SALES of luxury’ food in East London have bucked the national trend of reducing food bills in the credit crunch. The East End’s oldest smoked salmon business has been flooded’ with orders in one of its busiest weeks in the company’s long history

SALES of 'luxury' food in East London have bucked the national trend of reducing food bills in the credit crunch.

The East End's oldest smoked salmon business has been 'flooded' with orders in one of its busiest weeks in the company's long history.

"People might not be buying a new car right now, but they're always going to eat," says Forman and Field's manager Mike Stainthorpe. "They're buying quality food instead.

"We are in the business of home entertaining, making food that people can serve at home and cook easily."

The company is having its busiest Christmas in its 105-year history.

Christmas best sellers also include the 'three bird' roast serving 15 to 20 people at £125, consisting of stuffed goose, chicken and pheasant.

Foreman's had to move when its old factory by the River Lea at Old Ford got in the way of the 2012 London Olympics park development.

Since then it has expanded its workforce from 100 to 150 because of the demand and has plans to open a restaurant at its new premises at 'Fish Island' with a scenic view of the Olympics park now under construction.