Why I Love Stratford Cross

I first visited Stratford in 2012, as the London Olympic Stadium prepared to open its doors to the world’s best athletes. Today, Stratford’s Olympic legacy lives on in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Stratford Cross neighbourhood. Here are some of my favourite local amenities, from sustainable workspaces in The Turing Building to the many fitness and wellbeing facilities nearby.

The Turing Building is the perfect example of how office design can balance work and play. With 21 floors, the building offers incredible views over Stratford. There’s a premium workspace on the uppermost floor called Lounge TwentyOne. With meeting rooms, event spaces and breakout zones, it's ideal for working on collaborative projects or networking with others in the building.

Meanwhile, the ground floor lobby features Coffee House by Signorelli, perfect for an iced coffee on the way up to the office. Templar , a European-inspired wine bar and restaurant ideal for post-work drinks or a bite to eat with friends, is also on the ground floor.

One of the first things I noticed about Stratford is how easy it is to get around. The area is really pedestrian-friendly, with well-lit pathways between all the local venues. This is especially useful in winter as the days shorten and it makes the area feel safe all year round.

It also has excellent public transport links to central London. You can travel on the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line, Central line, DLR, London Overground and National Rail, all from Stratford station. So, whether I need to travel for a work meeting or head into the city centre for a networking event, getting from A to B is seamless.

If you live in Stratford, you’ll know it has a diverse community, where many people move to stay. Lendlease developed the Stratford Cross neighbourhood with a sustainable future in mind, from responsible building construction to cultivating biodiverse green spaces in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Various youth outreach groups and events also run around Stratford Cross to improve community wellbeing. Since 2004, London Youth Rowing has been helping young people across London stay active. Meanwhile, the Creative Wick Music Academy continues to nurture local youth talent and encourage creative growth within the local community.

It’s hard to beat sitting back on the sofa with a bowl of nachos and a glass of wine in hand. Luckily, the Everyman cinema is just a four-minute walk from The Turing Building on Redman Place. When I’m craving the theatre, Stratford East is also close by.

There are also seasonal markets and local events to fill the calendar year-round. Daybreaker is hosting the ALIVE: LDN Music and Wellness Festival at Hackney Bridge this September. Meanwhile, the Riverside East Big Market is running until December 13th on Thornton Street, offering food stalls, homeware and more. Perfect for some early Christmas gifts.

I love running, so the London Marathon Community Track public sessions are where I go to push my cardio and try to hit my best track times. However, if you prefer swimming, I’d highly recommend visiting the London Aquatics Centre. The repurposed Olympic pools are a big step up from your local leisure centre or gym. The largest pool is 50 meters long, with nine lanes, so there are no overcrowded group swims.

For live sports entertainment, the Copper Box Arena is the place to be. Seating close to 7,500 spectators, the atmosphere on match days is electric. ‘The box that rocks’ hosts local sports events in basketball, netball, tennis and more.

Stratford Cross has everything I need daily, from my go-to coffee shop to my favourite canalside walks and the arts venues that inspire me.

Ready to discover life in Stratford Cross for yourself? Explore what’s on in the local area.