QUEUES were already forming outside Whippet on Camden Road last Saturday lunchtime, as pie and bagel fans came to get a taste of the East End in Tunbridge Wells.
The shop, which was founded by town residents Nick Mockett and Ed Wyatt, only opened its doors last week but looks set to become a firm favourite with fans of the Manze’s pies and Brick Lane bagels that the shop stocks.
Whippet sold out of pies on the first day of their launch, with Nick explaining how they’ll need to order ‘hundreds’ more pies to keep up with customer demand.
The bagels, pies, liquor and mash are delivered fresh from the capital before being heated and served to customers to takeaway from the counter.
Pies can also be packaged and purchased cold, giving customers the option to heat their goods at home.
Nick, who previously worked at Fine Grind in the old High Street, said: “A lot of ex-Londoners have moved down to Tunbridge Wells, including people from older generations who remember pie and mash from their youth. There’s a real resurgence of these types of shops in London so we wanted to bring that taste of London here, to Tunbridge Wells.”
Manze’s pie shops are famous across London, with the first opening in Bermondsey in 1902. Three shops now remain in Peckham, Tower Bridge and Sutton.
Alongside minced meat pies and salt-beef bagels, vegan options are also available for those seeking meat-free versions of the classics.
Bagels with a range of fillings are available from £4-£5, with all pies £4 and mash servings £2.
Traditional jellied eels are available from £7, for customers craving the real East End experience.
Whippet is currently takeaway only and will soon be available on Deliveroo and other fast-food apps. Going forward, Nick and Ed plan to arrange some outdoor seating for customers to enjoy in the warmer months.
Whippet is open 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 8pm on Sundays.
