WANSTEAD: Pie and mash shop going strong one year on (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WANSTEAD: Pie and mash shop going strong one year on

4:17pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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THE OWNER of a pie and mash shop which opened nearly a year ago in the middle of the credit crunch - said the business has gone down a treat with food lovers despite the downturn.

Eyebrows were raised when Robin's Pie and Mash first started trading in Wanstead High Street in April last year, with some residents questioning whether there was any local demand for its traditional East End fare.

One reader even wrote in to the Guardian to complain that the shop's opening signalled the 'Cocknification' of Wanstead - but its owner, June Robins, 72, said the eatery has been a hit with residents looking for a tasty filling meal for just a few quid.

She said: "(The shop's success) has not come as a surprise to me.

"I knew there was a market in Wanstead for pie and mash, and that's proved right.

"We're supplying food to nine weddings this year, and regularly cover local events, like quiz nights.

"We even send pie and mash out to Spain."

Mrs Robins, who owns four other pie and mash shops across London, said the Wanstead branch is visited regularly by hungry celebrities.

She said: "We've had Ricky from Eastenders in here and Billy Murray.

"People of all ages come here to enjoy our food.

"Lots of Eastenders moved out to Wanstead, but we get a variety of people eating here.

"We are thinking of opening a branch in the City next."