A hearty portion of pie and mash has been an Essex dining staple enjoyed for generations. We pick 15 places to go for a tasty portion of this local favourite

1. Robins Pie & Mash, Basildon, Chingford, Romford, Southend & Wanstead

Established in 1929, Robins Pie & Mash is a family business that has been running for five generations and the mini-chain produces some of the very best pie and mash in the area. Expect traditional pies with hot and delicious fillings and tempting vegan/veggie pies served with lashings of liquor. That's not forgetting the authentic jellied eels on the side and fruit pie for dessert! As one of the few pie restaurants using a 'farm to fork' policy they can trace all of the meat in each pie right back to it source in Scotland. Their pies are in extremely high demand and can be found in selected ASDA stores throughout London and Essex, local pubs and cafes and the Queens Park Ranger Football Club.
robinspieandmash.com

2. F. Cooke, Chelmsford, Hoxton & Harold Hill

F. Cooke opened their latest branch, in Chelmsford, in November 2020. Founded in 1862 by Robert Cooke and still family run, the Cookes are one of London's oldest pie and mash families. Everything in Cooke's is made from scratch with meat and suet from the Smithfield Market and even the chilli vinegar which uses scotch bonnet chillies. Everyone is welcome at Cooke's but, be warned, they like to keep it authentic; they don't serve gravy and you've got to eat with a spoon and fork, no knives!
@f.cookespieandmash

3. Tony's Pie and Mash Shop, Waltham Abbey

Tony's, a traditional pie and mash shop in Waltham Abbey, has been named by locals as one of the best places to eat pie and mash outside of the East End. The menu offers pie and mash in single or double portions to sate all appetites and whether you rate them or hate them, stewed or jellied eels are served here too. The liquor is said to be some of the best in the area - so good that even David Beckham is a fan! A portion of pie and mash doesn't get much better than this.
facebook.com/tonyspieandmash

4. Sainsy's Pie and Mash, Grays

Sainsy's Pie and Mash source all of their pies exclusively from Goddard's Pies where the same family recipe has been used for over 120 years. Among the traditional meaty fillings, the pie and mash shop also caters for vegetarians with a yummy selection of vegan and vegetarian pies served with homemade chilli vinegar. Located in Lakeside shopping centre, a portion of Sainsy's pie and mash is the perfect fuel to sustain an afternoon shopping trip. There's also a tiny little pub attached where you can grab yourself a pint or a prosecco to go with your pie!
sainsyspieandmash.co.uk

5. Al's Pie and Mash, Hornchurch

Located on Hornchurch High Street, Al's pie shop - formerly known as Roy's Pie and Mash - is a neighbourhood treasure and incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. This pie shop has been going strong for generations providing delicious pie and mash in generous portions to its patrons. The meaty fillings and liquor are delicious and the pastry is second to none. A trip to Al's is a must for any true pie connoisseur in the area.

6. Maldon Pie 'N' Mash, Maldon

For pastry lovers on the hunt for an authentic pie experience, Maldon Pie N' Mash serves pies filled with the best quality cuts of minced beef and a generous side of fluffy mash - the perfect winter warmer on a cold and blustery day. The pies are homemade using a unique recipe that dates as far back as the Victorian times and on the menu you'll find a great variety of tasty pie fillings. All dishes are served with gravy or traditional parsley liquor.
maldonpieandmash.com

7. Whites Pie and Mash Shop, Walton on the Naze

Whites Pie and Mash has been selling quality pies to the people of Walton on the Naze for 34 years and before that they spent nearly a decade trading at the Billingsgate Market. Owners Glenn and Chris pride themselves on their warm and friendly service and the simple, yet delicious traditional English food. The meat pies are made daily on the premises using the best quality ingredients and Glenn has been using the same jellied eel recipe for the last 45 years.
whitespieandmash.co.uk

8. The Heath Pie Shop, Dagenham

Since first opening in 1961, The Heath Pie Shop has been bringing traditional London food to the people of Dagenham. The fair prices, large portions and excellent quality of food have given it a wealth of local customers, many who have eaten there for the last 50 years. They serve the standard pie, mash and liquor as well as jellied and stewed eels and also an extensive variety of seafood that can be delivered with your meal.

9. Stokemoores Pie n' Mash, Hornchurch

Another one for you to try while you're in the Hornchurch area alongside Al's, Stokemoores does no-frills pie and mash that'll hit the spot every time. As well as having a special deal for OAPs on a Tuesday, they also do free delivery on orders over £10 so you can enjoy your little taste of the East End from the comfort of the sofa.
facebook.com/HeathPieShop

10. JD's Pie and Mash, Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton is well regarded as one of Britain's most traditional seaside resorts and so it'll only be fitting to devour Essex's traditional dish on your next visit to the coast. If the kids are with you there is an extensive kids menu - they'll be mad to have anything else but pie and mash though of course - as well as many British puddings if you have room.
jdspieandmash.restoguides.com

11. The Pie & Mash Shop, Clacton-on-Sea

Another option for when you and the family are having a break by the sea, The Pie & Mash Shop is consistently praised for its unfussy approach and brilliant value for money. For those who have been coming to Clacton for years this is always one of the first places to stop for a pie and a brew accompanied by a reliably welcoming atmosphere created by the excellent staff.

12. T & J Kelly Pie N' Mash, Loughton

After exploring one or two of the many walking trails through Epping Forest, there will be nothing like pie and mash from T & J Kelly to fill you up and set you up for the rest of the day. The shop has been a staple of local life for decades now with loyal patrons today reminiscing about how they used to regularly visit the shop as schoolchildren. Throughout that time very little has changed and you can enjoy the same classic pie and mash as generations have done before.
facebook.com/T-J-KELLY-Pie-N-Mash

13. Star Café Pie & Mash, Rayleigh

Despite only opening in 2014, Star Café has already garnered a reputation for serving some of the most reliable pie and mash in the Rochford district. That success may well be down to the freshness of every pie as each one is made on site. Upon its opening it received the seal of approval from Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois who, after growing up on pie and mash in North London, really knows his pies inside and out.
facebook.com/Star-cafe-pie-mash-rayleigh

14. Stacey's Pie & Mash, Basildon

For a real taste of the East End, Stacey's pies are a proper treat. Best served with a hefty portion of homemade mash and a generous drizzle of liquor, the portions are filling and the prices are fair. For this very reason, the pie and mash shop is an avid favourite of the locals, so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment and empty tums.
facebook.com/StaceysPieShop

15. Danny's Pie and Mash, Ilford

Historically Ilford was always a part of Essex so we're happy to include Danny's on our list even though it's now technically part of London. The shop still retains its traditional feel and will remind you of how Ilford would have been before it was absorbed into Greater London in 1965, right down to a parsley liquor that is still as delicious as ever.


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