When it comes to summer destinations, there’s one place that is quite literally above the rest.
Roof East, situated on top of the Stratford Centre, is about to open for its new season and has plenty on offer.
Among the new attractions for the venue’s third summer is a crazy golf course, which project manager Martyn Wills thinks will be a huge success.
The nine hole course will feature loops, half pipes and an elevated five foot drop on to the sixth hole.
“I think it’s going to be really popular,” said Martyn. “We think it’s going to be so good it’s going to run for the whole summer.”
But shoppers below need not worry about golf balls landing on their heads.
“It’s really well maintained,” Martyn said. “They have got a permanent fence there and they have added a net.
“It’s very much about putting balls and having fun.”
If all that activity works up an appetite a new arrival on the food front is pimped up hotdogs from RockaDollar Dogs.
Set up by Hawskmoor head chef Richard Sandiford, the stall will offer a new twist on the traditional delicacy in the fluffiest of steamed buns.
Martyn thinks the rooftop venue, which is set to open on Tuesday, is hitting its stride by adding new events alongside previous favourites including yoga, the rooftop film club and hoola hoop classes.
“We are taking what worked last year and adding to that,” he said.
“Stratford is properly established now. I think this year is going to be brilliant.”
Last week’s unseasonal snowfall might worry some people who are just about to open a rooftop bar.
However, Martyn is more pragmatic about the unpredictable British weather.
“Ultimately it would be nice if we had months of sunshine,” he admitted.
“But it is what it is – an outdoor rooftop venue.
“We could put a roof on but that would take away from it being an outdoor venue.”
From morning yoga to cocktails at sunset, Martyn thinks the appeal of scenic views across London while enjoying an activity with friends is hard to beat.
He said: “You are standing above everything.
“It gives people a bit of a handle on where they live and you get another view of the city you live in.”
Martyn is confident that as well as great food and events, Roof East offers an unrivalled perspective across the capital for visitors.
“Roof East has lovely views,” he said.
“You have got Westfield and the Olympic Park and the best views across London.
Roof East will be open Tuesday to Friday 5pm to 11pm and weekends 12pm to 11pm until September. Entrance is free but some events are ticketed separately. For more information visit roofeast.com
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