Wharf

Review: An Education (12A)

2009-11-07T14:48:12Z

FILM
An Education (12A)
5/5

IN A NUTSHELL
Nick Hornby tells the story of a teenage girl's seduction into a world of glamour by a conman who promises her relief from stifling suburbia.

REVIEW
Don't blink, said the Timelord in a memorable Doctor Who episode back in 2007. Blink and you're dead, he tells Sally Sparrow, played by 22-year-old newcomer Carey Mulligrew. Don't look away.

Two years later. You can't blink. Not when she's on-screen. You can't look away. You look away and you're dead - well, maybe not dead but certainly deflated - because, without her, the world of the early 60s, as portrayed by screenwriter Nick Hornby and director Lone Scherfig, is drenched in brown and rain and misery as if the projectionist had spilt coffee on the reel stack then wept over his cack-handed ineptitude.

So you fix your gaze on Carey Mulligrew because she entrances and delights and sparkles with such refreshing, uncluttered intelligence that you think - hang the expense I'm building a time machine and heading to Twickenham c.1961 so I can save her from suburban travails and show her a world of music and sex and art and culture.

Then, with the money left over, I'm turning Paris monochrome so it looks like her posters and her album covers and her dreams and she won't ever be disappointed.

And in case your bank manager baulks at the cost, you can show him exactly how that would play out - because that's roughly the story behind An Education (only without the time machine. Or me).

Carey, as Jenny, is being pushed towards Oxford by proud-as-punch parents Jack and Marjorie whose ambitions for their daughter comprise security, fearlessness and a good match in an era in which advancement for women was achieved to the syncopated click-clack of a secretary's Remington.

When dubious, wealthy, man-about-town David (Peter Sarsgaard) asks Mum and Dad to take their 16-year-old away for the weekend, he beguiles them with a vision of colourful and abundant adventure and they immediately chuck thoughts of Oxford over the herbaceous border and convert the stranger into a prospect of equal worth.

But this is no simple story of an ingénue corrupted. When Jenny learns that her parents are not alone in being misled, she becomes complicit in her own seduction, preferring disreputable glamour to double maths, cello practice and a life marking pony essays, like teacher Miss Stubbs (a sternly moving Olivia Williams).

This is an exquisite production. Carey Mulligrew shines but Alfred Molina as Jack emerges as the most endearing of the characters as he attempts to manage his daughter's life like she were a wayward lawnmower, forever under- and over-compensating to nail that perfect nap.

Cara Seymour as Marjorie scrubs the pans, sees her daughter aglow and, with a glance, mourns what she has missed. Because the stifling limitations of the era crush lungs and shrink horizons to the size of teacups while twee suburbia is as sweet and brutal as a smack in the face from a paramilitary bon-bon.

Hornby wrings melodic apercus from journalist Lynn Barber's memoir and, together with a cast that includes sterling turns from Emma Thompson, Rosamund Pike and Dominic Cooper, he wraps up a perfect little package that makes a mockery of its modest ambition.

Undoubtedly, the film of the year.

- Showing at the Cineworld West India Quay.

FA Cup preview: Northwich Victoria v Charlton

2009-11-06T16:01:37Z

Is it really FA cup time already?

Well, not if you're currently nibbling on your Premier League prawn sandwiches at the Emirates Stadium, but it's been a few years since Charlton stomped around in that division.

Relegation to League One has its cost, and the cost for Charlton is a little ball with their name on it in the pot for the first round proper of the FA Cup. We're now at the point of the venerable competition where the TV companies first start waffling about dreams and clipping together ankle-splitting-tackle-montages, but not quite at the stage where they appear contractually compelled to show games involving Manchester United every blinkin' round.

Northwich will be eyeing up a shock here, and Charlton will be hoping they don't continue the losing streak they opened with the 3-1 reverse up in Carlisle. The underdogs will have everything to gain and nothing to lose, but they'll also have to climb this particular mountain without the assistance of Mark Danks and skipper Simon Grand, who are both suspended.

For Charlton, thigh injuries keep Leon McKenzie and Fraser Richardson out of the lineup, while on-loan Reading striker Dave Mooney can't play. Their emergency goalkeeper Carl Ikeme won't be on the field either, as Wolves won't let Charlton to cup-tie him for the rest of the competition. As a result, Rob Elliot's back-up Darren Randolph will get his chance.

ITV will be showing the game live at 1.30pm on Sunday, and will probably spend most of the spell before kick-off blathering on about how anything can happen in the FA Cup, up to and including milkmen scoring, part-timers dancing in the locker room and the entire east stand getting drenched in a monsoon of blancmange. Then they'll show a shot of Ronnie Radford's goal for Hereford.

