The meeting of Thursday 8th April was something of a modest affair, but the April showers lent an edge to the appetites that came to the table in Clarke's of Exmouth Market. It was the perfect weather for slurping that marvellous restorative eel water straight from the bowl.

Big Ben you can see getting ready to tuck in, Big Al splashing the hot stuff all over. We have to thank Miss Delphina Jones for this splendid culinary innovation, which first made its debut last season(ing). Alas, great ideas do not score points in this contest, only the consumption of hearty comestibles dished up from the counter. A bit like life, don't you think?

In this pic. you can see the wonderful spread laid out before me. All this was produced without a water supply — out of service for most of the morning — which makes the achievement all the more amazing. Just out of shot was a lovely cuppa made with real milk and served in one of those new fancyschmancy curvy cups — I'll try and remember to show you what they look like next time we go.

As we left, I was asked the whereabouts of the rest of the gang — well, only you rabble can answer that.

Anyhap, that large portion, combined with the absence of Richard Lucas, has made for an interesting top-of-the-table clash in the run up to the season's end. The eleventh meeting will take place on Friday 30th April . . . I invite your suggestions for a suitable venue.

Bye, St Atman