Stratford: The home of Eastenders and the best place to live

Stratford really is the heart of east London. Am I biased for saying this because I’m from there? Absolutely not. Stratford really is the best city and here is why:

LDF Chicken and chip shop is the best

The best fish. The chicken. The best chips. It’s just the best.Stratford has Westfield

Westfield has revolutionised shopping

Opening in 2011 this shopping heaven is home to over 200 shops, vue cinema and a 24hour casino. It is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. And if busy shopping centres aren’t to your taste then how about Stratford market? Another winner.

Stratford was the host city for the Olympics AND Paralympics in 2012. (And the rugby world cup in 2015)

We win right here. 2012 was the year that really put Stratford on the map and that was because of the Olympics and Paralympics. The host city for that year Stratford was and still is a very popular tourist due to it being the home of the biggest sporting event in history.

The education has really improved in Stratford

Education has improved so much over the years. Many schools in Stratford are rated, with a couple rated outstanding. The education is so good in Stratford that Birkbeck university has decided to build more dorms and lecture halls here. Plus a research centre also. With the amazing library that Stratford has to offer it’s not wonder education has really improved here.

Londis

Everyone loves a great and cheap corner shop, right? Just in case you don’t travel to Westfield then that’s when a good corner shop comes in. Well in Stratford my local corner shop is Londis, so the things I need there are cheap and good quality as well. It’s so popular as well because loads of people are always shopping there and the queues are very long, however it’s worth it.

The theatre

I love the theatre and I’ve been going to Stratford theatre since I was a child. The ticket prices are decent and the actual building itself is lovely and clean. The shows and productions that are put on there are just amazing. It adds a bit a class to the area and beats a usual night out drinking in central London any day.

The good old Stratford Picture House Cinema

Stratford picture house was where it all started. Before Westfield and Vue cinema this was the place to go. It’s still there and film tickets are incredibly cheap here, so if ever you feel a wave of nostalgia then the picture house is the best place to be.

There’s always new restaurants opening up

So many new places to eat and drink. Stratford was always an up and coming area but it really peaked in 2011. With a new Levi Roots restaurant not long opened in Stratford it isn’t hard to see why this place is great for food and drinks.

 

It’s the birthplace of Olympic champions and famous tv presenters

Olympic champion Christine ohuruogu and tv presenter Steven mulhern were born in Stratford. Need I say more?

Stratford has the Queen Elizabeth II park

The Olympic park was renamed after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is a popular tourist attraction and a great place to relax.

And the skate park

With funding from the council this park has become an incredibly vital part of youth’s upbringing and social lives. Under council supervision youths thrive here whilst learning new tricks, having fun and staying out of trouble. Another reason why Stratford is the best hometown.

The clubs are shit but we love them anyway

Ok so there aren’t many clubs in Stratford, however there are a few bars. The night life in London is best in central I’ll admit that, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the bars that are here in Stratford. Those born and bred in Stratford know how to make the best of what they’ve got and what they’ve been given anyway.

It’s not as rough as it’s made out to be

Stratford is actually a classy place filled with business men and women. Those who aren’t in business attire can be seen dressing in casual and non-chav like attire. Dressing up for nights out can also mean classy outfits and not your typical ‘less is more’ ideal.

You can get the Eurostar from here

Stratford bus station and Stratford tube station are home to the busiest and most popular ways of travelling around London. Can’t beat that really. You can even catch the Eurostar to France from Stratford now.

EastEnders is set here

E20 is now the Stratford city postcode which means this popular soap is set in Stratford. No more needs to be said really.