Preview: West Ham v Everton

2009-11-06T14:28:03Z

West Ham will be looking to build on the momentum created from Wednesday night's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

Gianfranco Zola's men claimed only their second league win of the season and need more points against Everton on Sunday to consolidate their mid-table position.

Wednesday's goal hero Zavon Hines looks set to continue up front with Carlton Cole looking unlikely to be risked after sustaining a hamstring injury against Villa.

Also struggling is left-back Herita Ilunga, again with hamstring problem. Should he fail to recover Jonathan Spector is likely to fill in.

But the Irons squad is bolstered by the return of Radoslav Kovac after he served his one match ban for being sent off at Sunderland.

Robert Green is in line to play his 100th consecutive game for West Ham.

Everton will include former West Ham captain Lucas Neill in their squad. It will be his first visit back to Upton Park since he left in the summer after failing to agree new contract terms.

The Australian international missed the Toffees' Europa League match against Benfica as he was ineligible.

West Ham (from): Green, Kurucz, Faubert, Spector, Upson, Tomkins, Gabbidon, N'Gala, Da Costa, Daprela, Noble, Parker, Kovac, Collison, Jiminez, Behrami, Stanislas, Hines, Franco, Diamanti, Nouble.

Date: Sunday, November 8

Venue: Boleyn Ground

Kick off: 3pm

Referee: Alan Wiley

Travel: Nearest station is Upton Park (District line).

David Haye will win world title says Lennox Lewis

2009-11-06T10:58:38Z

Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis is backing David Haye to win his title fight against Nikolai Valuev tomorrow.

Bermondsey-born Haye face the 7ft 2ins Russian in Germany hoping to become Britain's first world champion in the top division since Lewis hung up his gloves in 2003 writes Steven Davies.

Lewis, 44, is good friends with Haye and has been passing on tips on how to deal with his giant opponent.

He said: "The key for Haye is movement, he can't just stand still and hit him, your gonna have to jump to hit a guy like that.

"He is facing a huge guy and he has to be quick and wise, he must not let Valuev hold him.

"Haye is fast, quick and not easy to hit. Valuez will have to move and find Haye, he will find that difficult. You can't hit what you can't see.

"It is a mighty task Haye has taken on. He's boxing a giant and Haye's secret weapon will be speed.

"He knows what to do, when you break down a fight it comes to these things - great footwork and combination punches. He has an uphill battle on his hands but he does have the talent to do it."

Haye, 29, was formerly the undisputed cruiserweight world champion but relinquished his title to move up to heavyweight. Lewis felt his lack of experience against the big boys won't stop him winning.

He said: "Haye has only fought two heavy-weight fights, and experience is the key, but skill can be awesome.

"His chances are great. It has been seen how good the guy is. I believe on November, 7, Britain will have a new world champion.

"The heavy weight landscape needs help, it's in a process of rebuilding and we are waiting for the next shining star. We may have to wait 10 or 20 years for that."

Lewis, born in West Ham, was speaking at a surprise visit to a Bethnal Green gym last week to promote children's charities and boxing.

The 6ft 5ins fighter was pleased to be helping boost the sport in one of its traditional strongholds, although he is happy to let the younger generation take the boxing limelight now and ruled out a George Foreman-style return to competitive action.

He said: "There is lots of talent over here, I love being in the gym and training these guys.

"Nothing would get me back in the ring now. I don't miss the ring, I'm a commentator. I have completed all my goals."

The O2 named top music arena in the world

2009-11-06T10:44:59Z

The O2 has picked up another honour after being named as the top arena in the world at the Billboard Awards.

It's the first time The O2 has won the award, taking the accolade from Madison Square Garden which has it won for the last five years.

The awards honour the music industry's top artists and venues based on the Billboard Boxscores chart.

Last month The O2 was named the world's most popular arena by Pollstar after selling almost 1,600,000 tickets so far this year, despite the cancellation of Michael Jackson's residency following his tragic death.

David Campbell, chief executive and president of AEG Europe, dedicated the win to Jackson.

He said: "We are a bit biased but we think The O2 is a very special place. We particularly want to thank the 600 artists who have played since we opened just over two years ago.

"Although 2009 will be another world record breaking year at The O2 I would like to dedicate this award to "This Is It" and the many people who would have made the King of Pop's show the best live show ever. God bless you Michael."

There are still plenty of top acts lined up to play the venue this year, including Beyonce and Sir Paul McCartney.

Food Review: Browns, West India Quay

2009-11-06T10:44:20Z

BRASSERIE
Browns, West India Quay
4/5

IN A NUTSHELL
Quay destination offers a wide range of hearty fare to Wharfers looking to keep those cold days at bay.

