I swapped Sardinia for East London to run a hotel
WITH its enormous Olympic Park, graffiti-clad buildings, old mills, new bars and neighbourhood pubs, it’s no wonder East London is one of the world’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
And actually, that’s why Alberto Cambus who was born and raised in Italy’s Sardinia, decided he was going to stick around when he moved to the London district over 10 years ago.
Alberto Cambus, Director of Sales & Marketing, for The Stratford, explained why he has never left the quirky area of East London.
He explained: “I moved here 11 years ago to study, and I loved it – I embraced the pace, the lifestyle, the coffee – I’m even having cappuccinos after 11am now.”
“I’ve always lived in East London, so I’m definitely an advocate for it and Stratford is one of the areas I love the most.”
Here are some of his top tips on exploring the area.
Hotels
As he works The Stratford, Alberto of course highly recommends the hotel as a great base for those visiting East London.
He said: “Our hotel is itself a triumph of architecture – our architects are the same that designed the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
“It perfectly blends with the local area and community, making it well worthwhile popping in to take a look at our art – if you check out the lobby, we have many pieces that reference the London 2012 Olympics.
“On top of that, we have tours of the area, such as the Olympic venues.
“We do tend help our guests with the ease of access to these London institutions whether it’s to Sadler’s Wells for contemporary dance or the V&A.
“We can try to facilitate the sourcing of West Ham tickets, London Lions or London Aquatics too.”
Restaurants
Despite coming from the Italian island, he did say there was an Italian restaurant in the UK that was just as good.
He said: “I have to mention Santi, an Italian restaurant in front of a hotel – the menu is similar to the classic Italian food that you’ll find in Italy.
“The pizza is amazing, it’s so underrated, I’d say it’s one of the best pizza places in London.
“Another of my favourite restaurants is Hera, a beautiful Greek restaurant – it’s in front of West Ham stadium, it has a great atmosphere, very cosy, sophisticated, but not over the top.”
Bars and pubs
Alberto admitted that the hotel’s Stratford Lounge cocktails were amazing, with “mixing of the classics” as well as a recently launched autumn menu.
But he did shout out another local bar too.
He said: “Another one is Number 90 Bar in Hackney Wick, along the canal.
“It is always lively with amazing music playing, very good cocktails and reasonably priced.”
Being in the UK for more than a decade, Alberto is a pub convert – and he raved about one called Mother Kelly’s in the Olympic Village.
He explained: “It’s tiny, very cosy pub in Victory Parade, a neighbourhood pub that excels in craft beers, sour beers , IPAs and it’s a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
“I’ve been working in Stratford for three years now so I go in a fair bit.
“I still haven’t managed to try the whole selection of beer they have – there’s so much you’re spoiled for choice.”
Lesser-known spots
Despite East London being a popular tourist destination, there are still some spots only locals know about: “Three Mills Island isn’t very well-known; essentially, they are old flour mills between the river and navigation channel – it’s completely off the beaten track.
“It’s nothing short of an East London experience because it has a huge amount of history.
“I’d say it’s quite an unusual place for London, but beautiful – and you can take a long walk around it.
“If you’re in the area, visit now because I think that the landscape of East London in 10 years will be completely different – it’s transforming in front of my eyes.”
One must-do local experience
“You absolutely have to see a West Ham match – I’m so passionate about it, there is nothing like watching them play at the London Stadium.
“I’ve been a West Ham fan since I was about 10-ears-od thanks to a very strong Italian player called Paolo Di Canio.
“One of the first activities I did here was see a West Ham game at Upton Park, then they moved to the London Stadium right next door, I always say it was fate.”
Green spaces
“This area of London used to be a bit of an urban jungle, but then obviously they built the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is an oasis of green space.
“Stratford is so much more enjoyable now, and if you combine it with the canals in Hackney Wick, the Hackney Marshes, I’d say there’s lots of nature in East London.
“It’s well connected to Victoria Park too so you can actually walk between the two parks in 10-minutes then head along Regent’s Canal.
Family attractions
“The Olympic Park has so many options and activities for families – there’s the Tumbling Bay Playground and The Aquatics Centre.
“There’s Zip World at the ArcelorMittal, and a huge slide which goes down from the Orbit too – you name it, we have it.
“There’s the Olympic Pool, which is available for guests and for kids to swim, and all sorts of activities at the Velodrome.
“The V&A East opened earlier this year – I can’t say I enjoyed going around museums when I was a kid – but they do have activities for children.”
Shopping
“I’d recommend Hackney Wick for shopping, there are lots of small markets, particularly on the weekend that populate the area.
“They sell any type of quirky item – it’s very nice.
“And I know that most people won’t be going to a butchers but I love Appetite Steakhouse, they have a huge selection of Italian meats.
“I’m mentioning it’s also a restaurant – it has the best meat I’ve found in London.”
Sweet treats and coffee
“My favourite place is called Signorelli, which is an Italo-English” bakery.
“While I’m not a massive sweet tooth, I am a huge coffee lover and Signorelli is perfect for both.
“From time to time you can be lucky enough to find a Cornetto, which is the Italian version of a croissant, but it’s a bit different in terms of the dough, and in terms of coffee, definitely, I mean, they are the best in Stratford.
“Whenever I feel homesick, I have one of their coffees, and it takes me back to Italy.”
Free things to do
“Hackney Wick is full of street art so I’d suggest taking yourself on an unofficial graffiti tour.
“One artist, Helch, has always been known by his tag – like Banksy, he passed away recently, and Hackney Wick was a place he worked the most.
“Lots of the buildings in Hackney Wick are decorated by graffiti and you can probably see it all in around 20 minutes.
“Otherwise, take a stroll around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – they also have lots going on there, so it’s worth checking out their site ahead of time to not miss out like live music to kids activities.”
Best views in East London
“Our rooftop at the hotel has the best view of Stratford.
“The view from the rooftop at Kokin is unbeatable – it’s our signature restaurant on the seventh floor and you can see the very best of East London from there.
“You can enjoy the dramatic views across to St Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy some of the best sushi in London – it’s not just sushi there’s all sorts of Japanese cuisine and the chef is incredible.
“They do special events up there too like tuna carving which takes place every Wednesday.”
Daytrips from Stratford
“The thing about Stratford is that it has so many transport links so really, you’re spoilt for choice, but I would definitely say head to Kent.
“You can get there so easily and the Kent coast is amazing, there’s Whitstable, Margate, Deal, Ramsgate – I was born by the sea in Sardinia so for me to be able to get away to the beach, it’s fantastic.”