There’s been much talk of late about the future direction of Canary Wharf.
HSBC’s forthcoming departure, Clifford Chance’s move and Credit Suisse’s enforced purchase by UBS are all significant changes for the estate.
But, quite apart from the flourishing retail and hospitality scene that has seen a deluge of openings in recent years, the direction of travel in the office market is far from one-way.
Areas of London evolve continually. Companies’ requirements change over time, generating a constant churn of relocations.
The City is packed with wine bars and hotels in buildings that once held banks, vacated by the businesses they were built for. It’s a natural process as firms grow, merge or close.
Whatever the Wharf looks like in 20 years’ time, for now, it’s continuing to attract companies.
Growing construction firm McLaren is delighted with its light and airy space at 20 Churchill Place, having got significantly more square footage for its budget than alternative locations in the City.
Digital challenger bank Revolut, currently based at Westferry Circus, is also apparently eyeing a chunk of YY London in Reuters Plaza by the Tube station rather than moving out as it navigates its ongoing expansion.
“Our decision was driven by value for money but also by different ways of working,” said Andrew Ball, chief executive at BLME.
“We had an opportunity to come out of our existing lease and as well as it making financial sense, we wanted to improve the space we use.
“In addition to BLME, we have a fintech company that sits under our licence and delivers technology for our fintech bank Nomo.
“Obviously that’s a different way of working to traditional banking – software engineers, for example, need collaboration space rather than separate offices.
“While I do have a small office for private discussions with shareholders and so on, we’ve made the rest open space.
Canary Wharf is getting busier again
“There are phone booths for people to have private calls, but the design allows for hybrid working and gives people flexibility for the time that they are in the office.
“It’s a space they can really use rather than cramming into little meeting rooms.
“It’s possible to get stuck in an office environment which you’ve always been used to having, with the same desk layout.
“Here we’re coming to something we can actually use.
“The executive management used to have their own offices, but now they are sitting amongst people, whether it’s with the payment team, the tech guys around the corner or the customer service team.
“Now people are finding out things about the organisation, just by sitting somewhere different with different people.
“We have a desk booking system and nobody gets the same desk, unless they have a role where they have to be in the same place every day, such as IT.”
BLME employs around 250 people, with space in its offices for 90, meaning staff rotate in and out depending on need.
Andrew said the bank had ambitious growth plans and would hopefully be looking for more space in three years.
“We’ve grown quite a lot as we have come out of the pandemic,” he said.
“We launched Nomo completely remotely during Covid – a digital bank for clients in the Middle East, who want a British bank account. In that way we saw what was doable.
“You have to offer flexibility if you want to attract the best staff.
“But, if you’re a graduate, starting your career, then sitting with someone, talking to them and finding out what they do is vital.
“When people do come into the office – and we’ve had a lot of new staff starting in the last year – they actually welcome the fact that they can meet people in person.
“This is a very different environment to what we had over in Cannon Street – our plan is to live in it, figure out what works and what doesn’t and then adapt working styles accordingly.
“On Wednesdays, for example, our fintech compant takes over the office so they can get that engagement and rapport going, otherwise it will be to the detriment of corporate culture.
“We like to be very open – so people know each other.
“We’re not about working unseen on the 50th floor – a lot of what we do is driven by relationships, whether internally or with our clients.”
Andrew says BLME has ambitious growth plans
What BLME does is a little different to most of the other financial institutions on the Wharf.
Both the firm and Nomo are Sharia’a compliant institutions, offering Islamic banking and financial services to customer in the UK and the Middle East.
“There are lots of debates about what Islamic finance is,” said Andrew, who has a long history of working in the Gulf.
“BLME is the first Islamic institution I’ve worked for – prior to this role, all my experience was with conventional banks.
“In essence, Islamic finance is very open and transparent. For many clients it’s a different way of working.
“In essence, it’s a contract between two different parties, with a notion of shared risk.
“Everybody goes into a transaction knowing what they’re going to pay, what the bank’s obligations are and what the client’s obligations are – that makes it very transparent.
“If it isn’t in a document, we can’t do it and we can’t charge you for it.
“What’s in the contract is key. There are no hidden fees or agreements. It’s very clear – we’re a very simple business.
“Once an organisation has got its head around the paperwork, they can see it’s a better way of doing business.
“We had a firm that did one development with us who initially found it difficult.
“But now we’re their go-to bank because they saw the advantages.
“We handle real estate finance, whether it’s developments, investment properties or big buy-to-let portfolios.
“We also offer private banking, which may be around property, and then we have our digital bank, which is focussed on affluent customers who want to operate in the UK.
“Perhaps they have children studying here, or they are investing here or looking to buy here.
“We don’t do things we don’t understand and we’re pretty cautious as an organisation and we see UK regulation as an asset – people want to know their money is safe.
“We don’t finance things which have anything to do with tobacco, defence or arms – anything that wouldn’t comply with Sharia’a law.”
That also means BLME essentially doesn’t pay or collect interest on money – customers instead get a portion of the profits on shared investments – a system the Bank Of England now supports through its Alternative Liquidity Fund.
“That levels the playing field to a certain extent because it means we can get a return on our surplus liquidity,” said Andrew.
“Our future very much lies in the Gulf, which is where our clients are.
“You can divide our bank into two –we have pure UK-based clients who invest, build and rent UK property and then we have clients based in the Gulf who are investing in the UK.
“I think that part of our competitive advantage is that BLME was conceived to bridge that gap in terms of inward investment.
“Then we believe what we offer through Nomo is a world-first, where a client can sit in their armchair in Kuwait and open an account in eight minutes – that’s unheard of because dealing with UK banks is usually a long process.”
For Greenwich resident Andrew, the return to the Wharf was not without some personal anxiety.
“I was filled with a sense of trepidation, coming back to the this area, having worked here at Citibank 20 years ago – but I’ve been more than pleasantly surprised and the feedback we’ve got from the teams has been brilliant,” he said.
“People were worried what it was going to do for their commute, that Canary Wharf is a soulless place where you can’t get a decent sandwich with no restaurants, but it’s not like that at all.
“From a business perspective it’s certainly value for money – and there’s a real buzz around the place.
“The atmosphere here, even at the weekend is great – people are coming to Canary Wharf as a destination.
“Dishoom is one of my favourite restaurants and now there’s a branch a stone’s throw away. When you think what it was like 20 years ago, it’s fantastic.”
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Canary Wharf’s food scene is unquestionably the best it’s ever been.
Gone are the days of underwhelming Pizza Express lunches.
The estate in 2023 is host to myriad dining options spanning cuisines from across the globe.
In celebration, Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has unveiled its Season Of Culinary Discovery campaign, aimed at shining a spotlight on venues all over the estate at a time of year when – more than any other – people want to get together, break bread and celebrate.
It’s an open invitation to explore, taste, experiment and discover new flavours and venues – something Wharf Life is proud to get involved with.
“The reason we’re doing this is to reflect the diversity of the restaurants and cuisines we have on the estate,” said Claire Slater, retail marketing manager at CWG.
“ We wanted to show how people can sample flavours from across the world without ever having to leave the Wharf.
“I don’t think anyone would expect the sheer number of phenomenal restaurants that we have here.
“Until you come and you visit, you won’t be aware of the depth – I think people really are spoilt for choice.
“Also, because it’s a holiday season we wanted to remind people that there’s something for everyone.
“Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, your family, your work colleagues or a group of friends, there’s somewhere that caters for every taste and every kind of occasion.”
