A cockney couple is trekking 110 miles in one week to visit iconic pie and mash shops and keep the traditional dish alive.
Danny Sains and wife Carlene, whose families hail from Canning Town and Bow, east London started their epic voyage yesterday (10 Mar).
They will travel to popular pie and mash spots including Manzes, Castle’s, Noted Eel Pie House, Cockney’s, Robin’s, Maureen’s and G Kelly’s on their week-long route.
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The eateries are dotted across London and Essex with locations including Camden, Leytonstone, Chelmsford, Poplar and Bow.
Danny, 50, is a huge advocate for the iconic dish, which he introduced to his wife Carlene when they met six years ago.
But the pair fear that the food Danny grew up on is under threat of going extinct.
They lost two pie and mash shops of their own and keen not to see other businesses go under, they decided to show their support.
“Back in the day there were so many about, it’s a real shame to see the decline,” Danny told What’s The Jam.
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“Growing up it was a hot meal for not a lot of money – it was a working class dish.
“Nowadays there are so many cheaper options that don’t offer that authentic London experience.
“People always see the green of the liquor and get put off but there’s a way to eat it and that’s what we’re showing people.
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“Anyone coming to London, if they want the proper experience they have to try it.
“It’s just like going on holiday you always have to try the local cuisine.”
Cheaper alternatives such as McDonalds, Nandos and KFC have become popular among young people in recent years.
And Danny and Carlene, known as Cockney and Caribbean on TikTok, think that businesses need to move with the times if they want to stay afloat.
Danny said: “A lot of pie and mash lovers are a bit territorial about it – they turn their nose up if the dish goes over £5.
“But these are all hand made pies, freshly done that day – it takes a lot of money to make.”
And for this year’s Modern Cockney Festival, taking place from 10 March to 16 March, the duo will be leading the charge.
Anyone who wants to join their pair will even get a special certificate to celebrate their trip.
Danny said: “We know loads of people who’ve never had proper pie’n’mash and ask to tag along with us for a proper experience, so we thought why not make a tour of it for Pie’n’Mash Week?
“Seven shops, seven days, and everyone’s welcome.
“Our journey has shown us that culture and community are what keep traditions going, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do.
“Our cultures mean everything to us, and that’s what we love sharing on our TikTok – whether it’s through music, everyday life, or most importantly, food.
“From traditional pie’n’mash to classic Caribbean dishes, we celebrate the flavours and traditions that shape who we are.”
The staple dish of Cockney cuisine is also seeking Traditional Status Guaranteed (TSG) to protect its heritage and promote itself worldwide.
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