Canary Wharf: A Guide to Dining, Exploring and Property

2023-01-02
Area Guide

50-floor story skyscrapers, two docks and one of London’s biggest roof gardens can all be found in the 97 acres that is Canary Wharf.

By the 1980s the port industry had begun to decline and the Government started making movements to turn the West India Docks and Isle of Dogs area into something that was more functional. Over the next 20 years, Canary Wharf was transformed and by the new millennium, it had become the second central business district, after the City of London, and is now one of the main financial centres of the world. 

Located in east London and with over 300 shops, cafes, bars and businesses, Canary Wharf has become a central hub for not just city-workers but also residents' who are now calling the estate home.

Lifestyle:

From the numerous squares to sit and have a coffee in, to the many art installations dotted around the area, Canary Wharf is bustling with a never-ending stream of events and places to keep you entertained.   

A focal point of the area is the many art installations, shopping centres and green spaces. With over 70 permanent sculptures dotted throughout the estate, it has given the area a creative and cultural uniqueness that you don’t get anywhere else in London.

Depending on the season of the year and the time of day, there is always something to do in Canary Wharf. If you happen to be in Canary Wharf during the Christmas period, take in the glistening skyscrapers from the ice rink in Canada Square Park. If you are more of a "Bambi on ice" and would rather stay on your feet, head over to one of the many art exhibitions that run throughout the year across Canary Wharf. 

The term “shop ‘til you drop” is very appropriate here, with five shopping malls that are home to over 120 shops, Canary Wharf really does have every option for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for activewear or a ball gown, the malls cover all the bases from homeware to boutiques.  

As well as cultural and leisure activities, Canary Wharf also has a range of open spaces. Grab yourself your favourite goodies from the Tian Tian Supermarket and head to the Canary Wharf Crossrail Place Roof Garden to marvel at the tropical plants. Alternatively, there is always something worth seeing in Canada Park Square, where you’ll find locals and visitors alike soaking up the summer sunshine. Canary Wharf is not short of waterside spaces either, with three docks and the River Thames on its doorstep making sure you always feel connected to nature. 
 

Here are our recommended shopping malls, museums and green spaces to visit in the area:

Crossrail Place Roof Garden 
One of London’s largest roof gardens, this public space offers an 80-seater performance space under the canopy of exotic plants.
Museum of London Docklands 
Learn all there is to know about the docks that shaped the London we know today.
Tian Tian Supermarket 
Bringing modern East-Asian and South-East Asian culture and food to Canary Wharf.
Shopping Malls 
There are five malls available to shop and indulge in on the Canary Wharf estate.
Billingsgate Market 
The UK’s largest inland fish market and a must-go if you want to experience something truly unique.

Food for thought:

From fine dining to a quick bite to eat Canary Wharf really does have it all. Any cuisine at any time is at the fingertips of those that work, rest and play within the 97-acre estate. 

Fuel your day with a Black Hoof coffee from Black Sheep Coffee shop and head to the Breakfast Club for a brunch experience like no other. Then sip cocktails and admire the extraordinary view at Plateau either from either inside their elegant main restaurant or from their heated roof terrace, it truly is a magical place to watch Canary Wharf come alive. 

If non of the above takes your fancy then do not fear as Canary Wharf has a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes to enjoy from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re looking for a power lunch or lazy brunch, chances are whatever you fancy, you’ll find it on the estate. 

 

Our top spots to dine in Canary Wharf:

Breakfast Club 
It is what it says on the tin! A chilled space to enjoy a stack of pancakes for brunch or a bacon sandwich and a pint in the evening. They can’t be missed with a giant custom-built disco ball hanging in the entrance. 
Big Easy 
Be transported to the American Gulf Coast and feast on everything from lobster to pulled pork, or enjoy a cocktail made from one of the 550 bottles of spirits they boast!
Royal China 
Whether it’s a Dumpling or Dim Sum, Royal China has a range of signature dishes that will leave you wanting more and returning on a regular basis. 
Roka 
A restaurant dedicated to creating a high-energy space to meet friends and enjoy delicious Japanese food. Be sure to sample something from their signature Robata grill! 

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Getting around:

Just a 15-minute drive from Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf sits in East London next to the River Thames. And, due to its growing presence on the global stage, the public transport links are expanding, with the Cross Rail opening at the start of 2022, which will get you to Bond Street in 10 minutes and Heathrow Airport within 40 minutes.

Canary Wharf is also on the Jubilee Underground line and is connected to the capital by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). There are also numerous bus routes to take you out further east to Mile End or right into Trafalgar Square. 

As the estate is right next to the River Thames, of course, there is the option to travel by boat. The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper runs a stopping service along the river from Putney to Woolwich providing a unique way to travel around the Capital. 

As London pushes to become a more echo and sustainable city, numerous different cycling and walking routes have popped up in Canary Wharf that are growing in popularity. 

For more information on transport click HERE

Education and business:

With great transport links, new homes providing an easy commute and everything you may need on your doorstep, Canary Wharf has become an attractive place for global businesses to call home. 

From HSBC to Morgan Stanley, some of the world’s most famous companies have set up offices in the 97-acre estate. Canary Wharf has become the epicentre of the financial world and is recognised on the global stage.

With a range of Ofsted rated outstanding, mixed and single-sex schools from primary to secondary, the estate is great for not just professionals but also families. 

To see a list of schools in the area click HERE 

Our properties:

Canary Wharf is fast becoming a new destination place and desirable place to live, with new developments completing that are set to change the game for luxury apartment living. From apartment buildings with hot tubs on the terrace of the 18th floor and homes designed for ultimate apartment living. This is the place where architects and developers alike showcase the very best of what they do, creating luxury new-build apartments like no other and we have a range of fantastic homes in this area for sale and rent!

Properties to rent:

South Quay Plaza
Two Bedrooms
Zone 2, Canary Wharf, London, E14

This two-bedroom apartment is stated on the 16th floor of Hampton Tower, South Quay Plaza, the most exciting new residential building in Canary Wharf, E14.

FIND OUT MORE

 

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