Canadian tries pie and mash for first time – but says one part of meal is 'criminal'

After sampling pie and mash for the first time, a Canadian man living in the UK has slammed an aspect of British as "criminal".

Matt Giffen (@mattgiffenn), who regularly documents his new life this side of the Atlantic on , decided to sample what South East London has to offer, visiting Greenwich for a slap-up .

"As a Canadian living in the UK, the concept of pie and mash blows my mind," he began in a video. "Today we're going to find out what all the hype is about and try some for the first time."

Venturing to Goddard's at Greenwich, London - a self-proclaimed traditional pie, mash and liquor restaurant and family-run business since 1890 - Matt curiously asked the liquor included with each dish. "Is there alcohol in it," he pondered to staff. "I'm a bit hungover."

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Reassured there was no alcohol content, whatsoever, he proceeded to order a traditional pie and mash, opting for extra gravy. "Not quite sure what this is," he added, pointing to a bowl of liquor. "This looks unreal," he gushed to his 255,000 followers, tucking into the mash first. And cutting open the pie and taking a bite, he declared: "Oh this is good. It's kind of like lasagne meat with gravy and a pastry."

He continued, holding the liquor aloft: "All of this was six pounds, but I need to ask someone what this sauce is." Throwing caution to the wind, Matt tried a spoonful, only to react with sheer disgust. "If you like this sauce, that is criminal," he said. You might need to be locked up."

It didn't affect his overall experience, however, with Matt awarding it a more than commendable 9.4 out of 10 rating. "This lives up to the hype," he closed. "I feel like a proper geezer eating this." He then joked on his way out: "Life-changing, it was the best pie and mash I've ever had in my life."

It was met with a response from a member of staff who told him the liquor is an "acquired taste". Traditionally, liquor was made using the water kept from the preparation of the stewed eels, which formed the basis of pies at pie and mash shops. Today, that sauce is simply parsley sauce, however.

Responding to Matt's decision to eat the dish with gravy, meanwhile, one TikTok user hit out: "That's criminal behaviour having gravy at the pie and mash shop." Another penned: "Never never eat pie and mash with gravy."

A third agreed: "That’s not traditional with gravy." While a fourth cursed the establishment: "No self-respecting traditional pie and mash shop would give you gravy."

Goddard's says of its pies on its : "Goddard’s have been serving pie and mash in London for over 130 years. While we stay true to the origins of London pie mash and liquor we also know that it is not to everyone’s taste."

And promoting its traditional pies, it adds: "The most traditional London meal of them all. 100% minced beef pie with mash and liquor. Splash on some chilli vinegar and season for taste. Simply the best!"