This family-run Greenwich pie and mash shop started as a ‘poor man’s meal’
As it’s British Pie Week, there’s no better time to visit one of London’s oldest pie and mash shops. It’s now run by the sixth generation of the same family, and they’re still going strong.
Goddards at Greenwich has been serving minced beef pie and mash since 1890. Even more surprisingly, a plate of the traditional dish still costs just £6.50.
What began as a ‘poor man’s meal’ for dock workers on the River Thames has become one of London’s most recognisable comfort foods. The shop has evolved over the decades, but it has worked hard to keep the recipe and atmosphere as close to the original as possible.
Joanne Jeffrey has managed the shop for 14 years and has known it since she was three years old. She said: “We have a hell of a lot of regulars. We just lost one of our oldest customers, sadly. His name was Mick, and he’d been coming here since 1974.”
Joanne added that she has built close relationships with many of them over the years. She said: “When people walk through the door, they should be treated how we expect to be treated.”
From 10am, customers are already queuing at the counter. The walls are covered in old photographs, giving the shop a real sense of history and making it feel like a step back in time.
Joanne said: “There are so many places around here that are so expensive, so I think our reasonable prices for a very filling meal are another reason why we’re so popular.”
The shop doesn’t just serve traditional mince pies – there’s also an award-winning Steak and Ale for £7.20, as well as fruit crumbles that have been named among London’s top desserts, priced at £5.40.
Each pie can be served with their homemade parsley sauce, known as ‘liquor’, which was originally made using the stock from jellied eels. It has since been turned into a vegetarian version, but the historic name has stayed the same.
When asked about the secret of their pies, Joanne praised the team downstairs. She said: “Our boys that are downstairs, they work very hard. If you’ve got a lot of love that goes into your food, then it shows through the flavours.”
Joanne admitted she feels traditional pie and mash shops are ‘dying out,’ but was clear about one thing: “We won’t stop going. We will keep going forever, for as long as we can.”
What’s your favourite pie and mash shop? Have your say with other readers in our comments section here
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
