PIE, mash and jellied eels are set to arrive on Wanstead High Street as a family-run business with traditional values attempts to beat the credit crunch.

June Robins, 71, owner of Robins Pie and Mash, is opening her fifth shop and believes the economic downturn has led to a return to tradition values.

“In this economic climate people are going back to pre-war ideas,” said Mrs Robins.

“People are looking after every penny, and pie and mash is coming back to the fore.

“Nourishing wholesome meals, fresh ingredients and a hot meal for £2.80 - you can’t get better than that.”

With the meat sourced from Scotland and delivered to A.G. Dennis butchers in Wanstead High Street, Mrs Robins is a firm believer in fresh ingredients.

“I would never serve or sell anything I wouldn’t eat myself,” she said.

“All the pies are made fresh every day and people can sit down and get a hot meal - pie, mash and liqueur.

“We supply West Ham Football Club on matchdays, and our pies are so popular we even sell them in Spain.”

However, the opening will be tinged with sadness, following the death of Wanstead Cllr Allan Burgess last month.

“I’m sad that Cllr Burgess won’t be around to see it,” said Mrs Robins.

“I knew him well and he wanted to be at the opening.”

Mrs Robins opened her first shop in Queens Road in Upton Park 43 years ago, and after moving to East Ham she opened shops in Basildon, Romford and Bow.

And with her traditional East End food, Mrs Robin’s business operates under traditional family values, with her grandson Edward becoming the fifth generation of her family working in the business.

“I have family members in every store, so I know everything is perfect,” she said.