Pie and Mash London: A Traditional British Dish You Must Try

Pie and mash, a traditional English dish, has been a staple of the East End of London for generations. Originally created to provide a cheap and filling meal for the working class, the dish has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by many today. Many of the pie and mash shops in London have been passed down through families, ensuring that the tradition continues.

If you’re looking to experience a bit of London’s culinary history, then look no further. This guide will provide you with the best pie and mash shops in London, along with practical tips for exploring them. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s no better way to experience the city’s oldest culinary tradition than by indulging in a hearty serving of pie and mash.

Contents

0.1 Key Takeaways

1 Best Pie and Mash Shops in London
2 Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Pie and Mash Shops in London
3 Read More London Food Guides

Key Takeaways

London’s pie and mash shops are a traditional part of the city’s culinary history.
Many of the shops have been in business for generations and are family-run.
This guide provides practical tips for exploring the best pie and mash shops in London.

Best Pie and Mash Shops in London

G. Kelly

G. Kelly is a quintessential East End pie and mash shop founded in 1939 by George Kelly. The shop has been loosely passed down through the family since then, currently run by George’s daughter, Sue, with help from her son Neil. The shop offers the classic East London dish of pie, mash, and liquor, with jellied eels and apple crumble also on the menu. The liquor is a secret recipe made of parsley, butter, and other ingredients.

Cockney’s Pie and Mash

Cockney’s Pie and Mash is a traditional pie and mash shop located in Notting Hill. It is known for serving up some of the best pie and mash in London, especially for East Enders who find themselves on the wrong side of town. The shop has been around for a long time and doesn’t even have a website. It has a reputation for serving some of the cheapest food in the neighbourhood.

F. Cooke

F. Cooke has been in business in various parts of East London since the 1860s. The brand has a few outposts, but its Hoxton branch is the most well-known. The shop has been featured on television shows such as Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. The pies at F. Cooke are light and crisp, and the chili vinegar topping is highly traditional.

M. Manze

M. Manze is a pie and mash shop in Bermondsey that has been in business since 1902. The shop has been run by the Manze family since they came over from Italy in 1878 and started in the ice cream trade. The pies at M. Manze are known for their slightly singed pastry and flavorsome filling. The shop also offers delivery to a large part of the city.

Goddard’s at Greenwich

A.J. Goddard’s is a pie and mash shop in Welling that has been passed down through many family members. It used to be part of a great pie conflict in the streets of Deptford, with the rival being the Manze family. The pies at Goddard’s are almost wabi-sabi in their shape and topped with the shop’s characteristic dark green liquor. The mash portions here are probably bigger than anywhere else in the guide, and the whole meal won’t cost more than a tenner.

Noted Eel and Pie House

Noted Eel and Pie House began as an East London pie and mash shop and moved to Leytonstone in 1978. The shop has been cooking traditional food for nearly 100 years. The pies are delicious, and the shop offers vegan options. Noted Eel and Pie House is one of the few places in London that serves vegan pie and mash.

Maureen’s Pie and Mash

Maureen’s Pie and Mash is another East End pie institution that has been serving up “the food of the gods” for over 60 years. The family business has been passed down to Maureen’s son, who starts baking the day’s pies at 5 am. The liquor here comes thick and plentiful, and the mash is salty. Maureen’s is known for having some of the hottest chilli vinegar in the game.

Harrington’s

Harrington’s is a South London pie institution that has been open since 1908. The shop has been handed down through the family right up to the current owner, Beverly, who is the great-granddaughter of the founder, Bertie. Harrington’s offers traditional pie and mash, and its apple pies are a highlight of the meal. The apple pies are made with the same filling as the meat pies and served swimming in custard.

BJ’s Pie & Mash Shop

BJ’s Pie & Mash Shop is located in Canning Town and looks traditional, but it breaks from tradition by offering chips as an alternative to mash. The overcooked pies are part of the charm of this shop, and the chips slop up the liquor and gravy well.

The Windmill

The Windmill is a Mayfair pub that has its own dedicated Pie Room and regularly wins gold and silver medals at the British Pie Awards. The portions are side-splitting and come with mash and cabbage, as well as a healthy serving of gravy on the side. The pies are known for their great taste and smell, and the menu of traditional British starters and desserts is also worth trying.

Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Pie and Mash Shops in London

When it comes to exploring the best pie and mash shops in London, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to note that many of these shops offer a fairly standard selection of pies. Therefore, it may be best to simply visit the closest one to you, unless you have a specific shop in mind.

These shops are also a great option for a fun and affordable meal out, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Consider saving your pie and mash expedition for the end of the month when funds are low.

One of the best things about these shops is that they’re all walk-ins, meaning you won’t need to make a reservation. Service is typically fast, and turnover is quick, so you can expect to be in and out within half an hour.