Pie and Mash
Pies have been the staple diet of Londoners for centuries and the London ‘pie and mash’ shops offer a meal that is steeped in history and ingrained in the very fabric of London. Originating in the East End of London, pie and mash is the absolute cornerstone of working-class cuisine from the Industrial Revolution. Meat pies, fluffy mashed potato, liquor maybe even some jellied eels. Many pie and mash shops are still housed in their original buildings, providing Proustian moments to Londoners six days a week.
Early pies were actually filled with eels from the Thames, the eels would have been spiced and stewed in stock prior to being used as a pie filling. In the latter years, eels became too expensive and the pies were then filled with meat. In modern times the pies are now filled with 100% minced beef. Over the years many pie and mash shops have gradually widened their menus to offer other types of pies including vegetarian pies. Some also offer traditional items such as shellfish, pasties, and desserts like apple pie and crumbles.
When you eat in a traditional London pie and mash shop you are helping to keep alive a London tradition that goes back over 200 years. There are many famous people and celebrities that enjoy pie and mash but perhaps the highest profile is David Beckham who makes regular visits to his favourite pie shop.
- Where to try: M. Manze Tower Bridge, F. Cooke
- Price: ranges from £3 to £5
