It can take a long time for regeneration to take hold and for an area to lose its reputation, but I have found myself drawn to Stratford time and time again over the past couple of years, and the dial has most certainly shifted.
Stratford is buzzing with epic views, sculptures, and new restaurants, and the planned openings for 2025 will only further make it a destination for tourists and those who love a London staycation.
New Openings in 2025
The area just past Westfield has coined a new name ‘the East Bank’. A play on the iconic Southbank maybe as this is set to become the cultural hub of Stratford. 2025 will see the BBC Music Studio open and Sadlers Wells East, the V&A East and V&A Storehouse and Museum. All set just steps away from Queen Elizabeth Park and Westfield Stratford City.
Hyatt Regency London Stratford
Should that get you excited enough to start planning a trip, I have the perfect hotel for you. Just a 5-minute walk from the mainline train station and tube from which you can be in Central London within 20 minutes, is Hyatt Regency London Stratford. The entrance to the hotel is in the shopping centre meaning it is really accessible, covered from the elements and safe to get to if you are solo travelling like I was.
Upon entering the hotel, you will experience a wave of calm as this is an oasis in its lively location. The hotel scent is gorgeous, as is the masculine art deco colour palette and feminine soft lighting. The rooms are spacious with everything you might need for a comfortable stay.
I had the pleasure of staying in room 801, which happens to have a jaw-dropping view of West Ham Stadium and out to the City of London skyline. It is epic and would make the most awesome surprise for a West Ham fan!
That view can also be enjoyed from the 12th floor Fitness Centre where you can work up a sweat whilst watching the sunset over London town.
Elondi Restaurant
There are a plethora of restaurants on your doorstep at the Hyatt Regency Stratford London but don’t let them distract you from Elondi Restaurant and Bar. The bar area is sumptuous with rich velvet décor and the addition of a 150-metre-long private terrace for alfresco dining is genius. This private space is beautifully decorated with a chic black and white strip canopy and twinkly lights for that cutesy atmosphere. The space was so calming that I even took my morning coffee here despite the nip in the air.
The food at Elondi Restaurant is East London inspired and my 16-hour sous vide Rack of Lambs was seasoned with garlic, coriander and ginger, I am assuming a nod to the curry capital of London Brick Lane. The flavours were subtle and the meat was melt-in-the-mouth. My starter of Buratta with Sweet Cherry Tomatoes was also executed perfectly.
The feast continues at breakfast with an elevated buffet spread. Here you will find an extensive range of healthy options such as smoothies, Bircher muesli and a salad bar all alongside your hotel breakfast favourites. They even have a range of doughnuts to enjoy!
I strongly suggest you take a closer look at this thriving part of town if you are considering a trip to the Big Smoke, Stratford’s glow-up is now complete and ready for you!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image supplied
