I"m surprised that anyone can deny that London is significantly more expensive than almost anywhere else in the UK. FFS they even charge extra to drive on most of their roads! Hotels are way more expensive than anywhere I"ve ever been in the UK, drinks and food are over-priced, car parking is limited and over-priced, etc etc etc
However, it"s a great place to visit. Not sure I can afford it this time though.
You"re thinking of Central London which Stratford isn"t.
The hotel prices are comparable to Nottingham (I"ve checked), it"s nowhere near the Congestion Area, there is, I think, free parking at the Westgate (that I will have to check) and food and drink prices outside of the centre are sometimes cheaper than other cities I could mention.
Still at least they won"t be serving any of that Northern muck.
Each to their own though. More seats for the rest of us.