Knowing Canary Wharf as we do, the cry of “there’s nothing to do in Canary Wharf” surely used to be true. But just as surely, it’s not true now. Canary Wharf has become a destination in its own right, its no longer just the place where people come to work.
Eating
Boisdale is something of a Canary Wharf stalwart, has outstanding reviews for its modern British cooking, offers a choice of more than 3,000 whiskies, a cigar menu, and not to forget live music, but do book early.
Plateau, on the fourth floor of Canada Place, offers modern French cuisine from fixed price and a la carte menus; all in a stylish setting with views over the towers of The Wharf.
If chicken is your thing then Le Secret Des Rotisseurs at Canary Riverside overlooks the Thames and offers (we know from experience) possibly the best chicken you’ll ever eat.
Tom’s Kitchen serves British favourites and comfort food classics.
Or, if you have a yen for modern Japanese cuisine, head to Roka, where you can watch the robata chefs at work.
However, take a stroll to the south and you’ll uncover some hidden gems on the Isle of Dogs. Manjal specialises in northern and southern Indian cuisine including dosas to die for, whilst the Lotus Floating Restaurant offers great dim sum (and a special menu of authentic Chinese dishes if you ask for it) … but beware of the queues at weekends.
Keep walking south towards Island Gardens and you’ll find The Old Fire Station a bar and bistro which specialises in Turkish cuisine. Reasonably priced and the meze and kebabs are super.
And a final word for Firezza, who surely offer the best take away or delivered pizzas in London.
Drinking
The Gun on Coldharbour is a favourite with locals, and its full restaurant menu offers upmarket gastropub fare, with oysters as their speciality.
Under new management, and right next to Crossharbour DLR, is The George. A proper pub for proper people, but it also happens to offer great food, a beer garden and conservatory.
In Canary Wharf itself there are watering holes aplenty. Find a dock, look left or right!
Culture
Docklands’ Museum of London offers a fantastic insight into the history of Canary Wharf and Docklands and is located at West India Quay.
Also at West India Quay is the Cineworld multiplex cinema with 10 screens. However, some film lovers might prefer the Everyman Cinema at Crossrail Place, a more boutique affair.
The Space on Westferry Road offers a programme of theatre and dance, together with creative writing workshops, and the Hubbub cafe and bar is next door for pre or post event food and drink.
Local amenities
For grocery shopping there is the UK’s largest Waitrose at Canada Place, but for those with more modest tastes there’s a large Asda superstore in the middle of the Island, very close to Crossharbour DLR.
Billingsgate Fish Market is just to the north east of Canary Wharf and could just as easily be classed as culture as an amenity. Billingsgate is the UK’s largest inland fish market. Open to the public as well as to trade customers, but do get there early as it’s all over by 9.30am.
Chrisp Street market in Poplar, was the first purpose built pedestrian shopping centre and still offers more than 80 stalls from Monday to Saturday, including that Eastend staple pie and mash.
For the more adventurous pop along to the Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre in Milwall Outer Dock, where you can try your hand at canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.
Or if you’d like to brave the Thames in your boat, pop along to the Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club, believed to be the third oldest rowing club in Great Britain.
