One of my friends is currently in London where she will be singing in the English National Opera's productions of "Porgy and Bess" and "War Requiem". Because I will be in London in early November I have asked her out for lunch or dinner. The initial proposal was to patronize a Brick Lane establishment, but she declined that because she has dined in many Indian/Pakistani/Bengladeshi restaurants since her arrival in London. She has expressed an interest in authentic English food which could include old school pie/pastie and mash restaurants. Can readers provide recommendations for restaurants which will neither break the bank nor appear to be down and out establishments. Besides the quality of food and reasonable prices I am looking for place which is reasonably quiet (ie, we can have a conversation without problems) and where we won't be encouraged to leave as soon as we have finished our meal (or if there is a coffee house nearby). From what she had told me the ENO performances are near Trafalgar Square.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Most traditional pie and mash shops (the few that are left) are in the East End, some distance from Trafalgar Square.
The Windmill on Mill Street is well known for its pies and is a 15 minute walk from ENO. You would need to book.
Posted by
Land of La
8669 posts
Posted by
Portsmouth
5262 posts
Personally I wouldn't go anywhere near a pie and mash shop, the food is generally pretty crap. There's one place that sells pie,mash and liquor for £3, I'll leave it to you to guess the quality of the meat going into the pie at that price.
Covent Garden is nearby which is full of restaurants, primarily chains however I have found Browns to be one of the better chains to eat at. It's a British restaurant and I've been impressed with the meals that I've eaten there. Be aware however that during busy times you may be encouraged to move on once you've finished. https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/london/covent-garden
The Northall at the Corinthia Hotel specialises in modern British cuisine and their set menu is reasonable at £28 for three courses. https://www.corinthia.com/en/hotels/london/dining/restaurants/the-northall
As has been suggested, Rules is nearby which offers traditional British food including pies but it is expensive, I can't see how a pie can be justified selling at £20.
Posted by
Chicago
1943 posts
We had lunch ages ago at the old Goddard's restaurant in Greenwich and enjoyed it for what it was-comfort food. They closed the restaurant back in 2005--2006 but after a google search today, I found out they now have reopened in another location. It's not close to Trafalgar Square but it's what I'd recommend if your friend wants to try pie and mash. TripAdvisor reviews were fairly good.
Posted by
Seattle
105 posts
There's one place that sells pie,mash and liquor for £3, I'll leave it to you to guess the quality of the meat going into the pie at that price.
Oh goodness, is the proprietess Mrs. Lovett?
Posted by
Orlando, FL
185 posts
I really like Mother Mash. It is not expensive, and definitely not a down and out kind of place. I've been a couple of times and really enjoyed the food. I also didn't feel rushed to leave once I had finished eating.
Posted by
Atlanta
967 posts
I liked Mother Mash too.
Posted by
Virginia
631 posts
I've been to Battersea Pie Station a few times in Covent Garden.
https://www.batterseapiestation.co.uk/
Posted by
Portsmouth
5262 posts
I've been to Battersea Pie Station a few times in Covent Garden.
https://www.batterseapiestation.co.uk/
That place looks good, I'm tempted to visit next time I'm dragged up to London (I really don't like going there!).