City Guide

Westfield Stratford: City guide

Stratford City, Westfield’s first East London outpost, located just a few minutes walk from the Olympic 2012 stadium, combines East London attitude with West End brand names and a touch of designer polish. Europe’s largest shopping centre is home to over 300 boutiques offering everything from high-street fashion to luxury jewellery, electronic goods and sports equipment. Hunger can be satisfied at one of Stratford City’s 70 restaurants, cafés and coffee bars while evening entertainment can be sought in the 17-screen Vue cinema or the centre’s casino.

 

Wahaca

Wahaca is redefining Mexican cuisine by eschewing chips and dips in favour of fresh, flavourful street food, served in a laid-back setting. The menu is as vibrant and diverse as the country itself, combining meats and cheeses with fresh vegetables and a hint of South American spice. Every traditional dish has its place on the menu, from crisp tacos to cheesy quesadillas and hearty burritos. Finish with the perfect after-dinner indulgence: sugar-coated churros dipped in a hot chocolate sauce. 

Searcys Champagne Bar

Relax and watch the world go by at this supremely stylish 74-seater Champagne bar. Perfectly placed for people watching, this is the place to see and be seen while raising a glass to some of the finest chilled Champagne around. With more than 100 different vintages to choose from you are sure to find a glass to suit; world-famous houses and smaller independent vineyards are represented. Food is equally delicious, served tapas style to complement rather than overwhelm the delicate Champagne flavours. 

All Star Lanes

Traditional ten-pin bowling has been reinvented at All Star Lanes, where delicious diner-style food, an extensive cocktail list and a party soundtrack accompany the family-friendly sport. All Star has a retro 50s vibe and a vibrant colour scheme; lime green walls clash brilliantly with brown leather banquettes and pillar box red bar stools, accented by neon signage which adds to the old-school charm. The menu is broadly American; burgers, chicken wings and an especially spicy chilli con carne are typical dishes while the milkshakes make an indulgent, creamy, treat.

Dermalogica

Healthy skin lies at the heart of every successful beauty look and, thanks to Dermalogica, it is now within everyone’s reach. The professionally trained staff at the Stratford Skin Bar deliver a service that leaves skin feeling noticeably cleaner and healthier, using products that are free of common irritants and ingredients can that cause breakouts. The products are also available to take away, meaning that the results can be long lasting and this season’s flawless look can be recreated every day at home.

Apple

Apple products combine style with real substance and the  brand’s Stratford store is a must-see for gadget lovers of every generation. The store is home to all of the company’s iconic products, from the iPod to iMac and the latest models of both the iPad and iPhone. Employees in bright blue Apple-emblazoned T-shirts are on hand to offer technical advice, while confirmed technophobes can attend one of the free workshops offered in the store to gain confidence in their computer skills. Any device can be set up as soon as you buy so that it is ready to go as soon as you get home.

Aspinal of London

Bringing a touch of high-end elegance to the East End, Aspinal of London specialises in sophisticated, beautifully designs and handcrafted leather goods. This refined boutique carries the label’s full range, including bound photo albums, wallets and travel accessories that can be given a personal touch with engraved gold lettering. Aspinal’s collections capture heritage chic perfectly.

The Kooples

The Kooples embodies the East London aesthetic with effortless cool, combining gritty urban styling with a hint of Parisian chic. Both the men’s and women’s collections look to Savile Row for tailored pieces with a vintage edge – think navy lightweight blazers thrown over rock motif tees and set off by chunky lace-up boots. Unsurprisingly, the brand is much loved by the indie music crowd and its founders now run a record label that adds authenticity to the clothes’ rock-star attitude.

Hollister

Laid-back surfer style is not immediately associated with East London, but US brand Hollister is determined to change that. Recreating the style of Southern California, its collections feature a wealth of denim, plaid and preppy letterman cardigans teamed with flipflops and simple, beach-ready hair and make up. The store features live projections from the Californian coastline, taking visitors from Stratford to Santa Barbara in moments.

More

London
Tatty Devine crystal crown tiara

Be queen for a day in Tatty Devine’s crystal tiara

Stand out from the crowd with a crown-emb...

London
Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch Jubilee bespoke Maud clutch

Anya Hindmarch's personalised Maud clutch

London
Hobbs Diamond Jubilee scarf

Hobbs Queen's Diamond Jubilee street party scarf

Celebrate in style with this souvenir sil...

London
Monica Vinader Fiji bracelets
© Paul Hartley

Jubilee Monica Vinader Fiji friendship bracelets

Monica Vinader launches a range of Jubile...