The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has redefined the historic industrial and creative heartlands of Stratford and Hackney Wick as sustainable places to live, work and play. The neighbourhood is set to thrive, with new sites of the V&A, University College London and the London College of Fashion expected in the near future. The former Olympic and Paralympic venues sit alongside innovative business districts, vibrant new neighbourhoods and The Stratford, a vision for vertical living.
Continuing the legacy of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel and Chiltern Firehouse, The Stratford is an example of extraordinary design. However, instead of breathing new life into London’s historic buildings, this time a new landmark has been constructed. It is brilliantly located, next door to Stratford station, just 6 minutes from St. Pancras International by High Speed Rail and Westfield Stratford is only a short walk away.
The Stratford is an ode to New York’s iconic long-stay hotels, everyone is welcome, for the night, for the week or forever. This electric hub is a vertical neighbourhood, with a 145-room design hotel set across the first seven floors, 248 stunning rental loft apartments, a variety of restaurants and sky terraces.
The Stratford is an architectural dream, from the soaring triple-height lobby to the incredible Highline sky terrace. It is the vision of Space Copenhagen who have beautifully married achingly-cool Scandinavian style with elegant old-world opulence.
The jewel in The Stratford’s crown is Allegra, headed up by Chef Patrick Powell who was previously the Head Chef at Chiltern Firehouse. Set on the seventh floor, accessible by a private lift, Allegra harmoniously presents contemporary European cuisine and authentic old-school hospitality. The focus is farm-to-table cooking with exceptionally fresh ingredients and minimal food waste.
On the seventh floor is also The Highline sky terrace, a sprawling beautifully presented garden in the sky which overlooks the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is exceptionally beautiful at sunset.
Down on the ground floor is The Brasserie, a casual yet chic restaurant that unites hotel guests and locals like. This sprawling space has soaring ceilings and is so beloved that you can expect all the tables to be full on any given evening. At its heart is an open kitchen, there is also a bar, lounge, outdoor terrace and an art installation by celebrated architectural designer Paul Cocksedge titled ‘Murmuration’.
The menu is classic, filled with guaranteed favourites. Start with fresh burrata with grilled fig, hazelnuts and tarragon or crunchy tempura prawns with nam jim sauce. For the main course, try the signature buttermilk fried chicken with cool ranch, dill pickle and radish or the tender dry aged beef burger with cheddar cheese, dill pickle and burger sauce. You cannot visit The Brasserie and not accompany any dish with the golden mountain of fries with truffle cheese, they are an absolute delight.
Last but certainly not least, for dessert opt for the dulce de leche chocolate brownie or the quintessentially English Bramley apple crumble with a fragrant almond and vanilla custard.
The Stratford has its heart set on growing an authentic community and food is where the heart is. Through the GROW initiative, it is committed to a socially responsible lifestyle that nurtures the local community. All of The Stratford’s vegetables are grown at any organic farm, only 40 minutes away. Even the uniforms and bedlinen are made from ethically sourced organic cotton.
As the neighbourhood blooms around it, at The Stratford you have front row seats to a new era. The Stratford has it all, whether you want to stay the night, for a week or for good.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD
