Once best known for the 2012 Olympics, Stratford has transformed into one of East London’s most vibrant areas for group hangouts. Whether you’re planning a weekend reunion, a midweek catch-up, or an all-out celebration, this corner of the capital offers far more than just shopping. From rooftop views and immersive games to canal-side eats and interactive sports, there are countless ways to enjoy Stratford with your favourite people.

One of the great things about Stratford is its sheer versatility. The area blends high-energy attractions with more chilled-out spots, so whether your group is after competitive chaos or laid-back lounging, you’ll find options that tick the box. Plus, with excellent transport links via the Underground, Overground, National Rail and the Elizabeth line, it’s an easy meeting point for friends coming from all directions.

And it’s not just about Westfield. While the shopping centre remains a major draw, many of Stratford’s best social experiences are tucked away in nearby creative hubs like Hackney Wick or right by the canalside. From interactive cricket games and street food courts to bowling, karaoke and rooftop cocktails, there’s no shortage of choice — just bring the right crew.

This guide rounds up the best things to do in Stratford London with friends, with 10 real venues that promise laughs, thrills and unforgettable memories. Let’s get into it.

1. Sixes at Riverside East Stratford: Interactive Cricket and Cocktails by the Canal

For a truly unique day or night out, Sixes at Riverside East Stratford delivers the perfect balance of competition, food, and fun. Set against the canalside in East London’s buzzing creative quarter, this high-energy venue lets you and your friends go head-to-head in interactive cricket games using real bats, real balls, and digital scoring. You’ll bat against virtual bowlers in fast-paced game modes like ‘The Hundred’, with leaderboards tracking every score — expect plenty of banter and a fair bit of friendly rivalry.

What makes it even better? The fully serviced tables right next to the nets. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, order from a mouthwatering menu of burgers, pizzas, sharing plates and sides, with cocktails, craft beers, and dietary-friendly options for vegan, halal, and gluten-free guests. Everything’s made fresh, and brought straight to your group without missing a beat.

Sixes at Riverside East Stratford isn’t just about the game — it’s designed for socialising. With space for 2 to 30+ guests, it’s ideal for group bookings, birthday parties, stag and hen dos, or just a spontaneous night out with mates. Some sessions are family-friendly too, and the venue often shows live sport on big screens — adding to its appeal for matchday hangouts.

If you’re on the hunt for the top things to do in Stratford London with friends, this one checks every box. Original, inclusive and seriously fun — Sixes sets the bar high.

2. Roof East: Rooftop Games, DJs and Summer Vibes

There’s nowhere quite like Roof East when the sun’s out and you’ve got mates to meet. Sitting atop a multi-storey car park opposite Stratford station, this open-air playground transforms into a vibrant social scene every spring and summer, with something happening in every corner — from rooftop cinema nights to batting cages, boules and street food pop-ups.

It’s loud, colourful, and unapologetically chaotic — the kind of place where you can sip a frozen cocktail, challenge your friend to a game of crazy golf, and suddenly find yourself dancing to a live DJ set by sunset. The energy shifts throughout the day: relaxed in the afternoon, rowdy by evening.

Food stalls rotate but always include great options for plant-based eaters, and the bars serve everything from craft beers to punchy rum mixes. It’s walk-in friendly if you’re feeling spontaneous, but bigger groups are better off booking a game or a table in advance.

More than anything, Roof East thrives on atmosphere. You’re surrounded by city skyline views, neon signage, and people who are all there for one reason — to have fun. That makes it one of the most reliable things to do in Stratford London with friends, especially in the warmer months. Bring layers, bring good vibes, and be ready for an unpredictable, joyfully unhinged night in the sky.

3. Hijingo: Futuristic Bingo Meets Nightclub Energy

Forget everything you think you know about bingo. Hijingo flips the concept on its head and launches it into a neon-lit future. Located just a short walk from Westfield Stratford, this high-concept venue combines competitive bingo rounds with immersive lighting, stadium-quality sound, and hosts who could just as easily be fronting a game show on TV.

But it’s not just spectacle. The gameplay is tight, fast-paced and surprisingly intense — there’s real money and prizes to be won, and the crowd gets properly into it. Drinks flow throughout the experience, with a sleek bar serving cocktails and craft beer, while table service keeps things moving without disrupting the action.

The venue also boasts a premium Asian-inspired menu if you want to turn the night into dinner and a show. From bao buns to gyoza, the food is a step up from standard event fare. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player, Hijingo throws you into an atmosphere that feels part rave, part cabaret, part game night.

