These smiles didn't last long. London Underground put the kibosh on our proposed trip to Harrington's of Tooting by placing a person under a train at the Oval. Thinking executively, we left our tube idling at Kennington and bussed to the Elephant and Castle, whence we boarded a 176 to Camberwell. By 1.25 the meeting was back on schedule as we made our final approach to the flightdeck at Arment's.

Mum Maxine and daughter Tate travelled all the way from Kent because 'there's nothing like this where we live'. As it happens, these two are seasoned Pie and Mashers, and recommended the Club visit Kelly's at Roman Road Market. We will.

You might be surprised to learn that 'Maxine' is also my sister's name, and so far the the subject of songs by Steely Dan/Donald Fagen, Mike Rutherford, Pete Shelley, Kardinal Offishal, Sammy Kershaw, Eminem/D12, Ghostface Killah, The Doobie Brothers and the Travelling Wilburys. Did I not know that. It could make a stimulating compilation: 'Maximum Maxine'.

What always impresses me about Arment's is the efficiency of its counter service. With at least 3 ladies serving of a lunchtime, you never have to wait too long for the tuck.

The shop was festooned with patriotic bunting in preparation for a special St George's Day opening on the Sunday. The brass plate is self-explanatory.

Behold the molten cherry filling inside this fruit pie. With a core temperature in 4 figures, this dessert is best described as 'Vesuvian'. When the figures were totted up Rik Lucas's stratagem of points accumulation became clear. Your statistician and the second placer were on the verge of 'escalation' as I threatened to 'get another pie'. To which Rik replied, 'If you do that, I'll only go and get another one myself.' We both knew that it would lead to mutually assured destruction. So we decided there and then to lay down our cutlery.

Far right: the open plan kitchen pie factory!

The flight deck: pies are cleared for take off; incoming dishes at 4 o'clock; roger that, skipper.

Toodle pip.

St@

For more info. on Arments, click on the link below:
http://www.armentspieandmash.com/