A Walworth pie and mash institution is doing so well it has decided to open a franchise on the tourist trail, after more than a hundred years keeping the business in the family.
Arments’ pies have been selling like hot cakes in their Westmoreland Street shop for generations and their new online ordering service has tripled its sales in the last year alone.
In an historic move for the firm, which was set up by William and Emily Arment back in 1914, owners Roy and Cheryl Arment have licensed the first franchise of the popular pie and mash shop right next door to the tourist and foodie hotspot, Borough Market.
The new branch – the first to not be run by an Arment – will open in Green Dragon Court next week in time to catch a throng of summer visitors to the capital who are hungry for an authentic taste of south east London.
“I know we provide the real genuine cockney pie and mash, it’s not an imposter, and for people to experience that as it should be is brilliant,” Cheryl Arment told the News. It has been a difficult decision for Roy and Cheryl who want to preserve the heritage of the family business, which was awarded the Southwark Blue Plaque last year. “It’s never been out of the family before,” said Cheryl.
“We want to keep the heritage but take it further afield.”
Roy and Cheryl have granted the franchisee owner Farhen Enver, the license to sell Arments’ pies, which will still all be baked on site at Westmoreland Road, using the family recipe.
He will open the doors at a launch event nextWednesday and will be open till 9.30pm from Monday to Saturday.
Pie and cash – £1k raised for Evelina
Arments’ has raised £1,000 for the News’ Evelina appeal after a year of fundraising activities.
Selling creepy cupcakes at Halloween, running raffles and customer donations have all added up to the impressive total – which will go towards buying much needed equipment a the local children’s hospital. Roy and Cheryl Arment have always supported the Evelina because Cheryl says it is a cause close to her customers’ hearts. “From our experience it touches a lot of people’s lives,” said Cheryl. “It’s a local hospital and there’s nearly always someone who’s had an experience or knows someone who’s been there and we like to support the local community.”
To find out how you can help the News hit its £100,000 for the Evelina, visit www.evelinachildrenappeal.com
Wish you had one in Bromley