To that end, CWG is showcasing restaurants on the estate in four categories – WhenEast Meets East, North, South Or Central, Frosty Days And Sizzling Dishes and From Farm To Fork.
In support we’ve selected dishes from restaurants featured in the above categories to help spark your dining ideas.
Served up with sage and pumpkin seed pesto, butternut squash, chard and cold pressed olive oil, this handsome piece of fish is a fitting crown for one of Boisdale’s oxblood red-bordered plates. The Scottish restaurant, jazz venue, whisky Mecca, cigar library and oyster bar has more than a few strings to its bow – so many, in fact, that it’s easy to overlook the food. This is a place of rich, bold flavours. The fish is often smoked, the haggis soused in liquor and the menu shot through with whisky matches to help ease the dining. This brightly coloured dish is just one of the options on a Christmas set menu that offers three courses for £59.50 and features silky Jerusalem artichoke soup alongside the inevitable festive classics. Just don’t forget a noggin or two as a chaser…
There’s something of the speakeasy about Blacklock, with its dark wood furniture, leather banquettes and screened windows. While chops and plentiful portions are what this place is known for, don’t visit without trying its classic white chocolate cheesecake, doled out table side in astonishing quantities…
All of the traders at MMy Wood Wharf must adhere to strict sustainability guidelines that conform to Mercato Metropolitano’s vision for good food that doesn’t harm the planet. This melange of cheeses with flat bread is a great example of how doing the right thing needn’t be a compromise on taste and texture
Pedler has come up with some of our favourite things for its seasonal offering this year. Its menus start at £45 for two courses, £55 for three with bubbles, coffee and mince pies or £65 to add 1/2 a bottle of wine per guest. Tipsy or not, there are some serious flavours at play here to enjoy. Our picks are St Ives Smoked Salmon to start with sourdough and capers, followed by a zingy Beetroot Tarte tatin for mains with feta, rocket and tomato salsa. Then to finish, it has to be the Bailey’s And Vanilla Creme Brulee, topped off with icing sugar-dusted raspberries. Expect a warm welcome throughout the colder months..
A festive experience at Hawksmoor is really all about the beef and the company. The Water Street restaurant boasts a private dining room where revellers can indulge in sirloin, rump, prime rib, T-bone, porterhouse and chateaubriand across a selection of two or three-course set menus ranging from £62 to £98. The floating venue (complete with The Lowback bar beneath) may feature an opulent art deco interior, but at heart is about the simplicity of presenting high quality meat to the very best effect. Oh, and don’t forget to round things off with the sticky toffee pudding and clotted cream, it’s ace.
Goose And Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, £55 (part of set menu)
Part of The Ivy In The Park’s seasonal set menu, this dish suggests the shepherd may have decided to branch out from their traditional diet in favour of more extravagant produce to celebrate Christmas. Eschewing lamb in favour of confit goose and turkey as a filling, the mash-topped pie comes served in a high-sided dish complete with pigs in blankets. Suffice to say, the swineherd and poulterers may well be livid. Fortunately, The Ivy has plenty of foliage behind which to hide and remains one of the most beautifully kitted out interiors on the Wharf. Not a bad place to lie low at all.
Right on the cutting edge of Canary Wharf’s food scene, Matt Colk’s seafood and game-dominated menu presents fiery cooking and vibrant combinations of British ingredients. The cooking is precise and skilled, typified by this simple dish that marries meaty, succulent fish with rosemary, lemon and smoked Maldon sea salt. It even comes with a big knife to slice up the surprisingly delicate fillet. This is a venue that’s not afraid to try new things and comes complete with a chilli tasting menu and an agave bar packed with South American spirits. Go for the £16, two-course lunch menu, just to start the addiction off gently…
Street Food, £48 (plus £35pp for the matching wines)
Trying to feature a specific dish at Six By Nico is almost impossible as its menu of six courses changes every six weeks. Currently, the Canary Wharf branch is serving Street Food, a selection of dishes “meticulously crafted to pay homage to a diverse array of global flavours and iconic culinary staples that have originated from local street food vendors”. Diners can expect Gochujang Pork Steamed Bun, Samosa, Kebab, Taco, Satay and Coffee to arrive when visiting before December 17. There’s also the option to go for some snacks (croquettes) and a cocktail aperitif if you wish to go all-in.
FROM FARM TO FORK
The second strand of the campaign celebrates sustainability and British produce, home grown and delivered on the plate
Always a leader, Iberica’s innovative Spanish cooking under chef director Nacho Manzano is a treat. For the festive period, the restaurant is serving up a sharing dish of black ink rice, complete with fresh squid and prawns. Diners can expect a touch of garlic aioli to top off this tapas, served in a paella pan.
Plant-based powerhouse Mallow consistently serves up some of the most beautiful, complex food on the Wharf and this tight coil of filo pastry is no exception. It comes on a bed of bulgur wheat, muhammara, dates and spices plus green tabbouleh, baba ganoush cream, sour cherry molasses and ezme…
Caravan is packed with festive cheer this year with a feasting menu filled with luxurious dishes with a European flavour. It’s a fair bet that there will be some competition round the table when the confit duck leg with braised cavolo nero, white beans and salsa verde makes an appearance. Knives and forks at the ready.
Sprouts are proudly star ingredients at Humble Grape with this dish only available at its Canary Wharf restaurant. In addition to the main veg, there’s cranberry sauce and bacon to further lift things. Also on offer during the festive season is a small plate for £8 that brings whipped goats cheese together with crispy sprouts, pickled cranberries and candied chestnuts for a blend of sweet and sour on the tongue.
Christmas can be a time of indulgence and having a whole pizza generously coated in fior di latte, mozzarella, truffle paste and shavings of black truffle definitely qualifies. It’s worth noting, though, that Cafe Brera hasn’t become one of the most enduringly successful brands on the Wharf by stinting on ingredients. It also offers a Parma pizza for £15.90 that comes heavily topped with parma ham, san marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, rocket leaves and shards of parmesan. Expect to walk away filled with rich flavours and already planning a return visit.
Available throughout December, this rich, sweet dessert features panettone soaked in custard, toasted in butter and served with silky smooth gelato. Finished with spiced sugar, it’s a blend of hot and cold, crisp and fluffy from this popular Italian restaurant that demands a glass of sweet Moscato on the side. The Wood Wharf venue has proved popular since opening its doors, drawing workers and local residents alike with its uncomplicated offering of eight pasta dishes in an unfussy, cosy environment. Diners can expect to pay less than £17 for a bowl, with pasta made fresh on-site each day. There’s also a bar menu to explore.
Customers visiting Zizzi restaurants, including the Canary Wharf branch, can indulge in three courses for under £26 with options including the Festive Formaggio And Prosciutto Pizza, pictured below. Expect meatballs, shiitake mushrooms and free range eggs to arrive on a truffle-infused white base.
There’s something tempting about the copper and turquoise hues of this Med-focused restaurant. Its pizzas eschew the neapolitan sourdough crusts that have become ubiquitous in recent years in favour of a denser base, here topped with honey and soft charcuterie.
Obica’s festive specials are all about fusion and this dish is no exception, mixing the classic pairing of lamb and mint with thick ribbons of egg pasta. If you fancy an even bigger twist, there’s rolled turkey with prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, sage stuffing, trimmings and gravy. A singular festive creation.
