Things To Do
in Stratford

A classic British start to the day — eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms and toast — widely available in cafés around Stratford; good for a filling morning before sightseeing.

Must-Try!

Traditional London comfort food served in some pubs and cafés; look for local gastropubs doing modern twists on this dish.

Reflecting East London’s Caribbean community, you’ll find jerk chicken and roti shops offering hearty, spicy plates in the area, especially near Stratford High Street.

A wide selection of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants serve everything from biryani to tikka masala and grilled kebabs; Westfield and nearby streets host reliable options.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants a tip of around 10–15% is common if service isn’t included; for casual cafés or fast-food counters tipping isn’t expected. Taxi drivers may be rounded up to the nearest pound or given a small tip; for hotel porters and housekeeping £1–£2 is customary.

Contactless card payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; many places accept chips-and-PIN. Carry some cash for small market stalls or older vendors who may not take cards. Oyster/contactless is used for public transport fares.

Warmer temperatures (often mid-teens to mid-twenties °C) make parks and canals ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor events. Expect busier crowds, especially at the Olympic Park and Westfield; outdoor food markets, festivals and pop-ups increase.

Cooling temperatures and changing leaves in parks create attractive scenery for walks and photos. Rain becomes more likely; pack a waterproof layer and check event schedules as some outdoor activities wind down.

Cold, damp conditions with short daylight hours; occasional frost but heavy snow is rare. Indoor attractions, shopping and theatre are good options; seasonal markets and Christmas lights add atmosphere.

Mild temperatures and blooming trees make parks and riverside walks pleasant. Visitor numbers rise gradually toward summer; it’s a great time for cycling, café terraces and weekend markets.

A long riverside route following the River Lea/Lee Navigation with tranquil sections for walking, cycling and birdwatching — accessible directly from Stratford.

Large ancient woodland a short drive/public-transport ride away (north-east London), offering varied trails, open glades and longer hikes into semi-rural landscapes.

Flat, open green spaces suited to easy walks, football pitches and informal exploration close to Stratford and accessible on foot or by bike.

Network of paths and nature reserves stretching along the Lee Valley with options for short walks and longer excursions into quieter countryside areas.

Established local residents, often multi-generational households rooted in the borough.

Large and diverse communities from South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and Eastern Europe contributing to the area’s multicultural character.

New developments and good transport links attract commuters, young professionals and students associated with local universities and workplaces.

Artists, makers and small creative businesses concentrated in converted industrial spaces near the canal.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés, many restaurants offer plant-based mains and Westfield hosts dedicated vegan eateries. Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants provide many naturally vegetarian dishes (dals, chana, mezze).

Vegan choices are increasingly common — from dedicated vegan cafés to menu labels in chain restaurants; check menus online or ask staff for dairy-free/egg-free options.

Gluten-free options exist but cross-contamination can be a risk in mixed kitchens; inform staff and choose places that clearly label allergens or have separate preparation areas.

Halal meat is readily available in many South Asian and Middle Eastern outlets; look for halal certification or ask staff. Many casual stalls cater to halal diets.