London Hospitality Update - Forman's Fish Island Readies for 2012 Olympics

(ATR) The owner of Forman’s Fish Island tells Around the Rings the London 2012 Olympics offer far more than just a legacy for sport.

Lance Forman was speaking last month at an announcement of the restaurant’s art exhibition at the Games entitled "In the Rings with Ali" to include intimate pictures taken of Olympic champion Muhammad Ali.

The oldest producer of smoked Scottish salmon in the world was also launching online Games-time booking for the restaurant, owned by Formans who have been in the area of East London for more than 100 years.

Forman’s original premises were located where the Olympic Stadium now stands. He had to endure a protracted two-year battle to secure his present location on Fish Island, a stone’s throw away across the River Lea from his original site.

"There is a huge myth: where Westfield has been built, that was all derelict land," he told ATR. "The rest of it included thriving businesses, including ours."

Forman went on to talk about the Olympics providing more than just a sport legacy.

"People talk about the Olympic Stadium and what’s going to happen to it, but there is more to legacy than just sport," he said.

"This will be Forman’s third London Olympics, only this time it’s on our doorstep. Through our endeavors, we hope to create a lasting legacy for Fish Island and help the local community build on the attention that will be focused on us by 4.5 billion viewers."

The restaurant is just 100 meters away from Olympic Stadium, making Forman’s closer than any building has ever been to any Olympic Stadium in living memory.

The restaurant has also capitalized on the fact that hospitality inside Olympic Park does not provide VIP access, meaning guests may face a lengthy wait among the crowds at Westfield – the gateway to the Park.

However, VIP guests at Forman’s Fish Island will have the advantage of a specific drop-off point and, in conjunction with Water Chariots, a dedicated boat to carry them to the Northern Gate of Olympic Park for easy access.

"We have already hosted global organizations, heads of state, royalty and sports superstars in this venue," Forman told ATR.

"For a unique VIP experience, whether you have tickets to watch the Games or you just want to be part of the fun, this is it."

However, Forman denied that his venue would prioritize hospitality during the Games, maintaining that he will be as much open for the public as he will for VIPs.

With ongoing renovation work taking place in the venue, Forman is confident that he’ll be able to host up to 8,000 people a day during the Games.

Both in the restaurant and on the roof terrace, guests will be able to enjoy traditional British food and wine from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. while watching live Games action on large screens – and even hearing the roar of the crowd from the Olympic Stadium itself.

Reported in London by Christian Radnedge.

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