G Kelly

Dreadful food. Tasteless. Tried the eel as well and it was a mix of tasteless stew and bones.

Awful, dreadful food. Quite upset. So many people have told me about pie and mash. Perhaps I went to the wrong one. Grimy bench seats, door open so really cold. Vile tea in a thick mug. Then the food. OMG. The pies would have Mary Berry screaming with their soggy bottoms. Grisly, wiggly grey meat, unseasoned and no gravy or onion, it seemed. My pie was half burnt. Lumps of unseasoned inedible mash and parsley liquor. No loos, went to the car park. The older woman who was there seemed more interested in commenting on a book. OK it is really cheap but also really unpleasant. If you want take out food get a sandwich from Marks and Spencer.

I do love a jellied eel and a pie and mash shop. I haven’t found one yet that I would give 5* rating too. There are plenty to choose from in Bethnal Green and there isn’t that much between them to be honest. However, I do think it’s important we support these little pieces of London culture and history buy visiting them as much as possible before they all disappear or are turned into chicken shops.

So who knew such a place existed. Its existence should not remain a secret only known by the east Londoners! The WORLD should know!
So we traveled from North London to East London at least an hour journey all for a PIE. But was it worth it… Totally and I recommend you do too.
The menu is small but what they do, they do well. Traditional beef pie with mash and parsley liquor («Liquor is not alcoholic; It is a gravy of sorts»). They also do a vegan pie made separately from the meat pie so everyone can be pleased.
The value of this place is fantastic £3.50 will get you a single pie, mash and liquor. £5.50 will get you double pie, mash and liquor and £ 7 will get you double pie, double mash and liquor. There are a few extras there too.
I do need to say I would save room as you have to try one of their desserts the apple pie was great, I would have missed out on a food experience had I not had room!
Queues here can get long when a new batch of pies are being cooked so be warned, though the wait is well worth it. Oh and watch out for the early closing time.
They also do frozen take away of their beef pies priced at £5.50 for 4 and yes I did get 4 to takeaway. I am looking forward to eating them soon.

I saw G Kelly listed in a Unilocal email for «the best pies». My other half loves pies, and I thought I would surprise him and take him out for an authentic East End pie. Imagine my utter shock and delight when there on their website, two magical words appeared: VEGAN PIES. Not just vegetarian, but vegan. And they were made separately from the meat pies. AND everything is made on site (very rare these days). That settled it.
Off we went with a friend in tow to a neat little area of London I’ve never been to. How their little faces lit up when I stopped them in front of the pie shop! The menu is small because they do a few things and they do it well. Traditional beef pie with mash and parsley liquor («Liquor is not alcoholic; the name instead refers to a liquid in which something has been cooked” — kinda like a gravy) for them. VEGAN PIE PLEASE! for me. They use soya mince and it actually tasted really good. Set price £3.50. Bargain.
Protip: if you’re pretty hungry, get two pies with mash and liquor. You can get double everything, but one big helping of mash is probably enough. Unless you want dessert, then leave room.
We sat in the 1930’s art deco canteen-​style shop, peering into the kitchen, gazing at the old photos– I felt I was having a real London experience in that atmosphere with my authentic-as-I’m-going-to-get pie and mash. The boys were too scared to get the jellied eels to complete the experience. While we were in there, there was always someone at the counter ordering in or for take away. When it took a couple minutes for the new batch of pies to come out, the queue was nearly 10 deep! Locals definitely know this is a gem.
Protip: You can buy their pies frozen to take home!
We were all impressed with our short-​lived meal. Now– for dessert! Their house made fruit pies– ALSO VEGAN. I had a Bramley apple pie and get this– MADE WITH FRESH APPLES. Foodies know the difference between home cooked apples and tinned apples. Your granny would be proud.
I’m sad G Kelly is a bit out of the way for me, but it will definitely be a destination stop for my out-​of-​town guests.
Protip: Check the hours! They close early.
PS– ALL the pies, mash, parsley liquor, fruit pies and crumbles are DAIRY and EGG FREE! They certainly are catering for all sorts of diets and I made sure to thank them for that!

One of the best things about living in East London is being on the doorstep of places like G Kelly. It’s very nice to pop over to trendy Hackney or beautiful Victoria Park but sometimes you really want a cheap, hot dinner at a place where the owner and staff won’t mind having a chat and laugh with you.
I first came here to try the jellied eels. Having lived in the area for close to a year at the time, I thought it was rude not to sample some real East End specialties. I can’t say I’m a fan of jellied eels though. It’s not G Kelly’s fault, it just isn’t really my thing.
On the bright side their pies and mash (and gravy of course) are delicious. Cheap and filling, speedy and just the thing to cheer me up on a cold, dark afternoon. Throw in a cup of tea and it’s easily the most comforting kind of food you can have at a place far from home.
The décor is… well, it’s an east end caff, what do you think the décor is like? But who cares, this is a piece of history you’re sitting in so mind your manners and make sure you clean your plate up.

Here’s a proper piece of the Eastend on the bustling Roman Road Market.
You haven’t had real pie and mash until you’ve had it here with a big splosh of liquor (parsley sauce), a dash a vinegar and dusting of pepper. It’s lush! There are also chicken and veggie pies available and darn good fruit pies and crumbles.
I love coming here as there are people old and young from all walks of life digging into pies and the lovely ladies who run this fine establishment are also hard as nails and give as good as they get.
If you fancy a taste of the Eastend get on the No. 8 bus and get off at Roman Road Market and give G Kelly a visit.

Jellied eel, even if it’s noted as the best in town, doesn’t normally piqué my interest — but when it comes part in parcel with one of the most authentic and enduring mash shops in East London… well… what can I say? I’m a soft sell on places that ooze with history and plenty of character.
This little shop truly feels as if it’s remained unchanged throughout its centuries of operation. The interior is all-​white with laminate tables and tiled floors, and a stainless steel countertop where orders are taken by an affable white-​haired lady who’s probably been serving up pie and mash at that same spot for the better part of 40 years.
Even though I only ever stick to the fruit pies — I love coming here. The whole of life seems much simpler once you’re inside… there’s something comforting about the bare interior and the straightforward food… the fact that they’ve both been so well-​preserved over the years… There’s something very reverent about this little pie shop — and I appreciate the way crossing its threshold is like being taken to another time.

Pie and mash may be an acquired taste, and if you would like to acquire it, this is one of the best places to come.
It’s all about tasty, home made pies with mash and gravy (liquor) which — although it might look a frightening colour — is normally all natural (parsley). If you want to get a bit braver, try jellied eels. I can understand how the look of that might put some people off, though.
Kelly’s has been there forever, and in today’s Internet age even has a website where you can order Pie & Mash by post