The owner of a ‘unique’ pie and mash has spoken of her delight after the building was given Grade II heritage protection.

Jacqueline Cooper and brother Tim Nicholls have run L Manze Eel, Pie and Mash shop with their parents since 1986.

She said all the features of the shop, in High Street, Walthamstow, are original, as are the recipes used, and the family has worked hard to preserve its distinct character.

"It feels wonderful to be listed, I’m so pleased," she said.

"It’s such a beautiful building. We get lots of people come in that don’t want pie and mash but want to have a coffee and see the interior."

The 56-year-old, who lists Venice as her favourite heritage site, said today’s announcement showed that change should not always be welcomed.

"I’ve always been worried that it hadn’t been listed, there’s the threat that something can be done to it, but now it can’t,” she added.

"Change isn’t always for the better."

The shop has been serving food since 1929 when owner Luigi Manze employed architect Herbert Wright to rebuild the shop in its present form.

It was today visited by Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey to mark the announcement.

He said: "Pie and Mash shops are as intrinsically linked to London as black cabs and beefeaters.

“L Manze’s is a unique part of the capital’s heritage, and is as relevant and popular now as it was when it first opened in the 1920s. It clearly deserves to be given Grade II listed status."

The building was credited by English Heritage as being an attractive example of a highly distinctive London building type.

The shop front’s gilt lettering, white-tiled and mirrored interior, seating booths and marble counters were also said to be exceptional.

Roger Bowdler, Designation Director for English Heritage said: "This 1920s example with its beautifully preserved interior is among the best of an increasingly rare kind, and strongly deserves to be listed."