This is another valued addition to the quirkiness of the Leabridge road, where E5's urban dystopia…read moreturns visibly to countryside in a matter of yards. Driving up the long approach road between swaying beech trees and neighing mares, you would be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere near Newmarket. The illusion of rural calm continues inside as horses are hay-strewn stable to training yard and back again by their capable human minders. There are classes here to suit every level of ability from haven't-even-patted-a-donkey up to advanced. For the huntsman extraordinaire, there is the opportunity to have a free session with one of the better mounts. The price for all this is predictably high, in some cases as much as £30 for a group lesson of one hour. Presumably, the amount of feed needed to keep the three dozen four-legged-friends healthy along with exhorbitant insurance rates do not help matters in this regard. I have another reason to visit now though in the form of recently discovered hidden treasure around the back of the riding centre: about three tons of vintage, dark brown, crumbly horse manure - free to take away (bring your own sacks) and perfect for the budding guerilla gardener.

A fairly decent place for trying horse riding, or for a first few lessons when moving to London…read more Let me explain... Lee Valley Riding Centre is part of a community/council sports projects (ice ring, football pitches) and as such is perfectly organised: health and safety, open to the wider public, accessible by public transport, standardised teaching. It doesn't get much safer for beginners, or easier for seasoned riders. Excellent for children too. But it's also victim of it' success, with lessons booked WELL in advance (count several days to a couple of weeks), no access to open spaces for hacks, and bored to death horses. To be fair some are quite decent, but the real sport horses are privately owned, here on livery only. You'll want to find a "sharper" club or center soon, but don't be afraid to give this one a go first.

I recently booked a 3-hour driving lesson with Jahanzeb Anjum, who goes by Jay, and my experience…read morewas extremely disappointing. I ended the lesson early because of how uncomfortable and unsafe I felt under his instruction. From the very start, Jay laughed at me multiple times and made belittling comments that immediately knocked my confidence. Within the first few minutes, he told me I "would have failed" and laughed in my face. He also questioned what my previous instructor had taught me in a tone that felt disrespectful rather than constructive. His behaviour made me feel very uncomfortable and, more importantly, unsafe to drive. I am normally a very confident driver who genuinely enjoys driving, but during this session he made me feel as though I couldn't drive at all. Because of this, I felt I had no choice but to terminate the lesson. I had booked a full 3 hours and only completed one hour, yet I am still being charged for the additional two hours that I did not receive. To make matters worse, RED's customer service showed zero sympathy or understanding when I reported what happened. Instead of listening to the serious issue I experienced with the instructor, they were more concerned about repeating their 48-hour policy showing that all they care about is money. There was no acknowledgement of how unprofessional and unsafe the lesson felt, which was incredibly disappointing. Based on my personal experience with both the instructor and RED's customer service, I cannot recommend this service. I am sharing this review to make other students aware before booking.

Terrible instructors, lack of transparency, wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy. Refused to return…read moremy deposit. Don't take the risk and go elsewhere. They will rob you blind while pretending to 'teach' you. Only giving one star because none isn't an option

I grew up at the Redbridge Drama Centre - as did my mentor, my drama teacher and I've never felt…read moremore comfortable in a performance space than I did at the RDC [except for the Drama studio at my high school, of course!] Keith, the RDC's father - King Zeus to the performing arts people, would always greet us with a smile and has directed some phenomenal pieces there that I was lucky enough to watch. What's great about the RDC is the fresh talent that it exudes - performers/actors are also real people and the RDC provides a platform for growing, young actors to flourish and bloom - not only theatrically, but individually as people. Check out the website to see what's on - there's always something new and exciting. If you are a keen dramatist, then check out the Youth programme they have on offer - I can say without a doubt you'll have some of the best guidance ever!

From the owner: Redbridge Drama Centre exists to give opportunities to create and watch drama. We believe that…read moretalent is universal and opportunity is not. Here, professional companies rub shoulders with school groups devising, inspiring and creating new work.

This is a wonderful school, my nephew has been a pupil for over a year now and it has done him the…read moreworld of good. He struggled in mainstream education but is now doing really well and is much happier.

First Musical Academy 27 Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4LJ…read moreTel. 0800 999 5393; Mob. 07501 257 648 My two children started piano lessons at FMA last October and they Love it! The staff is very welcoming, encouraging, warm and supportive. We can see the progress and confidence of my children growing every week. I strongly recommend FMA. L. Schrepfer Our son has piano and guitar lessons weekly, and we are thrilled with the progress he is making, as well as how much he enjoys learning both of these instruments. His tutors have the balance right between encouragement and discipline, in order to help him achieve his best. We are delighted with this academy! C. Clinton My 5 year old son really looks forward to 'Music for the Little Ones'. He sings the songs all week. I have been impressed at how the basic music concepts are being taught - for example galloping round the room and walking slowly for rhythm and drawing a line going up and down to illustrate pitch. My son loves the lessons so much. Cathy Booth My 5 year old son seems to be enjoying his piano lessons and is making really good progress. The staff is very warm and the kids work hard for them. The place has a lovely atmosphere - very open and encouraging. The performance afternoons are a great way of getting the kids used to an audience and it's nice for the parents of the little ones to see how their kids are doing. We are very pleased. FMA feels as if it's contributing to the area - not to a select minority. Ellie P. The enthusiasm and work that these professionals are giving at FMA is outstanding. They constantly bring different events accessible to all, always trying to create a relaxed and open atmosphere. Carlos Robles 'Since I have been taking lessons at the First Musical Academy my confidence and voice have improved so much. I have tried many teachers over the years. My teacher at FMA is, without question, the best. I love my singing lessons and I look forward to them every week! Amber Hunt I started Piano lessons in Nov 2008 and continue to this date. I found the tutors friendly and patient. You can learn at your own pace and choose your own music to play. The organisers are flexible and have a real personal touch. As well as progressing there is an emphasis on putting you at ease and just having fun which is what learning music should be all about. Philip Fernadez

From the owner: instrumental tuitionread more