WHEN EAST MEETS WEST
The third strand of the campaign is focused on Asian restaurants, so dig into noodles or a curry and prepare for some serious spice…
Like this enormous, 1kg cut of flame-grilled steak, there’s no part of Roka that isn’t exceedingly well done. The Japanese sushi and robata restaurant is exquisite, right down to the perfectly irregular ceramics it serves its exacting dishes on. This dish might seem expensive but it will easily do for three or four people prepared to tuck into pink, supple meat and unctuous, partially rendered fat. For extraordinary value, try it as part of Roka’s bottomless brunch for £51.50 per person plus a £33 supplement and indulge its outrageously good, free-flowing sushi before tucking into the beef.
The rich colour of this dish is a clue to how this blend of tandoor-smoked chicken thigh in a spiced tomato, fenugreek and butter sauce is going to taste. Since the day it opened in Canary Wharf, Chai Ki has stood out from the crowd with its vibrant, flavourful and beautifully presented Indian cooking. Put simply, it’s unafraid to be different and all the better for it. Try this dish with a simple tandoori naan (£2.90).
How do you find Dishoom? Follow the queue. Those people are waiting outside to get a table for a reason. At this time of year, this dish could well be it. A whole turkey leg is marinated overnight before being prepared in the traditional Indian raan style – cooked slowly over a day until it basically melts. The meat is then gently pulled off the bone and piled into a warm brioche bun. Cranberry mayo, spinach, red onions, crispy onions and a slice of brie are added to finish things off. Best enjoyed with slaw, salli crisp-chips and deep-fried green chillies. Order it with the house black dal for something truly indulgent to dip into…
Seoul Bird founder Judy Joo says: “Kimchi and cheese is a combination that is winning fans all around the world – at first bite you’ll surely swoon and taste why. The tangy and spicy notes of kimchi complement and cut through the creamy richness of the cheese, transforming a traditional combination into a fully balanced, deeply satisfying sensation.” But don’t just take her word for it. Grab a fork and dig in yourselves. It’s £9.50 for a large….
Slick and efficient, is the best way to describe a meal at Pho. The chain promises fresh and healthy Vietnamese food and delivers filling, but surprisingly light dishes to order at rapid speed. This punchy curry came served with a ridge of peanuts and a side of “broken rice” that all came together in a beautiful mess of flavours and textures in the mouth. Top tip, add some pickled chillies and garlic.
Wowzer, this is one hot bowl, as sizzling as the late 20th century soundtrack that plays over this evergreen Japanese ramen specialist. Think Footloose, It Wasn’t Me and Under Pressure for the ear worms and thin, glorious noodles soaked in Kakara miso paste, dashi broth and garlic oil on the tongue. There’s serious depth here with plenty of bean sprouts, kikurage mushrooms and fried tofu to top what lies beneath…
Is this umami-packed little bowl of fish dashi and noodles the best value dish in Canary Wharf? At 243 calories (for the small bowl), it’s a warming, simple snack. But in a complicated world there’s a lot to be said for purity, clarity and excellence. This is traditional Japanese comfort food at its best and you’ll still get change from a fiver (at least you would if anyone actually paid in cash any more).
NORTH, SOUTH OR CENTRAL
The fourth strand is North, South Or Central – a grouping that could be subtitled This Is Americas (in homage to Childish Gambino).
Whether it’s the full-on, bombastic cuisine of the USA with burgers and BBQ, the refined cuts of Argentina or the spice of central and South America, there’s plenty to try and experience. Here are a few places to start…
The British burger brand has long looked to the States for its inspiration with offerings named Ari Gold and Smokey Robinson. Little surprise then that this year’s festive burger channels James Dean. It’s a burger built aroung Ogleshield cheese, billed as “the West Country’s answer to Raclette” and promises a pungent, melting partner to the dry-aged beef patty. Italian pancetta and red currant jam are also within to add something of a pigs-in-blankets vibe with just a little sweetness on the side. Eat at a festive celebration with the team or simply on your own with rebellion in your heart.
There’s something about the smell of smoke as you walk into Big Easy that, when combined with the strains of raunchy blues guitar, makes you wish you were wearin’ cowboy boots, a plaid shirt and sportin’ a stetson. The food it serves is perfect for those whose heels have bin’ hittin’ the boards, with plentiful portions of home-smoked meats. Go for the venue’s express menu, which includes a beverage such as a half pint of lager, a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink for £10. The Taste-O-Rama is top of the list and acts as a culinary tour of the food on offer. Expect a dish groaning with pulled pork, chicken, Texas hot links, pork rib, Bar.B.Q beans and house slaw with a sweet little cornbread cake at its heart. Rapidly served it’s a good ol’ lunchtime treat.
While Gaucho is unequestionably a steak specialist and there’s a fillet and a ribeye on the chain’s seasonal four-course set menu, beef is far from the only attraction. Top billing goes to an Argentinian twist on traditions with the chimichurri butter roasted turkey. There’s also a whole grilled sea bass for fish lovers and a mushroom tagliatelle with truffle oil for those who prefer to avoid meat altogether.
This innocent-looking bowl of burrito ingredients (conceived, presumably for those who insanely prefer to eschew carbs) must not be underestimated. Mention to your server that you like it spicy and they will be more than happy to oblige, dressing the chunky cubes of beef in a sizzling hot sauce that’s enough to warm anyone on a winter’s day. But then what else would you expect from a chain named after a smoked chilli?
You’ll have to wait until November 22 for these, but just look at them… The brand’s development chef, Leo Da Cruz says: “The Christmas Ham Hock Taco is a dish I’m really excited about. We’ve combined a familiar festive ingredient, with a whole host of flavours and spices inspired by Mexico.
“It’s topped with pink pickled onions and crispy crackling pieces. You can also dig into all these flavours and more in our sharing festive feast.”
This Christmas menu will be available until December 24, 2023, costs £35 per person and is available for parties of six or more. Flavours include the likes of smoky Sonoran hummus, golden roast cauliflower, churros with sprinkles and, of course, ham hock served with a crispy crackling crown.
Fancy a plate piled high with mashed polenta and lamb shank drizzled with a balsamic vinegar sauce? Then California-inspired restaurant Feels Like June is the place to go. Located on the ground floor of the Tribe London Canary Wharf hotel in Wood Wharf, the venue promises a sunny welcome year-round. For Christmas, it’s offering a three-course set menu available until Christmas Day, featuring the likes of beef tartare, clam chowder and mushroom and truffle arancini to start. Mains include the lamb, a duck breast fillet and a cauliflower steak. For dessert, there’s red velvet cake with hot fudge and chocolate sauce, gingerbread cheesecake with chantilly cream or a spiced chocolate mousse. Feeling festive yet?
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Right now, for the head of sales at Legal And General Affordable Homes, it’s proving a fertile source of shared ownership buyers.
The company is currently delivering East River Wharf, part of Ballymore’s Riverscape scheme in Royal Docks and is finding its offering is attracting tenants under pressure from rising rents.
“We launched the development in July and the sales rate has been really good – there’s a fantastic appetite for the scheme,” said Jen.
“The key reason for that is because the area is very popular with renters.
“What we’re seeing is that landlords have pushed prices up and that’s prompted people to look at alternatives.
“At East River Wharf some people will be moving into one-beds, having moved out of rented studios at Royal Wharf, for substantially less of a monthly outlay.
“That also means, of course, that they have got a foot on the ladder.
“It’s been a really positive start in a turbulent market.
“Shared ownership has been less affected by this as higher interest rates don’t have as great an effect because the portion of the property under mortgage is typically much smaller.
Legal And General Affordable Homes head of sales Jen Cobley
“The other thing about shared ownership is that people can think long-term.
“While interest rates may be shocking right now, if you’ve bought a 25% share, you will be in a better position financially than someone with a mortgage on 90% of a property.
