London's food doesn't come any more traditional - or tasty - than good old pie and mash. In fact, pie, mash and eel houses have been around in London since the 18th Century - long before their northern cousins the fish and chip shops became a hit!

F. Cooke's pie and mash restaurant on Hoxton Street is ensuring this fine tradition remains part of London's heritage, serving up their 100% minced beef pies with hand-made and freshly prepared pastry to enthusiastic crowds of regulars and hungry passers-by. Eels (if you've never tried one, they taste a bit like pickled herring) are also on the menu, a must-try for anyone calling themselves a Londoner!

Of course, no pie and mash would be complete without a liberal ladle-full of traditional liquor on the side, and Cooke's make their version of the parsley gravy to a their own secret recipe.

With pie and mash starting at just £2.50, Cooke's offers great value for money, and a real taste of traditional London. Their friendly eat-in area borders the lively Saturday street market, and is the perfect place to stop of for a refuel in between nabbing some local bargains.

F. Cooke's Pie and Mash used to be a penny bank.