Maureen's Pie & Mash Shop

Also known as Maureen’s ‘Cockney Food Bar’, this redoubtable pie and mash shop has been plying its trade on the pedestrianised part of Chrisp Street Market for more than 50 years. Inside, its looks more like a greasy spoon café with tiled walls, but the pies are some of the East End’s best. Smooth mashed potato is scraped onto the side of the plate and the dark liquor tastes almost minty, while the pies themselves are the classic kind (the meat is minced on the premises) – although they also sell veggie versions and little ‘uns for kids. Use a spoon and fork, and don’t forget to ask for some of their lip-numbing home-brewed chilli vinegar on the side. Maureen’s is also famed as a purveyor of sandwiches and beigels stuffed with hot salt beef.