The high profile restaurant and entertainment venue is headed by managing director Lance Forman, who became somewhat of a legendary figure in the East End of London after he triumphed in a highly-publicised legal battle with former London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

Forman's original premises were located exactly where the Olympic Stadium now stands and he was given a compulsory purchase order by the London Development Agency (LDA) to make room for the Games.

It was suggested the fourth generation salmon smoking family business move well away from the Olympic Park but Forman resiliently stood his ground to secure a stunning location on the banks of the River Lea, offering premier views of the new Stadium.

The venue is now taking bookings during the Olympics, including for a champagne breakfast and a late dinner and nightclub experience on August 12, the day of the Closing Ceremony.

Forman's will also be offerng lunch and dinner each day of the Games.

The only time during the Olympics when people will not be able to attend is the evening of July 27 when the Opening Ceremony takes place as the entire restaurant has been booked for the after-show party.


"The 2012 Games in London is a once in a lifetime experience and it has to be special for you and your guests," said Forman here today.

"At Forman's Fish Island, we truly have the best of everything – the prime view close enough to hear the crowds roar, the finest British food hand-prepared in our own kitchens, the easiest access, world class art and entertainment and over four years of putting on fabulous events.

"I believe that visitors to this country will judge us by the food we serve at our restaurant at Games time.

"We will show the world, Great British food that reflects our heritge and our artisanal approach.

"We have already hosted global organisations, heads of state, royalty and sports superstars in this venue.

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

The venue is yet to confirm their exact plans during the Games although they remain in talks with a number of parties as they aim to close a multi-million pound deal on hiring out the spot.

Plans to build a second corporate Olympic venue next to Forman's Fish Island, which included a giant sofa and the UK's largest television screen that will be around 100 foot in width, have been scrapped after opposition from London 2012.

It would have been capable of hosting up to 8,000 visitors a day but Forman believes that there will still be action taking place on the currently vacant land during the Games, with nothing yet confirmed.

But the venue received a major boost as they today announced a major new exhibition at the location during London 2012 that will feature Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers who won Olympic gold in Rome in 1960 and then claimed the World Heavyweight Championship three times.

The exhibition, titled "In the Rings With Ali", presents photographs, memorabilia, audio and video installations, text and poetry to celebrate Ali's life achievements during his 70th year.

The exhibition will open on July 19 and run for six weeks, meaning that it will be on during the Olympics and Paralympics.


The show is the brainchild of Dutch photographer Christina Jansen, who photographed Muhammad Ali in the 1980's and wanted to share her experiences of "The Greatest".

"I believe that art and food are an intoxicating combination and I am really excited that the Greatest Olympian will be inspiring our audience at a most exciting time here in London," said Forman, who shares the same surname as one of Ali's greatest rivals, George Foreman. 

"For guests it will be same Ali, but different Forman's, both champions in their own respect.

During the Games, Foreman's will also be working closely with Water Chariots, who will be operating 24 hours to bring guests to the venue on a 30 minute boat ride from either Limehouse Basin or Tottenham Hale.

"A dedicated boat will also be taking our guests to the Northern Gate of the Olympic Park for easy access to the Velodrome," he said.

Forman's was founded in 1905, three years before London hosted the Olymics for the first time.

"This will be Forman's third London Olympics, only this time it's on our doorstep," said Forman.

"Through our endeavours, 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 four and a half billion viewers."

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