For groups who like a bit of flair with their fun, this is one of the more unexpected things to do in Stratford London with friends. High-stakes bingo and sci-fi theatrics? Surprisingly, it works — and it’s a night out no one forgets.

4. Barge East: Riverside Dining in a Repurposed Dutch Barge

Sometimes you just want a setting that feels a little magical — and Barge East delivers exactly that. Moored on the River Lee just by the Olympic Park, this charming restaurant and bar is set on a 114-year-old barge, offering stunning views of the water and a beautifully designed, rustic interior that sets the tone for something special.

The vibe is warm and relaxed, but the food? Next level. Think seasonal British dishes with flair — locally sourced ingredients, bold plating, and a menu that changes frequently enough to keep regulars coming back. There’s also a garden area next to the barge that hosts street food events and live music, making it ideal for relaxed group socials where conversation flows as easily as the drinks.

Booking ahead is smart, especially for larger parties, but walk-ins are welcome when space allows. The staff are known for being welcoming and knowledgeable, happy to talk you through the menu or recommend wine pairings.

If you’re looking to balance energy with elegance, Barge East is one of the most quietly brilliant things to do in Stratford London with friends. It’s not loud or flashy — just really good food, thoughtful drinks, and a venue with genuine soul. Perfect for catch-ups, low-key celebrations, or just soaking up Stratford’s creative side from the comfort of the riverbank.

5. Ballie Ballerson Hackney Wick: Giant Ball Pit, Bottomless Brunch and Disco Energy

Just across the canal from Stratford in Hackney Wick, Ballie Ballerson is the kind of venue that doesn’t take itself too seriously — which is exactly why it works so well for groups. It’s known for its giant adult ball pit (yes, really), colourful cocktails and non-stop party playlist. If your crew is after a night that leans fully into the ridiculous, this is your place.

The drinks list is unapologetically playful — expect things like bubblegum martinis, candy-themed shots and slushie-style daiquiris served with a wink. There’s also a popular bottomless brunch option on weekends, where you’ll get two hours of food, fizz, and time to dive headfirst into the ball pit between bites.

While the vibe is big energy, the venue is deceptively well-run. Staff keep the chaos under control, the music is loud but never overwhelming, and there’s a solid booking system to keep wait times low. The whole place feels like a nostalgic throwback with a millennial upgrade.

For groups that love a wild card option, Ballie Ballerson Hackney Wick is one of the most joyfully over-the-top things to do in Stratford London with friends. It’s close enough to walk from the station, but far enough to feel like you’ve entered another world entirely. Just don’t wear heels in the ball pit.

6. The Bat and Ball: Table Tennis, Pool, and Pub Food Perfection

If you’re after a lively space that ticks all the classic boxes — drinks, games, good food, and a buzz — then The Bat and Ball inside Westfield Stratford is a crowd-pleaser. It’s essentially your elevated sports bar: ping pong tables, pool, private karaoke rooms, live sport screenings, and plenty of room to sprawl out with a group.

The atmosphere is rowdy in the best way. You can drop in for casual drinks and sliders, or go all in and book a table tennis tournament or a few hours in a karaoke booth. There’s enough going on to keep everyone entertained, but it never feels overwhelming.

The food and drink offering is solid — nothing overcomplicated, just well-done pub fare with a decent craft beer and cocktail selection. Service is quick, and there’s a nice mix of walk-ins and reservable spots. Groups of all sizes are welcome, and it’s ideal for pre- or post-movie hangouts if you’re also heading to the cinema upstairs.

What makes The Bat and Ball one of the go-to things to do in Stratford London with friends is its sheer versatility. Whether you want to belt out 90s hits, watch the football or trash-talk over a round of ping pong, this place makes space for all of it — and makes it easy.

7. East Village Market: Street Food and Chill Vibes in a Hidden Neighbourhood Gem

Tucked away behind the Olympic Park, East Village Market offers a totally different pace for friends looking to catch up without the noise. This isn’t your typical tourist-packed market — it’s local, low-key, and full of high-quality vendors slinging everything from Korean fried chicken to Ethiopian coffee and handmade cakes.

On weekends, the area comes alive with food trucks, pop-up craft stalls and live music. It’s the kind of place you stumble across once and then keep coming back to. There’s loads of outdoor seating and it’s dog-friendly too, which makes it a relaxed option for groups who want to stay social without planning every minute.

Grab a round of artisanal coffees or local beers, pick from a half-dozen street food stalls, and settle in for an afternoon of people-watching and storytelling. You’re surrounded by wide open spaces and greenery, with the buzz of Stratford close by but not overbearing.

