On a sunny Saturday in late February, we headed down to Leytonstone. Its most famous son is Alfred Hitchcock, born here in 1899, in his parent’s grocery shop at 517 High Road. If you look around the area, there are various artworks honouring the master of suspense.

After a lengthy sojourn in the high street, much needed nourishment was sought at Noted Eel & Pie House. We rallied at the rear window shortly after 1pm. With a queue quickly forming inside, we abandoned protocol and entered the shop early, to secure the last few remaining tables.

Some say eels are an acquired taste with their boney structure and gelatinous texture. They can be served in various ways, either stewed with lashings of liquor, or jellied with a whisper of hot sauce. Which is an optional condiment often found in club circles. Evans was seen here liberally splashing his Encona XXX.

The last time we visited this place was on the final stop of our stodge filled triple header frenzy in February 2020. A bout of indigestion denied Andy Saunders the chance to try the pies on that occasion. So, when the opportunity arose again, he was eager to step on the footplate and make up for lost time.

After years of relentless searching through an endless succession of pie shops, it seems Terry Moore has finally reached his state of nirvana. Either that or he’s got trapped wind.

Peter Harvey rates Noted among his favourite pie & mash shops. Judging by the symbol on his t-shirt, he often gives this place his fist of approval.

Ace has dined at this shop on numerous occasions since infancy. It seems like an epoch has passed since Ace was sat on the high-chair at the young and innocent age of two during our visit back in April 2011. Time has well and truly gone by.

A breach in the hull gave the plate a ring of gravy, which curiously reminded me of Evil Knievel’s most famous stunt, the Ring of Fire. Though thankfully, you don’t need to wear flame retardant spandex and a helmet to take on these pies.

In absence of an official club kit, without a shadow of a doubt some of us still like to make a sartorial effort and dress in various complementary shades of green.

For the likes of Keith Allwright, the shop’s relative proximity to his homestead meant a shorter journey than usual, around London’s tangled web of train lines.

Barely a quarter of an-hour had passed before Paul Chrysanthou ordered up a second helping. Ever the pro, he deftly performed emergency surgery on the pies prior to dousing the fiery innards with a dose of chilli vinegar.

By a curious quirk of fate, Evans managed to dollop a love-heart onto his plate. Perhaps this symbolises his enduring adoration for London’s greatest culinary delicacy?

The colour coded benches give the place a match day feel, perfectly suiting the competition sized pies which we devoured by the dozen load. On this occasion, the notion of healthy eating was dismissed as something for the birds.

Apple Crumble is a relatively new feature at the shop, having only been introduced last Autumn. Made with fresh bramley apples and cooked under a dense biscuity quilt. The filling was luscious and flavourful, with a good kick of cinnamon in the background, to help elevate the taste senses.

These puddings have proved to be a popular draw with customers, particularly for those with a sweet tooth.

Now aged 28, Alfie Hak has been helping out with the family business since the age of 10. A fifth-generation member of the pie-making dynasty, since taking the helm a few years back, he has helped institute a number of changes to the business, including local/ nationwide deliveries, dessert options and a wider online presence. Despite this relentless progress towards modernity, the shop resolutely remains cash only.

Vintage signs are dotted around the shop, reminding us of its long historical lineage. Next year, Alfie is planning a big celebration to mark the centenary of his family opening their first shop in Bow back in 1926.

Incidentally, nearly half a century has passed since they moved to their present premises here in Leytonstone.

The Maguffin Squad

With some gastric room left to spare, a few of us strolled north by northwest up the high road in search of refreshment at The Bell. Even with a slight chill in the air, we braved the beer garden, looking forward to the longer days of Spring ahead.

Blooming Marvellous

MG