London’s pie scene is a vital piece of its culinary heritage. Once, pie-and-mash shops lined every high street, serving as local landmarks. Today, these shops are rare but cherished, standing out in a city now enamoured with global street food.
Join us as we explore this enduring tradition, taking you through the top places to enjoy these pies. Each bite not only offers a taste of delicious pastry and fillings but also a slice of London’s rich history.
Holborn Dining Room
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Location: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3747 8633
Pricing: £££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM
What sets Holborn Dining Room apart from the rest? It’s all about the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating their pies. Each one is a work of art, individually handcrafted with love and precision.
But be warned, these pies are not for the impatient diner. They require a leisurely 30 minutes of cooking time when ordered, a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to serving up perfection on a plate.
Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance – the hand-raised pork pie. Imagine a golden, flaky pastry crust encasing a sumptuous filling that boasts the rich flavours of pork shoulder, smoked bacon, fennel, and sage.
The Hummingbird Bakery
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Location: 47 Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3JP, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Pricing: £££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Nestled in the charming Notting Hill neighbourhood, this iconic bakery has been serving up American-style baked goods that are so good they been flying off the shelves since 2004.
First, let’s talk about their pumpkin pie. If you’re a pie aficionado, you’ve likely heard the buzz about this pie, and let us assure you, it lives up to the hype. Rich, creamy, and bursting with the warm flavours of autumn, it’s a slice of heaven that’s hard to resist.
But here’s the kicker – every pie at The Hummingbird Bakery is baked to order from scratch. That means they require a reasonable 48-hour notice for pie orders.
The Ivy
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Location: 1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ, United Kingdom
Contact: You may contact them here
Pricing: £££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
This stylish restaurant has been an icon since 1917, and they’ve been wowing patrons with their classic British dishes ever since. One dish, in particular, has stood the test of time and tantalised taste buds for generations – the legendary shepherd’s pie.
The Ivy knows that the age-old question of “beef or lamb” is a serious matter when it comes to shepherd’s pie.
So, what do they do? They answer it diplomatically by combining equal parts beef and lamb mince to create a rich and harmonious meat base that’s a symphony of flavours.
Bob Bob Ricard
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Location: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3145 1000
Pricing: £££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Bob Bob Ricard is not only one of the best late-night restaurants in London, but they also take the classic chicken and mushroom pie and turn it into a masterpiece of culinary artistry.
Imagine shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and caramelised onions coming together in a harmonious dance with tender chicken, all enveloped in a shimmering golden puff pastry casing that proudly bears the restaurant’s name.
But the extravagance doesn’t stop at the pie itself. Bob Bob Ricard is famous for its “press for Champagne” button at every table. If you’re not already sufficiently impressed by the pie, just give that button a push, and voilà, a bottle of bubbly arrives at your table.
Putney pies
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Location: 2 Putney High St, London SW15 1SL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8780 2920
Pricing: ££
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Let’s start with the classics, shall we? Putney Pies knows how to do them justice. Their renditions of timeless favourites like steak and ale and fisherman’s pot pie are nothing short of comforting culinary masterpieces.
Another one is their chilli con carne pot pie. They’ve taken the beloved chilli con carne and turned it into a pie. Served with guacamole, sour cream, and pitta, it’s a fiesta in your mouth, a true fusion of flavours that will leave you wanting more.
The Old Bank of England
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Location: 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7430 2255
Pricing: ££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Old Bank of England was constructed back in 1886 and served as the actual Bank of England until 1975. If these walls could talk, they’d likely share tales of the Crown Jewels resting in the vaults beneath the pub.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the pies. The Old Bank of England takes their pie-making seriously, and it shows.
While they offer classics like steak and ale and chicken and leek, it’s their vegan spiced cauliflower and lentil pie that truly stands out. The vegetable filling dances with aromatic spices, creating a taste that will have even die-hard meat lovers singing its praises.
