The Great Pie-valry: Unveiling London's Oldest Mash Master
Ah, pie and mash. A London classic as timeless as Big Ben's chime (though hopefully less likely to leave you needing a lie down in a darkened room). But where did this delightful combo of pastry and potatoey perfection all begin? Buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into a piping hot dish of history!
The Contenders Step into the Ring (Well, Actually, More Like a Modestly-Lit Shop)
There are two main contenders for the crown of "London's Oldest Pie and Mash Shop":
- F. Cooke (Hoxton): This East London institution claims their great-grandfather, Robert Cooke, invented the pie and mash combo way back in 1862. Talk about a culinary game-changer! They even have the pie-ty (see what I did there?) to claim he single-handedly revolutionized the East End's lunch scene.
- M. Manze (Tower Bridge): Established in 1902, M. Manze might be a youngster compared to F. Cooke, but they make up for it with a rich (and hopefully not too rich, gravy is a no-no here!) history. They started as ice cream sellers, but wisely saw the light (and probably the smell of delicious pies) and switched to the more lucrative world of mashed marvels.
So, Who Wins?
Honestly, the jury's still out. F. Cooke might have the "invention" claim, but M. Manze has the receipts (metaphorical receipts, though they probably have real ones too). Both boast loyal followings and have been serving up generations of satisfied Londoners.
The Plot Thickens (Like Good Mash Should): A Conspiracy Theory
Some pie-eyed (ahem) historians even whisper of a shadowy third player - a pie and mash shop from the mists of time, lost to the annals of history. Maybe it's out there, a hidden gem tucked away down a cobbled backstreet, serving up the most legendary pies this side of the Thames. Or maybe it's just a figment of our gravy-addled imaginations.
The Verdict: It's a Tie!
Look, both F. Cooke and M. Manze are London legends. The real winner is you, the pie-loving public! So grab a napkin (those splashes of parsley sauce can be a menace!), settle into a booth, and get ready to experience a taste of London history.
Pie and Mash FAQ
How to find the best pie and mash shop? Do your research! Read reviews, ask locals, and follow your nose (the delicious scent of hot pies is a dead giveaway).How to eat pie and mash? Spoon and fork are the standard, but feel free to embrace your inner Cockney and go in pie-first! Just be careful of those hot juices.How to order like a pro? A "double pie, mash, and liquor" is a classic order. Liquor, by the way, is the parsley sauce, not some boozy concoction (although a pint after your pie might be nice!).How to avoid arguments about the "oldest" shop? Just agree that both F. Cooke and M. Manze are fantastic and everyone's a winner (except maybe your waistline after that double pie).How to recreate pie and mash at home? It's possible, but there's something special about the experience of a traditional pie and mash shop. Plus, cleaning up afterwards is someone else's problem!