“This means when interest rates stabilise, it will then be easier for people to staircase and buy a larger share of the property, right up to 100%.
“It’s also the deposit levels. While buying outright might be on some people’s agendas, when you think about what 5% or 10% of the full value of a property actually looks like, it is out of reach for most people.
“Shared ownership requires a much lower initial outlay. At East River Wharf, you are looking at a deposit of just under £5,000.
“Our one-bedroom homes start at £387,500, meaning a 5% deposit on a 25% share at £96,875 would be £4,843.
“That feels do-able for people. The mortgage market is currently very stable and there are lots of lenders offering 95% mortgages right now.
“On that one-bedroom apartment, you’d be looking at monthly outgoings of just over £1,500.
“I’ve spoken to a considerable number of people renting studio flats in the surrounding area for £1,800-£1,850 per month.”
All properties come with outdoor space
Legal And General has taken on four buildings at Riverscape, with apartments in two of them for sale on a shared ownership basis.
The others will be let to tenants on an affordable rent basis.
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are available to buy at the scheme, which is essentially an extension of the Royal Wharf development on the Thames between West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock DLR stations.
The neighbourhood has its own pier served by the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus and is within walking distance of the Elizabeth Line.
It will benefit significantly from a planned new bridge across Royal Victoria Dock, part of the ongoing regeneration of Silvertown, which will make this journey even easier, putting it within about 20 minutes of Canary Wharf.
Legal And General is set to host an open day at East River Wharf, from 10am-4pm on December 2, 2023, for anyone interested in buying a shared ownership property or who would like to know more about the scheme.
Jen said: “At our event we have a fantastic sales office and apartment to show people. We’re in the very fortunate position to be taking control of a lot of the units we’re selling quite soon.
“We have one, two and three-bedroom apartments that people can see, unfurnished too and a team of sales consultants who would be delighted to meet with potential purchasers or anyone who just wants to know a little bit more about shared ownership.
One, two and three-beds are available
“We’ll also have an independent financial advisor on hand, for anyone who would like to discuss accessing a mortgage.
“We really are ambassadors for the tenure rather than just our brand – we’re more than happy to have wider conversations about affordability and ways people can buy properties.
“Shared ownership is not just for first-time buyers.
“If you have a property that’s sold, subject to contract we can take an application from you.
“If you’ve previously owned a property and have left the market then we’re also an option for you.
“We see people coming to us in a wide variety of situations, whether they are looking to buy their first home, relocating after a divorce or dealing with a change in circumstances.
“It’s really open to all as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.”
Buyers at East River Wharf will get access to a wide range of facilities with the vast majority already up and running.
“In terms of the apartments at East River themselves, the quality is on a par with Ballymore. That’s a real key selling point for us.
“Everything has outdoor space – either a balcony or a terrace and they are, of course, in a fantastic location.
“Buyers also get access to all the Royal Wharf facilities.
“There’s a real sense of community with the clubhouse.
“Something I’m really excited about is the Sky Lounge, which will be on the 16th floor of one of Riverscape’s buildings.
“It’s due to open next year and will be a business lounge with far-reaching views across to Greenwich and Canary Wharf – a place to meet neighbours and collaborate with guests.
“There’s also a concierge service that oversees the seamless running of the estate too.”
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
There’s a new beauty treatment in town. Third Space Spa in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square recently added Jovena Face Stim to its extensive range of aesthetic and wellbeing services.
While the largest luxury health club in Europe has plenty of ways to train the body’s muscles, the spa’s new machine offers a way to work out facial muscles with the aim of tightening and toning the skin to give clients a healthier and younger appearance.
The treatment, which costs £250 per session, promises visible results after the first application, with a course of six recommended.
Third Space is currently offering customers £50 off their first treatment. Those booking five sessions will get a sixth for free.
what do you get for your money?
Each session lasts approximately one hour, which includes cleansing, radio frequency therapy and muscle stimulation.
tell us more
“It’s a two-part facial, although you can also have them done in isolation,” said Third Space Spa therapist, Samelia Connor.
“The Jovena Face Stim treatment begins with a radio frequency procedure, which tightens the skin and boosts collagen production.
then what happens?
“The second part is the facial stimulation,” said Samelia. “It causes contractions in the face, so it’s working the muscles to create a lifting effect for the skin.
“We can target the right muscles to achieve the effect. In combination, you get tightening and lifting, which works with your existing skin regime.”
what are the benefits?
“From what I’ve seen with my clients, it gives them a more youthful appearance and I feel like that’s something everyone is looking for,” said Samelia, who has been a therapist for more than seven years, relocating to the UK from the Caribbean following a hurricane.
“Even if, like me, you’re in your 20s, you still want to look fresh.”
how does it feel?
“It’s quite relaxing,” said Samelia. “When someone invests in their skin, I feel like they know the procedure will benefit them and when you see the instant results, you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.
“For longer lasting results, I would recommend the full course of six. It’s for men and women.
“Before there was a stigma about men getting treatments but now it’s seen as self care.
“Whoever you are, if you’re doing a presentation or appearing at an event, you want to look your very best.”
THE DETAILS
Jovena Face Stim, Third Space Spa
The cost per treatment is normally £250 per session
Third Space Spa’s introductory offer is £50 off a first treatment
Therapists recommend a course of six treatments for longer-lasting results. The spa offers six for the price of five
The two-stage procedure takes around an hour to complete
Instantly visible results are promised after one session
Third Space Spa is accessible to members and non-members at Third Space in Canada Square. A first Jovena Face Stim costs £200.
I am – in some ways – the ideal candidate to experience this treatment for a review.
My body has been blessed with many things, but prominent bone structure is not one of them.
I am therefore a good guinea pig to road test a treatment that claims to produce results of lifting, sculpting and tightening after only the first session.
Before my appointment at Third Space Spa for the Jovena Face Stim, I’ve also accidentally gone out every night for a week and my skin is definitely a bit dull and dehydrated.
The treatment is meant to promote a refreshed appearance, so I’m giving the technology a serious challenge.
To start things off, my face is cleansed. Then it all gets a bit unusual.
Conductive gel is applied and a little, warm device is moved over one half of my face. It’s like a small, friendly koala is massaging me with his tiny fingers.
This is the radio frequency treatment – the part that stimulates collagen production and, once I got used to the sensation, it was quite relaxing.
Then comes the next step and things get even more unusual.
This is the part where the therapist stimulates the muscles in your face like a mini gym work out.
It’s done with the same wand, but the koala has gone on his break.
The first jolt is definitely a shock – it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Is it an electric pulse? Suction? It feels a little bit like an epilator.
It pulses all over one half of my face and this is where my therapist Samelia’s professionalism comes into play.
While the first few applications are a bit alarming her soft, hushed tones are there and she makes me laugh.
It’s not the most comfortable I have been in my life, but by the time we get round to doing the other half of my face I’ve gotten so used to things I’ve zoned out and am thinking about something else entirely.
The treatment begins with facial cleansing
The session ends with the removal of the conductive gel and a soothing application of moisturiser.
The results? In the mirror there stands before me someone who’s apparently had seven nights of blissful eight-hour sleep and green tea before bed.
The puffiness under my eyes is gone and it’s the same for my cheeks.
My skin is glowing, hydrated, smooth and tight. But that isn’t all.
The changes are subtle, but definitely there.
There is, without doubt, a small part of my chin that has been sucked up into my jaw.
The sides of my face are straighter and – what’s this? I can actually see an ever-so-small curve of a cheekbone.
