Top places for al fresco drinks in Stratford

Posted 30/05/2023

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to grab a spot in the sun, order a refreshing cocktail or a crisp beer, and make the most of the British sunshine. East London is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, whether it’s a buzzy rooftop, chic cocktail lounge, or leafy garden terrace where you prefer to enjoy your tipple of choice. Stratford, home to our hugely anticipated development at New Stratford Works, has some of the area’s most exciting venues. Here are our top picks...

Roof East
Self-assigned the title of ‘London’s biggest adult playground’ and dubbed ‘Stratford’s place to be’ by none other than the Washington Post. Roof East is one of the coolest, most entertaining summer hangouts in the city, and it’s found in the unlikely setting of a multi-storey car park in Stratford. Back by popular demand to see you through the summer for another year of street food, rooftop drinks, open air cinema Rooftop Film Club and, importantly, an endless selection of games. Bring your friends for a burger and a movie and stay for cocktails and a game of giant Jenga.

Terrace Bar at Aspers
Hidden away on the top floor of Westfield Stratford City, Terrace Bar is an elegant and modern cocktail lounge with a spacious outdoor seating area. If you’re looking for somewhere with a touch of glamour either for date night or a summer evening with friends, this leafy rooftop terrace with a mix of sun and shade spots is just the place. The floor-to-ceiling drinks display isn’t just for show, and you can choose from an array of chilled beers, premium champagnes, expertly mixed aperitifs and a carefully selected wine list.

Barge East
London’s short-lived summers make it one of the most vibrant places to be when the sun is out, with locals hell-bent on flocking to the best outdoor watering holes to make the most of it. Barge East, with one of the largest outdoor dining and drinking spaces in London, is top of the list. As the name suggests, this popular haunt is found floating on a lovingly restored 120-year-old barge moored on the canal in trendy east London, with its own sustainable produce garden spilling onto the banks. Hop aboard or relax in the garden and sample award-winning, seasonal cuisine, or simply soak up the sun with an al fresco drink.

The Bar at Allegra
Nestled on the seventh floor of Manhattan Loft Gardens, one of London’s most iconic buildings is Allegra - a sleek and sophisticated European-inspired restaurant and terrace bar with breathtaking views. Guests are welcomed by stunning minimalist design, water features and wildflowers, and can choose from a menu of high-quality, seasonally creative cocktails, alongside a delicious selection of light bites and more substantial snacks. The Bar at Allegra is inspired by local ingredients from the kitchen, coupled with classic bartending techniques, and is the perfect spot for a special tipple on a balmy summer’s evening.

Terrace E20
For warm summer days when the day’s work is done, Terrace E20 is the perfect place to let your hair down by enjoying fresh cocktails with some friends against the backdrop of the sun setting across east London. Located in the trendy Stratford Hotel, Terrace E20 offers a rotating roster of DJs playing a mix of funk, soul and house music, creating the perfect buzzy but laid-back atmosphere. This summer, enjoy their al fresco margarita terrace offering a bespoke menu of sustainable margaritas and signature cocktails set in a tropical paradise theme, finished with palm trees and eye-catching orange blooms.

Stratford is one of London’s most buzzing and exciting neighbourhoods and it’s only getting better. With our New Stratford Works collection, living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities just got even more appealing.