A newly reimagined pie and mash shop in Islington has announced its closure merely a month after its grand opening, leaving the local community perplexed. The historic unit previously known as M Manze’s was revitalised as 74 Chapel Market by Martin Savage and his business partner John Gordon, generating considerable excitement among residents. However, this venture appears to be short-lived, as the establishment is set to close its doors for good.
In a statement shared on social media yesterday, the owners expressed their regret, stating, “Unfortunately, due to some issues out of our control, we are no longer able to keep on trading. Thank you so much to everyone who came through and a big thank you to our staff. Without them, we couldn’t have done it at all.” Following the announcement, the shop’s Instagram account has been removed, and the specific nature of these “issues” remains undisclosed.
A Century of Tradition Ends
M. Manze served traditional pies and jellied eels from Chapel Market for over a century before closing in 2019 due to escalating rents and increasing business rates. The Grade II-listed site subsequently became Beefsteaks, which also shut its doors permanently in 2023. When Mr Savage relaunched the pie and mash shop, he had promised to offer “something a little different” while staying true to the classics, as reported by the Islington Tribune. The revamped menu, crafted by his son, aimed to celebrate the family’s Irish-English heritage, featuring pies served with gravy.
The unexpected closure of 74 Chapel Market has sparked lively discussions among Islington residents. One commenter on Facebook remarked, “Well, that didn’t last long,” while another noted, “They didn’t do proper pie and mash… It’s a shame the business has closed as they seemed lovely people, but I hope a genuine pie and mash shop opens up there soon.” A third local mentioned hearing complaints about pricing, stating, “I don’t know, I didn’t go in, but it was nice to see it open again and still the same inside.”
Further Losses in London’s Pie Scene
This closure marks the second significant setback for London’s pie and mash scene in recent days, as another beloved establishment, Hughes’ Pie And Mash, based in Ruislip since 2020, has also announced its impending closure. The shop will bid farewell this Saturday amid “unforeseen circumstances,” further underscoring the challenges faced by traditional food outlets in the capital.
For those wishing to share their own stories or insights regarding the shuttered pie shops, MyLondon encourages communication via rebecca.mcculloch@reachplc.com. Stay informed about London’s most exciting events, the latest restaurant openings, and enticing deals by subscribing to our Going Out Out newsletter.
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