BJ's Pie & Mash Shop

Located towards the Canning Town end of Barking Road, BJ’s is one of the smaller pie and mash shops in the East End – but who cares about size when the quality is this good. Served with some classic Cockney banter from a counter that’s peculiarly placed at the back of the premises, the pies are almost burnt (as is popular), filled with minced beef and rich gravy and served with well-seasoned parsley-flecked liquor and creamy mash. Addicts ask for the bottle of chilli vinegar too, although that stuff is strictly for bravehearts. BJ’s also dispenses some of the most reasonably priced stewed and jellied eels in the East End, and – controversially – offers chips as an alternative to mash.