London Pleasure Gardens

@ Simon (Jul 5 2012) - Why slate the members of the public who went to the launch event and had a bad experience as being Trolls and Haters? Their experiences and comments are every bit as valid as is your opinion. I went and like the majority, i came away feeling dissappointed and frustrated that the scale and standard promoted on FB and on their site simply did not meet with the expectation generated. In fact it fell wide of the mark. I'd certainly not go back! I agree with the majority of the comments below. You are entitled to yours, they are entitled to theirs. All are valid. Neither troll nor haters, just people who had a bad experience.

Hmm this is worrying that a project of this scale (catering for near 40,000 people)has been wrapped up within 6 weeks. That would explain the complete shamble (no bins, leaking toilets, little entertainment and expensive junk-food) and safety hazard (broken grass/ huge screws and nails from the industrial type on a bed of dust) I have seen on site. I won't even comment on the asbestos that some commentators made reference to..Let's not forget that they are events organisers who are behind some other major festivals. The festival I have been to was of an amateur-type due to the complete lack of preparation and consideration for the audience they were targeting ie. family, people from all walks of life, locals and non-locals. I would not recommend this venue as unless they shut it down and revamp it appropriately during whatever time needed, I cannot see substantial improvements.

Poorly organised, not the "cultural gardens" as advertised. More like an el tacky fair ground - very disappointing to say the least. Like others have said, it was very very dusty so bring a face mask if you plan to go, although given there reports of asbestos at the site, I'd probably avoid it. Google London Pleasure Gardens and Asbestos and see for yourself.

Criticism is fine but haters and trolls exaggerating I don't like, like these 'points' I've seen on the comments board: No shade- really? how about the MASSIVE undercover area under the blue marquee or behind or in the smaller dome as well as other spots on site? Nothing for kids- you could spot it's own fairground from the DLR No grass- probably not there long enough to see the large grassy area that was partially opened over the weekend and now permanently Rubbery food- some good representatives of the excellent festival food units, with vegetarian, caribbean etc and an excellent oyster bar Z-list bands- Alabama 3, Dreadzone, Correspondents and others not z-list and well established great live acts well known on the festival circuit plus, it was FREE to see them! Dirty toilets, no toilet paper- portaloos can get quite bad but went both days and they were cleaned and stocked with toilet roll, had pump flushes and hand sanitizer and personally found them fine compared to other events Poor drinks selection, warm cans- most cans I bought had come out of ice buckets and were icy cold, also the variety of drinks available was fine and there was a cocktail bar there for Pete's sake. After speaking to workers and people involved whilst there I know the few legitimate gripes/teething problems will be sorted and this place will quickly reach it's potential and more. Be grateful for the choice London and there will be a clamour for this area to be kept on after it's current 3 year lifespan with some great events, arts projects and acts having been staged there.

Needs something to cover the dusty hardcore, but a great event otherwise fab bands art work and when the garden (yes grass and greenery) was opened up, there was the whole point. an oasis in an industrial back water. looking forward to future events.

I actually live right across the road and considering these guys were supposed to start 12 months ago, and actually started I think 6 weeks ago they did a pretty good job. Its not the pleasure garden advertised but from what I saw it has the potential to be. They had some great entertainment and I thought the food was decent compared to other events I've been to, certainly for a free event. Rating the event, which I think is the idea then 3 stars. For the work they have done and the potential of this place I'd give 5.

In reply to James.... the Asbestos situation has long been known about on the Pontoon site. as it been decontaminated? Well, according to LPG, some of the asbestos was removed. But most has been buried. the reports that the site hasn't been properly decontaminated are very worrying. I was there and breathing the dust in over the weekend. I'm worried too.

With all the complaints about dust - its difficult to gloss over the fact that previous studies relating to the redevelopment of this industrial wasteland have reported dumped asbestos. As a local resident, I'm highly dubious that the rushed job to finish this venue on time has fully dealt with this contamination.

Wow. Amazed to see these reviews. Did I go to a different event? ;) I thought Hypnotic Brass Ensemble played really well. Entry was totally free. The venue was new and quirky, with street art and a big dome and interesting little benches. The pyrotechnic theatre show was entertaining and I walked straight in and didn't have to pay a penny. Sure, it was opening night and so there were issues to address which I'm sure the organisers are aware about... for me these include: (a) Dust -- although this did lend some "burning man" style character to the place (b) Toilets: no urinals and some cubicle queues positioned to block the pathways between the two main event spaces (c) The exit could be managed better at the end of the night with improved communication. Keep up the good work and I'll be happy to return :)

AVOID AVOID AVOID