On a random trip to Arment’s pie and mash shop this week the News came across a fan of the Cockney dish attempting his own personal challenge – and we had to film it, writes Callum Smyth…
Calling himself ‘Honest John’, from the Old Kent Road, he had decided to make one of his regular visits to this historic Walworth eatery and challenged himself to down eight pies in just 30 minutes.
When we asked him why, he replied “just because I can” and agreed to us making a Tik Tok video of him doing it.
Arment’s on Westmoreland Road, is Honest John’s pie and mash of choice. The 65-year-old has been a regular here since he was two or thee years old.
He claims the traditional Cockney delicacy is “the food of the Gods”, adding “I was brought up on this”.
Our visit last Wednesday, March 12, was because it is National Pie and Mash week and we knew Arment’s had been dishing it up since 1914.
Honest John was joined by his partner Liz, who joked she was offering moral support, but was not having any, settling instead for an Arment’s cherry fruit pie. She added she would never attempt a challenge like this herself.
Three years ago, Honest John set a personal best record, when he stomached seven pies in 25 minutes.
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He was back in Arment’s determined to beat this. He declared: “Today is an important day, it is what it is”.
We set a timer and John commenced the challenge, taking on 4 pies at a time.
John finished his first four pies in a whopping 11 minutes, starting the challenge off with a surprising edge.
He finished in a record-breaking 24 minutes and 30 seconds, beating his previous title by 30 seconds with one extra pie.
He debated heading down the Walworth Road for a pint, although Liz suggested he “walked off” the challenge instead.
CLICK HERE for more on National Pie and Mash Week and The Modern Cockney Festival taking place throughout March.
