A “famous” pie and mash shop has closed its doors for the last time after serving the East End favourite for more than 30 years in the borough.

Robins Pie and Mash, Chapel Road, Ilford, which is being run by the fifth generation of a family, closed on Saturday.

Owner June Robins said: “There is still demand for pie and mash but unfortunately this is not the case in Ilford any more. Customers seem to want a different type of food.

“It was a very sad day when we closed. We first opened the branch over 30 years ago but things have become a lot more expensive, especially as we get all our meat from Scotland.”

The company, which has recently started supplying frozen meals to the Asda supermarket chain, also has a number of other branches including one in High Street, Wanstead.

Ms Robins added: “When we informed our customers we would be shutting they just kept asking why.

“I don’t think pie and mash is dying out as we have a lot of demand in other areas including at weddings and football games, including West Ham United.

“But times are changing and people seem to want universal food such as pizza and burgers. Pie and mash has a limited regional appeal.”

Traditionally pie and mash dates back to the 19th century, when Dutch ships delivered live eels, which were used in pies, to Billingsgate Market.

Customer, Paul Scott, of Sandhurst Drive, Goodmayes, added: “This is a great shame and customers aren’t happy about it especially as there will now be no more pie and mash shops in Ilford.

“From people I have spoken to it would appear that there would still be support for another shop in town in one of the many empty units.

“Pie and mash venues make a good alternative to the numerous fast food takeaways.”

n To find out more visit www.robinspieandmash.com.