Days later my skin feels just as smooth.
I’m amazed the results are still there when I wake up.
This is definitely not a typical facial but, with effects like these, bring on more koala massage and face pulsing.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
It’s now less than a year until the latest extension to Excel in Royal Docks is due to open its doors for business, and the exhibition and conference centre’s CEO is buzzing with the anticipation of what it means for the UK, London and the local area.
To say live events have bounced back after the pandemic would be an understatement.
Fuelled by a period of almost total shut down, when meetings were deemed illegal, the demand and desire to reconnect is at an all-time high.
“This year will be 10% busier than we’ve ever been in the history of Excel’s business,” said Jeremy.
“There will be more events, more exhibitors and more visitors here than ever before – that’s a really strong catalyst for activities, innovation and ideas.
“It puts Royal Docks right at the heart of our trade agenda in the UK once again.
“Historically, it was an area where innovation was rife, where trade was a huge driver for the capital.
“That tailed off with containerisation.
“But it’s a great example of what London does, it adapts and changes into something else – so the Royal Docks began reinventing itself as a centre of excellence and innovation.
“Transportation links improved and, over the years, pieces were put in place to remove the friction of travel to get here.
“Now, with the Elizabeth Line, we’re a very strong proposition for our customers. Excel is three minutes from Canary Wharf and 15 minutes from the West End. It’s so accessible.”
Excel CEO Jeremy Rees says the benefits of increased space will bring increased growth and prosperity to Royal Docks, London and the UK as a whole
Riding the wave of that regeneration and infrastructure improvements, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), which owns Excel, has invested significant cash in expanding the venue.
When the doors to the extension open in October 2024, Excel will see its available space increase by 25% to some 125,000sq m.
The new facility will connect seamlessly to the existing centre’s eastern end, with landscaping outside, including a public park.
“We’ve designed a £220million building connected to the existing one, which will genuinely delight and surprise everyone with a world-class experience,” said Jeremy.
“The process of regeneration here is far from complete and that’s one of the reasons our expansion programme is so important – because it’s demand-led.
“Our customers in the corporate, association and exhibition markets – both nationally and internationally – have told us what they want.
“That’s the future of face-to-face events – a building that needs to be not just physically but also technologically fit for purpose and a place that’s sustainable and puts delegate health and wellbeing right at the heart of the proposition.
“The brands that are coming now care deeply about the experience and that’s something we’ve catered for really carefully.
“The expansion is a place where millions of moments will happen, where people will go away saying that their needs were fulfilled when they came to Royal Docks – whether that was for trade, fun or engagement.
The project will see Excel get a second main entrance
“It will be where their preconceptions of the area, of London and of the UK, will have been shifted.
“Our vision for the future is to add significantly to where we are now and this is deeply exciting.
“From a stakeholder perspective, from ADNEC downwards, I think it shows a belief in London and the Royal Docks.
“They’re investing hundreds of millions of pounds in our buildings and the experience.
“That’s being reinforced by our customer base who are signing contracts now for 2024, 2025 and beyond. We’ve got agreements in place for 2030 already.”
Take a step back and Excel currently generates about £4.5billion in economic impact for the UK, attracting around 4million visitors to the Royal Docks each year by hosting roughly 400 events.
“The expansion is necessary to ensure the virtuous circle of growth continues.
Jeremy said: “What our existing customers are saying is that if we can’t cater for them, they’re going to go somewhere else.
“There is a significant emphasis on investment internationally and cities are competing aggressively with each other.
“The difference with London is that most other cities in the world own their convention centres – here it’s privately owned, so all the investment coming through us is driving a vast ripple effect through the city.
“The economic impact is huge and costs the public purse nothing. In other cities, the events industry is asking for subsidy or support from governments whereas we are a massive contributor to the Treasury and UK PLC as a whole.
“Our investment is driven by the fact we believe there is a commercial need – it’s what our customers want.
“The benefit from this is also for the hotels, bars and restaurants – and so for the Exchequer as well – due to the increase in activity across these sectors.”
At a more immediately local level, the expansion will also benefit those living and working in Royal Docks in a variety of ways.
Put simply, the larger Excel becomes, the more potential there is for success.
The more successful the venue is, the bigger its economic impact will be, with greater and greater audiences coming to the area with needs to satisfy.
“From a successful exhibition perspective, it means that we’re generating more income, and that flows through to Newham, where tourism and hospitality are key pillars that drive job creation,” said Jeremy.
“As a business ourselves, there is no doubt we are already employing more people from the local area than ever before.
“Similarly the businesses we’re supporting and working with are also employing people, so you get this multiplier effect.
“The hotels locally are running at around 85% occupancy, very largely filled by people attending events at Excel.
“We aim to make sure that, we’re working harmoniously with the residents who benefit from hospitality, bars and restaurants.
“But it’s also the reason why we’re investing in transport links, why there are, for example, 5G networks here, and that infrastructure generally is being improved, because all the activity is here.
“That’s interesting because it changes the dynamics of the ecosystem.
“What used to be the case is that people came in, conducted their business and then left.
“That’s shifting and I foresee over the next five or 10 years that the dwell time here is going to be significantly greater within the Royal Docks.
“I think that the east of London – Royal Docks, Canary Wharf and all the other areas – have all got very bright futures. There’s absolutely no doubt about it.
“With the Elizabeth Line now in place, Excel is the natural home for events for companies on the Wharf – the journey is only three minutes now.
“It’s incumbent on all of us in this area to set the tone, develop, grow and do it in partnership.
“If we can accelerate this with our investments and support from Abu Dhabi, then we’re going to do that.”
One of the other things the venue is already doing is shifting its programme.
“We’ve been planning all this since 2018 and the final pieces of the puzzle were the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, a commitment from our investors to expand and, lastly, Excel’s complete adoption of immersive events and experiences,” said Jeremy.
“We’ve got truly world-class creators, innovators, production houses and agencies who are exporting immersive experiences to other countries, where they have residencies.
“There hasn’t really been a place where they can host them here, so we’ve observed and responded to the need – and we’ve done it very quickly.
“We’ve been really keen to work with some of the best brands globally to do this, which is the reason we’ve hosted Jurassic World and Disney100.
“These are world-class experiences and there will be more announced soon.
“Brands invest tens of millions in some cases and what we want is families and children to come here and be surprised and delighted by what they find so that they return again and again.”
In some senses, the countdown to the future of Excel has begun. In others, it’s here already.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
McLaren is the company responsible for actually building Excel’s extension.
The firm, which has just moved its headquarters to Canary Wharf from the City, has seen significant growth itself in recent years increasing its turnover from around £400million to more than £1billion, thanks to a programme of diversification that’s seen it enter a number of new markets.
“We’re a roll-your-sleeves-up business where everyone’s really valued,” said Paul Heather, group managing director of construction for the UK.
“We’re strong on our values of being supportive, agile and proud.
“The difference here to other places I’ve worked is that we all come together and feel part of a team, whether we’re out on a project or at head office.
“It’s the team ethos – finding solutions – that gets people out of bed in the morning here and that’s great to see.”
Walk through McLaren’s Churchill Place office and you’ll see exactly that – open-plan spaces and meeting rooms filled with people collaborating.
It’s easy to imagine they’re all striving to solve complex problems at a firm that’s expanded into many different areas of construction.
Clear focus on agility and solutions is probably just as well, because Excel’s extension would be a daunting task for any contractor.
Not only is the scale of the building vast, but everything has to be built without any disruption to the workings of the existing conference and exhibition centre, not to mention the race track that has to weave through the construction site for Formula E twice over the course of the project.
