Outside the Olympic Park

With a fine batch of Olympic medals under the country’s belt, and the excitement of the Paralympics to come, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Team GB’s fantastic showing by taking a trip to some eating and drinking venues in the shadow of the Olympic Park that champion local, sustainable food. 

The Pavilion Café
Victoria Park, Crown Gate West, E9 7DE

This local institution in the domed pavilion overlooking Victoria Park’s boating lake is a great place to step away from the big screen action in the adjacent section of the park.  It’s open for hearty breakfasts, light lunches and sweet treats, with local and organic produce and delicious sourdough bread, baked on site. 
www.the-pavilion-cafe.com

Forman’s Fish Island
H. Forman & Son, Stour Road, Fish Island, London E3 2NT

Forman’s is making the most of its location on the banks of the Lee River, which it claims is the closest to any Olympic stadium - ever!  The main restaurant will be serving a four-course menu accompanied by live music from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz residency.  There’s also the ‘Fish Island Riviera’ complete with volleyball, a beach bar and street food by Admirable Crichton, which promises fried cod’s cheeks from sustainable stocks, served with spicy ketchup. 
http://formansfishisland.com

The Empress of India
130 Lauriston Road, Victoria Park, E9 7LH

With 12 years experience at Michelin-starred restaurants under his belt, head chef Elliott Lidstone brings his seasonal menu of tapas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes to The Empress.  Using produce from local suppliers including the Ginger Pig and Jonathan Norris Fishmongers, it’s worth a special trip for a pint of London Fields Brewery Pale Ale and a plate of crispy pigs’ ears. 
www.theempressofindia.com

The Counter Café
7 Roach Road, E3 2PA

London’s best kept secret, this café is famed for its full English breakfast with homemade baked beans, potato cakes and tangy chilli relish.  Located just across the canal from the main stadium, the café’s outdoor seating is a great place to marvel at the Olympic Park while enjoying a coffee and one of its delectable brownies.  
www.thecountercafe.co.uk

Crate
Unit 7, White building, Queens yard, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN

This newly-opened craft brewery and pizzeria is a business owned and run by local members of the Hackney Wick community.  The industrial space is set in the White Building, surrounded by artist studios.  Using own-grown herbs, pizzas include sage and truffle potato, Middle Eastern lamb, and sweet potato, gorgonzola and walnut.  
www.cratebrewery.com

Hackney Pearl
11 Prince Edward Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LX

Tucked in amongst the industrial sprawl, the Pearl is stone’s throw away from Hackney Wick overground station.  Its ever-changing menu includes everything from breakfast, salads and steaks to homemade-baked goods and Square Mile coffee.  During the summer there’s a BBQ menu that features sweet-corn fritters and pork belly, which can be washed down with cocktails, wine or Meantime Brewery beers.
www.thehackneypearl.com

The Deli Downstairs
211 Victoria Park Road, Victoria Park Village E9 7JN

Friendly and knowledgeable staff at this old fashioned deli will help you pick out the perfect items for your picnic.  Come for their black pudding scotch eggs or fill up your own bottle with red or white from Borough Wines.   The deli also stocks a variety of hard to find ingredients, such as pearled spelt grains, heirloom tomatoes and wild garlic (when in season).
www.thedelidownstairs.co.uk

Organic Wick
Stour Space, 7 Roach Road, Fish Island, E3 2PA

This volunteer co-operative combines orders for fresh fruit and veg from across the local neighbourhood.  By dealing directly with the wholesalers, Organic Wick is able to offer high quality organic food at bargain prices for collection every Saturday at the Stour Space.  A must for ecologically conscious locals.   
www.organicwick.org.uk

 By Stephanie Dellner

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