A pie and mash expert who says he has visited every shop in London has revealed his favourites across the east of the capital.
Norman Osland, 62, estimates to have visited around 100 different pie and mash shops across the country - including 73 alone in the period between March 2024 and September 2025.
This 18-month experience was documented in his book Norman's Conquest.
Despite being from Bermondsey, Norman said he finds himself in east London "fairly often" as it is where some of his favourite pie and mash shops are based.
He said: “As a south Londoner growing up I rarely visited east London but when I did, I chose wisely and as recommended to me by friends - no such thing as the internet back then.
“As I entered my 20s, I had moved to north London so getting to east London was relatively easy - so it was there that I headed.
“Notably to L Manze in Walthamstow - probably my favourite shop back then.
"It wasn't somewhere that you went just for pie and mash - eating there was like a mini event.
“The staff were great, the banter was hilarious and coupled with proper old east Londoners, who would talk to anyone - it was hard to leave that shop."
L Manze closed permanently in 2022 but Norman continues to visit the East End for other pie and mash spots.
He said his favourite shop still open today is G Kelly in Roman Road, Bow.
“G Kelly - my favourite and one that I visit frequently with numerous friends that I have met since I started Norman's Conquest back in March 2024.
“We often arrange to meet in a local pub on the corner of the road and then storm G Kelly for our fix, before heading back to the pub.
“I recommend a visit to G Kelly to anyone that wants to listen."
Norman said the pie, mash, liquor and eels and even the shop's "famous" apple crumble and custard is all a "delight".
Also one of Norman's favourites is Robins in South Street, Romford - one of three existing shops in the chain.
"You cannot talk about traditional pie and mash without talking about Robins," he said.
“The pie and mash is top quality, the shops are well-located on the respective high streets and they are managed to offer the same experience to all of their customers irrespective of the location, with great staff serving in the shops as well.
“I must admit that, despite liking all three of the shops, Romford is where I frequent the most, and get on really well with Julie and her daughter Claudia."
Norman also noted two pie and mash shops in Chrisp Street Market, Poplar amongst his favourites - Maureen's and Eastenders.
Norman described Maureen's as a "first class traditional pie and mash shop" which also serves "superb" salt beef bagels.
Eastenders is owned by Brian Boulter and his son David, according to Norman.
Brian took over the shop around 20 years ago and has been "working hard" to keep Eastenders running.
"He must have done a really good job as they are still trading today," Norman said.
"They are always busy on my frequent visits, where their staff, managed by Stephanie Boulter, are always smiling and chatty."
Walthamstow's Barney's, run by Tom Barnard, in Garnett Way is another of Norman's favourites.
Norman described Tom as "a proper character and a great guy to chat with".
He said: "It is hard to believe that he used to be a plumber who, wanting a new challenge, opened a pie and mash shop back in 2018, taught himself to make the pies, and liquor and now has a steady stream of locals and people from further afield - one of whom is me."
BJ's in Barking Road, Plaistow, Noted Eel and Pie House in High Road, Leytonstone and both Heath Pie and Mash and Brook Pie and Mash in Dagenham were also mentioned as favourites.
In particular, he credited Alfie Hak - owner of the Leytonstone shop - for his use of social media.
Under the username ThatPieGuy, Alfie makes videos showing what goes on behind the scenes of a traditional pie shop.
Norman said he is a big advocate for this approach and believes more shops should adopt it to familiarise the younger generation with the traditional London meal.
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