This was a somewhat low-key outing to Joe and Kim Cooke's parlour in Hoxton. Of all the shops the club has visited, this probably has the most open and welcoming ambience. The cutlery box is without knives, and the tiled floor is covered with sawdust — perhaps a reverential nod to Hoxton's gritty history. It's nice to know that there is still a Dewhurst's across the way and a Peacock's just down the road, but since Hoxton Square has become the centre of the trendy universe, who knows for how long this parade will retain its working class identity?

The grub passed muster — the mash remains the fluffiest on the circuit — but on this day the liquor was a bit sour- tasting. And I left the hot sauce behind on the table — what will they make of that?!

Man of the moment Tom Leader was very much at large, and would have amassed 26 points were it not for the monophonic rendition of 'Black Night' courtesy of his mobile apparatus. Tut-tut — it's in The Rools, it's not right, and I don't feel so bright. Maybe Tom, you'll find on the way down the league, that you're free, free to be you.

As you will note, I forgot my camera, so you'll have to make do with these excellent pix courtesy of Chris Clunn. Although taken at least 12 years ago, our genial host (Joe Cook, right) hasn't aged a day. I'll wager his secret is a Dorian Grey-style shortcrust pastry bust in the attic. Oscar Wilde, eat your pies out!