REVIEW
Browns is a brand that's not trying too hard. It's not uber chic or super stylish. Its menu is not mind warpingly pretentious.

Having eaten at other branches many times, I believe it knows, on the whole, what it's good at and sticks to it.

Consequently, on a trip to check out its new autumn menu last week I was expecting a pleasant if pedestrian experience.

The interior of its West India Quay branch is heavy on exposed brick and hefty beams, with the restaurant and bar snuggled into cosy nooks.

In short, it's probably the most successful conversion of the former rum warehouses open to Wharfers, providing a space that is both functional and comfortable.

Tables are well spaced in the dining area and, although I went on a busy Friday night, it never felt painfully rammed.

We started with glasses of prosecco (£4.75), which were crisp and refreshing if warmer than expected before getting down to the serious business of the food.

Browns had assured me that its new menu was stuffed with hearty comfort options for those hoping to survive the colder months.

In the end, after a lengthy mental flirtation with a goats cheese and red onion tart, I opted for pan seared black pearl scallops (£8.50) to start, while my companion chose the chicken and duck liver parfait (£5.95).

The latter, a smooth and pleasing offering, was unusually served with about the right amount of bread and proved delicious.

My scallops were almost perfect. Served on a spicy pea and chilli risotto that stayed just the right side of tangy, this dish really fired up my tastebuds ready for the main course.

I went for the slowly braised pork (£11.95) with a glass of Gavi di Gavi (£4.95), while my companion had the slowly cooked shoulder of lamb (£14.50) and a bellini (£4.95).

Both dishes, as you might expect, featured meat ready to crumble at the very suggestion of landing in the mouth.

Juicy, hearty and both served with huge dollops of creamy mash, these were indeed the sort of fare to keep the winter chills away.

The only slight niggle was the inclusion of a chunky slice of black pudding under the pork. As a texture it felt wrong and the flavour failed to blend well with the richness of the gravy.

The portions were hefty but manageable due to the lightness of the solid, uncomplicated cooking.

Significantly warmed we decided to glance at the dessert menu. Temptation proved too much and I ordered the elderflower jelly (£4.75), while my companion opted for a banoffee cheesecake (£5.75).

The jelly, refreshingly bitter, proved engagingly tasty, while the sweet slice of cheesecake was good without being exceptional.

Alongside the puddings we drank glasses of Chateau du Seuil (£5) and Moscatel Oro Catalunya (£4). The former was the ideal after dinner drop, sweet, but with a dusky bottom note.

For me, however, the Moscatel was just too saccharine.

The service throughout was attentive without being intrusive, making the whole evening flow gently from course to course with the minimum of effort.

It's never going to be a destination that offers food to the finest standards imaginable, but Browns, for its atmosphere, service and menu deserves to be near the top of the list of anyone who's heading out to buy a plate filled with comforting warmth.

HEALTHY OPTIONS

Although the concepts of healthy eating and comfort food are not happy bedfellows, Browns' menu has plenty on it to appeal to those looking to avoid the delicious cosy fats.

Roast pepper, vine tomato and butternut squash salad offers fresh tastes complete with apricot, pomegranate and pine nuts.

Chargrilled chicken salad with pears and pumpkin seeds should also satisfy all but the most tenacious inner guilt-monologues. Baked salmon, fishcakes with salad and a wide selection of flatbreads with various toppings are also available.

WHARF VERDICT
Browns
West India Quay,
Hertsmere Road, London
E14 8JJ
020 7987 9777
browns-restaurants.co.uk

RATINGS
Food: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Conveniece: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

GETTING THERE

Take the DLR to West India Quay and it's the restaurant on the end next to the Marriott. Alternatively walk over the floating bridge

WHAT THEY SAY:

"A bit of a shocker for Canary Wharf really - a decent, warm and friendly restaurant and bar. Great food at low prices makes this an excellent choice and superb value."
viewlondon.co.uk

"his is a good lunchtime venue in Canary Wharf, far smarter than a bar and not as pricey as some restaurants."
restaurant-guide.com

"Nice wine selection and decent food with welcoming and friendly service."
tripadvisor.co.uk

ALTERNATIVELY:

1802
West India Quay, E14 4AL
museumindocklands.org.uk

"Perfect for a drink before a trip round the museum or for a £10 meal deal main with a glass of wine, 1802 features modern British dishes."

Bar 38
Unit C, West India Quay, E14 4AX
canarywharf.bar38.co.uk

"Cocktails, beers and tasty bites from an all day breakfast to seared steak and burgers for those looking for some hearty comfort eating."

