Posted on April 8th, 2019
Arment’s is celebrating 105 years in business – and we’re going from strength to strength!
Arment’s has been delivering pies to hungry Londoners and pie lovers across the country for an incredible 105 years! SE17 has seen enormous change over the years, but we’ve stood the test of time, surviving two World Wars and economic recessions – and continuing to play an important part in the lives of local residents. Today, our delicious pie and mash is handmade to the same (secret) recipe as it was right at the start – and thanks to you, our loyal customers – our pies remain as popular as ever.
Arment’s – an important place in local history
In 2014, the year of our centenary, we were proud to receive a prestigious blue plaque, as a site of local historical interest. In fact there are quite a few fascinating historical sites to check out in the local area – if you have time in between sampling our celebrated pie and mash!
Local gems to look out for
When it comes to blue plaques, we’re in good company. Famous local resident Charles Babbage has his at the corner of Larcom Street and Walworth Road. Born in Walworth in 1791 he was an inventor, polymath and mathematician, and credited with inventing the world’s very first computer.
An example of another local business that’s still going strong in the area is G. Baldwin & Co. Founded by George Baldwin in 1844 in premises at 77 Walworth Road it moved to its current position – number 173 – in 1969. The business still sells herbal remedies for coughs, colds and other ailments and the shop is London’s oldest registered Herbalist. The store retains its original wooden floors, shelves lined with coloured bottles and old-fashioned counters – entering is like going on a nostalgic trip back in time.
At Amelia Street you’ll find the ‘Pullens’, some of the last surviving Victorian tenement buildings in London – erected by local builder James Pullen in 1886. Now a conservation area, it was constructed as living accommodation fronted by Victorian shops – with workshops to the rear. There are three remaining yards home to workshops that open to the public twice a year. It’s said that Charlie Chaplin lived here briefly, and the buildings are also used as a backdrop for films including ‘The King’s Speech’.
Manor Place bathhouse was built in 1896 for the people of Walworth who suffered not only bad quality housing but a lack of sanitation. The building offered ‘first class’ and ‘second class’ men’s and women’s pools, with slipper baths and showers as well as a laundry. Extended in the 1930s they continued to open right up to the 1960s, when they were also used for receptions and dances. Re-development led to the demise of the baths – with one notable exception – use as a boxing ring for matches including several bouts involving the notorious Kray brothers. The baths were permanently closed in 1978.
For more fascinating local history why not walk the Walworth Heritage Trail? Created by the Walworth Society it takes in local historical sites including the Elephant & Castle, the Cuming Museum, The Old Coroners Court, Herbert Morrison House, Tingley’s Theatrical Supplies on Brandon St, and the Drapers Alms houses.
Arment’s is moving with the times – and enjoying booming online sales!
Arment’s pies haven’t changed – but our business has moved on, with online sales now playing a big part in our continuing success. We decided to celebrate our latest milestone anniversary with a ‘new look’ website, which will be launched very soon. It will be simpler than ever to build your very own personal pie box and get it delivered to your home – or arrange for one to be sent to friends and family living far afield. What better gift could there be than a boxed meal of Britain’s ultimate comfort food?
More licensed outlets = more places to enjoy traditional Arment’s pie and mash
We’re also thrilled to see our licensed sales increasing at rapid pace with recent new licensed sellers in Biggin Hill (Tom Bell) and in Chatham, (The London Pie Company), with more on the way! We only work with 4 & 5-star sellers so you can expect great service at these outlets, along with authentic pie and mash.
We’ll be celebrating our 105th anniversary on Saturday 13th April 2019. Save the day – and pop into our shop for some delectable pie and mash. Alternatively, or why not place an order online and have it delivered to your door? Arments pies make the perfect accompaniment to a cosy night in – and are a cost-effective way to cater for a crowd.
However you choose to enjoy our pies, thank you for your support and for allowing us to carry on serving you traditional British food at its best!
