The trendy London neighbourhood with world-famous new museum and cool hotels
Put on the map following the creation of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2012, the East London neighbourhood is slowly becoming a trendy spot to go to.
3
3
3
So much so, it was named the coolest place to visit in London by Time Out earlier this year.
And that's been backed further by the opening of the much anticipated V&A East Storehouse (vam.ac.uk) at the end of May.
It is certainly expansive – spread across four floors, taking up the space of 30 basketball courts.
Free to visit, after putting my handbag into one of the many lockers (big bags and bulky coats along with food and drink aren't allowed inside) I was ready to explore.
The museum's collection is broken down into three 'themes' – items that have a story, items inspired by the V&A and items that show a working museum.
An element I loved was the lack of walls so you can see everything while standing in one spot – almost reminding me of an IKEA warehouse.
But the variation of items (of which there are 250,000) means there is something for everyone.
Kids will be fascinated by the sword displays, while I loved the items from important protests throughout history.
Architecture lovers will be taken by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright rooms and there is enough art and memorabilia to keep all types occupied, from motorbikes and guitars to magazines and interiors.
Yet, it's a museum made for the modern day – every piece has a QR code to scan for more information rather than huge signs of text.
Take a look inside London's Hotel 41
Later this year it will open the David Bowie Centre, an archive dedicated to the six decades of the late singer's career.
And next spring will see the opening of V&A East Museum, a 7,000sqm attraction space with live shows and pop-ups.
But that's not the only new boost of culture at Stratford.
Following the success of Sadler's Wells Theatre in Islington, the new Sadler's Wells East (sadlerswells.com) has also opened just around the corner from the new V&A.
Huge bowls of pasta
With live dance shows, from flamenco to hip hop, I was left in awe watching Find Your Eyes – a show created by photographer Benji Reid who used dance alongside his live photography on stage.
With my battery running low, I needed some downtime and thankfully just around the corner was the stylish Gantry Hotel.
It's a great evening destination, where you'll spot everyone from laptop types in the lobby to after-work drinkers on the terrace.
The day-lounge-turned-evening-restaurant Union Social kept me well fed with huge bowls of pasta followed by a glass of wine from the retro Coupe bar.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
How the ABC bungled a $4billion payday - as Aussie show among the biggest in the world makes major move
The ABC has been left red-faced after the UK channel that airs Bluey announced it is set to make even more money off one of Australia's most successful cultural exports. This week, the BBC revealed plans to transform Bluey into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, marking another major commercial leap for the animated juggernaut. Alongside the expansion of its already booming merchandise empire, a Bluey feature film is now in the works, set to be released in 2027 and distributed globally by Disney. In just 2024 alone, Bluey was the driving force behind a bumper $4billion in commercial profits for BBC Studios through global licensing, product deals, and themed experiences. That staggering haul is more than four times the annual budget of the ABC, which is funded by the federal government and Australian taxpayers. The ABC was among the original co-commissioners of Bluey, which first aired in 2018, but failed to secure any significant merchandising deals. Despite being developed and produced in Brisbane by Ludo Studio, most of the benefits of show's commercial success has flowed offshore. Since its debut, Bluey has become a global sensation, celebrated for its heartwarming storytelling, gentle humour, and uniquely Australian character. Bluey-branded merchandise ranges from plush toys and puzzles to camping gear, clothing, and even nappies. In 2024, a large-scale Bluey-themed attraction, Bluey's World, opened in Brisbane, and was recently named one of Time Magazine's 'World's Greatest Places' for 2025. In the same year, Bluey was the number one most viewed show in the United States, recording more than 55billion minutes of viewing time on Disney+. 'From a retail sales standpoint, we are generating about £2.7bn in global retail sales across our entire portfolio and Bluey is a really, really big chunk of that,' Suzy Raia, who heads global consumer products at BBC Studios, told The Guardian. Yet despite its deep Australian roots, the ABC has reaped little financial reward from Bluey's explosive global success. As reported by The Courier-Mail in February, the ABC made no attempt to secure merchandising rights during the show's early development. Then-managing director David Anderson was present at the meeting where Bluey was first pitched to the network. 'We don't make money out of Bluey,' Anderson told the ABC in 2023. 'What Bluey does is provide joy to children and families all over the country and now all over the world. And that would be priceless.' In 2024, ABC Chair Kim Williams addressed the Australian Press Club, warning of declining public funding for the broadcaster and calling for greater government support. Just a few months later in June, the ABC slashed at least 50 jobs in a round of budget cuts, under the new leadership of Managing Director Hugh Marks. Among the casualties was the long-running current affairs program Q&A, once a flagship forum for national political and cultural debate. In an email sent to ABC staff, Marks justified the changes were part of the ABC stepping back from 'areas that no longer align with our priorities'.
BBC News
24 minutes ago
- BBC News
The Bill's PC Reg Hollis helps arrest thief in Southampton
A former star of ITV's The Bill has helped real-life officers arrest a suspected Stewart, who played PC Reg Hollis for 24 years, came to the aid of police in Ocean Way, Southampton, on fleeing suspect fell off a bicycle before being handcuffed and Stewart, who lives locally, sat on his video of the arrest released by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, officers thanked the actor before asking for a group photo. The star replied: "No, sure, man. Well, I was in The Bill for 24 years, in the TV show. Yeah, I played Reg."The body-worn police video showed officers running across a car park in pursuit of the suspect who was wheeling a fell off as he started to pedal away and was wrestled to the actor, wearing shorts and sunglasses, was on the scene seconds later, helping the two posted: "Long since retired from Sun Hill station - but he's still got it!"Stewart left the long-running police drama in 2008. Police said the thief, 29-year-old Mohamed Diallo, of Anglesea Road, admitted stealing alcohol and food in five separate incidents and will be sentenced by Southampton magistrates in August. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Sun
Unknown Brit actor shakes up James Bond race as bookies see surge on bets on him to become new 007
AN UNKNOWN British actor has suddenly emerged as a serious contender in the race to become the next James Bond. Bookies are reporting a surprising surge in bets on him to take over the iconic 007 role. 5 5 The race to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond is heating up — and whilst some major stars are in the running, a few lesser-known names are also being thrown into the mix. Bookmaker Coral can now report that Scott Rose-Marsh has emerged as a contender to become the next James Bond, at least in their betting, as he is now just 6-1 (cut from 16-1) for the role. 'This gamble on Scott Rose-Marsh has caught us off guard, and after some substantial support behind him, we think he is now a serious contender, alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James and Jack Lowden,' said Coral's John Hill. Scott, who trained at the BRIT school, is known for his multiple appearances as Pete in Welsh network S4C's Yr Amgueddfa, and as Jerome in the BBC One series Chloe. Denis Villeneuve is on board as the franchise's next director and Amazon is looking at a 2028 release date for 26th instalment. Insiders have told Variety that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30. Many actors have been in the running for the role including Aaron Taylor Johnson, Josh O'Connor, and Regé-Jean Page. But, it's Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson who are at the top of the wish list. Heartthrob Jacob, who has been a firm name in the mix for a while now, has given fans a hint that he may be taking over the role from Daniel Craig. The star has recently re-activated his Instagram account. Shoppers gobsmacked as they see huge US movie star on the street in very expensive disguise This move comes a year after the 28-year-old previously deactivated his account, despite being a regular poster on the platform. As a result, fans have speculated that the star could be gearing up for some promo for a movie, with many keeping fingers crossed that that movie is James Bond. Jacob is yet to share any posts on his Instagram account, despite reactivating it. Although Jacob is Australian, it does not rule him out - especially as Aussie actor George Lazenby previously played Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969. 5 5
