Rain grey town, known for its sound, a view of London once mentioned in the song Eight Miles High by The Byrds. This was evidently the case as we touched down on the mean streets of Eastcote, on a damp and dreary afternoon.

After traversing through wind, rain and traffic, we finally made it to Lawrance’s, which shone like a beacon in this gloomy, windswept landscape.

Due to the lack of stewed eels available, we had to settle on the jellied option instead. Nick Evans braved the waves by dousing them with a vial of his trusty hot sauce.

Doug Benford took it up a notch by anointing his eels with a combination of chilli vinegar and hot sauce, this dizzying flavour combination is not for the faint hearted.

Since joining our club just over a year ago, Keith Allwright has always steered clear of the fish option. However, on this occasion, he took a chance and bravely grappled his first eel, which he somehow managed to devour without breaking sweat. 

Meanwhile, Colin Price flexed his jaws, gnawing away with every terrifying bite. With such tenacity he could audition to be the new MGM mascot when Leo the Lion finally retires. 

Three years have passed since our last visit, yet the décor remains reassuring unchanged. Its bookshelf wallpaper continues to fool visitors hoping to peruse through a few literary classics.

Due its relatively diminutive size, this shop only has enough room for six tables. So, whenever it gets busy, it can feel like a game of Sardines.

This green and pleasant land of scrummy golden pies, fluffy mash and torrents of flavourful liquor was a glory to behold. The quality of the fare reflects on the craftmanship of pieman Tony, who puts in the effort with every serving.

[Below] These happy chappies clearly have something to smile about.

Things were getting steamy as Benford waded into the heart of battle. He was well prepared for this all-out assault, suitably donned in a liquor proof gilet that could take any incoming flak.

Ryan Adams travelled from the wilds of Walthamstow to join us on our gastronomic excursion. A veteran of several pie & mash themed Facebook groups, he was keen to escape the tribal warfare, and consume the ambrosial scoff with more genial minded people.

Conversion mingled between mouthfuls of food as the assembled throng ploughed through the pies and harvested in the points.

For those with larger appetites, this place offers a roster of sweet options in their dessert trolley, ranging from hearty classics like Jam Roly Poly and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Your scribe gamely consumed a hefty homemade portion of Spotted Dick with custard, which apparently is enough for two people to share.

Meanwhile, Allwright and Price struck it lucky with servings of Jam Roly Poly. On a cold and blustery lunchtime like today, this kind of warming and hearty fare provides the ideal comfort food.

Our esteemed pieman Tony processes his pastry through a machine that is half way between a mangle and a pasta-maker.

For the past five years, he has run this shop with his partner Michelle. Together they have they have turned the shop into a popular local institution which appeals to a wide clientele, ranging from match day crowds to social media savvy youths.

We exited the shop for a quick photo opportunity whilst braving the punishing November rain.

Seeking refuge from the dreary conditions, we snuck into The Black Horse which is conveniently located a few doors down from Lawrance's. We quaffed a few tipples, while waiting for a break in the weather.

A Hard Rain’s a‐Gonna Fall

MG