I am Stuart Morris, personal trainer and nutrition coach at the F-FACTOR FITNESS studio in Forest Hill. After 30 years working in hospitality, I decided to embark on a career in fitness, helping people achieve weight loss and learn how to enjoy fitness. It has been so rewarding and I look forward to helping more people of all ages in the future.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in the area now with my partner for some 10-years having previously lived in East London Tower Hamlets. When we were looking to move, Sydenham and Forest Hill area was our preference as we had friends living in the area and we had visited regularly and always enjoyed the local pubs restaurants and green spaces.
What do you most value about the road you live in?
I love the road we live on. It is a wide avenue with all the houses set back off the road, is not a bus route, it is green leafy and within five minutes walk at Crystal Palace Park. I think we would be hard pressed to find a better location. We are so lucky that we have great neighbours, who themselves had been living on the street 40-years before we moved in so we are still very much the new comers after 10 years.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
Well, in my previous career as a chef, I was lucky enough to work at race courses and cook for a number of the jockeys, the funniest and most pleasant of which was Willie Carson. I am a huge fan of heavy rock and classic British heavy metal music and have met both Bruce Dickinson and Nicole McBain of Iron Maiden whilst watching other bands both really good nice down-to-earth guys.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
You’ll find me in my small but well-equipped fitness studio in Forest Hill on a Saturday training regular and new clients including couples who enjoy working out together and having fun getting quality time with each other.
The best meal I’ve ever had…
The best meal I’ve ever had that is a difficult one having been a chef for many years and eaten in some great restaurants, however, nothing beats sailing out to Cardigan Bay in West Wales in the mackerel season, catching the fish, cleaning them and cooking them on the boat as you come back into shore – that’s what you call really fresh and can’t be beaten in my humble opinion.
What is your favorite place to eat?
My favourite place to eat locally is the trattoria Sydenham which offers a fantastic warm welcome every time and food which is no-frills and consistently good.
Coffee or tea? Where?
Definitely coffee over tea. I enjoy the Archie Parker in Forest Hill for a relaxing coffee break.
Best bargain you’ve ever landed…
Best bargain I’ve ever landed is my partner; didn’t cost a penny! Who I’m glad to say said yes on New Year’s Eve and we’re getting married in October after 18 years.
My secret ambition…
I guess my secret ambition would have been firstly able to sing and be in a heavy rock ‘n’ roll band filling stadiums across the world; zero chance so I just stick to going and being a fan.
This article first appeared in the February 2019 issue of SE22 magazine.