Boris Johnson hailed “the shrine of smoked salmon” when officially opening Forman’s Fish Island in East London last Friday.

London’s Mayor joined Lance Forman and his staff and 250 guests for a champagne breakfast featuring Forman’s trademark product in the 800-
capacity events venue overlooking the Olympic Stadium development.

He then toured the smokehouse with Mr Forman, learning the secrets of the firm’s 103-year-old “London Cure” smoked salmon recipe.

H Forman & Son was formerly located on land earmarked for the Olympic site. The new premises were secured after a protracted battle with the London Development Agency.

Mr Johnson noted that “in spite of everything, you have been able, Lance, to perpetuate and improve a great London business. That is the kind of regeneration that we hope to achieve with the 2012 Olympics”.