As far as laid-back things to do in Stratford London with friends go, East Village Market is ideal for those days when you want to spend time together without needing a full itinerary. Bring a blanket, bring an appetite, and enjoy a different side of East London that feels more village than city.

8. Tina We Salute You: Coffee by Day, Natural Wine by Night

Tina We Salute You in Hackney Wick strikes that rare balance between café comfort and night-out energy. During the day, it’s a minimalist coffee bar with great beans and chilled vibes — ideal for a daytime debrief or lazy weekend hangout. But by evening, the space transforms into a buzzing natural wine bar, complete with candlelight, curated playlists and a rotating menu of small plates.

This spot is perfect for friends who want a night out without the full-on party scene. You can drop in for a glass and a chat, or stay late and end up making new mates over a shared bottle. The crowd is friendly, the décor is effortlessly cool, and the staff actually know their stuff when it comes to wine.

What sets Tina We Salute You apart is how unpretentious it is. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it — just curious. It’s small, social and walk-in friendly, though booking a table for larger groups is smart on weekends.

When you’re thinking about alternative things to do in Stratford London with friends — something slower, more personal — this is a quiet gem worth adding to the mix. Great conversation, great wine, no pressure.

9. Boom Battle Bar Stratford: Axe Throwing, Beer Pong and Mayhem Under One Roof

For full-throttle group energy, Boom Battle Bar Stratford is as extra as it gets. This place isn’t shy — it’s built for people who want to turn up the volume and dive headfirst into chaos. You’ve got axe throwing lanes, augmented darts, shuffleboard, crazy golf, beer pong, and even karaoke rooms for when the chaos turns musical.

What makes it fun is the mash-up of games and the freedom to dip in and out. You’re not stuck in one corner — you can rotate through experiences, challenge your friends to whatever catches your eye, and keep the banter going all night. Every game is group-friendly and built to get people talking, shouting, and sometimes singing at full volume.

The bar delivers the goods too. Think bold cocktails, craft pints and party-style sharing trays. The food isn’t fancy, but it’s exactly what you want after axe throwing — burgers, loaded fries, wings, nachos, and a steady stream of shots if your group’s that way inclined.

As indoor things to do in Stratford London with friends go, Boom Battle Bar Stratford is wildly entertaining. Whether it’s a reunion, a pre-party warm-up, or just a Thursday night that escalates, it’s built for groups who are up for anything.

10. ArcelorMittal Orbit: Slide, Selfies and Skyline Views

Want your Stratford day out to literally end on a high? Head to the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture and home to the world’s longest tunnel slide. Rising above Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it’s a visual landmark you can see from across East London — but going up it is where the real thrill begins.

You and your friends can take a lift to the top viewing platform for panoramic views over London, then take on the 178m slide that spirals all the way back down. It’s fast, dark, and far more exhilarating than you expect — not for the faint-hearted, but definitely worth the adrenaline if you’re with a brave crew.

Even if you skip the slide, the Orbit still delivers. There’s a mirrored viewing platform, interactive art, and enough architecture to keep the Instagrammers happy. Plus, the park around it is great for a walk, with plenty of space to decompress after the ride.

For groups who want something a little different — something you’ll actually remember the next day — ArcelorMittal Orbit is one of the more unexpected but rewarding things to do in Stratford London with friends. It’s part art, part ride, part “what did we just do?” in the best possible way.

Wrapping Up a Day Out: Where to Start (and End) When Planning Things to Do in Stratford London with Friends

Stratford isn’t just another East London postcode — it’s a social playground packed with contrast. One moment you’re throwing axes, the next you’re sipping natural wine by candlelight. What makes this area such a brilliant choice for groups is its range: high-energy games venues, riverside dining spots, quirky markets, rooftop bars, and cultural landmarks that all sit within walking distance of one another. It’s got the infrastructure of a city centre, but the creativity of a fringe neighbourhood — and that’s a rare thing.

What’s more, the area’s accessibility makes planning easy. With the Underground, Overground, and the Elizabeth line all converging here, it’s one of the simplest places in London for friends to meet up — no matter where they’re travelling from. Add in canal paths, green space, and a genuine sense of local energy, and you’ve got the ingredients for everything from spontaneous nights out to long-awaited reunions.

Whether you’re kicking off with interactive cricket at Sixes at Riverside East Stratford, catching sunset views at Roof East, or sliding down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, there’s no need to settle for predictable plans. Stratford’s got enough variety to suit every personality in your group — the foodie, the competitor, the party starter, and the one who just wants a really good drink.

So the next time someone asks where to go for a proper catch-up or celebration, don’t overlook this buzzing corner of East London. The best things to do in Stratford London with friends aren’t just fun — they’re unforgettable.