Skyline views of happening East London at new event space

If you haven’t been to London’s Stratford in a while – possibly, like me, not since the Olympics in 2012 – then you’re in for a shock.

Emerging from the increasingly well-connected Stratford station, one of the stops on the recently-opened Elizabeth Line, you blink up to a bustling world of shops, restaurants, towering residential buildings and building work on every horizon from Westfield Stratford City.

From the terrace of the Hyatt Regency London Stratford’s new 12^th floor event space, the view at night reminded me of Dubai. Really!

If you’re a West Ham supporter, this will all be very familiar, since the club has made its home in the London Stadium, previously the Olympic Stadium. Also close by is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the Copper Box, ABBA Voyage Arena, ArcelorMittal Orbit, London Aquatics Centre and the Lee Valley VeloPark.

Sadlers Wells is opening a new theatre next year and the V&A has two sites also currently under construction in the QE Olympic Park. Both sites are part of East Bank, the Mayor of London's £1.1 billion Olympic legacy project, which aims to create a new arts, innovation and education hub.

The V&A East Storehouse opening next year is set to offer visitors a new immersive experience, going behind the scenes and providing unprecedented access to V&A collections. A short walk across the park, V&A East Museum will celebrate global creativity when it opens in 2025. 

There is serious investment here.

While there maybe something unsettling about the sheer extravagance of goods, bars and restaurants on offer, it simultaneously feels hopeful and exciting. For some it will be a dream come true. How the young entering today’s London jobs market can afford the £2k rent on the many new one-bed flats springing up – many with concierge, gym and sleek designs – is baffling but taking up residence they are and in numbers.

Also in the heart of this modern, developing area, minutes from the station, is the Hyatt Regency London Stratford with its fashionable but relaxed design and friendly staff, which opened a year ago. Offering 225 stylish rooms in sleek grey, all have incredibly comfortable beds, generous showers, a large work desk and quality finish.

Also here is the Hyatt House London Stratford, offering 127 spacious studios and one-bed apartments with kitchens designed for longer stays.

A purpose-built events space on the third floor offers 295 sqm of flexible suites. While just open on the 12^th floor are another seven suites and an open-air terrace adding a further 408 sqm of flexible events spaces to E20.  

The Lea Suites on the 12^th floor open on to a decked open-air terrace with panoramic city views, making it ideal for a drinks reception or party. 

All suites offer natural light with sheer and blackout curtains, and are fitted with state-of-the-art technology including Ultra-bright High-Definition projection, LCD screens, video conferencing and concert-like sound systems. 

On the third floor, the Stratford Suite is ideal for an awards dinner or conference, while the Bow and Poplar Suites offer space for a meeting or private dinner. The third floor also offers a generous 150 sqm furnished, open-air terrace. 

The Elondi Restaurant, Bar and Terrace is available for private functions, serving a locally sourced and seasonal East London-inspired menu. 

Sicilian head-chef Alessandro Femino and food and beverage director Tommy So, whose hospitality career spans 20-plus years including senior roles at Nobu, The RAC Club, The Stratford Hotel, Sea Containers London plus five years at Claridge’s, mean the F&B is in creative and capable hands.