Mister Hayes and I caught this man in the tricorn hat 'attending to' a scooter outside Waterloo Station. It was not clear if he was mid-theft or issuing a parking ticket, but he was good enough to pause for a photo opportunity.

We shortly afterwards met with Eddie and Dave at Old Street Station to enjoy a pleasant autumnal stroll across the Hoxton cobbles to Cooke's Pie and Mash outlet.

When we arrived there were no pies; we were ordered to a table to wait by the redoubtable Mrs Kim Cooke. As you can see she has a very big dining room. When I asked if she was catering for a large take-out order, the brisk reply was 'always'.

A very long counter, this could well measure the full nine yards. A possible candidate for City Airport Runway Two? Don't nobody tell RyanAir!

Here are nine flights of fancy cleared for take off and a short internal journey.

Graham McLaurin arrived ahead of the pack and here stifles a grimace at having to pause for the pie portrait.

In the background is Matthew Walker, a student from London College of Fashion, who is doing a film and photography course. He has chosen the Pie and Mash Club as the theme for his project. In his words, 'That's really not linked entirely with fashion, granted'. There's nothing fashionable about Pie and Mash mate, it's timeless.

Here is a close up of Statto's spread with the customary splodges of hot sauce adorning the eels.

Dave and Eddy were just across the marble way and kindly accommodated the outdoor broadcasting equipment during the shoot. I was interrogated by the young film maker and his assistant Fay whilst scalding my tongue on the molten cherry filling of Cooke's dessert.

Ben Hayes contemplates absent friends . . . that mound of comestibles belonged to Graham Darlow who set his stall out early and went back for his cutlery (the classic 'no knife' fork and spoon combo).

A five pound loan secured the satisfied grin on the Mosse chops. It was his first foray into the fish menu — well done, Ed — though he is compromising his pitiful scoring average and wooden spoonsmanship.

Our pie lasses were a very cheerful lot, and it led me to surmise that the Cooke's Pie Shop is a very agreeable place to work. I hope they think so. Perhaps it's down to the lucky lovers' horseshoe hanging just above the cash till.

Here is the gang assembled outside the shop. Our genial host Joe Cooke held sway on Hoxton Street addressing all and sundry on eels — supply, demand and quality. In his monologue he bemoaned the demise of the reputable 'sole' trader, armed only with a first name, telephone number and a three ton van. On a more optimistic note, he claims the Thames is once more running thick with Anguilla anguilla; you can walk from Gravesend to Tilbury on the backs of 'high eels' without getting your toes wet. Ed Mosse can barely contain his excitement.

Downtown Hoxton showdown lowdown . . .

at sundown.

St@