On October 15th, a bold team of 'imagineteers' stepped on board a 188 Bus, questing for the oldest pie and mash shop on the face of the earth. The heavens obliged them with perfect p-n-m weather — a blend of reluctant drizzle and recalcitrant showers.

The perennially popular Manze's of Tower Bridge Road was the destination, and a plate of their heartwarming grub was just the ticket at the end of the journey, as these smiles testify. Nice to see that the time-honoured tradition of 'mash scraping' is practised at this shop.

Although none smoked, the 'nature's ashtrays' provided a nice nautical touch.

It was reassuring to know that we were being watched at all times by an array of discreet video cameras, though worrying to think that the footage could be edited, packaged and sold on unlicensed bootleg dvds around the world by unscrupulous racketeers. I decided not to quiz the ladies in green on this, but elected instead to capture the friendly and relaxed atmosphere which the impeccable staff of this establishment help to create.

[Click here to read a recent review of Manze's by a professional 'waffleteer']

On the way back, we couldn't ignore this impressive shopfront. The roof was crying out for the tender loving care that only a certain tpye of London Builder can provide.

Finally, spare a thought for a bollard the next time you pass one. Out there in all weathers, the most that this humble piece of street furniture can look forward to is being visited upon by the local dog population.