La Tasca
West India Quay, E14 4AE
latasca.co.uk

"This popular chain offers a wide selection of tapas, paella, beers and wine, bringing the vibrant flavours of Spain to the quay."

Urban Guide slams "sterile" Wharf

2009-11-06T10:30:48Z

Readers of "street-savvy" guidebook Not For Tourists probably won't be making a bee-line for the Wharf any time soon.

The "urban-manual" for residents in the capital savaged the estate and the surrounding area in its 2010 edition, dubbing it "finance's faltering engine room".

Writers slammed the Wharf for its "sterile malls", and warned readers to "watch out for ruined brokers tumbling from the windows above".

While the tongue-in-cheek guide sneaks in a thumbs-up for Nicolas and Tiffinbites, it adds: "There's free comedy too - just sit by the Tube and chuckle at the latest round of suited tossers to be given their P45."

Other than the "real East End boozing" of Poplar's Greenwich Pensioner pub and the "excellent" Gun in Coldharbour, the east of the estate and Poplar is marked as a haven for "dull glass towers" and "investment bankers talking credit derivatives in chain bars", while Millwall is "still tainted with the whiff of BNP and football hooliganism" despite the best efforts of the "award-winning" Docklands Sailing Centre and the "decent community venue" The Space.

Cubitt Town fares slightly better, scooping praise for Mudchute Park and Farm, its three DLR stations and the "down-to-earth boozers" such as the Lord Nelson and Waterman's Arms.

Greenwich is hailed as the home of "one of the most charming village markets in London", as well as the "lacklustre" O2 arena.

Review: A-ha, The O2 arena

2009-11-05T16:25:12Z

GIG
A-ha, The O2 arena
5/5

IN A NUTSHELL
Superstars do what they're expected to by filling The O2 with fans screaming along to all their classic hits writes Catherine Usher

REVIEW
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a pop band that has enjoyed two phenomenally successful hits, no matter how long ago, must play those hits at their concerts.

Luckily A-ha adhere to that truth, beginning their set with The Sun Always Shines On TV and ending with the mid-80s defining classic, Take On Me.

The French get it and the Germans definitely understand what brilliant musicians the Norwegian trio are.

But for some reason, they have never repeated the success of their first album in Britain.

That said, this was The Foot Of The Mountain tour, named after this year's album, which reached the UK top five.

Combining the classics - which included Hunting High And Low and The Living Daylights - the set also featured songs they haven't played in recent tours such as I Dream Myself Alive, the beautifully poignant And You Tell Me (from their first album) and The Blood That Moves The Body (from 1988's Stay On These Roads).

With cheekbones that could still cut through icebergs and an enthusiasm for performing that belies their advancing years, A-ha are as entertaining and as passionate performers as they were 22 years ago (and trust me, as a 10-year-old at my first concert, I remember it well).

Magne Furuholmen remains a wizard on the keyboards, and quiet, understated Pal Waaktaar-Savoy lets rip on guitar.

Female fans - who packed out the huge arena - are still screaming for the trio. These women may have kids at home now and a husband accompanying them but they still show their adoration extremely vocally and A-ha still enjoy it.

"We love you," shouted one fan. "What's not to love?" yelled back Mags. Arrogant? Perhaps. True? Certainly.

A-ha did take time to point out that, although they announced they are splitting up, this isn't their farewell tour.

So brace yourselves for their final return in 2010 - the conquering Vikings of pop won't be around forever.

Blonde's Eye View: Cleaned out

2009-11-05T11:38:34Z

Angela Clarke goes into mourning for the loss of her cleaner - but she suspects the sadness is born of another cause.

I have been abandoned by my cleaner. She has returned to Poland because she needs to see a doctor.

The NHS is that bad.

Some regard having a cleaner as an indulgence. I think it's a necessity. I'd even downgrade from Marks and Spencers to Tesco if it meant holding onto mine. Finding good staff is so hard these days. It's not just haphazard hoovering and dodgy dusting we're talking about. I once had a cleaner who made constant references to her links with the Bulgarian Mafia.

I became frightened if I didn't pick my clothes from the floor I would wake one day to a spotless horse's head in my bed. I would lock myself in the bathroom when she came.

Then there was the one who showed up drunk. At nine in the morning. I caught her asleep on the sofa in front of Jeremy Kyle.

My friends have had worse. One found her cleaner trying on her clothes. All the more disturbing because the cleaner in question was male. Another had to fire a cleaner because of the huge hairy wart she had on her chin.

OK, that last one was me again. It's not cool to sack someone who is facially impaired, but in my defence she did look like a Disney witch, and it twitched when she talked.

