Have you ever wondered why this bridge in Hackney is called Cat and Mutton Bridge? It has a fascinating story, one that spans centuries and involves both feline companions and a delicious cut of meat. The bridge itself is a simple structure, a beam crossing the Regent’s Canal, its concrete now softened by time and the occasional stray cat. But the name? That’s another story altogether.
For generations, the Cat and Mutton Bridge was linked to a pub that stood right by the water. This pub was originally called the “Shoulder of Mutton and Cat”, a name that possibly referred to the coal barges, known as cats, that traveled along the canal. Another theory, shared by the pub itself, is that the original name was “Cattle and Shoulder of Mutton”. The name hints at drovers and agriculture workers who brought their livestock to nearby London markets, selling their beasts to feed the growing city.
The pub itself has been around for centuries, but the current Cat and Mutton building is relatively new, dating back to 1909. The old pub sign was more than just a name: It featured two verses that played upon the combination of cat and mutton: “Pray, Puss, do not tare, Because the mutton is so rare” and “Pray, Puss do not claw, Because the mutton is so raw”. It’s clear that the people of Hackney had a sense of humor!
Today, the pub has a new name, La Vie en Rose, but the bridge continues to hold the historic name that evokes centuries of history, a reminder of bustling markets, hungry city dwellers, and a love for both cats and mutton. As you stand here, look across the canal and imagine the scene centuries ago—the bustle of the markets, the hearty laughter of those sharing a pint in the pub, and the playful meows of a cat seeking a scrap of mutton.