In episode two, we begin at bustling Watney Market, the founding place of J Sainsbury’s, and discover its valuable culinary contribution to communities past and present. We move on to Cable Street where we learn more about how the humble wooden spoon played a significant role in the campaign for justice. We visit the original site of Café Rio which provided comfort and familiarity for new immigrants and finish at Wombat’s City Hostel gaining an understanding of the importance of these spaces to food and community along the way.
Part One of our food history tour of Shadwell and its environs, this episode is for those wishing to know more about the food systems and food histories of Tower Hamlets.
Helen New interviews Elaine Swan, Sajna Miah and Shazna Hussain
Podcast artwork by Nasima Sultana
We would like to thank Sanjida Alam from the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archive for her help with our research into Tower Hamlets food histories.
About the Food Lives Project
Food Lives is part of a 5 year research programme funded by UKRI and led by University of Reading, FoodSEqual. Food Lives Tower Hamlets is run by Wen and University of Sussex and is taking place on the St George’s Estate, Shadwell. The project looks at the role food plays in our lives and the importance of history, culture and heritage to our food habits.
Related Links
Servings: Feminist Food Studies
The Women’s Environmental Network (Wen)
Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archive
Contact Info
If you would like to find out more about our project or to let us know where we’ve missed something or where we’ve got something wrong (some of the history is difficult to ‘prove’) please get in touch.
Elaine: e.swan@sussex.ac.uk or via the contact page on the Servings website.