Once you find a good one you cling to them like stubborn grease stains on the hob. My cleaner ran my flat. She provided order in my life. She would open the windows in my home office, telling me I needed fresh air. She made me hangover cures after heavy nights. She would re-iron my work shirts to make me look smarter.

Oh my God. I haven't been abandoned by my cleaner, I have been abandoned by my surrogate mother.

This is worse than I thought.

On Two Wheels Part 4: The pros and cons of scooters

2009-11-05T10:58:04Z

Following a second week weaving my way in and out of the London commuter traffic between Haringey and Canary Wharf I've started to get an idea of the pros and cons of traveling by scooter.

On the positive side my commute is shorter and virtually door-to-door.

I no longer have to walk 10 minutes to the Tube in the pouring rain and cold to cram myself into a sweaty steaming cattle truck.

My journey takes an average of about 40 minutes rather than an hour. I arrive on the Wharf awake, invigorated by riding in the great outdoors through the City. I've breathed fresh air rather than the recycled, grainy atmosphere that hangs around the Piccadilly and Central lines.

I've not had to wait much. On the whole, being on a scooter enables me to overtake vast swathes of traffic, waiting only for traffic lights to change from red before continuing seamlessly on my way.

It's cheap. Probably about £6 in fuel per week (look out for a future column on the detailed economics of traveling by scooter) and parking is only £2 per day. Consequently it's comparable to public transport.

It's spacious. No really. A Vespa LX 125 might look tiny, but there's space for everything I need to carry to and from work and more besides, especially as I have a top box fitted.

Above all, it's enjoyable and lends a sense of excitement to the drudge of the daily commute. No ride is the same and the level of concentration necessary in comparison to driving is extremely high, forcing engagement with the riding environment. In short, held up next to other ways of getting about, it's probably one of the most exhilarating ways of travelling.

On the other hand, there are the negatives. If you're a Wharfer used to finishing work and flopping onto a friendly Tube or DLR carriage for the ride home, then getting on two wheels will come as something of a shock.

No more reading - be it the comforting words of an engaging novel or just a chance to catch up on the must-read excitement of a report you should have scanned weeks ago but didn't - it's gone from your commuting life.

So if you work on the Tube, you suddenly find that the length of your commute may have been reduced, but that there's more to do at either end.

No music either. Before joining the Wharf I used to drive to work and listened to the radio, or CDs. But on a scooter, why would anyone choose to deprive themselves of hearing - an excellent safety feature of the human body and a valuable assistant when navigating the capital?

No sneaky after work pints. This one's pretty obvious, but for those making use of TfL's finest, popping to the pub for a few is always an option. Not so if you're riding.

The question remains, what do you do with your mount if you want to enjoy some on-Wharf refreshment? And then there's the weather. Of course, zipping along under sunny European skies is what the Vespa is designed for. But in grey, autumnal London things can get a bit chilly.

Even when it's not raining, your legs will get fairly cold and, like me, you may prefer to bring a change of clothes with you to work if you suit trousers are a bit on the thin side or you'd prefer not to arrive at that meeting after an unexpected shower looking as though you've had a little accident.

Of course there's room for it, but it's more stuff, more bags, more time. And don't even get me started on helmet hair (suggestions for a cure always welcome).

And of course there is the sense of danger - you're simply not as well protected or as easy to see as other road users. Last week a jogger, completely oblivious, ran straight out in front of me, forcing me to swerve. "Sorry mate, didn't see you", he shouted after me.

I had my lights on, my scooter is bright red and I wear a reflective strip. The road was clear. Seconds earlier and I'd have hit him.

Still, despite all these points, I'm starting to love riding. Somehow none of these niggles get me down. I simply don't care if it's wet, in fact I quite enjoy it, knowing there's a hot shower waiting for me when I get home.

- Column in association with Vespa. Go to uk.vespa.com

Four Seasons celebrates 10 years in Canary Wharf

2009-11-05T10:53:14Z

Running one of the top hotels in London is a tough job and Michael Purtill is the man who has to do it.

Michael is general manager of the Four Seasons, by Westferry Circus, the first luxury hotel in Canary Wharf, which opened on December 16, 1999.

The five star operation has weathered the credit crunch and Michael is looking forward to another decade serving visitors to the area.

The Wharf spoke to the 43-year-old to find out more about they cater to the whims of some of the most demanding guests imaginable.

He said: "Our success is based on understanding our guests and their needs and treating everyone as an individual. We have a very strong team here and can adjust to deal with every need, whether it's business, pleasure, a wedding or anything else.

"Of course, we do make mistakes so it's about making it right and working out how to put it right. Every guest needs to feel happy when they leave so they will come back. Repeat business is very important."

That attention to detail has been very important this year, as Michael admitted.

