Celebrating the one-year anniversary of the city’s impressive new hotel and social hub called for an occasion nothing short of spectacular. Approaching the bronze-grated structure, we were full of anticipation for what the night might hold. It is safe to say that the evening exceeded all of our expectations. It was as though we had received an invite from Jay Gatsby himself as we spent our Thursday evening raised above the bustling city in a cavern of decadence.

From the outside, the building is easily recognisable. A bronze, shard-shaped structure standing high above the other new developments in the upcoming neighbourhood of Stratford. The area is becoming increasingly desirable, having hosted the 2012 Olympic games, and home to the biggest shopping mall in Europe. The Gantry certainly embodies a sense of opportunity, as one of Hilton’s ‘Curio Collection’ hotels, I can see the terrace area becoming a social hub for the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed youth of the city.

As we entered through the huge brass doors, we were met with an air of calm. There was a sense that something spectacular was about to take place as dozens of guests filtered through the entrance dressed in all their finery, yet the huge ceilings, and comfortable furniture, lit with flickering bulbs, set a soothing tone. 

In the lift we exchanged conversations with the building’s architect and his wife. They seemed bound together with pride for their efforts over the past year, and it was an honour to celebrate this milestone with them. The lift doors sprung open on the third floor, and we were greeted by thick blue and silver carpets and flickering bulbs lining the panelled walls. The perfect walkway to our stylish room.

The king-size bedroom was everything you would expect from a Hilton hotel. It was modern and chic with a subtle art deco theme, yet cosy and warm with deep Oxford blue walls and heavy brown curtains. The ceiling-to-floor windows are perfect for taking in the exceptional view of Stratford, and despite being tempted by robes and an early night, the party beckoned below.

Within seconds of passing through the blue and gold balloon arch, we were greeted with flutes of sparkling wine and canapés. After scoffing the first round of appetisers, another waiter ushered us towards the photo booth. After soaking in the electric atmosphere, along with several Martinis from the No.3 company, we descended down a floor-to-ceiling lit corridor and found ourselves in food heaven. The terrace, festooned with lights and a mariachi band, featured several different street food-style kiosks. We enjoyed roast beef in miniature Yorkshire puddings, dumplings, and my personal favourite, truffle risotto with a parmesan crisp. This was the hotel’s way of demonstrating that they could execute a range of different cuisines. Throughout the night guests were never bound to one culture, and the freshly prepared oysters served with tabasco were the star of the show.

DJ Fat Tony was my highlight of the evening. He lives up to his reputation as one of London’s most iconic entertainers. He played crowd-pleasing power ballads blended with nineties house music- everyone was up on their feet. Myself and my friends even found ourselves spinning the chefs around the dance floor.

To seek refuge from the party scene The Gantry’s, the outdoor lounging terrace offered the perfect escape. The social area boasts a panoramic view over London, and we gathered around the firepit enjoying the incredible views. With modern, high-tech gym facilities, the perfect café for studying, and Westfield shopping centre just a stone’s throw away, it was tempting to stay for longer. We left with our tummies full, and our camera rolls even more full of memories from our night of indulgence and celebration.

Words by Madeline Collier