Robert W.
Yelp
Goddards at Greenwich is famous for serving London's most traditional meal of pie mash and liquor. This meal can be traced back through the 1800's and is an important part of London's food history. Goddards is still a family run business and has been serving pie and mash since 1890.
Traditional 'Pie and Mash' really is a London only dish. It's funny, that although I live north of the river Thames, the ones you get in south London, always seem to taste better. Goodards is a good example of where you can get a good traditional 'Pie and Mash'. Although you can get steak, chicken, lamb and vegetarian pies here as an alternative to the traditional pie. If you go for an alternative pie though you are missing the point. Th real pie you have to try is the traditional pie made of 100% minced beef, with mash and liquor. Splash on some malt vinegar to give it that something extra. Don't spoil it by going for gravy, always go for the liquor. It's like a runny parsley sauce, but combined with the vinigar, it's to die for.
By the late 19th century, there were over 100 Pie and mash shops in London. Nowdays they are much more difficult to find. I would urge any visitor to London, to try it as it really is a unique London only dish. Probably it's most famous fan is David Beckham, who goes to a Pie & Mash shop when he visits London for his favourite meal.
When I host visitors to London, I always take them on the boat from Westminster Pier to Greenwich taking in the best views an commentary along the Thames, followed by a Pie and Mash lunch at Goddards whilst in Greenwich . It really can be the best day out, with a real London feel. For a decent meal for about £5, you can't go wrong!!