David Beckham goes back to where it all began for a pie and mash lunch at his favourite Essex eatery
While Becks may be more used to cordon bleu cuisine, he would rather pop for a pie and some jellied eels at Tony's in Waltham Abbey
DAVID BECKHAM may be more used to cordon bleu cuisine - but loves nothing more to go back to where it all began at his favourite local pie and mash shop.
The former England captain posted a photo on Instagram today of a trip to Tony's in Waltham Abbey - just up the road from where he grew up in Leytonstone.
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Tucking into not one, but TWO pies, on top of which sat two scoops of mashed potato, all drowned in liquor, he posted: "One of those days... thanks Tony."
Not content with just a pie, he also tucked into East End staple jellied eels, washed down with some orange squash - and even some chilli vinegar to lather on to his hearty meal.
It is by no means the first time Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Becks has posted about his love of the traditional fayre at Tony's.
A few months back he took his youngest son Cruz, who plays for Arsenal's academy, there - wearing the same grey flat-cap as today.
While he has also written that the comfort food reminds him of his granddad.
In 2011, Becks was training with Spurs and took the squad to Tony's as a thank you gift to then-boss Harry Redknapp.
Redknapp said at the time: "He had pie and mash delivered from a lovely little shop in Waltham Abbey.
"The foreign lads weren’t too sure. It’s only us cockneys who know what pie and mash is. I was brought up on it so when they came I had three.”
How good is Tony's?
SunSport's picture editor James Holland has been a regular at Tony's down the years, and gives his view on the famous eatery: David Beckham is back in Essex, showing up at Tony's Pie and Mash in Waltham Abbey - a place I know very well. Becks looked happy and at home with his east end treat and reminded me of all the time's I've been there with my grandad, who has the exact same order. A favourite haunt of the world's most recognised footballer and locals alike, Becks is a regular (as regular as a star who lives in L.A. can be). Tucking in to double pie n mash with liqueur and a side of jellied eels. David even had some chilli vinegar to help slurp the eels down with. And I can confirm that there is no better comfort food that reminds you of family - as well as being really tasty!
Shop owner Tony Lane explained at the time: “He has brought his family here as well. Victoria doesn’t eat it, I don’t think she’s a pie and mash girl, but his boys seem to love it.
“David also loves jellied eels – but he doesn’t like the stewed version.”
And Becks, who spends a lot of time in the States, said: "I always miss London. It is one of the reasons why when I am here I always go and have pie and mash with my mum or dad and also go and see my nan.”