London’s history with Pie and Mash
Pies were a cheap and filling form of food becoming increasingly popular during the Victorian era. Aptly named piemen would walk the streets of the east and south-east London selling pies filled with whatever ingredients they could find, including eels, which were a common and inexpensive. As the piemen peddled their fare, it was common practice to toss a penny for the pie, adding an element of excitement to the transaction. If the customer won the toss, he would receive the pie and keep the penny.
As fast-food shops became more popular, entrepreneurs established eel pie houses that became well-known for offering affordable, hearty meals to the local community and workers. Initially, cooks filled pies with eels, which were abundant and served as a cost-effective substitute for meat. Pies were accompanied by mashed potatoes, and a sauce known as liquor. Chefs made liquor from the leftover cooking liquid of the eels, enhanced it with parsley and thickening to create a delicious gravy, and diners often ate it with copious amounts of salt, pepper, and vinegar.
These days, chefs fill pies with an assortment of meat and vegetables, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of modern diners. Yet restaurants still serve them with traditional liquor and smooth mash. This enduring connection to the past imbues each meal with a sense of history and nostalgia.
If you love pie and mash or are eager to experience a classic London dish, check out these popular pie shops that are definitely worth a visit.
And remember National Pie Day, celebrated every year on January 23rd!
Our selection of Pie and Mash Shops
1. M. Manze – Tower Bridge Road
Founded in 1891, this charming shop on Tower Bridge Road just a mile from Tower Bridge is one of the oldest pie, mash, and eel establishments in London. It’s one of three located in the city, with the others situated in Peckham and Sutton both on the High Street.
This traditional pie and eel shop serves up the tastiest handmade pies filled with prime minced beef and gravy, all resting in a suet base and topped with a flaky pastry lid. Lovingly prepared each day on-site, along with creamy smooth mashed potatoes and flavourful green liquor created from a special secret family recipe.
Eels are delivered daily, prepared on the premises, and available for customers to enjoy, either stewed or jellied. Additionally, for those seeking a plant-based option, a vegan pie filled with seasoned soya mince is also on the menu. If you can’t make it to the shop, don’t worry—hot and cold delivery options are available on the website!
Nearest tube: London Bridge and Borough (17 minute walk).
Address: 87 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TW
Website: manze.co.uk
2. Goddards at Greenwich
Goddards is a cherished family-run establishment that has been serving delicious pie and mash for many years. Nestled in Greenwich, it’s just a short stroll from the famous Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. The shop boasts a large seating area that allows patrons to enjoy their meals in comfort while taking in the first-floor views over the picturesque surroundings of the area.
The large menu includes classic minced beef pies, creamy mash, and Savory liquor, as well as hot or jellied eels. In addition to the classic options, the menu also caters to diverse palates with chicken and ham, lamb, and vegan pie alternatives, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. After savouring your main course, be sure to leave enough room for dessert. Goddards takes pride in their tasty fruit pies and selection of handmade puddings.
Whether you’re a long-time customer or a first-time visitor, Goddards promises a dining experience steeped in tradition and flavour.
Nearest tube: Cutty Sark (DLR), (4 minute walk).
Address: 22 King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HU
Website: goddardsatgreenwich.co.uk
3. Maureen’s
Chrisp Street Market is located in the bustling heart of Poplar, around a 20 minute walk from Canary Wharf. Maureen’s, also known to locals as Maureen’s ‘Cockney Food Bar’ has been selling delicious meat pies and both stewed and jellied eels to its customers for over 60 years.
Pies are filled with traditional mince beef and thick gravy produced on-site daily and served with creamy mash potato scrapped onto the side of the plate with a dark green liquor made from a 60 year old family recipe and flavoured with plenty of fresh parsley. This unique sauce not only adds an extra layer of flavour but also serves as a nod its traditional Cockney culinary heritage.
In addition to their pies, Maureen’s menu boasts hot salt beef sandwiches and bagels, providing options for those looking for a quick bite to eat on the go. Moreover, to cater to a wider audience, Maureen’s offers a nationwide delivery service.
Nearest tube: Langdon Park (DLR), (4 minute walk).
Address: 6 Market Way, London E14 6AH
Website: maureenspieandmash.co.uk
4. Cockney’s Pie & Mash
Compared to other shops Cockney’s is a relative newcomer, and also rare at its location in west London. In the golden days of pie and mash, most shops thrived in South and East London and particularly appealed to the working-class community.
Although relatively new, having been established at the end of the 20th century, Cockney’s food is as authentic as it gets. They serve pies filled with minced beef and gravy in china bowls that contain a generous amount of green liquor along with a helping of mash.
Cockney’s is a no-frills pie and mash shop that prioritizes quality and simplicity, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels welcoming. Only traditional pie and mash is on the menu here. Cockney’s is worth a visit for a satisfying reasonably priced meal. It is important to note, this is a cash only establishment.
Nearest tube: Langdon Park (DLR), (4 minute walk).
Address: 314 Portobello Rd, London W10 5RU
Website: No site as yet.
5. BJ’s Pie & Mash Shop
A welcoming pie and mash shop with a classic East End charm, featuring a friendly Cockney vibe. Although it may be one of the tiniest spots in London, the warm atmosphere brought to life by the cheerful staff makes it a delightful place to visit.
