaysian-born nurse who moved to East London in the 1970s. Like so many others, she came to build a new life, and in the process, she found love—though it was far from simple.

The Secret Wedding

Chock met Alex Glendening on a chance trip to the Sahara Desert. They fell in love, but the idea of a marriage between them was difficult for her family to accept. So, they married in secret.

For years, we hid it

Chock

Chock explains.

When my parents visited, I’d take off my wedding ring and hide any letters addressed to ‘Mrs. Glendening

Chock

Years later, Chock and Alex staged a second wedding—a grand ceremony designed to reveal their marriage to her wider family. It was a celebration of love, courage, and the delicate balance of honouring tradition while forging a new path.

Meanwhile, in another corner of Hackney, the Patel family continues to bridge cultures through food. From coconut chutneys inspired by temple offerings to samosas prepared fresh daily, their shop serves as both a lifeline and a cultural crossroads.

As Hackney transforms, the shop remains a place where people gather to share recipes, stories, and a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that food is more than sustenance—it’s a connection to home.

As Hackney transforms, the shop remains a place where people gather to share recipes, stories, and a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that food is more than sustenance—it’s a connection to home

Episode 5 celebrates the hidden histories that make Hackney extraordinary. Whether it’s a love story kept secret for years or a shop that preserves cultural identity through cooking, these stories remind us of the quiet resilience that shapes a community.

Listen to the full story in The Hackney and Newham History Social Podcast Episode 5 wherever you get your podcasts or listen here The Hackney and Newham History Social Club | Immediate Theatre to hear the full story.