Traditional Peckham pie & mash shop which stood the test of time hopes to continue for another 100 years
BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk
If you did a pie chart of all the people who like pie, it would probably increase sales considerably. Think about one and most of us would want a big bite – though all of us probably wish it wasn’t virtually the least healthy thing you can eat.
The drive to improve our diets, though, to help us live longer, has turned pie and mash shops into a guilty pleasure. And that has enabled places like Manze’s, in Peckham, Bermondsey and Sutton, to survive the era of quinoa, avocados and curly kale.
Manze’s Pie and Mash was established in 1902 by Michele Manze and has since been passed down through the generations, surviving the dreaded diversifying which all brands seem to be expected to do these days.
It has been run for the past 40 years by the founder’s grandson, Rick.
Now Rick’s daughter, Emma Harrington, along with her entrepreneur husband Tom, are taking over to take the business into its fourth generation – and they hope their children, who are still babies, will also one day play their part.
Manze’s serves up the traditional London dish through its three shops at 87 Tower Bridge Road, 105 Peckham High Street and 226 Sutton High Street.
The flagship Tower Bridge shop has its original victorian tiling and marble worktops. Rick said: “I’ve worked with my two brothers all my life. I’m pleased that the family dynasty will carry on with my daughter and eventually grandchildren.
“It’s both a sad and happy time for me with my two older brothers retiring and my daughter and son-in-law taking over their part of the business.
I know they are going to bring some fresh eyes and enthusiasm to our business. “We need to build on the traditional side of the business without detracting from the original format that has stood the test of time since the early 1900s.”
Tom said: “I’m so excited to be a part of a business that is steeped in history. Manze’s has provided a great value traditional meal for over 100 years and we want to make sure it does so for another 100 years.
“It’s important to keep the product and service the same, as that’s why our customers return time and time again. What we need to do is adapt to a changing world.
“People now want food on demand and to eat when and where they want to. We’re rolling out a local delivery service through Deliveroo so that people can now have food delivered to them at home or at work within minutes.
“We’re also expanding our overnight chilled delivery service so anyone in the UK can enjoys Manze’s Pie and Mash . “This is perfect for those who have moved out of the area but still want a trip down memory lane for their taste buds.”
Emma said: “I am so proud of the fantastic legacy that my family have built over the past 117 years. I feel so privileged and honoured to play a part in the future of the business.
We are expecting baby number two at the end of summer and what a fantastic family tradition for them to be apart of – a fifth generation in the making.”
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I grew up in Walthamstow that had two Manzes shops.
One in the High St., and another at The Bakers Arms.
Always great food at affordable prices. Today’s prices are higher but so are wages. Still get value for money.
Sadly some branches have closed but Walthamstow High St soldiers on. Whether you’re in North East London or souff London Manzes Pies and Mash are THE VERY BEST.
I remember them well & visited them often. I particularly remember the Live Eels at the Bakers Arms from when I was a kid. they were Still moving when Mum Got them Home.. I lived behind Abbots park at (Leyton Midland.)
Wished you delivered to Adelaide south Australia mate.
I love pie mash and liquor.
In my nans day the liquor was made from the eel broth.
Filling and satisfying, dbl pie, dbl mash and liquor, mug of tea can’t be beaten.
Beats a burger any day of the week!
We use to have ours in Upton Park.
My great grandmother Nanny Jenkins used to eat there when she was pregnant with my Nan, then my Nan ate there when she was pregnant with my Mum, my Mum ate there when she was pregnant with me and now I eat there and will hopefully take my future child there one day. My great grandmother used to own a fruit and veg stall in the East End of London.