Stratford

This past week I explored Stratford. Back in May, the producing class went to see a show in Stratford called, The Government Inspector at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Ever since that visit, I have wanted to go back and explore. So, this week I took the opportunity.

Stratford is a neighborhood on the east side of London. This should not be confused with Stratford-upon-Avon which is in the midlands of England and is the birthplace of Shakespeare. The London neighborhood of Stratford is most famous for being the location for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Prior to the Olympics, Stratford was not the most desirable neighborhood, in part because transport links and amenities were lacking. With the announcement of the development of the Olympic Park, all that changed. These days, several train lines can quickly move commuters to central London or the financial district, which is very nearby. But for those spending time in Stratford, the choices for entertainment, shopping, and dining are better than ever.

As mentioned, Stratford offers theatre but one of the big draws has got to be the shopping. Around the train station, one can venture into a shopping center that offers many bargains and local color. Or, if one prefers an upscale experience one can head to the mall. Westfields offers major department stores, designers shops and all the high street retail one could ever need. The restaurants are too numerous to count and of course, there is a cinema and even a branch of All Star Lanes bowling ally. The department store John Lewis offers an observation deck where I spent some time viewing the Olympic complex and all that surrounds it.

The main stadium is now the home of the West Ham United Football Club and has played host to scores of events since the Olympics. The aquatics center is now used for community swimming programs. Even the broadcasters and press complex has been repurposed for commercial tenants to use the complex as a digital tech hub and studios.

Stratford has really blossomed in the past five years and it is still considered one of the more affordable areas in which to live but if you are in the market for a flat, you better move quick because demand is high and the prices are rising fast.

Next week I'll report on new adventures. In the meantime, check out the photos below.

Take care!
-m

The observation deck had a very handy map and descriptions of what I was viewing.

The view of the stadium and on the side the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower. Built for the Olympics, it is possible for visitors to ascend to the observation deck in this grand sculpture.

This is one of the London Olympics' mascots called, Wenlock. He is there to greet visitors on the John Lewis observation deck.