A REAL old fashioned cockney pie’n’mash shop has got the ‘thumps up’ from City rail commuters.

Maureen’s Pie & Mash has been named ‘star gem of East London’ in a competition by the DLR.

It was one of four East End attractions on the shortlist when commuters were asked to submit their favourite places to go to on the light rail network.

One passenger nominated Maureen’s in Chrisp Street Market, just a pie throw from All Saints station in Poplar, as “a real piece of East End history and a true gem”.

The shop has been in the same family for the past 50 years, set up by Maureen Patterson at the end of the 1950s.

Her son Jason is the chef today who keeps the pie liquor flowing.

“We’re over the moon to have won the competition,” he said. “It’s been a right pleasure serving up traditional pie’n’mash to the East End for the last half-a-century.”

One enthusiastic diner posted a comment on Maureen’s web: “Like all Cockneys, we all have our favourite pie and mash shop—this is mine. I’ve been eating here since I was a young girl. When visiting the market with my mum, the trip wasn’t the same without dinner here. I went to school not far from this shop—and guess where I went for my lunch.”

Departure, an arts centre, bookshop and caf� near Limehouse station, was on commuters’ shortlist for its home-made food. One DLR passenger described it as “a lovely place to catch up with friends, read a book, work on laptops with free wifi or do some art or sewing.” It also has film screenings.

Fatboy’s classic American diner at Blackwall’s Trinity Buoy Wharf, near East India station, was nominated for its traditional calorific American menu and simple food—a favourite haunt for photographers and film-makers.

Mudchute city farm on the Isle of Dogs, next to Mudchute station, was recommended as a great place to take kids. The caf� was praised for serving healthy meals and snacks.