Oldest Pie And Mash Shop In London

Alright, gather 'round, 'cause I've got a tale to spin about a place that's been serving up a classic London dish for so long, it's practically a living history book. We're talking about G. Kelly & Son, the oldest pie and mash shop in London. Now, you might be wondering, what's so special about a pie and mash shop? Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive in.

So, What's the Big Deal?

Picture this: it's 1836. Queen Victoria is still a princess, the first public railway is just opening, and in the heart of East London, a little shop called Kelly's opens its doors. Fast forward nearly two centuries later, and guess who's still standing? That's right, G. Kelly & Son, the oldest pie and mash shop in London.

Now, you might be thinking, "That's cool and all, but why should I care about a pie shop?" Well, let me put it this way: imagine if your local pub had been serving pints since the 1800s. You'd probably want to check it out, right? It's the same thing here. This place is a living, breathing piece of London's history.

But Wait, What's Pie and Mash?

Alright, fair point. If you're not from London, or you've been living under a rock (no judgment), you might be wondering what pie and mash is. It's a classic London dish, simple but delicious. Imagine a hearty, meat pie, served with mashed potatoes and a generous helping of liquor - no, not that kind, it's just a fancy word for gravy.

Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds like a heart attack on a plate." And you're not wrong. But hey, we're talking about comfort food here. It's the kind of meal that warms your soul on a cold, rainy London day. Plus, it's cheap. Like, really cheap. We're talking a few quid for a meal that'll keep you going all day. Not bad, huh?

What Makes G. Kelly & Son Special?

Alright, so we've established that G. Kelly & Son is old and serves up a classic London dish. But what makes it special? Well, for starters, it's a family business. The 'Son' in the name is a real person, Graham Kelly, who's been running the show since his dad passed away in 2007. Talk about a family legacy, huh?

Inside One Of London's Oldest Pie And Mash Shops | Londonist

Then there's the pie itself. It's not just any pie. It's a mutton pie, made with a secret recipe that's been passed down through generations. You won't find that in your average pie shop. And the liquor? It's made fresh every day. None of that instant stuff here.

But perhaps the most special thing about G. Kelly & Son is the community it's built around it. This isn't just a pie shop. It's a meeting place, a community hub. People come here to chat, to catch up, to be part of something. It's like a little family, and that's something truly special.

So, Should You Visit?

Well, that's up to you. But if you're a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good story, then yeah, you should definitely check it out. It's not just a pie shop. It's a piece of London's history, a testament to the power of community, and a reminder that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.

And who knows? You might just find yourself becoming a regular. After all, once you've had a taste of that mutton pie, you might just be hooked. So, what do you say? Fancy a pie?