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Mystery surrounds pie and mash shop closure
Diss Pie and Mash Shop has suddenly closed. Picture: Simon Parkin - Credit: Simon Parkin
A pie and mash shop that aimed to bring the taste of the East End to Norfolk has abruptly closed less than a year after it opened.
Serving cockney classics including home made pies, parsley liquor sauce and jellied eels, Diss Pie and Mash was launched last October.
Husband and wife team Jon and Maria Munford thought they had spotted a gap in the culinary market by serving up their very own slice of East London. They transformed a former tearoom on St Nicholas' Street into a traditional tiled pie and mash shop.
Jon and Maria Munford as they prepared for the opening the pie and mash shop in Diss. Picture: Simon Parkin - Credit: Simon Parkin
It was given the cockney seal of approval when brothers Gerry and Alan Baxter, who hail from a long line of East End Pearly Kings and Queens, attended a special guest launch night resplendent in their mother-of-pearl buttons covered outfits.
Despite being involved in a number of local events this summer, including Diss Carnival, the pie and mash shop has now unexpectedly closed with the landlord confirming he is seeking new tenants.
Diss Pie And Mash shop.John Munford, shop proprietor and chef with Lee Offord, shop manager.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 - Credit: Sonya Duncan
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A message posted on the Diss Pie and Mash Shop Facebook page on August 13 stating: "Due to reasons beyond our control we have decided to close for the rest of the week. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused."
The now empty shop has not re-opened since and a 'shop for let' sign has appeared over at the town centre premises.
The Diss pie and mash shop premises are now up for rent after its closure. Picture: Simon Parkin - Credit: Simon Parkin
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The reasons of the sudden closure remain a mystery with efforts to contact the team behind the business proving unsuccessful.
Landlord Len Ramsbottom said: "I didn't know anything until I saw it on Facebook. As far as I know they have decided to close. I am now looking for a new tenant.
Pearly Kings Gerry and Alan Baxter brought some traditional cockney flair to the opening of the Diss Pie and Mash Shop in October 2018. Picture: Diss Pie & Mash Shop - Credit: Diss Pie & Mash Shop
"It doesn't have to be another restaurant or café just whoever comes along who wants to rent the property. Time will tell how easy that proves to be. It's tough on the high street at the moment. Shops are closing all over the country."
As well as cockney fare, the shop had served more up-to-date alternatives including vegetarian pies, all cooked from scratch on the premises using local ingredients.
It had won positive reviews from customers, with one stating: "Fantastic pie and mash, the best I've had in a long time. Even the liquor was spot on."