Sir Robert McAlpine, the firm that built the first two phases of Excel, had been awarded the contract for enabling works, before the venue opted to work with McLaren on the main build.
Read More: What Excel CEO Jeremy Rees has to say about the expansion of the venue
“It was a proud moment for us to become involved in such a prestigious scheme as this,” said Paul, who moved from McAlpine to McLaren himself in March 2022.
“We engaged with Excel in November 2022 and had our first digger in the ground in mid-January 2023, which is pretty quick.
“The team worked very hard and operations director, Gareth Peebles, knew the job inside out.
“As a company, McLaren ultimately comes from industrial logistics.
An artist’s impression of how Excel will look when work is complete
“We’d pretty much cornered the market as big industrial shed builders and had made a huge success of it, constructing distribution centres for clients such as Amazon across the country.
“That mentality is at the heart of many people who work for the business and, because an events venue is similar in many respects, we had some ideas for this project that allowed us to be more competitive – to offer the client more certainty on the programme, which is what the team at Excel wanted.”
Sustainability is also at the core of the build, with the new building targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating.
That means both its design and construction aim to minimise their impact on the environment – increasingly a factor for organisers when they’re deciding where to host their events.
Paul said: “Using recycled materials and reducing carbon emissions is very much part of the agenda.
“This will be one of the first major projects to use Cemfree masonary mortar – which has no cement in it – and that will reduce emissions by 11,000kg of CO2.
“Half of the steel used is recycled and it’s been quite a challenge to find that quantity but we’ve managed to do it.
“We’ll also be installing air source heat pumps, which is a sustainable approach to heating, as well as solar panels over 32% of the roof, which should generate 599kw to help power the building.”
With 90 weeks from start to finish allowed, the build is now over halfway completed and construction continues apace.
“We’re coming up to winter, so we’ve got to get the structure up because there’s a lot of work to be done internally,” said Paul.
“We need the roof on, the cladding on and then it will be time to get stuck into the finishes inside.
“With just a year to go, it’s going to be full steam ahead, with no rest, that’s for sure.
“The biggest challenge is the speed we have to work at to hit the all-important end date.
“We’ve learned a lot from the last season Formula E – with the track running through the existing Excel buildings and our site, so we’ll all ready for the next season.
“To have to stop when you want to keep going can be a frustration, so there’s a challenge to keep everyone motivated, but as soon as the racing is over, we’ll be going for it again.
“There have also been challenges to ensure the way we were erecting the steel fitted in with the needs of flights in and out of London City Airport, making certain not to impinge on the air space.
McLaren group managing director of construction for the UK, Paul Heather – image Matt Grayson
“But we resolved that quickly and the steelwork went in over a number of weekends to avoid having an impact on flights.
“The most important thing is that we can’t shut down half of Excel while we build for a year so we have to have a really good relationship with the venue – to know what’s coming in and out, what events are on and how that will impact what we’re doing.
“As a company, we’re very big on relationships and that goes to the highest level of our business.
“Our chairman, Kevin Taylor, will check in with Excel on a regular basis. We always want our customers to have a great experience and to come away wanting to work with us again.”
While the Excel build is scheduled for less than two years, its been designed to have a much longer-lasting social impact on the area.
As part of the project, the builder has committed to offering 36 apprenticeships through its employment and skills plan and 15% of McLaren direct staff have applied through local council-run body Our Newham Work.
The business has also run Women In Construction T-Levels workshops with local colleges and is working with UEL to offer students site visits.
“Construction isn’t just about building,” said Paul.
“We work with a lot of supply chain partners – sub contractors – and their location becomes especially important if you have a client that says they want local community engagement.
“We will select who we work with based partly on those criteria.
“They have to be competitive, but we will be saying to our customer that we are bringing locally based people in to work on their project.
“We’ll try and select materials locally where we can and, in terms of the community, if we can entice people into the business as new employees who are based here, then we’ll try for that as well.
“All of our partners understand that for them to be recognised in the right way on a scheme, then they need to be bringing apprentices from the local area.
“They themselves are proud to say that they are giving people a chance to understand what construction is and what they can do within it.”
Full steam ahead on all fronts – there’s a deadline to hit.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
I‘m delighted to find Anthony Spargo walking when he arrives for our interview.
The last time I saw him, on stage as the Sheriff Of Nottingham at Greenwich Theatre, I feared the machinations of one scene in particular might have caused irreparable damage to his lower half.
But the intervening months have been kind and there’s a distinct bounce in his gait as he strides into the Arcola – the Dalston venue where rehearsals are being held for this year’s pantomime.
It’s the second work he’s written for the venue, following on from Robin Hood last year, but his 12th as the villain, who this year doubles as the dame.
“It’s a bit like the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, where there’s no dame character,” said Anthony.
“I knew I was playing the Evil Queen and I did write an early version with a dame as the queen’s beautician and Snow White’s nanny, but I was struggling with the material.
“The problem was when Snow White escapes to the wood, the nanny doesn’t have anything to do.
“So instead it’ll be me dragging-up and encompassing both roles in a single part.
“It’s the same team as last year – ‘Uncle’ Steve Marwick as musical director, James Haddrell directing and me – and we decided to tackle Snow White because none of us could remember the theatre putting it on before and we wanted to have a female-focused story after Robin Hood.
Anthony in a more troubling pose as the Sheriff Of Nottingham in Robin Hood
“Next year, who knows – maybe the hero will be a trans person. Pantomime has always been a bit gender-neutral – guys dressing as dames and women dressing as male heroes.”
Also returning alongside Anthony will be Martin Johnson as Herman The Huntsman (previously Friar Tuck) and Louise Cielecki as Muddles (formerly Mutley).
Other lead roles are taken by Katie Tomkinson as Snow White, Tom Bales as Prince Charming and DeeArna McLean as the Magic Mirror.
“When writing a show, you take the essence of the story and use that as a kind of chassis – a foundation,” said Anthony.
“But it wouldn’t be a Greenwich panto without a nice twist. There are stand-out plot points and, if I went to see a version that didn’t have some of them, I would be disappointed – so we’ve got the poisoned apple, and the dwarves are obviously in there.
“Then there’s the queen ordering the huntsman to kill Snow White, and he can’t quite bring himself to do it – so the big iconic moments are present.
“In fact, Act One is pretty packed with story, story, story. It moves fast, with lots to set up – the stories of all the characters, for example, which is a panto staple.
“As an audience member though, you could be forgiven for thinking that pretty much all of the story is wrapped up by the interval – that’s where the twist comes in.
“In Act Two you can get away with having a bit of fun and silly surprises – taking people to places they least expect and climaxing in the destruction of the villain.
Louise Cielecki, seen here as Mutley in Robin Hood, is set to return as Muddles
“In Sleeping Beauty we went to the moon and in Robinson Crusoe we went to the Wild West.
“This year we’re not travelling to different destinations, but I don’t want to give too much away – you’ll just have to come and see.”
Anthony said the thrill and unpredictability of the show was the main draw, with people able to step outside their lives for a few hours and revel in some proper, carefully crafted nonsense.
“With any show, it’s escapism – a chance to get away from whatever’s going on in the world and let it go,” he said.
“People should come to have fun and be a kid again – shouting out at the villain and cheering the goodies.
“The first read-through is when I get to hear it out loud.
“What I secretly love, is the way a whole gang of people take the inane, stupid, silly nonsense that I have written, completely seriously, and have the most intense and serious conversations about the most stupid things.
