Category: Wansteadium

High class designer furniture shop One Deko, which bravely attempted to give Wanstead High Street a second go a year ago, is finally making its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar. A sign placed in the window on Saturday reads:

“It is with regret that we will finally close our Onedeko branch here in Wanstead. We would like to extend our sincere personal thanks to all who have shopped here over the past five years. If business success was measured in goodwill and support this shop would not be closing but unfortunately its closure is a purely commercial business decision.”

The note also promises that all outstanding orders will be fulfilled, that the Spitalfields branch is remaining open, and that the shop is open to offers for any stock on display. It was in March last year that a previous incarnation of the shop died, only for it to return (amid much Twitter speculation) with a new lick of paint exactly a year ago this weekend.

The closure leaves a prime shopfront open to any entrepreneurs, though this is clearly not the right premises for the much wished-for Robert Dyas to open. (Incidentally, Theo Paphitis – no stranger to Wanstead – recently bought Robert Dyas. We will be tweeting him this article.)

However, the interesting tale of the former chocolate shop continues. The Wanstead Society has lodged complaints that the upstairs windows are not actually sash windows, and the developer is obliged to reinstate the former building. But the newly installed shopfronts clearly have a bit of class about them.

And an interesting point to note for those who appreciate this kind of thing: in an energy saving move, the milk in the new Co-op is – like other chilled goods – not on open shelves.

Householders in Wanstead and the rest of Redbridge are being told they will need to put out their rubbish bags by 6am over the summer, so bin lorries can avoid the weight of Olympic traffic.

With collections starting earlier in the morning, all but the earliest of risers will no doubt be tempted to put bags out before they go to bed – meaning the borough’s flourishing vulpine population could be in for a feeding frenzy.

Letters are to be distributed this week advising residents of the change, which will last until after the Paralympics in September.

Officials recognise the potential for foxly mischief, however. A council statement says: “Residents are also asked to try to ensure that rubbish is stored securely in a bin to prevent it being attacked by animals and spilling out into gardens and roads.”

Anyone including the tweeter below who feared the worst can rest easy.

@AddersAkram @arfanakram @milktastic Received some shocking news. Pigeon spot has has closed down in Wanstead! #nomorehealthyoptions

— Joe Ellis – Grewal (@jegsy_1) July 17, 2012

The Co-op has been refurbished and reopened on Thursday.

Wansteadium reader Ray writes: “Well not quite new but very impressive – even the staff now have smiles on their faces. Looks like Tesco will have some competition if the prices can be brought down a fraction.”

Feel free to add your thoughts below.

Crikey. The Larder in the Daily Mail, and the Sun. And all because of glamorous celebrities sipping coffees while sitting outside. Lawks.

Wansteadium’s food blogger Suki Orange writes:
With a renewed summery spring in our steps, it’s great to have another recipe from Karen Poole, the woman who is (almost) singlehandedly making Wanstead eat more healthily.

Broth of smoked mackerel, new potatoes and leeks in cider

Looking for a perfect supper dish to enjoy on these long summer evenings? Then cook this easy fresh and seasonal dish, it will not disappoint and will be a healthy addition to your weekly repertoire. I have to own up that I ‘borrowed’ this recipe from a friend and it has fast become my latest
food crush.

New potatoes are still in the shops and we should make sure to use them while we still can – although you can just as easily use main crop spuds if that’s all you can find.. Leeks, full of peppery goodness are still in their prime and by now we are all familiar with the positive aspects of eating oily fish. The cider – well sometimes you just need some alcohol to give a dish the perfect twist!

Ingredients (Serves 3-4)
•Two medium leeks, sliced
•1 clove garlic, chopped
•1tbsp olive oil
•1 spoonful of plain flour
•500ml of cider
•680g new potatoes, diced
•125ml vegetable stock
•Two cooked fillets of smoked mackerel, flaked
•Chives, finely chopped
•Crème fraiche

Method

1. Chop the leeks and garlic then sauté gently in olive oil until soft
2. Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes, then add the cider.
3. Roughly chop the potatoes and add to the pan.
4. Add the stock and simmer until the potatoes are cooked.
5. Flake the fish into pieces and simmer for a further 2 minutes.
6. Adjust the seasoning
7 Serve with chopped chives and a spoonful of crème fraiche

Healthy aspect

Potatoes
•Chromium- facilitates the function of insulin and aids glucose metabolism
•Vitamin C – helps blood cell formation and regulates cholesterol metabolism
•Fibre – keeps the bowel healthy and can aid digestion and elimination

Mackerel
•Valine- boosts immune function and calms emotions
•Isoluecine- helps muscle development and repair
•B6- metabolises and fat and protein
•B3- lowers cholesterol and aids energy production

Leeks
•Sulphur – supports liver detoxification and blood glucose regulation.

Karen Poole BA Dip Nutrition CNM MBANT can be contacted at
K.E.Poole@hotmail.com Or www.karenpoolenutrition.co.uk