Gone Fishing…

Champion Salmon Slicer Darren Matson at Formans

The restaurant at Formans, London

Formans Fish Island and smoke house

Last week, Jenny from the Day Trips department and Mark from UK and Ireland Operations, took a trip to Formans Smoke Island in East London.  This is the East End’s last smokehouse where Smoked Salmon is serious business indeed!  Harry Forman founded the enterprise in 1905 and passed down his passion to great-grandson Lance who runs it today.  Due to it’s compact nature, the factory is a perfect destination for groups.  The staff love to show off their skill for creating the delicious artisan smoked salmon.  A product that sits proudly on the shelves of Harrods food hall, amongst other retailers.

On arrival staff greet the groups with the specialist overalls required before entry onto the factory floor.  There will be giggles a plenty as you don the fetching regulation blue hair net and matching shoe covers!  On the factory floor, Darren Matson who owns the Guinness world record for salmon slicing, will regale you with his really funny jokes…. well, jokes.  He can do this while demonstrating the entire smoking process.  From the arrival of the fresh salmon to its despatch in the form of delicious smoked delicacies.  These products are sent all over the world, from the London scene to luxury super yachts to be enjoyed by the rich and famous!

Tasting

After the demonstration you head upstairs for the all important tasting, can you taste the difference between wild and farmed?  How about smoked and cured?  The tasting takes place in the beautifully designed purpose built restaurant, overlooking the river with views across to the Olympic park.  Here you can enjoy a delicious lunch before you set off for your journey home.

To do this attraction as a day trip visit The Old Smoke  on the Day Trips pages, and watch out for a new UK break coming soon…