Back To Season 2023-2024 | The Battle of Bromley: Scott's vs The Old Cockney of Bromley | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Battle of Bromley: Scott's vs The Old Cockney of Bromley | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The battle lines were drawn for a monumental showdown between two of the borough of Bromley’s notable pie & mash shops, Scott’s of Orpington and The Old Cockney of Bromley. A hungry contingent of ten landed on the shores of Orpington at 12:33 hours, in pursuit of the first ap-pie-ntment at Scott’s, just in time for lunch. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The battle lines were drawn for a monumental showdown between two of the borough of Bromley’s notable pie & mash shops, Scott’s of Orpington and The Old Cockney of Bromley. A hungry contingent of ten landed on the shores of Orpington at 12:33 hours, in pursuit of the first ap-pie-ntment at Scott’s, just in time for lunch. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Since our last visit to the shop nearly a decade ago in February 2014, the shop has been re-sited to another unit within the sprawling Walnuts Centre. Although the décor remains largely unchanged, the dining area was noticeably smaller in comparison to the old premises. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Since our last visit to the shop nearly a decade ago in February 2014, the shop has been re-sited to another unit within the sprawling Walnuts Centre. Although the décor remains largely unchanged, the dining area was noticeably smaller in comparison to the old premises. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Colin Price looked eager to dig into his tucker and shore up the necessary energy reserves for a planned visit to Chislehurst Caves. Our long-distance contender Ray Goldstone drove 50-odd miles from East Dean to join the fun. Once seated, he rolled up his sleeves in preparation for the day’s stodge-filled activities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Colin Price looked eager to dig into his tucker and shore up the necessary energy reserves for a planned visit to Chislehurst Caves. Our long-distance contender Ray Goldstone drove 50-odd miles from East Dean to join the fun. Once seated, he rolled up his sleeves in preparation for the day’s stodge-filled activities. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meanwhile some like it hot, like Nick Evans who bravely went for a generous dousing of extra hot Chilli Vinegar, singed with a heaping of Carolina Reaper chillis for that suitably volcanic taste. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meanwhile some like it hot, like Nick Evans who bravely went for a generous dousing of extra hot Chilli Vinegar, singed with a heaping of Carolina Reaper chillis for that suitably volcanic taste. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The fare was deftly served in artistic fashion. This dish would be quite at home in an art exhibition, appropriately dubbed ‘Pie with a Green Halo’. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The fare was deftly served in artistic fashion. This dish would be quite at home in an art exhibition, appropriately dubbed ‘Pie with a Green Halo’. | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We were joined by a pair of Harveys, both Ace and dad Peter were eager to show off their impressive appetites with hefty portions. However, it being a double header, how long would their enthusiasm last? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We were joined by a pair of Harveys, both Ace and dad Peter were eager to show off their impressive appetites with hefty portions. However, it being a double header, how long would their enthusiasm last? | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Some of us like your scribe here took the easier option of consuming a 1&1 to begin with - after all slow and steady wins the plate! My fellow CCCU alumni Andy Saunders relished at the unique opportunity of taking a 28-minute direct train journey from Tunbridge Wells to Orpington, with no changes. Here he is mastering the noble art of anointing the pie. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Some of us like your scribe here took the easier option of consuming a 1&1 to begin with - after all slow and steady wins the plate! My fellow CCCU alumni Andy Saunders relished at the unique opportunity of taking a 28-minute direct train journey from Tunbridge Wells to Orpington, with no changes. Here he is mastering the noble art of anointing the pie. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At the far end of the shop, our noted double-act Karen Ramos and Harry Limby commuted all the way from Brentwood to join us. Karen started off her meal with a side of jellied eels, whilst Harry decided to pace himself with a double helping of pie & mash. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At the far end of the shop, our noted double-act Karen Ramos and Harry Limby commuted all the way from Brentwood to join us. Karen started off her meal with a side of jellied eels, whilst Harry decided to pace himself with a double helping of pie & mash. | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The green and cream tile motif looks familiar, as the same design is used at the likes of Miller’s of Belvedere and Scott’s of St Mary’s Cray. This house style is understandable, since all these shops source their pies from the St Mary’s Cray branch. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The green and cream tile motif looks familiar, as the same design is used at the likes of Miller’s of Belvedere and Scott’s of St Mary’s Cray. This house style is understandable, since all these shops source their pies from the St Mary’s Cray branch. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
These generously filled and rather flavoursome pies were baked by our host Mark Miller who was eager to find out which shop would fare the best in our double header showdown. Intriguingly, the green and cream tiles were adorned by a coiled trim with a raised bevel, that suggests the contours of an Eel when glanced from a distance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
These generously filled and rather flavoursome pies were baked by our host Mark Miller who was eager to find out which shop would fare the best in our double header showdown. Intriguingly, the green and cream tiles were adorned by a coiled trim with a raised bevel, that suggests the contours of an Eel when glanced from a distance. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The gastronauts assembled for a quick group photo before blasting off to the other side of the borough for the second part of our pie & mash odyssey. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The gastronauts assembled for a quick group photo before blasting off to the other side of the borough for the second part of our pie & mash odyssey. | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We were soon on the road. Some of us went by bus, others went by car – even more traditional four-legged forms of transport were considered. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We were soon on the road. Some of us went by bus, others went by car – even more traditional four-legged forms of transport were considered. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The relatively sedate neighbourhood of Chatterton Road was a world away from the noisy hustle and bustle of downtown Orpington. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The relatively sedate neighbourhood of Chatterton Road was a world away from the noisy hustle and bustle of downtown Orpington. