Pie&Mash
It's the cockney classic working class dish!
Being a London girl I have pretty much been brought up with pie&mash as a regular at our dinner table in fact not only dinner but brunch, lunch whenever it would take my families fancy.
My dad would pop up to Exmouth Market or Chapel market and bring it home, at a time where my mum, grandmother ,great grandmother and sisters would all be at home in Holborn.
Sadly, since those days many of the pie and mash shops have closed Exmouth market being one of them; what a sad day that was! there was a que literally the length of the market for the closing the whole community came together showing one last sign of support for our local small business.
I am here to tell you that all is not lost! The tradition will live on! as long as we keep supporting these small businesses that bring a sense of nostalgia from the good old days.
After speaking to some central london locals here's my top 5!!
M.Manze Tower Bridge
Well she is the oldest in the game!
Manze pie&mash was established in 1902. Set nearby the stunning location of Tower Bridge which means you can make a day of it! pie&mash then a walk down the river after! Beautiful. Manze is now offering home delivery through deliveroo and Just Eat.
Robins pie&mash Wanstead
Robins is my personal fav. Not only because the pies and food are scrumptious but this is the restaurant we headed to after my first baby scan Robins also offer a vegetarian option and my mum's favourite fruit pie (kids love this with ice cream) if you get a chance to dine in; the orange squash is also a must! Robins can be found in the frozen food section of Asda stores which is fantastic for people who can no longer venture into the shop.
Goddards Greenwich
A family run business still to this day! Within a short walk from the cutty sark and greenwich market, Goddards is another great location to have a full day out seeing some sights of London. Excellent hearty pies that are sure to warm your cockles.
Cockney's Portobello Road-W10 5RU
"Cockney's is gold as are the pies" says Uncle Beanie, Warm friendly faces and a buzzy atmosphere Cockney's is always a delight to visit. Again being in close proximity to Portobello Market creates a fantastic stop point for a cuppa and some lunch before heading off to shop.
G.Kelly Bow
G Kelly. A great of the east end, they have been serving their pies in the same spot for nearly 100 years! With a host of regular faces who love the food G.Kelly brings the community together and offers a place of comfort and sanctuary from the busy fast paced life of the east end.
So if you're ever in London be sure to stop by at a Pie&Mash shop. We must keep small traditional business alive! You will certainly be in for a treat if you do.
Love LL x