The best bars to check out in our postcode

In the last decade, the cocktail scene has shaken things up in Stratford. And some of the best libations can, of course, be found right in the heart of Westfield as well as in the independent bars lining East Village and the Olympic Park. Dedicated reporters that we are, we set out and flung back a few heady concoctions in search of the best in our postcode, all so you can pick the perfect spot to unwind. Just don’t blame us for the headache tomorrow.

BALANS EAST

People-watch on the outdoor terrace with a cocktail from the new menu created by mixologist Julian de Féral: ours is the Watermelon Sugar, a Harry Styles-inspired mixture of Pueblo Viejo tequila, elderflower liqueur and watermelon syrup. Plus, there’s 2-for-1 on cocktails every Monday-Wednesday from 5-7pm.

**Outside on The Street

ALL STAR LANES

Tucked away on the centre’s second level is the capital’s hippest bowling alley. Before you hit the lanes, embrace the 1950s with a “hard” shake or a zesty Lady Marmalade cocktail blending Bombay Bramble gin, Cointreau, marmalade, orange bitters and lavender.

**Second Floor, Westfield Stratford City

UNION SOCIAL AT THE GANTRY

With an exterior marked by slim vertical fins, Union Social at The Gantry overlooks the leafy bowl of Victory Park. Perch on a stool at the bar or, if the weather’s fine, lounge on the terrace with a killer Amber Negroni, featuring a splash of Inverroche gin.

**40 Celebration Avenue E20 1DB

HAUGEN

Climb to the top-floor terrace of this unique Alpine-inspired destination for awe-inspiring park views. Here, enjoy a vodka- fuelled Jet Set Martini made with elderflower, prosecco and Lillet rosé, finished with a sprinkling of gold dust. Plus it’s 2-for-1 cocktails every day from 4pm-6pm.

**9 Endeavour Square E20 1JN

ROOTS COCKTAIL BAR

The cocktails at this cosy East Village haunt are “inspired by nature, from the seeds to the flowers”. Try a 2 Degrees, a refreshing but potent combination of FAIR Quinoa vodka, Everleaf Marine (bergamot, kelp and sea buckthorn) and lime and basil cordial.

**3-4 West Park Walk, East Village E20 1DH

ALLEGRA

This award-winning bar-restaurant is on the seventh floor of The Stratford Hotel. We recommend the Bitter Memory, made with quirky Danish floral spirit The Plum I Suppose, home-made sweet vermouth and well-balanced blackberry shrub. Ideally sipped while enjoying views from the Japanese-style sky gardens.

**20 International Way E20 1FD

ELONDI AT THE HYATT

Need somewhere glam to relax after a thorough retail therapy session? Elondi is something of a discreet gem, serving up next- level cocktails: celebrate the postcode with an E20 Close of the Day, combining Kraken Spiced rum, vodka, lime juice and ginger beer.

**10A Chestnut Plaza E20 1GL

TINA, WE SALUTE YOU

This super-welcoming LGBTQIA+-friendly bar is on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, perfectly situated for stunning sunset views. As night falls, go pink with the sharp citrus tang of an iced Gin Daisy on the terrace, overlooking the wetlands beyond.

**2 Olympic Park Ave E20 1FT