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We rendezvoused at The Old Cockney of Bromley shortly before 2:30pm. Five long years have elapsed since we last visited the shop in February 2019, but little has changed in this cockney time capsule. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We rendezvoused at The Old Cockney of Bromley shortly before 2:30pm. Five long years have elapsed since we last visited the shop in February 2019, but little has changed in this cockney time capsule. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terry ‘the Administrator’ Moore was quick to upload another portion of pie & mash to his digestive banks. Having already consumed 2&2 at the first shop, he was firmly in competitive mode. Andy on the other hand prefers his pies flipped. That way he can chow down his fare with voracity and velocity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terry ‘the Administrator’ Moore was quick to upload another portion of pie & mash to his digestive banks. Having already consumed 2&2 at the first shop, he was firmly in competitive mode. Andy on the other hand prefers his pies flipped. That way he can chow down his fare with voracity and velocity. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
However, it was a different picture across the benches. Despite a promising start at Scott’s, Peter ordered a prudent 1&1 – the half hour gap between meals was taking its toll. Harry seized the opportunity presented with another double portion of pies, which helped pull him over the threshold at the top of the league, a-mash-ing the day’s highest score of 31 points. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
However, it was a different picture across the benches. Despite a promising start at Scott’s, Peter ordered a prudent 1&1 – the half hour gap between meals was taking its toll. Harry seized the opportunity presented with another double portion of pies, which helped pull him over the threshold at the top of the league, a-mash-ing the day’s highest score of 31 points. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I found the pies were quite delectable, their succulent filling complemented by the quality of the pastry. It was accompanied by a flavourful liquor that suited it quite nicely. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I found the pies were quite delectable, their succulent filling complemented by the quality of the pastry. It was accompanied by a flavourful liquor that suited it quite nicely. | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notably at this shop, free refills of liquor are available for discerning customers. Nick readily took this opportunity as he tucked into his second mash-free portion of pies. Ray pushed the boat out, and nimbly went for the surf and turf option. With such eager tenacity and appropriate knitwear, he could break out a sea shanty at any time – ‘Roll Pies Roll’ anyone? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notably at this shop, free refills of liquor are available for discerning customers. Nick readily took this opportunity as he tucked into his second mash-free portion of pies. Ray pushed the boat out, and nimbly went for the surf and turf option. With such eager tenacity and appropriate knitwear, he could break out a sea shanty at any time – ‘Roll Pies Roll’ anyone? | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proprietor and pieman-in-chief Yusuf Ismail has been running this shop since late 2018, following a 15-year stint at Cockney’s of Croydon. In more recent times, he has expanded his business operation to include a mobile food van for outdoor events, and plans are afoot for a new sandwich bar situated across the road, which will be run by his wife. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proprietor and pieman-in-chief Yusuf Ismail has been running this shop since late 2018, following a 15-year stint at Cockney’s of Croydon. In more recent times, he has expanded his business operation to include a mobile food van for outdoor events, and plans are afoot for a new sandwich bar situated across the road, which will be run by his wife. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
He was quick to show off the quality of his pies and offered us a complementary serving, which Harry and Karen eagerly took to task. The youth division of the club, seem ready for the cheese course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
He was quick to show off the quality of his pies and offered us a complementary serving, which Harry and Karen eagerly took to task. The youth division of the club, seem ready for the cheese course. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aside from the bunting, the shop is festooned with old photos and sketches of towns around Bromley, images from pie & mash shops and gangster movie-related memorabilia. There’s also a selection of reading material for the prolific bookworm. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aside from the bunting, the shop is festooned with old photos and sketches of towns around Bromley, images from pie & mash shops and gangster movie-related memorabilia. There’s also a selection of reading material for the prolific bookworm. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For afters, the shop sells the likes of Jam Roly-Poly and various types of Fruit Crumble which included Apple and Cherry fillings respectively. Whilst Terry scooped up the last portion of Jam Roly-Poly, Harry and Karen went for the crumble option. Which unusually for such a dish, had a sponge layer at the bottom with a fruit filling in between, which made for a stodgier eating experience following a flurry of pie & mash. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For afters, the shop sells the likes of Jam Roly-Poly and various types of Fruit Crumble which included Apple and Cherry fillings respectively. Whilst Terry scooped up the last portion of Jam Roly-Poly, Harry and Karen went for the crumble option. Which unusually for such a dish, had a sponge layer at the bottom with a fruit filling in between, which made for a stodgier eating experience following a flurry of pie & mash. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As we paid by coin, Yusuf was quick to show off his collection of antique coin operated displays, that had a rather humorous edge to them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As we paid by coin, Yusuf was quick to show off his collection of antique coin operated displays, that had a rather humorous edge to them. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 9-aside team assembled en masse for a group shot, proudly having conquered two pie & mash shops, without a single drop of liquor being spilt. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 9-aside team assembled en masse for a group shot, proudly having conquered two pie & mash shops, without a single drop of liquor being spilt. | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Following our pie-filled conquest, we celebrated the spoils of battle with some rewarding tipples at the Chatterton Arms. A local boozer for local people, it felt like another step back in time – where the barmaid could mentally calculate the correct amount of change, and the local fishmonger peddled his wares in the saloon bar. Cockles and mussels, alive, alive oh! MG | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Following our pie-filled conquest, we celebrated the spoils of battle with some rewarding tipples at the Chatterton Arms. A local boozer for local people, it felt like another step back in time – where the barmaid could mentally calculate the correct amount of change, and the local fishmonger peddled his wares in the saloon bar. Cockles and mussels, alive, alive oh! MG | ![]() | ![]() |