Our guide to Canary Wharf, London

Over the years, Canary Wharf has undergone an extraordinary transformation. It used to be purely a traditional financial hub, mostly to serve those who worked there. Today, it's considered a vibrant cultural hotspot, home to art and cultural activities, food hotspots, surprising sporting destinations and shopping favourites. Companies and startups from innovative sectors such as Life Sciences and Tech are flooding the area, propelling its regeneration journey and bringing in a new crowd. Its striking metamorphosis accommodates a perfect blend of leisure and living. The introduction of the well-connected Crossrail and its close proximity to City Airport has made this part of East London more accessible than ever. Explore our guide to Canary Wharf and what this evolving community has to offer.

Indoor Padel at Padium

This trendy racket sport, originally hailing from Mexico, is taking the UK by storm. Now, it has come to Canary Wharf in the form of a Padium, a premium indoor padel club. Padium offers pay-and-play padel, plus tournaments and community activities. The sociable aspect of the game, which is typically played in doubles, might explain why it has become so popular. Get involved in the sport of the moment. padium.com

Open water swimming

Another hot topic amongst the health-conscious is open water swimming. Those brave enough to take the plunge can do so in the waters of Middle Dock, set amongst some of Canary Wharf’s most known buildings. Don your best swimming cap, and enjoy the views of the iconic architecture while reaping the wellness benefits. loveopenwater.co.uk/canary-wharf

GoBoat

Continue embracing the waterways with GoBoat. This popular self-drive boating experience fits in perfectly with Canary Wharf. For up to 3 hours, you and your crew can navigate a fun tour of the docklands and view the architecture from a unique perspective. Pack a picnic to make the most out of your nautical trip. And it might be worth taking an umbrella to shield you from any unexpected showers. goboat.co.uk/canary-wharf

Arts and culture

Immerse yourself in the UK’s largest free outdoor public art collection, featuring over 100 pieces. Keep an eye out for changing exhibitions, such as the annual Winter Lights Festival, showcasing some of the most innovative light artists across the globe, or the Paws on the Wharf sculptures for animal lovers. The art trails and installations span the estate, so it's the perfect opportunity to explore the different areas of Canary Wharf.

Making the most of its extensive green spaces, Canary Wharf holds a host of pop-up outdoor events and experiences throughout the year. Step into the world of Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and many more plays at the outdoor theatre. Make the most of the summer weather with an al-fresco picnic in one of the parks whilst watching an array of events and screenings, not forgetting the summer concert in Canada Square Park, packed with live open-air performances, from opera to country and western. During the winter months, you can dust off your ice skates and head to the ice rink. The nearby Ivy serves a velvety hot chocolate if you need a post-skating treat.

Green space

The Canary Wharf estate houses an impressive 16.5 acres of green spaces and parks. You can tread the 5km of waterside boardwalks around Wood Wharf or take refuge in the curated Crossrail Place sky garden. To deepen their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, the Canary Wharf Group have partnered with the Eden Project.

Museum of London Docklands

Housed in an original warehouse of the West India Docks that was built in 1802, sits the Museum of London Docklands. With a rotation of exhibitions, talks, workshops and events, discover more about the fascinating history of the Docklands and the stories behind the Londoners. museumoflondon.org.uk

Shopping

Whether you're looking for fashion, beauty or homeware, you'll find it all here, from small boutiques to high-street staples and designer labels. Treat yourself to high-end pieces from the likes of Russel & Bromley, Sandro and Maje, not forgetting beauty favourites like Jo Malone, Aesop and Space NK. After a good roam around the shops, take a break at one of the incredible restaurants Canary Wharf has to offer.  

Roe

Roe is the sister restaurant to the famed and popular sustainability-conscious London restaurant Fallow. Named after British native deer, Roe will follow the same nose-to-tail and root-to-stem ethos as Fallow, considering sustainable principles at each step. Expect rare breed meats and carefully sourced fish from the UK, as well as regenerative crops like wild-farmed native grain. Keep an eye out for the much-anticipated booking window to open this spring. roerestaurant.co.uk

Hawksmoor

When you ask someone where to go for a good steak, chances are Hawksmoor will be top of their list. The much-loved steak and seafood restaurant is housed on a suspended eco-friendly floating platform, complete with large, decked areas if you want to sit outside and drink in the waterside views and lively conversation. The cocktails never fail to please, either. thehawksmoor.com

MMY Wood Wharf

From the creators of the popular Mercato Metropolitano (MM) comes MMY in Wood Wharf. Whether you’re craving a coffee and pastry or a culinary feast, MMY is home to a variety of artisan kitchens covering a host of cuisines. There’s also an international deli and grocery store, plus a good selection of organic and biodynamic small vineyard wine. Sit in the outdoor courtyard and enjoy the views of the water, or perch inside and soak up the energetic atmosphere. To top it off, wander into the basement to a jazz club, where you’ll find live music ranging from blues to neo-soul, and open mic nights. mercatometropolitano.com

Roka

Roka is a bit of an institution amongst locals and visitors of Canary Wharf. The contemporary Japanese restaurant is set against the classic backdrop of the local skyline. It’s hard to say what’s more popular out of their brunch, main or tasting menu. Whichever option you go for, Roka will not disappoint. rokarestaurant.com

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