He said: "2009 has been a tough year and we'll be glad to see the back of it. Business has been down but it's started to pick up again recently, which is encouraging.

"The Michael Jackson shows at The O2 were going to be very big for the hotels in Canary Wharf. His death was a very sad story for so many reasons, but it has had a big impact on us."

The Four Seasons accommodates many of the big stars from The O2 but Hotel Babylon it ain't, with discretion the watchword.

He said: "We do get a lot of A-listers and we have to be discreet with them. We have a special entrance for them and a lift that takes them up to the Presidential Suite, where most of them stay.

"It's important to most of them that we protect their anonymity, but then that's something we do for all our guests."

Michael oversees 20 separate departments in the hotel, ranging from catering to cleaning. To ensure a smooth operation he holds a daily planning meeting with department heads to discuss guests' needs.

He said: "We do get a lot of odd requests, such as people specifying the temperature they want their room to be at when they arrive, what type of soap they want in their bathroom or even if they want a particular snack left in their bedroom.

"Our business is to ensure guests get their specific requirements. It's all in the planning and having the mindset to meet those needs. Luckily it doesn't give me sleepless nights as I know I've got a very good team here."

There have been big changes in the 10 years the Four Seasons has been open and Michael is excited about the prospects for the future.

He said: "It's been quite a journey since this hotel was built. There were no shopping malls in Canary Wharf then, very few of the big towers and the Jubilee line had only been open for a couple of months. Things have been transformed around here, there's a real community now.

"The future is looking really good. The Olympics is giving fresh impetus to east London and we're already fully booked for that. Wood Wharf and the Canary Riverside developments are going to bring even more people here.

"These are very exciting times and I'm delighted the Four Seasons is going to be right at the heart of it."

Four Seasons Facts and Figures:

Since opening in 1999 the Four Seasons has racked up some staggering figures, including:

Washing an estimated 3.9million plates

Polishing 36,000 pairs of shoes

Delivering 290,000 wake up calls

Every year the hotel gets through:

16,000 toilet rolls

1,800 kilos of soap

And washes 65,000 towels.

Council: "We're not Canary Wharf Group's poodle"

2009-11-05T10:41:23Z

Tower Hamlets Council has dismissed claims that it is Canary Wharf Group's "poodle" as the row over land at Heron Quays continues.

The authority chose to use its compulsory purchase powers last year to allow Canary Wharf Group to snap up the last pockets of land for its 2.5million sq ft Heron Quays West development.

The move prompted the leaseholders to push for a public inquiry, which opened at 6 Heron Quays on Tuesday. It follows their failure to secure a judicial review into the matter this summer.

Michael Gross and Leeside International's Michael Hunt - who own the long leases for 7 and 8 Heron Quays West - claim the council was "bought" by the promise of a £5million endowment and £3million employment and training contribution for a replacement Skillsmatch training centre on-site.

Under cross-examination by David Elvin QC, the council's development control manager Stephen Irvine said: "No one can say negotiations with Canary Wharf Group have been entirely smooth over the years, so there's no suggestion that Tower Hamlets is the poodle of Canary Wharf in any way."

The Wharf revealed in May last year that the council had agreed to a compulsory purchase order after CWG claimed the owners were "frustrating the delivery of the scheme" following eight years of talks.

In his opening statement, Mr Elvin said Mr Hunt and Mr Gross were seeking a "ransom" of £25million each.

He said there was "no reasonable prospect of agreement due to the insistence by the objectors wishing to realise a form of ransom value".

Despite a low current demand for large trading centres, CWG chief executive George Iacobescu told the inquiry that the developer considered it essential to begin work by the end of 2010 to "keep companies in London".

He said: "There's a point when a company makes a decision and you have to be ready with the product."

He also denied claims the provision for the Skillsmatch centre was an "inducement".

He said: "It's purely a replacement for what's there now.

"If we don't develop Heron Quays West, it will be there forever. If we do, we'll put them somewhere else.

"If we didn't want to pay for that, we could have just used the money to pay Mr Gross and Mr Hunt."

Mr Gross is set to appear later in the five-day inquiry, which will run until today and resume for two days next Wednesday.

Nathalie Lieven QC, representing the leaseholders, told the inquiry her clients had been offered £5milllion each in late 2006, but that sum had been reduced to £1.9million this January and £1million last month.

She said: "The reality of this inquiry and this CPO is that it is not about securing a site for the public interest, let alone the national interest. It is about CWG being able to buy the site at a low point in the market cycle, on a forced sale."

The inquiry continues.

Food Review: The Parlour

2009-11-05T10:36:55Z

MODERN EUROPEAN
The Parlour, Park Pavilion
4/5

IN A NUTSHELL
Funky bar/restaurant proves to be a popular newcomer in the heart of Canary Wharf.

