Here we are once again at the Pleasure Dome that is Clark's Pie and Mash Shop in Exmouth Market. For those of you out there in Hinternetland, this has been the official 'home venue' of the Pie and Mash Club since Cooke’s on the Cut closed in December 2001.

Pie heads present were Ben Hayes, shown here looking, er, forkful, and Big Al reeling in an eel. Apologies for the low-grade shots - they were taken on Ben's mobile phone as my photo apparatus is in India until 4th March.

Pictured right is Mister Tony Chung. An all-round renaissance man, his many talents include painting, photography, horticulture, cuisine, interior design and graphic design. Therefore it is essential that his creative appetites are well fed, watered and mulched.

What is not clear from the illustration on the far right is that the parka-clad lady is in fact holding a small dog under her arm. As far as I know, the pampered pooch didn't end up on a pie tray in a shortcrust overcoat.

Your statistician slurped the remainder of the eel juice, but his enjoyment was marred by the absence from under the counter of The Pie and Mash Club's Special Hot Sauce. If you find yourself dispensing the last few drips of hot stuff from the Encona bottle, please replenish our supply from the shop next door. You know who you are, you bounder.

If one's whistle wants whetting after all that delicious nosh, one really must insist on sipping from a posh cup. There's just enough room to hook one's index finger through the handle, leaving the pinkie free to point decorously. More tea vicar?

St@