We began the new year braving the January gloom as we strode down the streets of Deptford, to pay our last respects to Manze’s, a local culinary institution since 1914.

Alas, it was recently announced that the shop would be closing on the 25th January, when owner George Mascall retires, which coincides with the end of the yearly lease.

Since news of its imminent closure broke, trade has picked up tenfold. And due to increased demand, stocks often run out shortly after 12pm. So, to keep ahead of the crowd, we abandoned tradition and pushed back our usual meeting time earlier to 11:30am, the earliest time the club has ever convened.

Like the calm before the storm, the shop was near empty when we arrived, prior to the lunchtime rush. George had graciously reserved two tables for us in preparation of our visit.

The magnate of mash, Terry Moore struck into his first pies of the year, accompanied with his usual double portion of spuds.

Meanwhile, a combination of zero engineering works and a pre-scheduled holiday week allowed Andy Saunders the ideal opportunity to push the boat out and go ‘in for the eel’ with a humongous triple pie combo.

Due to the absence of eels from the menu, Doug Benford decided to go for a 2&1 instead. Diving into the deep oceans of stodginess, he felt out of his comfort zone and by the end of the meal, he described his physical state akin to having the bends.

Over in the far corner, Keith Allwright tucked into the fare with alacrity. The Wood Green Wonderkid has had an impressive debut season so far, reaching the upper echelons of the league in quick succession.

It was poignant to think this was the last time we would ever visit this establishment. Over the past three decades, we have visited many iconic shops over the years, and each closure feels like another chunk of our past fading into oblivion.

The symphony of chatter mingled with an ongoing chorus of mastication and the clatter of cutlery, which reverberated resonantly across the marble tops.

Ray Goldstone still had his anorak firmly on, despite being nowhere near the sea. The sartorial combination of fisherman’s knit and padded waterproofs came in handy, as it meant he could weather any incoming splashback from the liquor.

Through billows of steam, the mighty presence of Tom Leader hove inro view. As a south London resident, this shop is notable for being only a few miles away from his manor.

Despite a recent wince-worth operation, Nick Evans valiantly strode on with his fare. The health-giving properties of pie & mash are well known for their nutritional value and mental goodness.

Paul Chrysanthou was our high scorer of the day, clocking in with a girthsome 4 pies, 4 mash and 3 liquor by the meal’s end. He was kitted out for the occasion with his custom-made T-Shirt which features all the boroughs of London that currently have a pie & mash shop still in business.

Sarsaparilla is the ideal libation to help wash down the meal. Despite her busy schedule, Vikki Cole-Richardson found time to join us for one last visit to this legendary emporium of pies.

Things were getting steamy as your recorder waited for the mist to settle before devouring his meal.

Since there were no dessert options available, several eager chappies went for another helping of pie & mash for afters instead. Between us we managed to consume nearly two trays of pies or 5% of the shop’s total daily supplies.

Back in the kitchen, George singularly held the fort. Each day he gets up before dawn to prepare for the oncoming trade, sometimes starting as early as 2am.

Having been in the game for around half a century, he is readily looking forward to a well-earned retirement.

Tiled walls with green trim, and benches adorned with decorative ironwork belong to a bygone age, unsullied by the blandness of modernity.

As midday neared, trade picked up, with hordes of customers flocking to the shop for an early luncheon.

George and his assistant Val weathered the storm and swiftly processed dozens of take-away and dine-in orders in quick succession. Our decision to dine early was fully vindicated.

Before going homeward bound, we posed for one last valedictory photograph on Manze’s hallowed grounds.

Our choice of post-pie tipples came in the form of The Dog & Bell. Although partially obscured by renovations, this legendary pub has resided by the banks of the Thames for several centuries. An old school boozer which has defied gentrification, it continues to be a popular attraction for the local community.

MG