REVIEW

The mark of success for any new bar or restaurant in Canary Wharf is when the locals feel as though its been there for as long as they remember.

So, The Parlour - one of the new additions in the Park Pavilion in Canada Square - is obviously doing something right as it seems as though it's been knocking around the area for years, not just three weeks.

The bar/restaurant has filled a gap for somewhere to enjoy a pint or a meal without having to trek across the Wharf for somewhere suitable. With its funky decor and modern but unintrusive music it's already proved to be a popular meeting place for business lunches or drinks.

General manager Taskin Muzaffer has been pleased with the reception Wharfers have given The Parlour.

He said: "We knew it would do well as a bar but the response to the restaurant has been excellent. We've sourced top quality ingredients to offer to customers at value-for-money prices and it's seemed to work.

"We've broken all our targets from day one and it's only going to get better. We're very pleased."

Whether it's a snack with friends - why not share a platter (from £8.95) - or a quick bite from the gourmet sandwiches and burgers, there is plenty on the surprisingly big menu. And for more serious eaters there's a good selection of dishes to tempt you.

Mains arrive in small cast iron pans - be warned, they are hot to the touch - on a wooden board. The presentation is beautiful, but would the taste match up?

The chargrilled pork sausages with mash and red onion gravy (£8.50) were very good. Three plump, meaty sausages in a tasty jus, while the mash was smooth and creamy. The side order of mushy peas was perhaps more of a puree but was also good.

Vegetarians have several options, including pumpkin, tallegio cheese and red onion lasagne (£7.95). This dish was packed with pumpkin, appropriate at Halloween, full of flavour and the bechamel sauce was excellent. One fault was the pasta itself, which was slightly chewy in places but otherwise good.

Desserts are short and sweet, with four to choose from, all priced at £4.95. Homemade chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream was excellent, while the advertised apple crumble proved to include blackberries, which was a pleasant surprise.

It was packed with properly cooked chunks of apple - not always an easy thing to manage - although the accompanying custard was a little on the lumpy side.

An extensive winelist is made even better by the prices. A decent bottle starts at £12.95, while those less thirsty individuals can enjoy them by the glass.

On the downside service was a little bit slow even though it was well after the lunchtime rush when we ate there, but the friendliness of the waiting staff could not be faulted.

The Parlour is a welcome addition to the Canary Wharf eating scene. It's right at the heart of the Wharf and Wharfers seem to have, quite rightly, taken it to their hearts.

HEALTHY OPTION:

Tired of all those carbs? A healthy salad is what you need and there are several to choose from at The Parlour.

The roasted beetroot and goats cheese salad will set you back £7.95 but your waistline will thank you, probably.

But to be honest the whole ethos of the place is about enjoying food, so calorie-counters should give themselves a break for once and tuck in with gusto.

WHARF VERDICT:

The Parlour
The Park Pavilion
40 Canada Square
London E14 5FW
theparlourbar.co.uk

RATINGS:
Food: 4
Ambience: 5
Service: 3
Convenience: 5
Overall: 4

HOW TO GET THERE:

The Park Pavilion is situated right at the foot of One Canada Square, so if you can find your way there head to the park and you'll easily spot The Parlour.

WHAT THEY SAY:

"We liked how the large space was divided into different sections while still retaining an overall congruent flow."
londonist.com

"The staff are all very friendly, an extensive and reasonable food and drink menu compliments the mult-themed eatery and bar."
london-eating.co.uk

"Wharfers just got one small step closer to Shoreditch. Don't be surprised if The Parlour quickly ends up becoming your home from home."
viewlondon.co.uk

ALTERNATIVELY:

Canteen
The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, E14 5FW
Another Pavilion resident Canteen aims to offer the best of British for Wharfers who like to eat and drink with a view onto their glassy world.
canteen.co.uk

Plateau
4th Floor Canada Place, Canada Square, E14 5ER
Posh nosh in Conran-designed restaurant catering to all tastes, with both fine dining and brasserie areas.
danddlondon.com

Reebok Sports Club
16-19 Canada Square, E14 5ER
Whether you've been working out or just working and fancy a bit to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this venue boasts commanding views over the Square.
reeboksportsclublondon.com

Stealing metal in broad daylight

2009-11-05T10:30:15Z

In broad daylight, two men help themselves to metal grilles from the streets of Britannia Village in Docklands, writes Steven Davies.

They will load their hoard on a lorry which is already stacked with Asda shopping trolleys, all destined for the scrap metal market.

A frustrated resident took this picture to highlight the brazen and cavalier thefts that are costing the taxpayer thousands and spoiling the built environment.

