Pie and Mash in London | Eating Europe

In London, few dishes capture the city’s working-class roots quite like pie and mash. Born in the 19th century as an affordable, filling meal for dockworkers and market vendors, this hearty combination of flaky meat pie, creamy mashed potatoes, and a ladle of parsley-speckled gravy is both comfort food and a slice of history.

Today, you’ll find it served in traditional pie shops with tiled walls and no-frills charm, as well as reinvented in modern restaurants that give this classic dish a gourmet twist. Whether you’re after nostalgia or novelty, pie and mash deserve a moment in the spotlight on a London food tour.

What Is Pie and Mash?

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Pie and mash is a beloved East End classic that has fed Londoners for generations. Its roots date back to the 19th century, when this humble yet hearty dish was traditionally a minced beef pie with a flaky crust. Usually served alongside a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and a ladle of bright green parsley “liquor” made from eel stock or vegetable broth. Despite the name, there’s no alcohol involved.

Its roots lie in the city’s original eel and pie houses, where working-class locals could enjoy a cheap, filling meal, often with jellied or stewed eels on the side. To this day, many family-run pie shops still serve it in dining rooms with the same tiled interiors. A dish with a simple presentation, and a splash of malt or chili vinegar for that authentic London touch.

Where to Eat Pie and Mash in London

In London, you’ll find pie and mash served everywhere from small shops and pubs to proper sit-down restaurants, where it’s served alongside other great British foods.

M. Manze

Photo credit: M. Manze

Manze, near Tower Bridge, is London’s oldest surviving pie and mash shop. Established in 1902, the shop still boasts its original tiled walls, wooden benches, and a menu that has barely changed in over a century. This is one of my favorite places to go when I want to find the true classics.

The pie and mash here is how you’d expect it. Perfectly minced beef pies with golden pastry, creamy mash, and a ladle of signature parsley liquor. You can even get jellied or stewed eels for the full East End experience. Prices are refreshingly reasonable, making it a must for history buffs and foodies alike.

Manze (£) – 87 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 4TW, United Kingdom.

Goddards at Greenwich

Photo credit: Goddards at Greenwich

For a slightly more elevated take on pie and mash, Goddards at Greenwich offers both history and variety. This family business dates back to 1890 and today serves not only the classic minced beef pie but also chicken, steak, lamb, and vegetarian versions. All made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients.

I love how the spacious dining room, with its wooden beams and welcoming vibe, feels more like a café than a pie shop. Yet the prices remain comfortably mid-range. It’s the perfect stop after a day exploring Greenwich’s historic market or riverside views.

Goddards at Greenwich (££) – 22 King William Walk, London SE10 9HU, United Kingdom.

The Windmill

Photo credit: The Windmill

I think the Windmill in Mayfair is the place to go if you’re after pie and mash with a gastropub twist. Known for its award-winning pies, this upscale pub offers hearty beef versions alongside gourmet fillings like chicken, leek, and even truffle. All served with buttery mash and rich gravy.

The atmosphere is warm and elegant without feeling stuffy, and prices hover around the £15–£20 mark for a main. It’s a great way to enjoy a British classic in a central London setting. I also think the savory profile of their pie is perfectly paired with a pint of dark ale.

The Windmill (££) – 6-8 Mill St, London W1S 2AZ, United Kingdom.

Beyond the Pie: What to Try With It

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While the pie and mash take center stage, the traditional sides and condiments complete the experience. Of course, the classic accompaniment is liquor sauce, which is a silky parsley-based topping with no alcohol, and a fresh, savory note that complements the rich beef filling.

For the truly authentic East End touch, many shops still serve stewed or jellied eels. This is a historic pairing that’s not for everyone, yet remains a point of pride for traditionalists.

On every table, you’ll find bottles of malt vinegar and fiery chili vinegar. Both help ready to cut through the richness with a sharp tang or spicy kick. I like to go a little heavier on the chili vinegar in the cooler months to really punch up the warming effect of the pie and mash.

To drink, a strong builder’s tea keeps things old-school, while some modern spots offer local ales for a heartier pairing. I find that dark ale really hits the spot with a beef pie and mash.

Why Pie and Mash Is More Than Just a Meal

In London, pie and mash is far more than a plate of comfort food. It’s a slice of England’s cultural heritage. Deeply tied to Cockney identity and East End pride, it carries with it stories of generations who grew up on its simple, hearty flavors.

Many local shops serving it today are still family-run, their tiled interiors and well-worn counters unchanged for decades. Offering you a rare glimpse into a London that’s slowly disappearing.

Don’t think about pie and mash in a fine dining context or in hot pursuit of the newest culinary trends. Instead, pie and mash is about familiarity, warmth, and the kind of food that feels like home. Each bite is a reminder that some traditions are worth holding onto, not for their elegance, but for the history and belly-filling goodness.

Final Thoughts: The Humble Classic That’s Pure London

Pie and mash is a humble classic that captures the soul of London in the simplest, most satisfying way. It’s a time capsule on a plate. Hearty, unfussy, and steeped in flavorful history. Yet still as comforting today as it was in the 19th century.

Whether you’re weaving through East London’s historic streets on your own or as part of a London food tour, pie and mash is one of those iconic dishes that fills you up right.

Sources:

Goddards at Greenwich. (n.d.). Goddards at Greenwich. https://www.goddardsatgreenwich.co.uk/

Manze. (n.d.). M. Manze. http://www.manze.co.uk/

The Windmill Mayfair. (n.d.). The Windmill Mayfair. https://www.windmillmayfair.co.uk/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London food tours. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Eating Europe. (2022, May 9). Traditional London food: 18 dishes you have to try. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/london-foods-traditional/