January the 13th 2024, will be a day forever marked in infamy. Due to a tragic incident of miscommunication, your scribe turned up at Manze’s in Braintree at the allotted time, only to find no-one else had turned up.

After skulking off back to the train station after quickly finishing off a 2&1, shortly after two more club regulars appeared on the scene, Harry Limby and Karen Ramos, who carried on the baton in this unexpected relay race.

This branch of Manzes was opened in 2017, by siblings Tim Nicholls and Jacqueline Cooper, who used to run the much-missed Walthamstow branch, which the club visited a number of times prior to its closure two years ago.

Limby took advantage of Peter Harvey’s absence, by shortening the gap at the pole position in the league to a difference of 2.5 points, by consuming a hefty 3&3 plus dessert.

Pillars of steam emitted from pies when served, the perfect antidote to a chilly mid-January afternoon.

This shop also offers Cherry Pie & Custard for the discerning sweet tooth. Although these are cooked to order, which is a common practise in pie & mash shops, so a 5-10 minute wait is to be expected.

Indoor topiary added to the cosy atmosphere of the shop, which only holds 4 tables and up to 20 seats.

We were joined briefly by Pete (right), a friend of Harry’s who hails from the local area, whom popped in for a quick chat. Before long they posed for a post-pie selfie, as is common in this social media heavy age.

Fromage

MG