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Much-loved London cake shop closes after 116 years | UK News
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Much-loved London cake shop closes after 116 years | UK News

Harringtons, which first opened in 1908, will close after the family that has run it for 116 years finds a buyer (Image: @harringtonspieandmash/Instagram)

The much-loved cake and mash shop, which has been run by the same family for 116 years, is set to close.

Just this week MPs debated whether the Cockney classic pie, mash and lick should be given protective status.

But Harringtons Eel and Pie House is the main host of this London kitchen has announced it will close its doors after more than a century of serving pies on Selkirk Street in Tooting.

It is the latest in a series of closures across London, where the number has fallen by two-thirds since 30 years ago when there were 60 pie and mash shops.

Announcement of closure social mediaThe Harringtons said: ‘As you can imagine this has not been an easy decision for me and my family.

‘It was actually very sad to have been in this family for 116 years but unfortunately we decided as a family that we needed to move forward, so unfortunately the property has been put up for sale and once sold we will be closing our doors. .

‘But until we sell out, we’re still open and selling hot cakes and mash for all our lovely customers to enjoy.’

The same family has run Harringtons since 1908 (Image: @harringtonspieandmash/Instagram)
Traditional pies are just £2 each at Harringtons (Image: @harringtonspieandmash/Instagram)
Old regulars travel from across the country to feast on Harringtons’ pies and mash (Image: @harringtonspieandmash/Instagram)

Mourning the imminent loss of a local icon, one person commented: ‘My children all had their first meal there as babies. I’m so sorry you’re closing. I hope and pray that some pie lover will buy it and continue the tradition.’

Another, Lauren, said: ‘This is incredibly sad news, our family used to visit your pie and mash shop all the time, this was Nan’s favorite dish!

‘I’m even walking all the way from Birmingham right now for a delicious pie and mash! I’ll have to squeeze in one more visit before you leave.’

Tuesday’s debate in the House of Commons focused on campaigners calling for the government to grant Traditional Special Guaranteed (TSG) status to the dish of mince beef pie and mashed potatoes with parsley sauce, called liqueur or licker.

Moderating the debate, Conservative MP Richard Holden from the Basildon and Billericay constituency in Essex described it as ‘the original fast food’.

He said: ‘With British staples such as Cornish Pasties, Bramley Apple Pies and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies already protected, it’s time we protected this important dish that has been enjoyed by families for decades and should be recognized and celebrated.’

Andy Green, who founded the Modern Cockney Festival, said: ‘The status of the traditional food listed may serve as an indication that, despite rumors of its demise, pie ‘n’ mash is very much alive and thriving.’

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