So, we all know Canary Wharf don’t we? Its that bit of London that doesn’t look like London.
To the casual eye, Canary Wharf perhaps appears to have more in common with Singapore, Hong Kong or even Monaco. But for those that live in Canary Wharf, they know that there’s far more to it.
Canary Wharf is an iconic part of London's skyline, and while it surely might be better known as the glass and steel headquarters of London's global financial centre, in the past decade it's also become one of the Capital’s most coveted neighbourhoods. People WANT to buy in Canary Wharf.
The area has been helped by excellent transport links. When the Jubilee line was extended and Canary Wharf station opened in 1999, that’s when it really started to change. All of a sudden London Bridge was 6 minutes away and you could be shopping in Bond Street in 15. And with the driverless DLR now extended all over east London, much of London is very easily accessible.
These days Canary Wharf is not only home to global corporate names like HSBC, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley, its also home to excellent shopping and entertaining options. Sure, Canary Wharf might be missing Michelin stars, but there’s still plenty of tasty treats.
It’s not all hustle, bustle, napkins and diamantes though. Far from it.
Crossrail Place, a recent addition which sits atop what will be the Canary Wharf Crossrail station, is not only home to new shops, restaurants and a great cinema. Pop up on the roof and watch a music or theatrical performance amongst the bamboo of its global garden.
Mudchute Farm, just to the south on the Isle of Dogs, is a lot more than your everyday urban farm. Set in 32 acres of countryside, Mudchute is a community charity, with a working farm, stables, a children’s nursery and a wide range of education activities.
Further south, at Island Gardens, is the Greenwich foot tunnel. Take a stroll through the tunnel and take in the Cutty Sark (ship or pub!), the market, The National Maritime Museum or the Observatory.
To the west is Limehouse and further west to Wapping. Riverside G&T anyone?
To the east is Blackwall and Leamouth, where a high concentration of quality modern apartments meets an ecology park and nature reserve.
To the north is Poplar, the recently renovated Baths and Chrisp Street Market. Proper East London.
Pie and mash anyone?
