!!STOP PRESS!! To all of you who have been eagerly awaiting the return of Goddard's, we are pleased to announce that Goddard's are opening a mobile unit for Pie and Mash in Greenwich - next to NatWest Bank on Greenwich Church Street. (Map)

Opening Easter Saturday (22nd March 2008) to Bank Holiday Monday and each weekend after that (10.30am until all pies are sold!).

The same great food you have all been missing - handmade and baked fresh daily.

We look forward to seeing you all!
Jeff and Kane Goddard
For enquiries - telephone 07782 288 504

Jeff and Kane Goddard
Goddards - The home of pie and mash
www.pieshop.co.uk

Pie and Mash is quite simply the most traditional food that London has to offer.  Forget your chip shops and burger bars, "Eel Pie and Mash Houses" have been around since the 18th century - the first ones opening in pre-Dickensian and Victorian London.

One of the major influences over the food traditions in London was the river Thames. It provided fish, both fresh and salt water, meat, vegetables and fruit were transported from around Britain, and spices and exotic foods from all over the world. The importance of the trading ships and the great markets like Billingsgate, Spitalfield and Smithfield can be seen in the names of roads in the East End, such as Bread Street, Milk Street and Fish Street.

Perhaps the most famous London dish is the Cockney speciality, jellied eels, caught locally and further out in the Thames Estuary. Made by boiling the eels with plenty of herbs and allowing small pieces to cool and form their own jelly (or by adding a helping portion of using gelatine). The taste is similar to that of pickled herring, but the softer texture can put people off.

The other great working class tradition is pie and mash. Historically, the pies were made from scraps of beef and vegetables, leftovers or from the local markets, under a pastry crust. The mashed potatoes were liberally covered in parsley gravy or "liquor". There has been a great revival in these dishes and quite a number of Pie ‘n’ Mash restaurants can now be found across London.