The article discusses the decline of traditional pie and mash shops in London, which were once a staple of working-class cuisine. The author visits BJ's Pie and Mash, one of the oldest surviving shops in the area, to learn more about its history and traditions.
BJ's has been in operation since 1982, when it was founded by Benjamin Jacobi, who bought an old pet shop in Barking Road and opened a pie and mash shop. The shop quickly became popular with local workers, who would come there for a quick and affordable meal. Over the years, BJ's has adapted to changing tastes and consumer preferences, but Jacobi remains committed to traditional recipes and methods.
One of the challenges facing traditional pie and mash shops is the rise of online food critics and bloggers, some of whom are skeptical about the shop's offerings. Jacobi acknowledges that some critics may view pie and mash as a relic of the past or an inferior alternative to more modern cuisine.
Despite these challenges, Jacobi remains optimistic about the future of pie and mash shops. He believes that traditional recipes and methods are essential to maintaining the authenticity and appeal of the dish. "I like the ones that strictly just do pie and mash and nothing else," he says. "The core audience they have, people who visit pie and mash shops, don't want them to change and get quite angry when they do."
The article also touches on the issue of TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) status, which would recognize traditional pie and mash recipes as a protected part of British cuisine. Some MPs have called for this status, but Jacobi is skeptical about its potential impact.
Ultimately, the future of pie and mash shops in London depends on the ability to adapt to changing tastes and consumer preferences while maintaining their commitment to tradition and authenticity. As Dimitri, a food writer, notes, "The core audience they have, people who visit pie and mash shops, don't want them to change and get quite angry when they do."
BJ's has been in operation since 1982, when it was founded by Benjamin Jacobi, who bought an old pet shop in Barking Road and opened a pie and mash shop. The shop quickly became popular with local workers, who would come there for a quick and affordable meal. Over the years, BJ's has adapted to changing tastes and consumer preferences, but Jacobi remains committed to traditional recipes and methods.
One of the challenges facing traditional pie and mash shops is the rise of online food critics and bloggers, some of whom are skeptical about the shop's offerings. Jacobi acknowledges that some critics may view pie and mash as a relic of the past or an inferior alternative to more modern cuisine.
Despite these challenges, Jacobi remains optimistic about the future of pie and mash shops. He believes that traditional recipes and methods are essential to maintaining the authenticity and appeal of the dish. "I like the ones that strictly just do pie and mash and nothing else," he says. "The core audience they have, people who visit pie and mash shops, don't want them to change and get quite angry when they do."
The article also touches on the issue of TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) status, which would recognize traditional pie and mash recipes as a protected part of British cuisine. Some MPs have called for this status, but Jacobi is skeptical about its potential impact.
Ultimately, the future of pie and mash shops in London depends on the ability to adapt to changing tastes and consumer preferences while maintaining their commitment to tradition and authenticity. As Dimitri, a food writer, notes, "The core audience they have, people who visit pie and mash shops, don't want them to change and get quite angry when they do."
Pie and mash shops are where it's at, fam! I mean, who needs fancy-schmancy food when you can have a proper pie and mash with some lovely mushy peas on the side? BJ's has been around for ages, and it's great to see they're sticking to their guns (or should I say, their pies?) and not changing up the recipe. Those online critics just don't understand, mate. I mean, what's wrong with a good old-fashioned pie and mash shop? It's all about the nostalgia and the tradition, innit?
. They're still servin' up the same old dishes, but it's like they're stuck in the past, ya know? People are lookin' for somethin' new and exciting, not just some reheated recipe from 50 years ago 
. And don't even get me started on these online food critics, they're just gonna bring 'em down with all their fancy reviews 
. I mean, BJ's Pie and Mash has been around since '82, that's impressive, but do they really need the TSG status to be legit? I think it's about time they innovated a bit and updated their menu to appeal to a new crowd 
. But hey, if people want traditional pie and mash, who am I to judge?
! Who knew pie and mash shops were still a thing in London? I mean, I love a good chunky pie with some saucy mash on the side... but can you imagine having to adapt to changing tastes? Like, what's next? Putting kale in your classic fish & chips?! 
Jacobi seems like a true legend for sticking to his guns and keeping it traditional. And can we get behind the TSG status thing too? It's all about preserving our culinary heritage, right? 
I'm low-key hoping some cool pie and mash shops pop up in my area soon... now that's something to get hyped about! 
but yeah, online critics are gonna be harsh, and maybe tsg status won't make much of a difference. still, jacobi seems like a cool cat who's trying to keep the traditions alive. i think it's cool that people are passionate about pie and mash shops. maybe we can learn from their commitment to doing things right? 
. People always say "tradition" is important, but it's also about survival 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good pie and mash every now and then? 
. Maybe instead of trying to save them from changing tastes, we should just learn to appreciate the evolution 
. And who knows, maybe TSG status would be a good way to help preserve those traditional recipes 
... but only if it's done in a way that respects the shops' autonomy and commitment to quality 
. They've been around for ages, and it's crazy that some people still think they're old-fashioned or inferior. I mean, who doesn't love a good plate of pie and mash with a side of mushy peas? It's comfort food at its finest! 
and omg their meat pies r soooo good!!! i had the classic beef and kidney pie with mash n peas and it was literally life changing 
and honestly, i dont think they should have to change their recipes just to appease some online critics. i was talking to ben jacobi the owner and he said that his customers are the ones who really matter and if they want traditional pie and mash then thats what he's gonna give them. i think thats so admirable 
. btw, i did get a pic of my meal with ben and im sharing it on instagram 
Jacobi is totally right that some customers just want their pie and mash to be the same old thing they've been getting for years. And can you blame 'em? 
i think its great that BJ's is still keepin it real and not changin their formula just 4 the sake of it 
but at the same time i get why some critics might be skeptical...i guess its all about finding a balance between respectin ur heritage & stayin relevant 