We look back at a lost pie and mash shop in Harold Hill which belonged to one of the longest running family-run pie and mash businesses in London.
F Cooke's is believed to be one of the oldest established pie, mash and eel house family businesses around - with its recipes dating back to 1862.
F. Cooke's Harold Hill branch opened in 2012 and was located at 67a Farnham Road.
The shop closed permanently in August this year.
A handwritten sign in the shop window could be seen in the weeks leading up to the closure.
It read: "It is with great sadness that due to the redevelopment of the area F. Cooke Pie & Mash is closing on Saturday, August 23 forever.
"We would like to thank all our customers for the last enjoyable years trading here."
The F Cooke shop in November 2012(Image: Google)
According to Historic England, the Cooke's eel, pie and mash business is the "oldest of the main London family chains" (the later Manze and Kelly chains being the other key names in the East End).
The business was established in 1862 and opened its first shop in 1865 run by Charles Cooke.
The business was later taken up by Robert Cooke, who Historic England described as "London's most successful eel pie shop entrepreneur of the late 19th century".
He opened several new shops in the East End in the 1890s and 1900s in addition to importing live eels.
By 1939 the Cookes operated five shops which were given a "distinctive commercial identity" - the shops fitted-out in a uniform style with marble tables and counters, wooden benches, terrazzo flooring, stained glass windows and white-tiled walls with inset mirror panels.
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It is unclear exactly how many branches remain in operation today but two are still trading in Hoxton and Bishop's Stortford.
A Chelmsford shop closed for good in December last year.
Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez documented her visit to the Harold Hill branch in May.
She wrote: "F. Cooke is a proper, traditional East End family-run business serving up the famous British classic since the 1860s - some constituents might remember their sister shops on the Kingsland High Street and Broadway Market.
"The shop on Farnham Road was established by Emma, daughter of Bob Cooke, and her husband, Chi, fifteen years ago and they have survived the tough days of the pandemic and energy crisis."
Many people took to social media to say their goodbyes to the Harold Hill branch in August with numerous people posting about their last ever visits in the public Pie, Mash and Liquor Appreciation group.
Scott Richardson wrote: "Paying respects to F. Cooke in Harold Hill on their last day.
"Regardless of your PML allegiance, they've got some lineage, so this is a sad day! Wishing the staff well with their next ventures."
Billy Millest said: "Very sad to see another pie & mash shop going.
"Lots of people don't like it and also refuse to try it which is very sad.
"Good luck to all at F. Cooke on your next adventures."