National Pie ‘n’ Mash week is back next week (9 – 15 March) as part of the Modern Cockney Festival, which aims to challenge the idea that “Cockney is dying”.
Pie ‘n’ Mash is a traditional Cockney delicacy that has been served in London since at least the 19th century, with South East London long considered to be its cultural home.
Next week, from 9 – 15 March is the third ‘National ‘Pie and Mash Week’, which was created by the Modern Cockney Festival in 2024 to protect the cuisine.
Andy Green, one of the festival’s founders, initiated the campaign to get Pie ‘n’ Mash Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status. This would mean that the the traditional methods of preparation, it’s heritage, and the label of ‘Pie and Mash’ would be legally protected.
The first Pie and Mash shop dates back to 1844, which was set up on Union Street in Borough, by Henry Blanchard.
In October 2024, Conservative MP Richard Holden led a Westminster Hall debate calling for Pie ‘n’ Mash to get protected status, stating “In terms of cuisine, Britain has always looked down on itself, and it’s time to change that.” He also called for an official “Pie Path” through London, marked by coloured plaques on authentic pie and mash shopfronts.
Last February, representative producers agreed on a standardised recipe for Pie ‘n’ Mash. Arment’s say that shops are ‘mostly onboard’ as long as they can retain their own unique recipes whilst meeting Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affair’s (DEFRA) criteria.
Pie shop owners are mostly onboard, provided it’s possible to retain the unique individual character of the pies while meeting DEFRA’s criteria.
Andy Green said: “Since last years Festival we have had very positive meetings with DEFRA and we are confident we can achieve Protected Status later this year.”
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Arments Pie and Mash, just off the Walworth Road, are involved in this campaign. Cheryl Arment, co-owner, said: “At Arments, we couldn’t be more thrilled to champion this uniquely London comfort food that could be finally getting the recognition it deserves.
“None of our success would be possible without our customers, old and new, whose loyalty has sustained us through world wars, social changes, and everything London has thrown at us.”
“Pie and mash has survived the Blitz, urban regeneration, and countless food fads because it offers something irreplaceable – authentic, honest food – served without pretension.”
The shop has a rich history and was first listed as an eel business in 1881 at 386 Walworth Road. It was purchased by the Arments from the Evans family in April 1914.
The current shop moved to 7-9 Westmoreland in 1979 and the business continues to thrive, with regular TV features including in the documentary Elephant Days and a Danny Dyer series.
To mark Pie ‘n’ Mash Week, Arment’s giving away a free single pie and mash for you and a friend – visit their Facebook page and look out for the competition post on Monday March 9th.
The Modern Cockney Festival have recently published their Futures Report, setting out a seven-point plan for a sustainable future for Pie ‘n’ Mash:
- Gaining Traditional Speciality Guaranteed
- Greater respect and recognition from public institutions
- Need for ‘Balanced evolution’ – how Pie and Mash shops need to embrace change that is rooted in tradition
- The Pie ‘n’ Mash shop community needs to come together – they need to address the lack of formal sector groups and organisations
- A call to action for the Pie ‘n’ Mash fan community – a need for passionate fans to overcome declining footfall
- A revitalised national strategy for promoting British regional foods such as Pie ‘n’ Mash
- Support the Modern Cockney Charter to create a new narrative for Cockneys – a five year plan celebrating cockney culture, heritage and identity
The campaign is supported by comedian Rob Beckett, who said in the report: “Enjoying Pie’n’Mash is now a way for me to remember who I am, and where I’m from, it goes back to not just my roots, but my family’s before me.
“It has a history and a heritage that’s almost unique in London now. Let’s ensure future generations can enjoy the same privilege.”
The Modern Cockney Festival events:
The Modern Cockney Festival is putting on a series of FREE events online and in the East End to celebrate the ‘non-posh Londoner’.
Being Cockney: An Intimate Lens exhibition:
An exhibition featuring Where You’re Supposed To Be, a series by photographer Eileen Jamieson documenting her father John and their shared Cockney identity.
British-Bangladeshi artist Saif Osmani reflects on how the Modern Cockney Festival has grown into a platform for human reconnection.
Date: Until Wednesday 25 March
Time: 6:15pm–8:30pm
Location: Rich Mix Cinema, Bethnal Green, E1 6LA
The Battle of Cable Street – 90th anniversary event:
Join author and broadcaster Michael Rosen with community activists Dr Abdullah Faliq and Glyn Robbins to explore the myths, realities and modern lessons of the 1936 Battle of Cable Street, when East Enders united against fascism.
Date: Monday 16 March
Time: 12:30 – 1:45pm
Location: Online
In Search of the Pearly Moon of Eid:
The panel brings together members of the Moonsighters Academy and New Crescent Society to discuss how Eid dates can differ between mosques, the evolution of Eid celebrations in London, and the significance of hyper-local moon sightings.
The day after the talk, participants are invited to an in-person moon-sighting gathering in East London. The event highlights a side of Cockney identity often overlooked, demonstrating how Muslim Londoners are part of an evolving tradition that has always absorbed new influences while retaining its distinct voice.
Date: Wednesday 18 March
Time: 12:30 – 1:30pm
Location: Online
Cockney Roots — How to Discover Your Cockney Ancestors:
Genealogist Patricia Sears MSc guides you through researching family history and uncovering Cockney ancestry, with tips on where to start and how to navigate tricky records.
Date: Thursday 19 March
Time: 12:30 – 1:45pm
Location: Online
Walk the Poplar Rates Rebellion:
A one-hour guided walking tour tracing the 1921 Poplar Rates Rebellion and its legacy. Follow the paths of jailed councillors, discover historic sites including the old workhouse and socially conscious baths, and hear how their fight for fairness still resonates.
Date: Friday 20, Tuesday 24 and Thursday 26 March
Time: Various times
Location: Poplar Rates Rebellion Mural, Hale Street, Poplar
Transforming The Stories Of Us:
Join author and environmental campaigner Caroline Lucas for a thought-provoking talk on how museums and culture shape national narratives. Includes exclusive tours of the Story of Cockney in 50 Objects and explores how inclusive storytelling can reshape history.
Date: Monday 23 March
Time: 5:30pm arrival for 6pm–8pm
Location: Museum of the Home, Hoxton
Nellie Cressall: A New Opera:
Celebrate the launch of this ambitious opera project that will tell the story of Nellie Cressall, the working-class suffragist and councillor jailed six months pregnant for resisting unfair rates. Hear from the creative team, watch a short film, and enjoy live music and storytelling.
Date: Wednesday 25 March
Time: 6:30pm–7:15pm
Location: Oxford House, Bethnal Green
Copies of the ‘Pie’n’Mash futures’ report can be viewed on the National Pie’n’Mash Week website https://www.nationalpiemashweek.org.uk/march2026
A petition calling for supporting ‘Cockneys’ fight to stay in business has been launched at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-cockneys-pie-n-mash-shop-ok?source=rawlink&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_source=rawlink&share=e0d6af78-ec2f-47f8-9937-cf496797a9dc