“For example, there have been lengthy discussions about how a machine that sticks labels on boxes in this year’s show works, even though it doesn’t actually have to really operate at any point on stage.
“One of the joys of working with a brilliant cast is that while I might have written the lines, other actors may come up with stuff I hadn’t even thought of and deliver it in a way I hadn’t expected.
“When that happens, it’s amazing.
Long-standing panto player Martin Johnson, seen here as Friar Tuck, is also set to return as the Huntsman
“The dwarves in the story will be played by the cast, our two ensemble members and stage management using puppets and we have a couple of really lovely sequences with them because you can’t do Snow White without that.
“We’ll also be bringing back the revolve on stage this year so we can change scene.
“We have a great new designer – Emily Bestow – who’s been absolutely brilliant.
“Last year it was realism in Sherwood Forest, but this year it feels like we’re back in panto-land. It’s bright, colourful and there’s loud glitter everywhere.
“As for next year, we have started to have conversations about it but haven’t decided what it will be yet.
“With this one I started getting ideas for it while performing Robin Hood and then began writing the show in January last year.
“You start off setting out a plot scene-by-scene and things slowly start merging and coming together.
“I’d love to do Peter Pan again, because selfishly I’d like to play Captain Hook.
“We did it about eight years ago and it’s a great show – audiences love it, there’s flying and also, THERE’S NO BETTER VILLAIN IN PANTO.”
…must resist. Ok, fine. OH YES THERE IS… (suggestions on a postcard to info@wharf-life.com)
Tickets for Snow White cost £33 (£16.50 concessions), with performances running Tuesday-Sunday at various times.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“Oat flat white,” is Huw Wardrope’s instant response when asked his preferred coffee order. It’s not a surprise.
The Australian co-founded Urban Baristas in response to the disappointing cafe scene in London that he and his mate from uni in Sydney – Jono Bowman – endured while working in the finance industry.
The plan was to recreate a bit of Aussie hospitality and, crucially, quality, on this side of the world – and it all started in Bounds Green.
“In 2016 it was very difficult to find retail units from landlords who were willing to give space as a startup,” said Huw, who worked for Canary Wharf-based firms HSBC and BGC Partners.
“I had a business plan and everything – I was sending it out to people. But they wanted Caffe Nero or Pret.
“Then TfL said they had a site in Bounds Green – to be honest I didn’t even know where that was.
“But we went up there and said: ‘Let’s do it’. From day one it was a massive success.
“There was a line out of the door – people were saying that we’d increased their house prices.
“Then we knew we had a good product and that we were onto something.”
Today things are a little easier on the real estate front.
Urban Baristas recently opened its latest branch in Wapping’s Gaughing Square – part of property developer St George’s London Dock scheme.
Urban Baristas co-founger Huw Wardrope
It’s the brand’s 12th location – and also the largest – offering brunch, coffee and even a training space for enthusiasts keen to sharpen their brewing skills or to help staff to develop professionally.
“We’ve expanded over the years and we moved to the Wapping area partly because I live locally,” said Huw, who left finance to open three 24-hour gyms, before co-founding Urban Baristas.
“We have a kiosk at Wapping station, a branch on Wapping High Street, one at Devon House in St Katherine’s Way and one at Thomas More Square.
“It makes things easy operationally when we can move people around the different sites. Growing a brand is also easier if you’re focused in one area.
“The kiosk model is a good one because the staff costs are low and it’s easy to manage – it’s just coffee and pastries.
“When we opened at Wapping High Street we decided to add a bit more of an Aussie vibe with smashed avos for brunch and things like that on the menu.
“We’ve now decided to focus our food operation at London Dock because it’s a bigger space – 2,000sq ft.
“When you’re talking about that kind of size, I think you have to offer a little bit more than just coffee and pastries.”
Specifically, that means customers at the newly opened branch can expect the likes of Eggs Benedict (from £12.50), a Full Aussie (£14.50), Parmesan Folded Eggs (£10.95) or Green Goodness – a melange of kale, peas, broccoli, avocado and micro herbs – for £12.50.
There’s also an Avo Bar, offering three types of the ubiquitous bashed up toast topping to choose from, starting at £10.95.
The new branch is Urban Baristas’ largest site
“People will find what we think is the best flat white in London when they visit – it’s a happy place to come and chill out with your friends or maybe work a bit,” said Huw.
“We offer people a little bit of happiness in their day. It’s a tough time at the moment, especially with the economy and the cost of living crisis – but you can still go out and grab a coffee with a mate and have a catch up.
“Our house espresso is from Brazil – which is also where my wife is from.
“I’m lucky because I get to go out quite a bit and source the beans, meet the farmers and check the working conditions to ensure they are producing ethically.
“I’ve just booked a trip in February for two months.
“We also have a rotating series of coffees for the filters and the V60 Drippers – we have some Colombians and Guatemalans, but they rotate due to the seasons.
“We make sure we buy really special coffees from smaller producers.
“Brazil is the biggest coffee producing nation in the world and, for our shops, we need a steady supply.”
Urban Baristas’ latest branch is about more than just eating and drinking, however. It’s also about education.
Huw said: “The Coffee Lab is a new addition to the brand. I’ve always wanted to have a place to train staff.
“This is the biggest space we’ve taken and I was looking at the design and thinking about what to do with it.
“We hosted our first course just last week and we’re getting quite a bit of interest already – especially from corporates.
“I think companies are looking for alternatives to the pub.
“Not everyone drinks, organisations are looking for activities to do with their teams and I think it’s going to be a good place for that.
“We also have more than 70 staff who constantly need training on our different coffees.
“Eventually we want to be recognised by the SCA – the governing body for the speciality coffee industry – to give professional level classes for clients and our staff as part of their development.
Urban Baristas’ latest site is located at St George’s London Dock scheme in Wapping
“We’ve just started franchising as well, so the lab will also be a training hub for franchisees. That’s really future-proofing the business.
“Participants on our public courses will be learning how to make flat whites, espressos and latte.
“There’s also different brewing methods – V60 Drippers, Aeropress and filter.
“They cover all the basics – quantities of coffee, temperatures and how to do a heart on a latte.
“People should go home with an idea of how to replicate the quality they get at Urban Baristas.”
Huw said that while the coffee business was tough, especially given the pressures of the current labour market, he much preferred working for himself to his career in finance.
He said: “We’ve made mistakes along the way – there’s been a lot of trial and error, but we think we now know the formula and the positive is you meet great people along the way in this industry.
“I’d like to thank St George for supporting us to open at London Dock – we’re definitely in it for the long term as the area continues to develop.”
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Conceived and compared by Jamiel Devernay-Laurence – formerly of Scottish Ballet – it kicked off its run with two dates in September and another two in October.
Its 2023 season will conclude with performances of its third programme on November 24-25, 2023, and that’s where Jordan comes in.
Having danced himself in the first programme, his work as a choreographer featured in the second and is set for a repeat showing on the forthcoming dates.
“The piece I’ve created is called Heisei 9, which is 1997 in Japanese,” said Jordan.
“The roleplaying computer game Final Fantasy VII – which was released that year – was very much my childhood and it had music composed by Nobuo Uematsu.
Dancer and choreographer Jordan Jams Bridge
“There’s an amazing battle theme in the game called Those Who Fight, so we have pianist Viktor Erik Emanuel playing it live on stage and I created a solo for prima ballerina, Constance Devernay-Laurence, to perform.
“It’s en pointe and is super agile, swift, athletic and exciting.
“There’s also an amazing, original costume by Stevie Stewart – Constance wears this beautiful catsuit.
