Pies have been served across the capital for centuries, whether in the East End by bakers on carts or in the west at Twickenham, where there’s even an island named after the eel pies that were served to passing boatmen. Work your way through this pick of the top pie and mash restaurants in London.
1. Goddards at Greenwich
Get your pie fix every day at Goddards at Greenwich, a family-run pie and mash shop that served its first customers in nearby Deptford in 1890. The family’s traditional pie recipes are made with locally sourced ingredients, all served with mash and either gravy or liquor (parsley sauce). Choose the classic beef or opt for steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, lamb and rosemary as well as vegetarian and vegan pies. If you’re feeling brave, try some traditional jellied eels here too.
Where: 22 King William Walk, SE10 9HU
2. The Guinea Grill
Specialising in dry-aged, grass-fed British beef, The Guinea Grill prides itself on the quality of its meat and its pies are some of London’s best. Although you can find some vegetarian options on offer, this Young’s pub and restaurant is all about the beef. The premium pies come with a suet lid and range from steak and kidney or steak and mushroom to its popular beef shin and horseradish pie, which comes topped with a cheese-wrapped deep fried oyster. One of the proud founders of the Scotch Beef Club, you can be sure of a high-quality pie here.
Where: 30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL
3. M Manze
M Manze is London’s longest continuously running pie and mash shop and opened on Tower Bridge Road in 1902. Now the fourth generation of the Manze family continues the pie dynasty across three locations, serving homemade pies, mash and the classic green liquor; as well as cockney classic, jellied eels. Expect marble-topped tables, tiled walls and bench seating in these classic London pie shops.
Where: 87 Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 4TW
4. The Old Bank of England
Delve into Victorian legend at The Old Bank of England, whose Fleet Street location is central to the fictitious tale of Sweeney Todd. The pub is flanked by his barber shop and Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop, and, according to the story, Todd murdered his clients in the tunnels and vaults below this City pub, and used their bodies as pie fillings. Back in real life the pub’s actual pies are more appealing with classic British fillings such as beef and ale or chicken, ham hock and leek as well as a vegetarian option. If you can’t decide, you can always go for the tasting plate with three miniature pies.
Where: 194 Fleet St, EC4A 2LT
5. Maureen's Pie 'n' Mash
Find some of the best pies in the East End at Maureen’s, a much-loved local pie shop which has been trading for more than 60 years. Traditional flavours, a super-smooth mash and a parsley-packed liquor pull in the crowds. And if you’re not all after pie, it also does a mean hot salt beef sandwich or beigel.
Where: 6 Market Way, E14 6AH
6. Holborn Dining Room
A one-stop destination for the iconic dish, the Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room offers a British classic in all its finery. Savour handmade pies, created by the restaurant's pastry experts, filled with superb flavours and the best of British ingredients. You can even join a pie masterclass with the chefs to learn some of their secrets.
Where: No. 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
7. The Jugged Hare
A gastropub with a daily changing menu and a focus on wild game, foraging and local, seasonal ingredients, it’s no surprise The Jugged Hare makes a fine pie. Visit for its indulgent pie of the day filled with moreish ingredients such as pheasant, chorizo and mustard, apple and black pudding or braised beef, onion, swede and bone marrow.
Where: 49 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA
8. The Windmill
Although many pubs claim to be pie specialists, The Windmill can safely back up its credentials with a string of awards. Boasting its own pie club and two dedicated pie rooms, this is definitely the place for pie enthusiasts. Try the award-winning steak and kidney version for a warming, meaty hug or veggie filo pie with squash, lentils, goat's cheese, chickpea and red pepper.
Where: 6-8 Mill St, W1S 2AZ
9. Maggie Jones's
Maggie Jones's has been a beloved spot in Kensington for more than 40 years by visitors and locals alike. Its rustic, cosy aesthetic, paired with the warm and friendly atmosphere, makes it the perfect place to settle in and enjoy a hearty meal. Enjoy Maggie's fish pie filled with flavoursome seafood with your favourite tipple.
Where: 6 Old Court Place, W8 4PL
10. G.Kelly
A historic London pie and mash shop, G.Kelly is a no-nonsense kind of place serving generous pies in a rich gravy. Flavours are wholesome but traditional, and you can find a vegan option too, as well as the other East End classics, jellied and stewed eels.
Where: 526 Roman Rd, E3 5ES
11. Putney Pies
If you're someone who likes to pair a party with their pie, then look no further than this Putney establishment. Putney Pies serves up classic English pies, both meat and vegetarian, made with quality ingredients. Opt for a decadent beef bourguignon pie or a veggie pumpkin, spinach and ricotta, before heading down to the basement club, The Vault, for a drink and dance to live music.
Where: 2 Putney High St, SW15 1SL
12. Rules
Tuck into a traditional pie in London's oldest restaurant, Rules in Covent Garden. Known for its porter, pies and oysters when it opened more than 200 years ago, today, the focus is more on game. The restaurant does stay true to its origins with some heartwarming pies such as steak and kidney pie, or the steamed suet pudding featuring steak, kidney and oysters.
Where: 34-35 Maiden Ln, WC2E 7LB
For more quintessential British delicacies, pop by one of London's cosy pubs for a delicious Sunday roast, or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea complete with warm, golden scones and clotted cream.
