13 May 2017

Rooftop rollerdisco pops up in Stratford


Attention all Londoners - this is not a drill. Our wonderful city now has what it's been missing all along; a rooftop rollerdisco.

Roof East in Stratford is open again for the summer, bringing all manner of hipster pursuits to the top deck of a multi-storey car park. The rollerdisco is just one of the activities on offer - although let's be honest, it's the best.

The rollerdisco was the last place we visited. As the night - and the cocktails - went on, my photography got worse.
Situated inside a marquee with a DJ blaring out classic cheese, it's the ideal place to fall thingy-over-whatsit to the dulcet tones of R Kelly*. The downside of the marquee is that the rollerdisco is the only place on the roof that you can't admire the views over east London and beyond.


Elsewhere on the roof, take out the day's rage in the American-style baseball batting cages. Armed with a helmet and a bat, you'll have the balls fired at you (pick a lane depending on your preferred speed). Be warned though - it's harder than it looks to strike a hit.
Team Londonist shows its competitive side.
If that's all a bit strenuous, try the more gentile offering of bowls. A word of advice; ten pin bowling it is not. Do not lob the ball down the lane (pitch? court? green?) with all your might. It's a case of skill over strength - as Team Londonist learnt, after much trial and error.


The crazy golf is back for another year. This year's course is much improved on last year's meagre offering - although the decor probably gets a bit trippy after a few drinks.


Unfortunately the food offerings aren't as varied as last year. Pick from pizza courtesy of Pizza Shack, or all manner of Spanish-inspired food from Jimmy's Tapas Bar (top tip: the chorizo hot dog is a worthy choice - and the cheese from the pizzas leaves an excellent shine, should you accidentally drop it on a black leather boot #justsaying).


Last, but by no means least, is the outdoor cinema by Rooftop Film Club. I've been a fan of what these guys do since my first introduction on top of Peckham's Bussey Building some years ago. The cinema's on the northern side of the roof, so no getting distracted from the screen by the skyline views.


When the sun's out, it feels a bit Miami Beach - all bright colours, (fake) palm trees and summer vibes. But when night falls, there's no getting away from the fact that you're in E15. Dress appropriately. You've been warned.


*Actually happened - not to me for once, but to a colleague.

Roof East 2017, top floor, multi-storey car park, Great Eastern Way, Stratford, E15 1XE. Entry is free, all activities incur a charge.

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