Westfield Stratford City is London’s second-largest shopping centre and one of the key retail and leisure destinations in East London. It is located in Stratford, directly connected to Stratford station, and opened in 2011 as part of a major regeneration project ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Area development and location
Stratford was long known as an industrial and logistics area, but its role began to change significantly in the 2000s as part of large-scale urban regeneration. Westfield Stratford City was built in a strategically important transport location as part of this transformation.
The shopping centre connects seamlessly with surrounding residential and office developments as well as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Its entrances open in multiple directions, and its layout is integrated into the street network and station area, allowing easy access from different parts of Stratford.
Shopping and services
Westfield Stratford City is home to around 280 shops, covering international and British fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. Fashion retailers include Arket, COS, & Other Stories and Massimo Dutti.
The centre also features major department stores such as John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose & Partners, offering a wide range of fashion, homeware, groceries and beauty products. This makes Westfield suitable not only for shopping trips but also for everyday errands.
Electronics retailers include Currys and Apple, while beauty and wellbeing services are provided by brands such as KIKO Milano, Rituals, as well as several hair salons and beauty studios.
Restaurants and leisure
Restaurants and cafés are located both inside the shopping centre and around its edges. Westfield Stratford City offers around 70 restaurants and cafés, ranging from quick lunches to sit-down dining.
Café options include the British chain Black Sheep Coffee and the Japanese-style WA Cafe, known for its pastries and matcha drinks. Leisure facilities include Vue Cinema Westfield Stratford City, adding a cinema experience to the retail and dining mix.
Westfield as part of Stratford
Westfield Stratford City forms a natural part of Stratford’s town centre and the surrounding urban fabric. The area has undergone significant change since the early 2000s, with new residential and office buildings, transport infrastructure and public spaces reshaping the district.
The nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park provides open green spaces, walking routes and outdoor areas that contrast with the commercial environment. Stratford is also one of London’s major transport hubs, where Underground, rail and DLR services intersect.
Practical tips for visitors
Westfield Stratford City is easy to reach by Underground, train and DLR services, with Stratford station located directly next to the centre. The shopping centre is open daily from morning until evening.
Visitor numbers vary by time of day and day of the week. Weekdays and mornings are generally quieter, while weekends and afternoons are the busiest.
