On 27th January, the club went in search of Blue Plaque Pie and Mash. Into thitherto uncharted expanses of Peckham we ventured, unperturbed by our departure from London Bridge's eerie Platform 13. At the end of a 10-minute rail journey we disembarked to enjoy a brisk walk up Rye Lane, a-throb with lively vendors and shoppers all contributing to a convivial atmosphere. Manze's Eel & Pie House was located just around the corner, commanding an impressive view of the Peckham Village one way system. Its east-facing aspect was made all the more cheerful by spotless double-breasted windows and serving staff alike.

Subject of heated discussion in an earlier episode, the famous blue plaque is located high on the back wall of the forward dining area. Quality and quantity of the portions stood up to our rigorous inspections and dissections as we settled in for a marble-topped chomp in tastefully tiled surroundings.

Pictured on the far right is the avant-cuisine pin board menu - how long before we see an ironic pastiche of this in the trendy eateries of Clerkenwell and Hoxton? Note the additional option of gravy and vegetarian pies, 'ready in 5 mins'.

Quite apart from its good value quality fare, what makes Manze's of Peckham a cut above the rest is the friendliness of its staff. Seen here (left to right) are Lizzie, Michelle (who was drafted in from Manze's in Sutton to help for the day) and Chrissy, a true Peckhamite who only crosses the village limits on high days and holidays. Note the trademark emerald smocks of the Manze's empire.

Looking wistful here is chef Chris, mild-mannered custodian of close-guarded culinary secrets. Nobody, but nobody, from 'above' is allowed below stairs to see what makes a Manze's pie so special. Many an espionage attempt has foundered in the dumb waiter, which is believed to stop at a subterranean level well below 'B'. And they say the key to a successful pie is a very hot oven.

In conclusion, we decided upon 4.5/5 for the overall experience - the blue plaque is well deserved. This is definitely a 'people's choice' pie and mash shop, and it puts me in my mind of that old chestnut, 'hands build houses, hearts build homes'. As we sat imbibing a post-prandial sarsaparilla, there seemed to be no great rush to get away - which is the mark of a truly welcoming establishment. Recommended.

Left: Community policing in action at the Aylesham Centre.
Right: Peckham Rye's skies.

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