For years, it was best known as F Cooke eel, pie and mash shop. Then it became a Chinese karaoke joint and, most recently, was cocktail and board game spot Draughts. Now, one of the best-known frontages on Kingsland High Street (and a Grade II listed site to boot) is about to turn into a pub.
The Black Eel comes from Exhale Brewing, who also run the William the Fourth in Leyton and a taproom at their brewery in Walthamstow. The space they're taking over is a whole lot bigger than it looks from the street front. Downstairs is absolutely huge, allowing them to fit in not only a main bar and karaoke room, but also various private hire spaces. There's also a massive 150-seat beer garden at the back that's even got room for a pétanque court.
Of course, all of this would be interesting, but the food side of things also sounds like it'll be well worth checking out, too. The chef in charge of The Black Eel's kitchen Riley's is Billy Fisher, who was head chef at the hugely popular Lagom in Hackney. Here he's promising proper roasts, dishes like pork ribs with pickles and honey. And is it really a 2025 London opening without a Basque cheesecake on the menu? The one here will come with toffee sauce.
Given the owners are also brewers, there'll be plenty of Exale Brewing's IPAs and fruited sours. But this is East London and so there will also be natural wines, cocktails and low and no alcohol options on offer.
Anything that brings a new lease of life to a much-loved building has got to be a good thing, and frankly, we can't wait to see inside.
More about The Black Eel
Where is it? 41 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2JS
When does it open? 24 October 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @theblackeel
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