Tag Archives: East London

Rainham Marshes ~ an RSPB Nature Reserve

24 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by in Family Activities, Havering, Parks, Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, ,

There are very few ancient landscapes remaining anywhere in the Greater London area, but Rainham Marshes is one of them.  This landscape was untouched for centuries as it was set aside for a military firing range over 100 years ago.  Consequently the land form was unaltered and much of the natural habitat remains to this day.  The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) acquired responsibility for the land from the Ministry of Defence in 2000.   RSPB then set about transforming it into a useable nature reserve for people to visit.  Officially opened in 2006, Rainham Marshes is now the largest remaining expanse of wetlands bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary.  With approximately 1,015 acres of marshland, this reserve is an excellent place for Londoners who wish to experience nature.  Given that it is only 9 miles east of Canary Wharf, and the Orbit is clearly seen from here, this nature reserve is a stark contrast from the city on the horizon.

There are over 2.5 miles of boardwalk style nature trails making it is easy to get around the reserve.  When visiting you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter.  Typical birds seen here include the Avocet, Lapwing, Little Egret and Ringed Plover.  Birds of prey, such as the Peregrine, and rare birds are regularly seen here too. Numerous mammals, including a large population of water voles, are found here too.

Visitor Centre:  The visitor centre has large picture-windows that look out across the marshes. Inside the centre are a shop, cafe and childrens play area.   There are also several bird hides within the reserve.

Events:  Special events are scheduled throughout the year with a focus on nature walks and birdwatching walks for novices to experts.  See their website for full details: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/index.aspx

Hours:  The Reserve is open: 1-Nov to 31-Mar 9:30 am - 4:30 pm and 1-Apr to 31-Oct 9:30 am - 5pm.  Admission fee for non-RSPB members is £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family.  RSPB members and Havering residents free.

Nearest Rail: Purfleet (on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street). The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station and then join the path at the Royal Pub. Follow the Riverside path and then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.

Forman’s ~ the last original London salmon smokery - now with a restaurant & Olympic views.

22 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in Artistic Venues, Restaurants, Tower Hamlets

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , ,

Founded in 1905, H. Forman & Son has been a very successful smoker of salmon - with clients such as Harrods, the House of Lords, Wilton’s Restaurant, as well as Fortnum & Mason.  But this successful business happened to be located on land that was to become the Olympic Park.  In order to cede its land, Forman’s was able to secure a wonderful canal-side location adjacent to the Olympic Park - with perhaps the best views of it - and expand from being a smoker, to also being a restaurant, bar, gallery and event venue.  A visit to Forman’s is well worth the trip and for those who would like to view the Olympic Park while either admiring art or dining on salmon - this is the spot.

H. Forman & Son (the smoker): The Forman family came to London from Russia back at the beginning of the 20th C.  The patriarch - Harry (Aaron) Forman - knew one thing well - curing fish.  He started his trade by importing brined salmon from the Baltic.  However, he soon discovered Scotland’s salmon - which were much closer and easier to obtain.  Given how fresh the Scottish salmon were he modified his curing process - known as the ‘London Cure’ (salty and oakey) - and the result was quickly successful.  Soon Henry Forman was supplying London’s best restaurants and stores - something that continues to this day.  There are areas to view the smokery from inside the building and tours are available.  It is significant to note that Forman’s has remained a family business with Lance Forman, Harry’s great grandson, now running the business.

Forman’s Restaurant & Bar:  This water-side restaurant & bar certainly has plenty of the smoked salmon on the menu as well as various seasonal British foods.  Regardless of the menu, the views across the water at the Olympic Stadium are stunning.

Hours: THU - SAT - 7-11pm, Also SAT brunch - 10am-2pm, SUN lunch 12pm-5pm. Reservations suggested - see their website for specifics:  http://www.formans.co.uk/restaurant/

Forman’s Smokehouse Art Gallery:  In addition to the restaurant, Forman’s also has an art gallery with the goal of providing exposure to new artists.  The exhibitions change regularly so check their website for details.  The 600sq. metre space has great views of the Olympic stadium and is on the top floor of Forman’s building.  You can get a drink from the bar, wander the gallery, and enjoy the art and views.

Gallery hours:  THU - FRI 5pm-9pm, SAT/SUN 12-5pm

Forman’s Fish Island:  While least likely to be of interest to the diner or art gallery visitor, it should be noted they do also have a corporate event and party venue under the name ‘Forman’s Fish Island’ as it does hold some interesting events throughout the year - some of which may be open to the public.

Located at: Stour Road, Fish Island, London E3 2NT

Closest rail: Hackney Wick (Overground), Pudding Mill Lane (DLR)

Broadway Market ~ an authentic Saturday street market off the tourist radar.

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by in Free Activities, Hackney, Street Markets

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, ,

If you are looking for a great alternative to Borough Market then the Broadway Market in Hackney is for you.  One of the oldest chartered street markets in London, it fell into oblivion in the 80s and stayed that way until recently.  But it is now in a tremendous resurgence that has made it one of the most vibrant authentic London markets.  Many would agree that this is what a street market should be like, and to some degree is what Borough Market would be like if only Londoners went.

While the market’s primary focus is high-quality locally sourced produce (their motto is ‘Quality, Specialty, Variety’), the market has become a place for the trendy in the East End to go.  With the young fashionable set well represented, its a great place to stroll and people watch.  The quality of the food is excellent, and over 100 vendors are present - one of the vendors has been here for over 50 years.  While fresh produce is abundant, there is plenty of ready to eat food to satisfy Saturday morning cravings, or lunch needs.  The range of edibles spans the globe, and with Regents Canal on one end and London Fields park on the other it is easy to pick up food and go find somewhere pleasant to eat it.  In addition to the food, vintage clothing and artisinal products are well represented.

Beyond the street vendors, there are plenty or shops, pubs, restaurants and art galleries in the area to create a great day out experience.  Some of the historic shops & pubs hark back to the days when shepherds drove their flocks to town down this street, and coal barges travelled the canal - as seen through the jellied eels for sale at Fred Cooke and in the name of the ‘Cat and Mutton’ Pub named after the bridge where the ’cat’ (a coal barge) went under and the mutton went over.   Also, as a point of interest, the market was the location for the 2007 film Eastern Promises.  Hackney is now investing in new toilets at the south end of London Fields as well as some beautification projects to improve the appeal further.  The market is held on Saturdays from about 9-5 (busiest late morning / around lunch)   www.broadwaymarket.co.uk

Located at: Broadway Market (between London Fields and Regents Canal), Hackney

Closest Tube: Haggerston (overground) or Bethnal Green, or closest rail: London Fields.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 5,244 other followers