Robins

Date of visit: 15th May 2026
Score: 10/10

Robins own several pie and mash shops in the east. I’ve previously blogged about the one in Romford, which is a favourite of mine. I happened to be in Chelmsford for the cricket recently so I thought I’d pay a visit. There used to be a Cookes shop in Chelmsford too but sadly this has shut. I did check just in case, but it has long since gone.

Anyway, I went into Robins for a pre-cricket lunch. The price list is the same as Romford and the shop was giving me déjà-vu. It wasn’t the same as Romford but it was kitted out similarly. And not surprisingly the quality of the food was the same. The service was friendly too.

I ordered the double-double with a cup of tea. The pies and mash cost £10.50 and with the tea, £12. This is a very reasonable amount to pay for lunch. The food kept me going until dinner time.

The pies are made in the shop. The mash is served on the side of the plate as two scrapes.

As usual, I flipped the pies and added chilli vinegar to one. As expected, the pie was delicious and full of beef. The beef was finely minced and the chilli vinegar not too hot. The pastry was a little tougher than usual, but nothing that I would complain about. The liquor was a perfect accompaniment to the pies, not overpowering but enough flavour to complement them. The tea was dark and strong (regulation builder’s colour) - just how I like it.

I’d been to the gym before and the food didn’t touch the sides on the way down. Another shop that is highly recommended.

Robins
53 High St, Chelmsford, CM1 1DH
Tel: 01245 491274
Web: robinspienmash.com/pages/robins-pie-and-mash-chelmsford
Hours: 1000-1700 Mon-Thu; 1000-1730 Fri-Sat
Cash only.