'Keep it Cockney'

11 November 2009

PIE and mash, jellied eels and a dose of Cockney charm will be used to sell a slice of the East End during the 2012 Olympics.

Newham Council want local produce to be sold within the Olympic Park at Stratford, from traditional Cockney favourites to food from its worldwide population.

But there are fears the plans may be quashed because independent food and drink sellers have largely been banned by the International Olympic Committee in favour of exclusive deals with global chains.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales has launched the move for Cockney cuisine and is calling for more local business involvement by London Food Link - a division of the national charity Sustain.

He said: "While we want a hearty Cockney presence, with pie and mash, jellied eels and fish and chips, it is equally important for there to be significant Asian, African and European influences."

More of Pat Coughtrey's story in this week's Recorder