Chapel Market without a pie and mash shop is not Chapel Market!
That was the Gazette’s view in a special report 30 years ago (and it rings true today with M. Manze still in business).
It first opened in Chapel Market in 1911, but closed after last family descendant Lydia Manze died in 1985.
But thanks to new owner Colin Hall, it re-opened for another generation to enjoy the Cockney delicacy of eel, pie and mash. The 47-year-old had a lot to live up to: previous owner Lydia had worked in the shop for 60 years.
But Colin, from the East End, already had plenty of experience in the pie and mash business. The only challenge, he said, was to not upset conservationists by changing the famous shop layout – while meeting health and safety rules.
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