A spokeswoman for residents said: "It is a long established problem around Britannia Village. But we didn't think the thieves would carry out their work in daylight. The number of Asda trolleys in the truck is shocking too. I guess the recession is having a different effect on each of us.

"The pictures have been forwarded to the police via their website and also to their Safer Neighbourhood Team a few weeks ago but I've heard nothing and there has been no follow-up.

"They were definitely not legitimate as the council is aware that tree grilles are being stolen on a regular basis. It costs them thousands of pounds and now they are saying they have no more funds to replace them."

The Britannia Village residents said they have grown increasingly disheartened as the police and the council have failed to address their concerns or replace the missing grilles.

A Newham Police spokesman said: "Officers have been responding to a recent rise in people stealing metal and selling it on for profit in Britannia Village.

"Police have been property marking valuable metal, including metal tree surrounds. This helps officers identify where the metal came from and further assist as evidence when it comes to bringing those responsible for stealing the metal to justice.

"Officers have attended the main local supermarkets and obtained statements detailing that the companies have their own collection, repair and disposal measures in place for their trolleys."

Royal Docks Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers have also been stopping scrap vehicles when they visit scrapyards to confirm their loads are legitimate.

"The Royal Docks SNT has recently arrested three occupants from scrap vehicles for suspicion of theft of theft of metal, although these offences were not connected to the theft of metal grilles in Britannia Village."

Acting Safer Neighbourhoods Sgt Barry Richardson said: "There is an active Business Watch on the Royal Docks ward and an active neighbourhood watch in Britannia Village.

"Both take care to protect their staff, property and trade, challenging or reporting to the police any questionable behaviour."

A Newham Council spokesman said: "The council is aware of the rise in metal theft. In Newham, the loss of council property costs thousands of pounds a year to replace and we are working with police to bring those responsible to account.

"We are responding to cases where thieves have taken gulley gratings by replacing them with lockable versions to prevent unauthorised removal. We are also looking at alternative ways of protecting trees following a number of incidents relating to metal grilles, particularly in the south of the borough."

"We will never apologise for being tough on those who make the lives of the hard working majority a misery."

British Transport Police (BTP) in conjunction with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) launched a task force in 2007 to tackle the growing issue of metal theft across the country.

Glyn Hellam, of BTP, said: "Metal theft is driven by prices on the world market. Demand for metal in China and other up-and-coming industrial nations is indirectly driving metal prices up in this country.

"BTP and ACPO have led a metal theft working group looking to work with scrap dealers to encourage them to keep proper books and records."

A spokesman for Asda said: "As trolleys cost hundreds of pounds each we go to every length to make sure they aren't stolen. We have lots of measures in place to combat trolley theft including cart-tronics, a state of the art system which uses radio waves to mark a boundary around the store where trolleys can freely circulate."

Sgt Richardson added: "If anyone has any information around this type of illegal activity I urge you to contact the Royal Docks SNT on 020 72755903."

Green Living: Bonfire night

2009-11-05T10:10:49Z

By Andrew Williams

It's Bonfire Night this evening, a chance to relive fond childhood memories which for me include sparklers, oohs and aaahs, and trying to eat hot dogs while wearing mittens. The crackdown on selling fireworks to children seems to have had a good effect so far, making a pleasant change.

As well as the display in Victoria Park, many groups will be organising bonfires. Burning wood may seem like a basic method of generating heat, but it's interesting that wood burners, or biomass heating systems to be more technical, are being heralded as a potential green solution to our energy needs.

The theory is that we are surrounded by lots of supposed waste products which could be burned to produce energy. Imagine waste from branches of fallen trees, corn husks, sugar cane off cuts - all can be burned to produce energy.

And although burning wood releases CO2, it is the same amount as was absorbed while the wood was growing. If a new tree is planted for each one burned, there are no overall carbon emissions.

There are plenty of logistical hoops to jump through if you want to install a wood burner, including checking whether you're in a smoke-free zone, and ensuring you have enough space and ventilation to make it practical. If it works however, the Energy Saving Trust estimate you could save hundreds of pounds a year on your heating bills by switching to biomass.

There seems to be a pattern emerging in green issues of people recognising that perhaps the old ways were the best. Biomass heating, windmills, growing your own veg - these are not exactly revolutionary ideas.

Perhaps if politicians fail to reach a comprehensive climate deal at Copenhagen, the mood may be to take another leaf out of the history books and revisit the works of a certain Mr Guy Fawkes.

- Do you or your company have an environmentally friendly product or service you'd like featured in this column? Let us know by contacting Seventeen, a sustainable alternative for your event management needs, at andrew@seventeenevents.co.uk.