A Daily Express report from April this year estimated there to be roughly 300 shops operating in London in the mid-19th century but social group The Pie and Mash Club told the paper there were less than 40 currently open across the city.
Here are five shops that east London has lost in the past three years.
Al’s Pie & Mash, Hornchurch
Formerly located in High Street, Hornchurch, was Al’s Pie & Mash, which closed its doors for the final time on September 27 this year.
A sign displayed in the window in the period leading up to the final day of operations read: “It is with great sadness after 60 years of trading pie and mash, we will close our doors for the final time on Saturday, September 27.
“We would like to thank all our customers and friends for your continued support but unfortunately we can no longer make the numbers work.
“Massive thanks.”
F Cooke, Harold Hill
Another Havering’s pie and mash shops to close this year was F Cooke in Farnham Road, Harold Hill.
F Cooke is believed to be one of the oldest established pie, mash and eel house family businesses around and this branch opened in 2012.
It closed in August this year. A poster in the shop’s window claimed the decision was made due to “the redevelopment of the area”.
Many took to social media to say their goodbyes, with numerous people commenting in the public Pie, Mash and Liquor Appreciation group.
Scott Richardson wrote: “Regardless of your PML allegiance, they’ve got some lineage, so this is a sad day! Wishing the staff well with their next ventures.”
Danny’s Pie & Mash, Barkingside
Danny’s Pie & Mash in High Street, Barkingside closed down in December 2024.
A poster in the shop window claimed the decision was made after “careful consideration” and for “a number of reasons”.
The poster thanked its customers for eating there over the years and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
The shop had a 4.6 average Google rating and the last review left read: “Absolutely gutted they’ve closed down”.
McDowell’s Pie & Mash, Romford
McDowell’s Pie & Mash, formerly located in Romford Shopping Hall, closed on July 29, 2023 after its owner, Linda McDowell, announced her retirement.
She took over the business from her parents, who first bought a pie and mash shop in Dagenham about 58 years ago.
The shop was then located in Romford town centre for many years and moved to the shopping hall in 2021.
Linda told the Recorder in 2023 that she will “miss all her customers, old and new” and called the closure a “very emotional” moment.
L. Manze, Walthamstow
The 93-year-old pie and mash shop, L. Manze in High Street, Walthamstow, was believed to have closed in early 2022 although the exact date of closure is unclear.
L Manze owner Tim Nicholls told Eater in March 2022 that there were “no customers down there anymore” and business was no longer viable.
The Grade II-listed building is now occupied by Taro, a Japanese chain restaurant.