G Kelly
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Location: 526 Roman Rd, Old Ford, London E3 5ES, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8980 3165
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
If you’re on a quest for the ultimate pie experience in London, G Kelly in Mile End should be at the very top of your list.
Try their minced beef pies. The filling is not just generous, it’s downright bountiful. Picture succulent minced beef enveloped in a pastry embrace that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day.
But here’s where G Kelly truly shines – their parsley sauce, affectionately known as “liquor”. It’s a well-seasoned sauce that elevates the pie to a whole new level.
M Manze
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Location: 87 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 4TW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7407 2985
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This place has been serving up pie, mash, and eels since 1902, and while they’ve got plenty of history under their belt, it’s their pies that truly steal the show.
M Manze offers a range of classic options, but it’s their minced beef pie that truly stands out. Picture a hearty helping of flavorful minced beef, nestled between a soft suet-pastry base and a perfectly flaky, almost crispy lid.
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss out on their stewed eels. It’s a classic East End delicacy that may not be for everyone, but it’s worth a try if you’re in the mood for something uniquely London.
Arments Pie & Mash
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Location: 7 Westmoreland Rd, London SE17 2AX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7703 4974
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Let’s dive right into what makes Arments a must-visit for pie enthusiasts. First, the pies themselves are nothing short of remarkable. They incorporate a minced beef filling that’s generously packed with flavour.
What’s even better? Plenty of rich, savoury gravy that doesn’t skimp on taste and leaves no room for gristle or disappointment. It’s a pie that’s all killer, no filler.
But that’s not the end of the pie story at Arments. They also offer a big, hearty minced steak and kidney version for those who like their pies on the meatier side.
Goddards at Greenwich
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Location: 22 King William Walk, London SE10 9HU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8305 9612
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Monday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
While the current shiny Greenwich venue may be a recent incarnation, Goddards’ legacy as a family business stretches back over a century.
And they’re known for their pies, certainly. Whether you’re a fan of classic options like chicken and ham or cheese and onion, or you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous like lamb and rosemary, Goddards has you covered.
F Cooke
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Location: 150 Hoxton St, London N1 6SH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7729 7718
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Let’s start with the remarkable history of F Cooke. Owner Joe Cooke’s great-grandfather, Robert, was a pioneer in London’s culinary scene, allegedly opening the city’s first dedicated ‘pie and mash’ shop near Brick Lane in 1862.
And what’s even more impressive is that F Cooke still follows the original nineteenth-century recipe to craft their pies.
F Cooke’s pies are a cut above the rest, thanks to their use of the best-quality Scotch beef. This choice of meat ensures that each bite is a flavourful, juicy experience that leaves you craving more.
Maureen’s Pie & Mash Shop
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Location: 6 Market Sq, London E14 6AH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7956 381216
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Walking into Maureen’s might feel like stepping into a nostalgic time capsule. With tiled walls and a cosy, greasy spoon café vibe, it’s a place where the focus is entirely on the food, and rightly so.
Maureen’s pies are the stuff of legend in the East End, and for good reason. With a perfectly golden crust and fillings that are both hearty and tasty, these pies are a symphony of taste that will have you savouring every bite.
They’re also famous for their hot salt-beef sandwiches and beigels. If you’re in the mood for a treat that’s a departure from the pie path, these delights are equally worth a try.
BJ’s Pie & Mash Shop
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Location: 330 Barking Rd, London E13 8HL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7474 3389
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
When it comes to hunting down the best pies in London, size isn’t everything, and BJ’s Pie & Mash Shop is living proof of that. This unassuming gem might be small in stature, but it packs a punch where it truly matters – flavour and tradition.
BJ’s pies are a delightful homage to tradition, boasting that irresistible almost-burnt crust that’s beloved by pie connoisseurs. But here’s where BJ’s shakes things up – they’re not afraid to be a little controversial.
While they offer the classic mash that pie and mash aficionados adore, they also give you the option of chips.
