Our eventual destination was Chapel Market this January 11th past. But the stout revellers of the pie and mash club had first to contend with that most feared scenario – a shut shop at Camden Road. At the fabled hour of 13.11 the rovers faced the drawn portcullis of Castle's, with no notice served.

Five minutes were counted down, a flimsy notandum affixed to the shutters, and then a bus flagged down; destination Chapel Market, Angel.

The threat of closure has hung over Manze's historic premises since mid-2017, but Marion [l] and Tracey [r] have been holding this fort valiantly under the heavy-hanging hoarding of the estate agent [see top pic].

Manzes was under the sole operation of these two formidable ladies; one would hesitate to describe them as a skeleton crew. Waiting for a fresh batch of pies to come forward from the kitchen, we ranged ourselves leisurely in the aft booths.

When those pies arrived, the orders were barked out from the counter and each went to fetch their respective combo. The dim [some might say dingy] lighting showed off the billowing vapours to maximum effect, creating a unique atmosphere of spartan cheer.

Ladies such as these are wise to the benefits of steam for complexion. The effect can be enhanced by draping a dish towel over one's head and plate.

Doug dug in and Everton looked ever so pleased with the prospect before him. There's a degree of sartorial sharpness about the champ, often enhanced by a well chosen accessory. On this occasion it was a stylish Vivienne Westwood Chelsea badge, depicting the famous Worlds End clock.

Terry Moore prefers to cut through with a knife where one is available.

No eels, neither stewed, jellied nor live.

Marble, tile and mirror splendour.

Digging in progress.

A classic conclusion.

After the carbohydrate-rich fare, Terry and Ed looked as highly glazed as the shop itself.

Lights on/off.

What a marvellous interior; it has been utilised as a period location for film dramas. Will the pending A3 restaurant lease retain its classic fixtures?

A stack of spent pie tins is unlikely to feature in the shop’s new incarnation.

The little hand was approaching three by the time we came to settle up.

It was poignant to think that this could be the club's last visit to this iconic Islington establishment; made more so by better pies than we’ve enjoyed here in some time.

Chapel Market, early 2019.

If your eyes are downcast, you will observe a distinctive blue waymarker plaque showing the course of the Islington Tunnel directly below your feet.

A few short steps away is a corner pub, the Alma, where the team ensconced itself in a snug.

But the sport was not over. Regular viewers will recognise the grizzly physogs in the pictures below. Arriving ‘close to the appointed hour’ they found Castle's tight shut. In Pead’s words: ‘The drawbridge was up and hungry invaders were repelled and horrified by the large "shut" sign adorning the tessellated windows. Royal College Street was bereft of any kindred souls and a quick search of nearby hostelries and bars of ill-repute failed to uncover any stodgy stalwarts of the Pie and Mash Club. A quick decision was required. Luckily, the Ace of Pies was up to the challenge. First he steered me back on to the overground train at Camden Road. At Kensal Rise he took me onto the street and we waited patiently at an omnibus stop. When a 52 double decker came along, I was ushered into a seat near the back for a few minutes before we rang the bell and alighted just around the corner from the Portobello Road. Moments later, we were at the counter in Cockney's  being dished up a double double with liquor. Hooray!’

A day when initiative, determination and reliable public transport prevailed over the dreaded shut shop scenario.

St@