A unique feature of East London, and the East End in particular, is the prevalence of Pie and Mash shops. Traditionally these sold minced beef pies with mashed potato and green liquor (a parsley sauce made with old potato water) and stewed eel and mashed potato... They were a feature of the working class districts where a cheap cafe was needed when many folk had no designated kitchen in their living space (living in houses divided into rooms to rent). Nowadays they persist as a nostalgic food for the local white working class. But for how long? Take-away kebabs and spiced chicken outlets, Chinese and Indian restaurants and pizza delivery have all taken the place of the Pie-and-Mash shop. New migrant communities have no nostalgia to the food. IS this part of the local character of the east End of London destined to disappear?
A great choice of pie and mash shops is Arments Pie & Mash shop. We have been serving customers since 1914 and the food is still as tasty as ever. the next time you are in the Walworth area come and take a bite.
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