L. Manze eel, pie and mash shop, in London's eastern suburb of Walthamstow, is one of several classic pie and mash venues dotted about the capital.
World of pies —
L. Manze eel, pie and mash shop, in London's eastern suburb of Walthamstow, is one of several classic pie and mash venues dotted about the capital.
Courtesy English Heritage
The pies are hearty nostalgic food reminiscent of a bygone era. Each mouthful is as quintessentially London as red Routemaster buses, black cabs, pearly kings and Beefeaters.
Iconic dish —
The pies are hearty nostalgic food reminiscent of a bygone era. Each mouthful is as quintessentially London as red Routemaster buses, black cabs, pearly kings and Beefeaters.
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In the past, the "liquor" sauce served with the pies was made with stock left over from cooking eels. These days it's more likely to be made with chicken stock.
Liquor story —
In the past, the "liquor" sauce served with the pies was made with stock left over from cooking eels. These days it's more likely to be made with chicken stock.
Getty Images
Champion pie eater Chris Charalambous sprinkles vinegar over his three-pie gutbuster with the assurance of a winner. One of his fellow Pie and Mash Club members comments: "I don't know where he puts it all."
King of the pies —
Champion pie eater Chris Charalambous sprinkles vinegar over his three-pie gutbuster with the assurance of a winner. One of his fellow Pie and Mash Club members comments: "I don't know where he puts it all."
Mairi Mackay
Nick Evans of the Pie and Mash Club notes pie points from an eating session. At the top are champion Charalambous's points. Evans will upload these to the club's website.
Pie points —
Nick Evans of the Pie and Mash Club notes pie points from an eating session. At the top are champion Charalambous's points. Evans will upload these to the club's website.
Mairi Mackay
M. Manze pie and mash shop, near Tower Bridge, is one of the city's best loved purveyors of the classic dish.
M. Manze —
M. Manze pie and mash shop, near Tower Bridge, is one of the city's best loved purveyors of the classic dish.
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This vintage photograph shows how little the store, which opened in 1892, has changed over the years.
Taste of history —
This vintage photograph shows how little the store, which opened in 1892, has changed over the years.
Courtesy M. Manze
Down the road from London's Tower Bridge, M. Manze's still draws crowds at lunchtime.
Popular pies —
Down the road from London's Tower Bridge, M. Manze's still draws crowds at lunchtime.
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Like may others, the M. Manze pie and mash has a vintage atmosphere thanks to traditional decor, with wooden booths and old tiling.
Traditional decor —
Like may others, the M. Manze pie and mash has a vintage atmosphere thanks to traditional decor, with wooden booths and old tiling.
Getty Images
Some pie shops have updated their look. Goddards in the touristy suburb of Greenwich has a more upmarket feel.
Goddards at Greenwich —
Some pie shops have updated their look. Goddards in the touristy suburb of Greenwich has a more upmarket feel.
Courtesy Goddards