“While I created this piece as a solo, I love the connection between musician and dancer on the stage, so in my mind it’s really a duet.
“It’s technically very difficult for Constance and Victor. It’s three minutes, but there’s a lot packed in there.
“There’s kind of a competitive element with them both in the space and the lighting divides the stage quite well.
“It’s also very playful and I wanted to bring that out, because it’s very nostalgic for me. I spent a lot of time playing the game.
“There are not many choreographers who would even touch gaming, but the music was written to be played live.
“People coming to Ballet Nights might be expecting to hear classical pieces, but I believe they will enjoy this just as much as the more familiar music on the programme.”
Having trained at the London Contemporary Dance School, Jordan went on to join Alexander Whitley Dance Company, then Michael Clark Company.
Today, his main gig is as a dancer for Company Wayne McGregor based at Here East in Stratford.
Constance will perform Jordan’s work for a second time at the November shows
It’s a career that all started with an excitable childhood.
“My mum always told me that, when I was with friends in the garden or on the street, everyone else would be doing roly-poly and I’d already be doing handstands,” said Jordan.
“When they were doing cartwheels, I’d be doing front flips. I found dance at secondary school through Keeley Slack, my dance teacher.
“All the boys had two lessons in dance, to see if they enjoyed it, and I did. I was in the studio because I wanted to be there – there was no Instagram.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to create and choreograph as well as dance.
“When I was 16 I had my own small dance company called Imperial Feet.
“I enjoyed the idea of a collective getting together, and I just wanted to make dance – that’s where my brain is going right now too. I’ve been doing this for years.
“I’ve created multiple dance films, some award-winning, and I really enjoy doing dance for the screen.
Jordan James Bridge performing at Ballet Nights earlier this year
“Time constraints mean it’s more difficult for the stage, but I definitely see myself going there more in the future.
“It’s so important to have Ballet Nights because this sort of gala event for dance doesn’t really happen in the UK.
“In Europe there are similar shows in the summer, but not here.
“The best thing is that at Lanterns, the dancers are only two or three metres away from the audience.
“You can hear their breath and really feel the energy radiate from them – there’s no shying away from the physicality of dance or trying to hide it.
“You see that dance is really hard work, but the performers look exquisite.
“As a performer you can see the audience and that makes it really intimate.
“There’s an element of nerves which comes from that, of course, but it’s also super exciting and challenging.”
Ballet Nights’ final shows of 2023 will also include duets from Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw plus Katja Khaniukova and Aitor Arrieta – all of the English National Ballet.
Solo performers will include Ivana Bueno, also of the English National Ballet, Yasser D’Oquendo of Acosta Danza and Laurel Dalley Smith of the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Doors open on November 24 and 25, 2023, at 6.15pm with the shows starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets start at £65. Programmes are expected to return on a monthly basis next year.
Acosta Danza’s Yasser D’Oquendo is also on the bill
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Display boards packed with vibrant work, gallerists, creatives and art enthusiasts all mix together under one roof.
There’s even a little smearing of ink and the smooth gearing of presses thrown in for good measure as new prints are made on-site.
While the physical event at Woolwich Works‘ expansive Fireworks Factory venue closed on October 29, 2023, the online version of the fair remains live until November 5, 2023, before it goes into hibernation to get ready for next year’s iteration.
Readers do not, however, need to wait 12 months before exploring print locally. In addition to showcasing work by big names such as David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Eileen Cooper and Gavin Turk, one of the event’s joys is the depth of its offering, which includes nearby businesses.
Director, Carolyn Nicoll, and artist and technician, J Yuen Ling Chiu, literally walked a collection of framed works along the path beside the river to hang on the organisation’s stand at the event.
But the studio is no simple gallery or dealer.
It’s located at the heart of a facility on the river close to the southern end of the Thames Barrier that provides space for hundreds of artists and makers.
Thames-Side Studios is the largest provider of its kind in the UK with a sculpture workshop, darkroom, galleries, cafes and an education space on-site.
For its part, the print studio is very much a working resource both for those artists or visiting creatives to make use of.
It offers a wealth of equipment including etching, litho and relief presses as well as digital printing, screen print beds, spaces for etching, aquatints and drying or finishing prints.
Technician and artist J Yuen Ling Chiu, of Thames-Side Print Studio
“We’re the local print studios to the fair and we’ve been open for nearly 13 years now,” said Ling.
“You can walk to us from Woolwich Works.
“We run short courses and offer various membership options – in some ways, the studio runs like a gym.
“People can dip in and out as they want to, or they can become regular users of the facilities.
“We also offer training for businesses, schools – so many different things.
“We’ve been exhibiting at the fair since it started and we were very happy to be at its eighth event this year.
“It’s a great way to showcase what our members have been doing.
“We have a huge and varied membership, with people who have just come out of school and are looking to be part of their first exhibition, to established artists with 40, 50 or 60 years of printmaking behind them.
“With people trying print for the first time, we can nudge them in the right direction.
“We get to see what they’re doing every day behind the scenes and how their work is progressing.
“This means that the selection we’re able to show is different to other galleries.
“We have a very strong working relationship with all the artists and know exactly how every single work we have has been made, who has made it and where.”
Thames-Side Print Studio director Carolyn Nicoll
Having moved down from Glasgow, Carolyn established the print studio after her artist husband found space at the creative hub.
“I had experience of working in studios and galleries in Scotland before I moved to London,” she said.
“There were things happening in west and east London at the time, but nothing south-east.
“My husband was at Thames Side Studios and they wanted to set up a print facility, so it evolved from there.
“The fair at Woolwich is fantastic. It’s somewhere we can showcase the different processes and work of artists – what we have is really quite diverse.”
That also includes work by Ling – who in addition to working as a technician at the print studio – is also a short course tutor there and an artist in her own right.
One of her works on display is a print titled Dockyard Diary April, part of a series of progressive etchings inspired by plants found at the former Woolwich Dockyard, which she passes regularly on her walk to Thames-Side Print Studio from her home at Royal Arsenal Riverside.
“The dockyard was founded by Henry VIII in the 1500s but it lies abandoned today,” said Ling.
“There are two big dockyards, but they’ve been left to become overgrown.
“I walk past it every day, so I’ve started foraging the plant life from those abandoned places and turning it into a series of etchings.
“It’s an amazing place because this wild, derelict site now has wild poppies and there are baby birds there too.
Detail from Ling’s Dockyard Diary April
“Something which was a vision of empire – of British maritime strength – has been reclaimed by nature.
“I started it in January and then, each month, I forage a bit more plant-life and add it to the steel plate etching.
“Then I produce prints from it, but in very small numbers because the plate changes each month and I can never go backwards.
“I’m now onto the 10th iteration and the image is getting busier and busier.
“The whole work has been made using low toxicity materials and methods.
“For example, I do not use any white spirits, any turpentine or any harmful spirits – things that can damage your lungs.
“I use a coconut ester, which is much better for the environment. It’s etched in a solution of saline sulphate, so it doesn’t produce any vapours.
“A sediment is created, which I neutralise and filter so no solid waste goes down the sink.
“I’m thinking about how nature has reclaimed the site, but also making work about that in as nature-friendly a way as possible.
“This historic site is a little gem, a hidden pocket within walking distance of the fair and the studio and that makes it really special for me.”
Perhaps, like Ling’s work, that’s part of the appeal of the fair itself.
Something that each year leaves a deeper, more complex impression on south-east London.
Thames-Side Print Studio offers a wide variety of courses in various methods of printmaking with specialist technicians and tutors available.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