Enjoy homemade pies filled with savoury beef and rich gravy, all encased in perfectly baked pastry and browned lids. Each pie is complemented by a generous splash of seasoned liquor and dollops of smooth mashed potatoes. You can also choose to add a side of jellied or stewed eels. If you prefer, chips are available as an alternative to traditional mash.
Be sure to check out this cozy little shop situated at the Canning Town end of Barking Road, it’s definitely worth a popping in for a pie.
Nearest tube: Canning Town (DLR), (17 minute walk).
Address: 330 Barking Rd, London E13 8HL
Website: No site as yet.
6. Eastenders Pie & Mash
Located in the heart of the bustling East End at London’s Chrisp Street Market a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
The atmosphere at Eastenders is enhanced by its warm ambiance and traditional décor. Happy and friendly staff serve classic fresh homemade pies filled with local meat sourced from Smithfield Market, accompanied by smooth mash potato and complimented with seasoned liquor. The menu also includes vegan and vegetable options along with tasty homemade desserts and Fresh Barista Style Coffee.
Outdoor seating is provided for those warmer days when you can take in the East Ends vibrant culture.
Nearest tube: Stratford (DLR), (8 minute walk).
Address: 171 East India Dock Road, London E14 0EA
Website: eastenderspieandmash.com
7. G Kelly Eel & Pie Shop
One of East London’s oldest remaining pie and mash shops, opened in the 1930’s by George Kelly in Bethnal Green Road. In 2019, the shop underwent a thoughtful refurbishment, breathing new life into its space while still retaining some of the original Victorian features that give it character and charm.
The classic pies have also remained true to their roots, crafted from top-quality beef and savoury gravy. In addition to the classic pies, the menu features jellied and stewed eels, served in liquor. For those looking to enhance their meal, chilli and plain vinegar condiments can be purchased adding an extra layer of flavour. If you have room to squeeze any more in, why not try the Bramley apple crumble with custard or ice cream.
Being close to the London Stadium home of West Ham United, the pie shop opens before every first team home game and extends opening hours for evening matches.
Nearest tube: Mile End, (10 minute walk).
Address: 526 Roman Road Market, London E3 5ES
Website: gkelly.london
8. Noted Eel & Pie House
Noted Eel & Pie House started welcoming customers to their Bow Pie shop in 1926 moving to Leytonstone in 1978 and has been a beloved spot for East End locals for almost a century. They continue to use the same cherished recipes for their pies and liquor, handed down over generations.
The top-quality scotch beef is trimmed and prepared on-site, and the pies are created from scratch daily. Remarkably this is one of only a few shops still keeping live eels on the premises! Prepared and cooked in a slightly spiced stock before being served steaming hot or transformed into jellied eels. Even the vinegar is made using traditional methods, no preservatives here. Vegan pies made with soya mince and served with mash & liquor have been introduced on the menu due to popular demand and cooked using Noted’s own unique recipe.
Even if you can’t visit the shop, you can still savor traditional pie, mash, and liquor, thanks to local and nationwide delivery options!
Nearest tube: Leyton, (17 minute walk).
Address: 481a High Road, Leytonstone, London E11 4JU
Website: notedeeandpiehouse.co.uk
9. Robins Pie & Mash – Chingford
Since 1929, Robins has been a cherished family-owned business recognized for offering delicious Pie & Mash ready meals in stores across the UK. However, nothing compares to the experience of stepping into one of their shops, where you can enjoy a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and top-notch pies that truly stand out.
Robins operates several shops on the fringes of London, including locations in Basildon, Romford, Wanstead, Southend, and Chingford, where they have been serving both locals and visitors with their traditional pie and mash for many generations.
The Chingford shop certainly lives up to expectations, offering incredibly tasty pies. They pack their handmade creations with 100% Scottish Beef in a rich, flavourful gravy, and they serve it with mash and tasty liquor.Additionally, for those looking for something different, the menu features poached salmon with mash and liquor, along with veggie and vegan pie options.
Robins in Chingford is definitely worth a visit if in the area, but why not try the other shops if passing and feel like a hearty, classic London dish.
Nearest rail station: Chingford, (5 minute walk).
Address: 50 Station Road, Chingford, London E4 7BE.
Website: robinspieandmash.com
10. Arments Pie & Mash
Another historic pie and mash shop south of the Thames, located north of Burgess Park at the west end of Westmoreland Road. Arments has been serving customers comfort food for more than a century. It is particularly renowned for its tasty, jellied eels.
Traditionally, chefs fill pies with minced Scottish and Irish beef steak and wrap them in a soft base with a crispy pastry top. Bakers make each pie fresh every day, following a cherished family recipe that has stood the test of time. They serve salted, smooth mashed potatoes and parsley sauce liquor alongside for a delicious, comforting meal. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a splash of signature chili vinegar for an extra kick! Additionally, Arments vegan pies pack a flavour punch are some of the best out there. For dessert, indulge in one of the chef’s freshly baked fruit pies of the day, featuring mincemeat during the festive season.
With fair prices and delicious offerings Arments, Walworth is definitely worth considering.
Nearest tube: Elephant and Castle, (18 minute walk).
Address: Pie House, 7-9 Westmoreland Road, London SE17 2AX
Website: armentspieandmash.com
