A pie and mash shop is to close after 36 years.

Wood Street Pie and Mash is one of the oldest businesses in the area, according to owner Maureen Bourne.

It joins a long list of pie and mash shops shutting across London and leaves only two remaining in Waltham Forest – Eel and Pie House in Leytonstone High Road and L Manze in Walthamstow High Street.

Mrs Bourne said at 73 years old the time is right to retire and cited parking restrictions as a major factor in declining business.

“A lot of the old customers have moved away but there are lots of memories,” Mrs Bourne said.
“It is sad but that’s the way it is now. It’s nowhere near what it used to be.

“You’re just about surviving now down that road. Lots of businesses feel the same way.

“It’s the way rates are going up and the main thing is parking – there’s nowhere to park.

“No sooner do you stop than the wardens are on top of you and it’s not as though it’s a busy road.”

Mrs Bourne said she was most saddened to leave her customers, some of whom she has known for decades.

She said some of her fondest memories were having customers who visited the shop as children visit as adults with their own children.

Mrs Bourne also lists doing a TV commercial with comedian Mark Lamar, celebrity visitors including Sam Fox and Eastenders actors Pam St Clement and Perry Fenwick.

“I’m by the sea now so I have time when I’ll be able to go down there and have no more problems or worries about the shop now and be at ease,” she added.

As of December 2013 38 pie and mash shops have closed across London since 1994, according to pie and mash enthusiast group The Pie & Mash Club.

The shop’s last day of opening is February 28 and it is set to become an Italian restaurant.