Pie and mash and a parsley sauce called liquor was first served in the 1860s in Victorian London. It seems as if Mark Noble has been playing for West Ham almost that long.
As with all local players who feel the highs and lows of the dressing room more than most, Noble has gone through it this season. He is still only 30, although there were times earlier in this campaign when he carried such a burden that he looked older.
Now he looks as fresh as a daisy again, he is enjoying his football and, under manager David Moyes, the team is 11th and play Bournemouth at home on Saturday.