Manzes has three extremely popular branches, one of course in Tower Bridge, one on Peckham high street and the newest in Sutton. They are proudly a family-run business, now owned by Rick Poole, grandson to Michele Manze. I spoke to Rick about his experience in the pie and mash industry and the legacy behind this South London institution.  

Have you worked at Manzes your whole life? 

Yes, I started working on the shop floor washing up and clearing tables when I was about eleven years old. Then I progressed onto working in the kitchen downstairs, making the pies.  

I understand your family immigrated to Bermondsey from the Amalfi coast- why did they immigrate? 

My Italian family were peasants who had no money or jobs and came over to England on a boat. The children of the family, including a three-year old Michele, walked barefoot from Ravello to Naples.  

Has there always been just three Manzes shops? 

No, the highest number was 14- there were shops owned by Michele Manzes brother Luigi Manze that went by L.Manze. Now currently there are only three M.Manze shops in London.  

Which other pie and mash shops are your main rivals? 

Arment's Pie and Mash in Southwark.  

You introduced ice creams onto your menu last year - do you have any more exciting plans for the future? 

We are hoping to introduce puddings onto the menu; traditional British desserts like apple pie, bread and butter pudding.  

What are your opinions on the jellied eels and stewed eels you sell? 

Eels are a delicacy, they used to be a staple of a Londoner’s diet, now they are a British delicacy. 

How do you like your pies? 

Double double (two pies two mash) with liquor.  

What is your favourite thing about Manzes? 

The history. 

A not commonly known fact about Manzes? 

The family last name is spelt wrong- it is actually spelt Mansi however when my relatives came to England, they didn’t know how to spell the name hence the spelling Manze.  

 

I greatly enjoyed interviewing Rick and learnt many insightful things about his family, the history of Manzes and the pie and mash industry.  

 

Thank you to Rick for the interview - Manzes has been a renowned London establishment for over 100 years and I’m sure that it will be for the next 100.