A nondescript November noon saw the Pie and Mash Club at large in Battersea, ascending the fragrant, gentle slopes of Lavender Hill in search of the Golden Pie. Given recent tumultuous events, the Club’s previous visit – some twenty months previous – seemed a lifetime ago.

We found within a somewhat muted atmosphere, but the reassuring presence of pastry chieftain Ali Ziweck and the promise of platefuls of his professionally prepared pies wafted the spirit upwards in a transport of steamy delight.

Not much change on Ali’s gravy-coloured menu board aside from an extra 50p on the staple item.

Close-ups of the foodstuffs.

A ladle of eels sets you back £4 – no change there.

A double act featuring Riley and Pead never fails to entertain. Delighting us with their bluff, banter and badinage, they are truly a generously proportioned pair of Twickenham Wits. Photographs of their pies were already in circulation on Twitter before the pepper had settled.

Clapham Junction facilitates south-westerly rail travel into the capital. We can be grateful of the direct link from New Malden whence issued Linda Jones at modest expense to enjoy the Golden experience. With an unshakeable grasp of utensil and liquor-themed sartorial accessories, Linda proves it’s possible to eat pie and mash in style.

[Far right] This lot would benefit from a tweed overhaul.

Linda pauses the spoon to savour the sweet course – her first dip into the custard with club. Spot the spotted dick.

Dave digs for treacle. All the puds on offer are home made.

Here we have Ali posed with his kitchen executive Kasim.

[Far right] They have the keys to the city, for they are senior railcard holders. One day, I’ll be in the seniors . . .

The ambience was unhurried; while the Friday afternoon traffic buzzed by on Lavender Hill, the dinner table conversation took a diversion down Memory Lane. The benefits of home economy and rationing came up and, as befitting the company of Pete ‘Big Souper’ Riley, we discussed that shoestring favourite Lettuce Soup. Nigel Slater’s recipe calls for pecorino cheese – not easy to procure with a ration book – but powdered milk mixed with salt makes a fine substitute.

The Deliveroo driver kept his helmet on for our group portrait.

With the Asda Superstore carpark just round the corner, Golden Pies is conveniently located for the pie-minded motorist.

Some of the people seen here ended up at the bottom of the hill in the London and South Western Wetherspoons. Wouldn’t you?

St@