Stratford is in east London and part of the London Borough of Newham. This area has changed rapidly during the past few years, not only does it have a bright sporting future thanks to the stunning Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, but it is also home to Westfield Stratford City, the largest urban shopping centre in Europe.
There’s a plentiful supply of Victorian terraced houses, ideal for city commuters and young couples, though there are many new developments of smart apartment blocks.
Stratford is developing as an up and coming cultural centre with the Theatre Royal, Stratford Circus and the Picture House Cinema. The are a number of well known pubs in the area.
The King Edward VII, known locally as the King Eddie, is a 19th-century, Grade II-listed atmosphere pub that also serves food, in Broadway, in the heart of Stratford. For an edgier vibe, locals head for the Hackney Pearl in Prince Edward Road and Number 90, overlooking the River Lea in Wallis Road, both in nearby Hackney Wick.
Schools in Stratford fall under the Newham Local Education Authority. Primary schools standout, as being particularly good, of note is the outstanding School 21, then Colegrave Primary School and Sarah Bonnel School.
Stratford International station is on the high-speed Southeastern trains line to St Pancras and is also on the DLR to Canary Wharf. Stratford station is on the Central line and the Overground.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the largest new park to open in London for over 100 years. West Ham Park is a fine Victorian park with a botanical garden, a playground and notable arrangements of summer bedding plants.
Westfield Stratford City is one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe, with more than 337 stores and 83 food outlets.