You can’t just walk into any greasy spoon. You need a proper eel and pie house. These are temples of linoleum floors, wooden benches, and staff who call you “my love” while judging your life choices. Let’s get to the best, shall we?
M. Manze (Bermondsey and Walthamstow)
This is the Rolls-Royce of pie and mash. Manze has been around since 1902, which means they’ve perfected the art of making you feel like a Victorian orphan—but in the best way. Their pastry is so buttery it practically melts on your tongue. Get the double pie (two pies, one plate) and watch your cholesterol rise with joy. The liquor here is so green it glows in the dark. Pro tip: add a splash of vinegar and pepper, then stand back as your taste buds do the cha-cha.
The best pie and mash in London | British GQ
G. Kelly (Bethnal Green)
If Manze is the church, G. Kelly is the raucous pub next door. This place is tiny, cramped, and glorious. You’ll queue with builders, bankers, and grandmas who’ve been coming since the Blitz. The pie crust is a tad thicker, which means it’s perfect for dunking. And here’s the surprising fact: They still use traditional eels caught in the UK. That’s right—you’re eating a piece of British maritime history, slathered in gravy. Don’t be a wimp; order the jellied eels on the side. They look like wobbly cubes of pure terror, but they taste like the sea got pickled.
L. Manze (Tower Bridge Road)
Same name, different branch, but this one is a Time Machine. It’s a Grade II listed building, which is fancy-speak for “nothing has changed since 1920.” The pies are handmade on-site, and you can see the steam rising from the vats. Order a “two-and-two” (two pies, two scoops of mash) and drown it in liquor. The mash here is dangerously smooth—like clouds made of potatoes. If you eat it too fast, you’ll choke on happiness. Also, they have a strict “no ketchup” policy. They’ll kick you out. Seriously.
