Mushy peas recipe?

Does anyone know how to make mushy peas like the kind you would get with fish and chips?  I've tried looking online and there seems to be a lot of variation, some implying you just had bicarbonate soda to peas and leave to soak, others saying you need a special type of peas and one suggested just blending peas.  I really like mushy peas and would love to know how to make them.

Does anyone know how to make mushy peas like the kind you would get with fish and chips?  I've tried looking online and there seems to be a lot of variation, some implying you just had bicarbonate soda to peas and leave to soak, others saying you need a special type of peas and one suggested just blending peas.  I really like mushy peas and would love to know how to make them.

My mother used to make mushy peas for my dad all the time (*shudder*) and honestly I think you need Marrowfat peas if you want them like chip shop peas, the soaking and bicarb is the dried marrowfats (which make the best mushy peas but can be hard to find), otherwise you can used the canned processed marrowfat peas - also use the Farrow's brand as they're the best Blending regular peas wont work, you'll get pea puree which tastes different.

Canned -
http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/tesco-price-comparison/Tinned_Vegetables/Farrows_Giant_Marrowfat_Processed_Peas_538g.html

Batchelors do ready made mushy peas in a tin -
http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/tesco-price-comparison/Tinned_Vegetables/Batchelors_Mushy_Chip_Shop_Marrowfat_Processed_Peas_300g.html

You really do need marrowfat peas, I'm afraid. But I cheat and sometimes just make pea puree to go with fish & chips. It's not quite the same, but it does fill that pea-ish need! 

Yes you need the dried marrowfat peas to make proper mushy peas....then again I'd just buy a can of Batchelors mushy peas!

We used the canned ones.  Lovely with a drop of mint in!