The restaurant at Stratford’s new design hotel combines fantastic cooking with fun, modern and sophisticated surrounds
The background
Union Social has just opened at the brand-new Stratford hotel, The Gantry. Stratford is fast flourishing as a destination for foodies and a location of stylish new hotels, something The Gantry and Union Social will certainly help to push forward. The Gantry is a design-led hotel with unique artworks provided by Shoreditch gallery Jealous, industrial-inflected interiors and luxurious finishes. Union Social takes over most of the first floor of the hotel, alongside sparkling wine bar Coupe, and features a huge outdoor terrace with fire pits and sunset views across Stratford, set to be one of east London’s most in-demand cocktail spots.
Bright and modern cuisine at Union Social
The space
Union Social spreads generously across The Gantry’s first floor with bright walls, polished wooden flooring, textured surfaces and floor-to-ceiling windows making the space feel bright, airy and modern. The outdoor terrace wraps around the side of the building with chic and plush grey furniture and mustard pops of colour. There are plenty of corners to snuggle up in, with the most coveted seats being those by the two large fire pits.
Union Social boasts a beautiful terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail
The menu
Anyone dining at Union Social should stop in first to Coupe for a glass of fizz, or one of the bar’s refreshing and elevated cocktails. Coupe specialises in English sparkling wine, making it the perfect spot for a celebration or aperitif.
The menu at Union Social is at once elevated and accessible. Chef Salvatore Coco’s dishes are modern European with an Italian inflection and Asian influence. To start, there’s a diverse selection of small plates, ranging from crispy paneer with mango chutney or buffalo mozzarella campana with sweet drop cherry tomatoes and basil, to an indulgent cheese and charcuterie board. Mains include sesame-glazed trout in a fragrant Thai-style tamarin-infused ginger broth and a dish of rich beef cheeks served with irresistible Lyonnaise potatoes and red wine jus. For dessert we were recommended not to miss the sticky toffee pudding and it was fantastic advice from the friendly and enthusiastic waiting staff. The pudding was sophisticated and comforting at the same time.
Union Social’s design-led interior
The bill
A meal for two with a bottle of wine is around £100.
The verdict
An innovative and easygoing new addition to Stratford’s burgeoning foodie scene, Union Social is a multifaceted all-day hangout that’s perfect for casual brunches, business meetings and date nights.
