Right outside the University of Greenwich sits Goddards at Greenwich, a cosy spot with a traditional wooden interior, plus upstairs and outdoor seating.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and one of them recommended I try the chicken and ham pie with mash and liquor. (I'll admit, I was a little confused at first. Liquor on pie? But it turned out to be a classic parsley sauce.)
I'd never had pie and mash before, so this was a true first. To make it even better, I shared a table with Maggie and Pauline, two locals who told me about the history of pie and mash.
Maggie mentioned she'd been eating it since it cost just a shilling, and she praised Goddard's pastry in particular.
I have to agree with her because the pastry was my highlight. It was buttery, crisp, and wonderfully flaky. The filling was tasty, though I would have preferred a little more chicken and ham compared to the creamy sauce.
The mash was smooth and worked well with the liquor, but I personally would have liked a touch more seasoning. Another staff tip was to try the chilli vinegar oil with the pie, which gave it a great extra kick.
The interior of Goddard's at Greenwich really added to the whole experience. While it's simple and traditional, it has a warmth that makes you want to linger over your meal.
The wooden tables and chairs give it a rustic, old-fashioned charm, and the walls are lined with photographs and memorabilia celebrating the history of London's classic cuisine. It felt almost like eating in a living museum, surrounded by reminders of how deeply pie and mash is rooted in London's food culture.
This lovely and cosy experience all came up to the low price of just £7.20, which felt like incredible value for such a hearty and traditional London meal. If you want to opt for a true classic, you can get a minced beef pie and mash for the low price of £6.50.
You can find Goddards at Greenwich at 22 King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HU