Welcome to Mēs in Kensal Green, a little neighbourhood spot specialising in traditionally hand-crafted pies.
But trust us, there’s nothing crusty about this place.
Founders Fernando and Martin met while working at The Cow in Notting Hill, and they’ve taken their culinary nous – plus a little know-how from their grandmothers – to open their vision of a modern pie shop, just down the road from Kensal Green tube.
The name Mēs is the Latvian word for ‘us’, inspired by their hopes to make a space for the local community. And luckily, the community feel the same way: since opening at the end of 2022, they’ve picked up a seriously loyal following.
Step inside, and you’ll find a pared-back space centred around the serious business of making pies. White & jade green tiles give the place the feel of an old-school eel, pie & mash shop, with a handful of simple tables & chairs set out with tea lights. Stretching the length of the space is a long steel counter; the construction site where shortcrust pastry is skilfully rolled out by hand each day, and fillings are ladled in (true to their name, they are filled right up to the brim).
Those fillings vary from week to week, though there are a couple of favourites that rarely budge. You’ll find them all chalked up behind the counter, spanning from the timeless combo of chicken, mushroom & spinach; to their signature ox cheek & root vegetable (slow cooked in red wine); rabbit and celeriac with red peppers; and a veggie-friendly leek, cheese, and truffle that’s enough to tempt the carnivores away – all of which come with the requisite trimmings of cloud-like mash and a generous puddle of gravy.
As for the wine selection, it all changes regularly to keep things fresh. You might come across a Hungarian red combining Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon; skin contacts from Austria; and lightly fizzing rosés like DOPE. They even stock left-field options like Fruktinger, a zippy blend of saison beer, wine and rhubarb juice from Mälmo, Sweden.
Sounds like you might walk out of there a little pie-eyed.
FINISHED PERK: Nudge Members got 40% off drinks for 2 months when sitting in.
NOTE: Mēs is open for eat-in (Thursday – Sunday) and takeaway (Tuesday – Sunday), no need to book – you can find out more HERE.
Mēs Pies & Wine | 996 Harrow Road, London NW10 5NT