Central Line doors now go both ways at Stratford

File under “minor improvements to life”. The doors on westbound Central Line trains now open on both sides at Stratford, following the opening of the Harry Potter-ish Platform 3a. For people travelling with prams or buggies, or for those with restricted mobility, it should make changing lines at the station more straightforward. TFL says there is also a new lift for step-free access.

A statement from TFL says:

“When facing the direction of travel, you should exit via the right side of the train to change onto London Overground and National Rail services or via the left side of the train to change onto the Jubilee line, DLR or to leave the station. A lift for step-free access and new signage, to help you plan your route through the station, are also being introduced.”

The potential downside is for visitors, those lacking in confidence, or for the tired and emotional, any of whom might find themselves not quite where they want to be. But generally for those travelling from Snaresbrook or Wanstead this development should be a good thing.

First look at renovated Wanstead hall

So school’s back this week, and for some Wanstead children it will mean going – perhaps for the first time – to the Grove Hall on Grosvenor Road on a regular basis.

The former United Reformed Church hall has been thoroughly renovated by its new owners, Paul Samouelle and Maria Sanchez, who run the Treehouse Nursery on Woodbine Place. The hall will be used for their growing breakfast and after-school clubs.

It’s been a careful renovation, with many original features, such as wood panelling, preserved. The sprung hall floor has been stripped to reveal a beautifully light hue which seems to enhance the decidedly non-conformist style of windows. The entire inside of the hall has been replastered and redecorated, meaning one of Wanstead’s few large spaces lives on. Backrooms have had more substantial treatment to make a number of modern areas, including a small courtyard which had become completely overgrown. Toilets and kitchen areas feel like they could be in a new build.

It must have been a painful decision for congregation members to sell the hall – something they did to fund repairs to the church building itself. They were given their first opportunity to view the work this weekend; if any had feared that a new owner might not respect the building, they will be relieved by what they saw.

Wanstead steakhouse update

Re Wanstead’s forthcoming Queen’s British Steakhouse and Grill, Mark Bentley adds:

Re new Queens Steak place, Wanstead. Did recce to Blue Boar Abridge last night. Can confirm is same owners. Will be welcome addition. vg.less than a minute ago via webMark Bentley
markb999

Saddle up

Spare a thought this weekend for Wanstead’s Gabrielle Collard (@dollycreative) who is about to embark on a Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride (yes, that’s right, uphill).  She is planning to complete the 860-mile ride in 17 days, all in the aid of the Depression Alliance and the Maria Falco Trust.  You can follow her progress on her site, or donate if you wish through her JustGiving page.