LONDON
THE GANTRY
STRATFORD ’ S NEWEST DINING HOTSPOT
OPENING ITS POLISHED DOORS AT THE END OF 2021 , CURIO COLLECTION ’ S THE GANTRY EMBRACES A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH TO A LEGACY OF HOSPITALITY TRADITION .
BY SAMANTHA READY
Located mere steps from Stratford International - making it ridiculously easy to arrive courtesy of Southeastern ’ s high-speed service - The Gantry is primely situated to not only venture across the city courtesy of the DLR and myriad of tube lines all within easy walking distance , but also to hunker down in the increasingly thriving East London metropolis that boasts Westfield , the Olympic legacy aquatic centre and the London Stadium , all bolstered by an eclectic and intriguing collection of eating and drinking spaces .
Part hipster , part traditionalist , the vibe is reminiscent of grand historical New York meets London contemporary art gallery . The decor of industrial chic meets polished glass and dark wood offset with playful seating in a mishmash of textures , fabric , colours and styles . The sculpture and framed artworks add yet more dimension .
The bedrooms , of which there are 291 , spread upwards towards the 18th floor panoramic sky bar , and are a great balance between modern classiness and functional space . Dark wood , king-size beds , spacious bathrooms , floor-to-ceiling windows , Nespresso machines , and just enough subtle accents to keep the curiosity factor . Interconnecting rooms make a stay even more accessible for families and groups .
But here is not just about a stay , far from it . The premise has been to create an intriguing mix of drinking and dining hotspots .
Demonstrated at first cross of the threshold by the artisanal food market and café , currently channelling its indie coffee shop vibes courtesy of the Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters pop up , offering the perfect place for a coco cappu and pastéis de nata grab-and-go while readying for a day of touristing exploring , expectations and experiential elegance heighten with each elevator floor climb .
Dominantly situated on the first floor is the main dining spot , Union Social . Enveloping around the entire floor , boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and a myriad of secluded dining spots , the welcoming lounge-come-restaurant-come-rooftop-hangout is the location for the hotel ’ s generous breakfast which includes a return to a post-Covid help-yourself continental buffet alongside a well balanced mix of à la carte picks ; it ’ s also evidently the perfect spot for the beautiful brunchers who relish low-level dining seats , city views and Instagrammable dishes .
Self-described as relaxed all-day dining with a global edge , Sicilian-born executive chef Salvatore Coco has created an ingenious internationally-led approach to The Gantry ’ s menu ; bucking away from traditional ( and often underwhelming ) hotel brasserie-esque fodder to more bravely offer a host of small plates such as pan fried scallops , Jerusalem artichoke purée and crispy onion , and homemade Portuguese-style salt cod fritters alongside larger plates of Dorset crab and prawn bisque tagliatelle , shoulder of lamb , pearl barley with fresh spring greens , and the Gantry burgster with rustic fries .
The global adventure-led theme continues to the drinks menu . Created by Walter Pintus , with credits everywhere from The Ritz and The Connaught to The Mandrake and most recently The Conduit to his award-winning mixologist name , Union Social ’ s ‘ Travelling Urban Flavours ’ cocktail menu features classics with a twist ; think a paloma infused with British beetroot and thyme , or piña colada finished with a touch of salted caramel and you ’ ll be on the right track . Alongside the cocktails is an extensive selection of wines and spirits and yet further places to enjoy them .
Coupe at Union Social , The Gantry ’ s very own Sparkling Bar , is unmissable thanks to its eye-catching illuminated counter bar and outdoor terrace . It offers an ever-changing menu of effervescent specialities ,
from championing English sparkling wine to introducing the newest hard seltzers . Guests can choose from some of the UK ’ s finest fizz from revered estates such as Kent ’ s own Gusbourne , as well as enjoying Champagne , Prosecco and a concise list of sparkling cocktails and spritzes , again all curated by Pintus .
And The Gantry really is reaching for new heights as its 18th-floor rooftop bar , complete with floor-toceiling-windows , cocktail sky bar and iconic sunsets to the backdrop of live music and DJ beats , now stakes its claim as the highest rooftop in East London .
With rooms starting at £ 191 per night based on a mid-week night stay in November , efficient friendly service , a relaxed welcoming vibe and some ingenious dining and drinking opportunities , this primely situated new staycation stopoff is already proving to be one not to miss .
The Gantry 40 Celebration Avenue Stratford London E20 1DB www . thegantrylondon . com
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