You’ll find exactly that at M Manze’s on Tower Bridge Road, just 300 metres north of the Old Kent Road. Pie, mash and eels are served up daily to loyal lunchtime customers.

If you’re looking for bona fide traditional London grub this establishment takes you back in time.

M. Manze has been using its Italian founder’s original recipes since 1902 – and it has changed little since it opened.

Although the tide is turning on Tower Bridge Road as new cafes, bars and restaurants are springing up, M.Manze’s remains a force to be reckoned with.

Inside it looks as though the decor hasn’t changed for 115 years; the Victorian green tiles and dark wood panelling take you back to a bygone age. If only walls could talk...

The pie and mash is piled high – plenty of thick parsley liquor, smooth potato and meaty pies with a suet pastry base and slightly burnt lids. Jellied eels are on the menu and not for the faint-hearted!

All this for just over £4.

In 2006 the Tower Bridge Road shop was awarded a blue plaque by Southwark council and has featured in various documentaries, films and adverts including Elton John’s video for his 1995 hit single ‘Made in England’.

The only drawback is that Manze’s closes between 2-3pm every day so no chance of post work pie and mash in authentic surroundings. But we noted that they have joined Deliveroo so it’s easy as pie to get a delivery to your home.

87 Tower Bridge Road SE1 4TW Mon: 11am - 2pm Tue-Thurs: 10.30am - 2pm Fri: 10am - 2.30pm Sat: 10am - 2.45pm.