Forman has become a legendary figure in the East End of London after he triumphed in a highly-publicised legal battle with former Mayor Ken Livingstone

Forman's original premises were slap bang in the middle of where the main 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 stadium.

Now Forman is hoping to get his smoked salmon bagel on the London 2012 menu and believes it should be there for good reason.

Forman said: "I think there are a huge number of reasons why our smoked salmon bagel - which we would like to call Britain's Official Olympic Bagel - should be on the menu in 2012.

"Bagels have been produced in Brick Lane, East London, since the mid-19th century while smoked salmon has been produced in East London since late 19th century.

"A bagel is a 'ring', which is representative of an Olympic ring or the Olympic stadium and, unlike a lot of the food served at an Olympics, it is healthy, nutritious and delicious.

"It can be enjoyed at any time of day from breakfast to late at night and, while it is also an 'ethnic food', it is British.

"The bagel wouldn't offend any religious group - like a ham sandwich or eels would as I know only too well - the Olympic stadium is built on a smoked salmon factory.

"It is affordable with a touch of luxury while both key ingredients (bagels and smoked salmon) freeze well, so large volumes could easily be produced for large scale supply and then compiled last minute.

"It goes without saying that for East End authenticity, this would need to be Forman's 'London Cure' smoked salmon and because it could be launched as Britain's Official Olympic Bagel or 'BOOB', it lends itself to good, old-fashioned East-End humour and I'm sure we could find a way to get Barbra Windsor involved in the promotion!

"Internationally Britain is considered being in the Dark Ages when it comes to food but we actually have some of the best food ingredients in the world, some of the best chefs and restaurants, and a huge diversity of food.

"I want those two or three million visitors that come over here to leave and realise that those Brits can actually cook."

The difficulty for Forman in getting his snack on the London 2012 menu revolves around major London 2012 sponsors such as McDonalds, Coca-Cola and Cadbury's providing the official food.

However, Forman is optimistic that a compromise can be reached.

"We have approached London 2012 about the idea and they are definitely interested in it," he said.

"They obviously have their commitments with the main sponsors but hopefully we can find a way to work together to provide a healthy alternative.

"One problem would be that we wouldn't be able to use the 'Forman' brand on the packaging, which is a shame considering we are overlooking the Olympic Park and less than 100 yards from the stadium, but getting our quality product out there and selling in shops and supermarkets throughout 2012 is the main thing for us.

"Mayor of London Boris Johnson is a huge fan of the bagels.

"He tried them when he came here recently and we put five out in the shape of the Olympic rings for him.

"He absolutely loves them and is an unofficial ambassador."



Forman also admits there is huge irony in the fact that London 2012, which he claims almost put him out of business, is now providing him with unrivalled opportunities and leaving major corporations - rumoured to include Adidas and Nike - fighting to hire the venue for the Olympics and Paralympics in multi-million pound deals.

He said: "It is strange that the thing that first trampled all over our business and threatened to destroy us is now providing us with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to develop our brand and provide hospitality.

"I will probably write a book about it all one day.

"It is something I have had to fight very hard for but I am very pleased now with that fact that I can be positive about the Olympics and that our bagels can perhaps be a key part of it.

"The disadvantage of the bagel is that Smoked Salmon Bagel is an anagram of 'Medal gloom sank Seb."

"It is not a good omen for the great man but I am sure he loves them nonetheless!"

Regarding Britain's Official Olympic Bagel, a London 2012 spokesperson told insidethegames: "Our teams are currently concentrating on finalising the contracts for our master caterers for the Games.

"More detailed work on elements such as signature dishes will begin in earnest next year."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]