A lost pie and mash shop in Hornchurch is fondly remembered for its "friendly banter" and "awesome" pies.
Al’s Pie and Mash served the East End staple dish for around 60 years before closing for good in September last year.
According to government-kept business records, the original company was incorporated in May 1969 under the name Allpress & Horton (Caterers) Limited, before being renamed Roy's Pies & Mash Limited in April 1988.
Roy Horton was the primary character who first ran the pie and mash shop, beginning in Dagenham before moving to Hornchurch.
Roy stepped down as director and secretary of Roy's Pies & Mash, according to the records, and Perry Horton - Roy's son - took over the business.
He was appointed a director of Roy's Pies & Mash in February 1997 and went on to incorporate Al's Pie & Mash in July 2014.
It is understood that Perry remained the sole active director of Al's Pie & Mash Ltd up to its closure on September 27 last year.
Norman Osland, from south London, estimates he has visited around 100 different pie and mash shops across the country in his lifetime.
In the 18-month period between March 2024 and September 2025 alone, he visited 73 - including every traditional shop in London but he has particularly fond memories of Al's.
He first visited in May 2025 where he said he "loved the look of the shop" including photos of London celebrities.
Norman said: "The service was great, including the friendly banter with the people serving.
"The pies were the standout for me, I still remember now sitting there while eating, eyes closed, remembering back to when I was a kid as the pies were the same as my dad using to make.
"That distinctive taste of lard, not too heavy, but the taste was there – lovely."
Norman visited Al's for the last time in September for one last taste of what he described as "awesome" pies before it closed its doors for good.
He recounted wanting to speak to Perry about the closure but said: "Sadly Perry was not there as he was too saddened and upset at having to close the shop.
"His staff were still smiling and chatty despite clearly being very sad too, fielding the numerous comments from regulars and visitors alike."
He claimed that one of the staff said a declining high street, the cost of supplies, wages, utilities, business rates were among the reasons for the closure.
In the weeks before Al's shut, a sign was pictured in its window and posted into a public pie and mash Facebook group by a shop staff member.
The sign read: "It is with great sadness after 60 years of trading pie and mash, we will close our doors for the final time on Saturday, September 27.
"We would like to thank all our customers and friends for your continued support but unfortunately we can no longer make the numbers work.
"Massive thanks."
The unit that formerly housed Al's in High Street is now occupied by a tech shop called Tech Point.
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