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Wally’s Pie and Mash, a new pop-up shop in Essex, has been delighting residents with a taste of traditional English cuisine. The business, founded by local couple Billy Cutting, 35, and Dee Sullivan, 39, has been serving up classic East End pie and mash dishes to the people of Maldon and the surrounding areas.

The couple spent months converting a horsebox into a mobile kitchen and recently launched their business at the Fig and Leaf in Heybridge. The response from the local community has been overwhelming, with Billy expressing gratitude for the support they have received. The first day of service was a great success, and the couple is eager to continue serving their customers.

Wally’s Pie and Mash offers a variety of options, including one pie with one mash for £6.50, two pies with two mash for £11.50, and school cake for £4.00. They also provide vegetarian and gluten-free choices, as well as the option to add jellied eels for those seeking an authentic experience.

The inspiration behind the business comes from Billy and Dee’s love for classic East End pie and mash, complete with liquor and chili vinegar. The pop-up shop is named after both of their grandfathers, who were known as Walter or Wally. Residents can find Wally’s Pie and Mash at The Roundbush pub in Maldon every Wednesday.

In addition to the success of Wally’s Pie and Mash, efforts have been made to recognize and celebrate the cultural significance of traditional pie and mash. Essex MP Richard Holden recently urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to grant Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status to the dish. In response, environment minister Daniel Zeichner expressed support for a formal application for TSG status.

Defra explained that obtaining TSG status involves agreeing on a specific recipe that producers must follow to use the name in the future. They will carefully assess any application submitted for TSG status for traditional pie and mash.

As Wally’s Pie and Mash continues to serve up delicious meals to the people of Essex, the push for official recognition of this beloved dish highlights the importance of preserving culinary traditions and celebrating cultural heritage. With strong community support and a dedication to quality, Wally’s Pie and Mash is poised for success in the local food scene.