A gang of four undertook a mid-February trek to the lower reaches of the Thames at remote Woolwich. But we were most fortunate to have in our midst local man Tom Leader of Shooters Hill to guide us safely along highway and byway to that beacon of culture, Kenroy's Pie Shop.

Within we encountered new friend Brian Catchpole, already comfortably ensconced on a pine pew with a piping hot pie or two.

The day's flavour was that of consolidation, with each of the four pie handlers settling for the substantial 2-1-1 combo. Eels were 'off'.

As with other many other establishments we've encountered over the years, there is a certain amount of diversification 'n' chips going on here, but the emphasis is on tradition. Just below the jacket potato menu is an autographed pic of Beckham which vies for attention with an auspicious trophy [see below].

If you'd like an autographed pic of the club's own boy wonder Eddie Mosse, just drop us a line.

These lovely ladies are longsitting regulars of the Pie Shop. [Left to right] Mrs Fenwick, Mrs Rooney and Mrs Whitby. And yes, this Mrs Rooney is a relative of that Mr Rooney, confirming my belief that English soccer and Pies form a symbiotic relationship. A case of foot and mouth if you will.

None of us was in a hurry to jump to our feet after all that consolidation.

I took a closer look at the trophy and gleaned some pretty impressive credentials. The gleaming silverware is a five star award conferred upon Kenroy's in 1996 by the mysterious and magisterial other Pie 'n' Mash Club, and presented by showbiz legends Chas and Dave.

Pine and Mash.

After lunch Tom plotted a course for us through historic Woolwich to the ferry terminus and beyond.

Flavours of Woolwich:

Near right; the former offices of Greenwich Housing Rights.

Far right; this tautological gem is one of Tom's favourites.

Although we went 'this side on', what we wanted was the 'other side' . . . of the Thames of course. The ferry ride is three minutes of classic Thames atmosphere with a whiff of the open sea thrown in. Once disembarked at North Woolwich our final destination was KG5 DLR.

Like the astronaut's view of Earth from space, a trip beyond the Thames barrier to Woolwich helps put one's place in London into a new perspective. Essential.

St@