An Area Guide to Stratford
A few years ago most people would’ve been reticent to move to East London, but don’t be fooled, the area is not what it once used to be. The East end has been fully redeveloped and many new buildings have been constructed in recent years.
With the £9 billion invested in Stratford in 2012 for the London Olympics, the area was changed forever. Even if there were some sceptics to start with, London’s reaction is now unanimous: it was really worth it! One of the outcomes of the Olympic Games were the 11,000 new homes leftover. In fact, the property value has risen by over 70% since 2005. This means of course that most of the properties in Stratford are new apartments located in very nice residential developments.
Links to the city
Stratford is situated in the borough of Newham, about 7 miles North-East from central London. It’s in zone 3 and is really well linked to the city as Stratford station is on the Central line, the Jubilee Line and the DLR. It’s really convenient, you can reach Oxford Circus in only 20 minutes. It also has direct links to Canary Wharf, Bank and Liverpool Street.
Renting in Stratford
One of the most famous developments is the 75 acres East Village, where the athletes of the 2012 Olympics were residing. Many of the residential developments in Stratford have gyms, swimming pools and concierge services. It makes you reconsider your east end stereotypes, doesn’t it?
The average rent for one-bedroom properties in Stratford is £1,300 per month, two-bedroom apartments are about £1,800 per month, and three-bed properties cost around £2,500 per month.
Living in Stratford
Life in Stratford is more peaceful than central London, less busy and less noisy. It is very residential and you will mainly find families or people who work in the city. But that doesn’t mean that it’s boring! There are many things to do and nice restaurants and cafes to try out.
Westfield Stratford
Paradise for shopping lovers, Westfield Stratford is the largest shopping centre in London. It has over 250 shops and 30 restaurants, there’s truly something for everyone there.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is free to visit every day of the week. It’s home to the London Stadium, the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the London Aquatics Centre, the Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – as well as parklands, waterways, playgrounds and cafes.
Where to go
Natura Cafe & Pizzeria
A local and friendly Italian traditional pizzeria. Very comforting and a real steal for the price. Definitely worth going if you’re in the area. The staff is friendly and the service is very quick. If you go, the Caprese salad, pizza Margherita and the tiramisu are a must!
Dar Marrakech
An authentic middle eastern restaurant at a very affordable price. The dishes are full of flavour and the perfect balance of spices. You should try the calamari starter and the lamb couscous will melt in your mouth. There is a back garden if the weather is good and if you are in the mood to smoke after your meal you can also order a shisha.
Fish House
Finding a great fish and chips restaurant is a difficult task because there are so many! But trust us on this one, you won’t regret it. The fish and chips is divine, chilli popcorn shrimp is fantastic, filling lobster bisque and curry sauce that people stop by just to take a bit home. The batter is crispy and the fish perfectly cooked, so go ahead and treat yourself to one of England’s classics.
The Print House
The perfect summer bar for a cheeky drink after work. The cocktails are delicious and the vibe is relaxing and refreshing with a view on the canal. They sometimes have live music and it’s simply a lovely bar off the beaten track.
P.S. they have happy hour on cocktails on Friday 😉
H Forman & Son
This restaurant is a bit more on the fancier side but it’s definitely worth the price. The modern British dishes are incredibly well cooked and presented. It’s famous for its Scottish smoked salmon and is a perfect place for a Sunday brunch. Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to visit the smokehouse gallery too.
We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Stratford to find your next home in the neighbourhood.
