London’s East End is known for its rich history, diverse culture and mouth-watering pie shops. One of the most famous pie shops in the area is the iconic ‘F. Cooke’, which has been serving up traditional pies since 1862. But what many people don’t know is that there is a ‘secret’ code you need to know to truly sound like a real East Ender at this beloved pie shop.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the history and significance of F. Cooke. The shop was founded by Robert Cooke, who started selling pies from a cart in 1862. As the business grew, he opened a shop in Hoxton and later moved to its current location in Broadway Market. The shop has been in the Cooke family for five generations and is now run by Robert’s great-great-great-grandson, Bob Cooke.
Now, let’s get to the ‘secret’ code. It’s not really a secret, but more of an unspoken tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The code is all about how you order your pie and mash, the signature dish of F. Cooke.
Firstly, let’s talk about the pie. When you step into F. Cooke, you will see a counter with rows of pies on display. These pies are freshly made on-site every day using the same recipe that has been passed down for over a century. The most popular pie is the traditional minced beef and onion pie, but there are also options for vegetarians and vegans. So, when you’re ready to order, simply say “Can I have a pie, please?” and you’ll be served a delicious, piping hot pie.
Next up is the ‘mash’ in pie and mash. This is where the ‘secret’ code comes into play. Instead of just saying “mashed potatoes”, you need to say “Can I have a portion of ‘liquor’ with my pie, please?” Yes, that’s right, ‘liquor’ with an ‘o’. This may seem strange, but it’s actually a traditional parsley sauce that is poured over the mashed potatoes. The name ‘liquor’ is said to come from the French word ‘liqueur’, which means ‘liquid’. This sauce adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish and is a must-try for any first-timer at F. Cooke.
Now, let’s talk about the sides. Along with your pie and mash, you can choose from a variety of sides such as jellied eels, stewed eels, and stewed peas. These may not sound like typical sides, but they are all part of the East End pie and mash experience. And don’t worry, they are all surprisingly tasty.
But the ‘secret’ code doesn’t end there. When you’re ready to pay, don’t just say “Can I have the bill, please?” Instead, say “Can I have the ‘score’ please?” Again, this may seem strange, but it’s another traditional term that has been used at F. Cooke for generations. A ‘score’ is another word for a ‘twenty’, which was the price of a pie and mash back in the day.
So, there you have it, the ‘secret’ code to ordering like a real East Ender at F. Cooke. But why is it important to know this code? Well, for one, it shows that you have a deep appreciation for the history and traditions of the East End. It also adds to the overall experience of dining at F. Cooke, making you feel like a true local.
But most importantly, it’s about keeping the tradition alive. F. Cooke is more than just a pie shop, it’s a symbol of the East End’s working-class roots and the strong sense of community that is still present today. By using the ‘secret’ code, you are not only honoring the past but also becoming a part of the present and future of this beloved pie shop.
So, the next time you visit F. Cooke, remember to use the ‘secret’ code and fully immerse yourself in the East End pie and mash experience. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll pass down this code to the next generation of pie lovers.
