Category: Wansteadium

Something special in the way of dinner

Wansteadium’s new food blogger Suki Orange writes;

So we are heading towards the middle of January and resolutions are off to a good start for some. But with recent information suggesting that one in eight of us are likely to surpass our three score years and ten to that magical 100, should any of our resolutions be a healthier diet? All things in moderation methinks.

Moderation should surely then include a weekend takeaway from one of Wanstead’s finest. A recent survey by Valued Opinions, a paid surveys site, revealed that Chinese came out ahead of Indian, Italian, Thai and Greek as our favourite takeaway. Suki has never found any of the local Chinese offerings worth a return visit, though of course the Oriental Chef has its devotees (and any other reviews or recommendations would be welcome).

However, despite the findings, Suki has returned to Wanstead’s newest Indian takeaway – the Tiffin Tin – several times. Word of mouth recommendations are generally pretty favorable, and if the length of wait for delivery is indicative of their popularity then this doesn’t seem to have waned significantly since they opened their doors in July.

Wansteadium hosted several reviews in those early days, but all has gone quite since; a just-a-bit-of-fun Peter Snow-style poll of more than 100 readers found the newcomer in joint second place behind class act The Lane.

But one of the things which made them stand out was their Weekly Special offering, an ever-rotating selection of something you would not normally try. Last week’s special, for instance, was tender pieces of lamb with chickpeas, green chillis and onions in a tomatoey sauce. It was hot, all right, but had a pleasantly rounded flavour which left a slight heat.

But the imprecision with which I describe it points to a larger flaw with the way The Tin (as Suki refers to it in her house) does these specials; most are off menu, and so unless you take particular, dare one say anal, care when ordering, the all-important repeat purchase will never happen. In short, if you don’t know what you’ve had, it doesn’t matter much if you think it’s the most delicious thing in all of Redbridge, you’ll not be able to buy it again.

So, The Tin, if you’re reading, how about a wee note tucked into your beautiful packaging, saying exactly what the special is. Or let Suki know and she’ll keep a list for Wansteadium readers’ reference.

Drop me a line with tasty tips to suki@wansteadium.com.



If Wanstead was a handbag, what sort of handbag would it be?

This is the answer, apparently. For just 125 of Her Majesty’s pounds, you can obtain a Radley Wanstead Chambray bag, pictured, which is described by its creators as “spacious and light to carry”, and a “must-have Spring Summer accessory” with “a wide casual shape and a contrast leather trim”.

The Radley site continues:

A fun rope and leather charm hangs from the handle and there is a quirky sprig and spot pattern on the interior lining. This bag is the perfect size to carry everything you need for a Summer day out

So the challenge for Wansteadium readers is to suggest ways in which the Radley Wanstead Chambray is appropriately named, i.e., in what way is this bag anything like Wanstead? Suggestions via the comments form, Twitter or Facebook please.

Update 2335: Dave Buba up first with:

it understated, tasteful but perhaps a little dull compared to the Radley Loughton which is White leather and brassy and the Radley Chigwell which is expensive but unable to hold much as it is shallow and pretty much useless – although it does feature a special vajazzle pouch inside. Also it’s made of a tough leather the colour of builders tea to match the carrier.

Mark Bentley adds:

Agree, it isn’t quite a Loughton or a Chigwell in terms of sheer baseless front, but somewhat more acceptable than the Radley Leyton, which is re-enforced with a paving slab and a shiny metallic finish to match the chain metal strap.

Last chance for Wanstead Park consultation

It’s the last chance for Wanstead residents to have a say over the future of Wanstead Park, Bush Wood and the western part of Wanstead Flats (ie not the main part of Wanstead Flats). The City of London has been consulting people over future plans, but the deadline for taking part is Friday 7 Jan. Completed forms can be e-mailed to the Corporation, so there is still time to be included. More details, plus links to the forms, are available here.

Twelfth night: How to lose your Christmas tree

Another public service announcement.

Redbridge Council will collect your Christmas tree from your house, and take it away for composting. And in a move which Wansteadium likes very much indeed, you can request the collection online by entering your details at this page: Request Green Waste Collection.

Once booked, trees should be collected within 10 days, though you will have to leave the tree at the edge of your property, which always looks a bit rubbish. But it’s a pretty good alternative to getting pine needles in the boot.