Tale of fume and fury

In 2005, Forman's smoked salmon manufacturers - situated in the East End since its establishment in 1905 - was forced to relocate to make way for the 2012 Olympic stadium. And Forman writes at length about the painful search for a new site, alleging dodgy deals and evasions by the LDA and various property groups and steering committees associated with the Games.

While the press, in the run-up to the Olympics, largely presented a positive view of a boost in employment, tourism and goodwill to all men, Forman claims that many of the decades-old, family businesses pushed out by the Games buckled and accepted a pay-off to close down, rather than try, like Forman, and fight the LDA, or relocate.

Lance Forman worked hard to stand up for his business, and the livelihood of those who worked for him; he took on the role of press spokesperson, PR and private investigator on his own behalf.

One has to admit that the prospect of reading a book about smoked salmon production and massive construction activity is not the most compelling. But I did find myself compelled to get to the end and find out how this small, family outfit combated the might of the LDA (learning along the way about the transformation of smoked salmon from a staple of the Jewish East End into a gourmet foodstuff).

You can decide for yourself who really won the contest - the Olympics or Forman. Nevertheless, like any hardy entrepreneur, Forman ultimately made the situation work to his advantage, turning his new premises into a prime venue, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner , all with a view of the Olympic stadium.