jonmassey, Author at Wharf Life

October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

London Dock releases discount homes for Tower Hamlets locals

St George and Tower Hamlets Council are set to showcase a collection of 16 properties at Saffron Wharf in the former’s Wapping development

An artist's impression of Saffron Wharf at London Dock in Wapping - image supplied by St George — An artist’s impression of Saffron Wharf at London Dock in Wapping – image supplied by St George

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St George is set to showcase 16 properties at its London Dock development over two weekends this month.

The one and two-bedroom apartments are located in the scheme’s Saffron Wharf block close to Gauging Square and are being made available at a below market value discount to qualifying locals.

St George, part of Berkeley Group, is working in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council to offer the properties to borough residents and workers who are looking to buy their first home.

To be eligible, households must earn less than £90,000 with buyers allocated available properties based on their circumstances.

Under the scheme the apartments are jointly owned with the council which retains an equity stake in the property although charges no rent on its holding and this can be bought out.

Owners seeking to sell in the future must first market their property through the authority for a time before they can offer it more widely.

The apartments at Saffron Wharf feature open-plan design - image supplied by St George — The apartments at Saffron Wharf feature open-plan design – image supplied by St George

inside the apartments

The apartments all feature open-plan layouts with floor-to-ceiling windows and electric underfloor heating.

Many also feature private balconies or terraces. Interior features include fitted kitchens with graphite-coloured units and white marble-effect worktops plus bathrooms with bespoke wall-mounted basins in mirrored vanity units, black fixtures and fittings and Crittall-style shower screens on the baths.

Saffron Wharf rises to nine storeys at the heart of the development with buyers able to access a host of residents’ amenities.

These include access to The Club with its gym, squash court, virtual golf suite and swimming pool.

There’s also a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and treatment room as well as a private screening room and a 24-hour concierge service.

The development’s Mauretania Lounge includes a double-height floor-to-ceiling aquarium, spaces to relax, co-working facilities and a private dining room.

The properties come with fully fitted kitchens and integrated appliances - image supplied by St George — The properties come with fully fitted kitchens and integrated appliances – image supplied by St George

getting on the ladder

Gordon Readman bought his first home at London Dock through the discount market sale scheme.

He said: “When I first started looking to buy, I’d stopped considering new builds because they always seemed out of reach, the prices were either ‘on application’ or ‘to be confirmed’, and never affordable.

“But at London Dock, the discount market sale option made buying possible.

“It’s surprising how quiet and peaceful it can be despite being just minutes from Tower Bridge and the City. I walk to work in Liverpool Street – the location is incredible.”

St George said these final homes at Saffron Wharf were currently available below the current stamp duty threshold and that Rightmove’s figures showed a first-time buyer in London could potentially save £240 per month when taking out a mortgage in comparison to last year at “a positive time for those looking to get on the property ladder”.

London Dock – a development built on a site formerly occupied by the offices of The Times, the News Of the World and The Sun newspapers – is already home to a community of more than 2,000 residents.

The area has also seen businesses open locally including Urban Baristas, Wapping Sourdough Bakery, Motherdough pizzeria and fizz-focused wine bar Champagne Route.

For health and wellbeing there’s E1 Crossfit, Club Pilates and City Dock Pharmacy.

London Dock is well located for public transport with Tower Hill, Wapping, Aldgate East and Shadwell stations within walking distance offering access to the DLR, Tube and Overground services.

Tower Pier – a short stroll through St Katharine Docks past Tower Bridge and the Tower Of London also offers residents the option of travelling by river bus via Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ vessels.

To be eligible for the discounted apartments, Tower Hamlets residents must have lived in the borough for 12 months or more.

Those working locally must be employed in the borough or have accepted a job there.

One and two-bedroom apartments are available through the scheme - image supplied by St George — One and two-bedroom apartments are available through the scheme – image supplied by St George

key details: discount apartments at Saffron Wharf

Prices at Saffron Wharf start at £255,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Eligibility criteria apply to all of the 16 properties on offer.

Those wishing to attend one of St George’s open weekends on October 18-19 and October 25-26 should book their place online, call 020 3966 6164 or email sales@londondock.co.uk to secure a spot.

Find out more about the events here

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October 17, 2025October 28, 2025

Crate opens second branch with bar and pizzeria at Wood Wharf

Hackney Wick brand expands to Canary Wharf by launching a new meeting point filled with craft beer, pizza and music opposite a sculpture of a whale

Crate Bar And Pizzeria has opened at Wood Wharf - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Crate Bar And Pizzeria has opened at Wood Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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For 13 years, the beer, buzz, beats and pizza on paper at the White Building have shaped the heart of Hackney Wick in east London.

Now, the ripples of Crate have made their way down the canal from that neighbourhood to find a new space to reverberate through, opposite the whale at Wood Wharf.

The company has opened its second site, a new bar and pizzeria, in the unit formerly known as Fish Game – a lamented closure given the strength of its cooking under Matt Colk, but perhaps a foregone conclusion due to the owner’s insistent focus on serving primarily beasts whipped from the water or blasted in the hedgerows.

Since then, a rapid miracle has been pulled off, with the old restaurant’s maximalist fripperies stripped out to leave a spare industrial aesthetic more in keeping with Crate’s warehouse home in the Wick.

That’s not to say, however, the place that opened earlier this month isn’t warm. On the contrary, the simple design is merely a frame for its core functions.

Crate co-founder Tom Seaton - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Crate co-founder Tom Seaton – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

from Hackney Wick to the Wharf..

“What we’re trying to create here is a translated version of what Crate is in Hackney Wick – a meeting point close to a station,” said Tom Seaton, who co-founded the business with his sister, Jess Seaton, and their friend, Neil Hinchley.

“It’s a place where people can call in on their way home or on their way out – somewhere where everyone knows what they’re letting themselves in for.

“It’s not very expensive or exclusive – it’s for everyone.

“Bring your friends – 30 if you like. We’re not going to turn you away.

“If you can get through the door, you’re welcome.

“We want people to make friends and perhaps find their life partner – that happens a lot. There’s at least 20 marriages we know of.

“One couple, who had their first date at Crate in Hackney Wick flew our customer service guru Jerome to Scotland for their wedding because he’d made that evening so special for them.

“That’s what it’s all about – people coming together.

“At Wood Wharf we want people to stop by and choose to have a drink with us as part of their plans.”

Crate’s story began when siblings Tom and Jess opened The Counter Cafe in Hackney Wick in 2008.

Having grown up in New Zealand amid a scene that was embracing decent coffee and brunch, they decided to start a business in an abandoned warehouse during a financial crisis, but made a go of things amid the economic turmoil.

Having created that foundation, they went on to team up with BBC radio producer Neil – who’d just completed a brewing course – one day after agreeing to take on the White Building as part of the delivery of the 2012 Olympics just across the canal.

Opening initially as a microbrewery, bar and pizzeria, Crate expanded in Hackney Wick and “a huge amount of things happened”.

First the business opened a proper brewery next door to give it sufficient tank space to keep up with demand.

Then there was the kombucha business and a nightclub.

With increasing competition in the market and tiny margins, by 2020 the brewing business had become unsustainable, however, and Crate had some tough decisions to make.

“It was a horrible thing to have to go through but we realised that the only way we were going to put ourselves back in a secure position was to close everything besides the White Building,” said Tom.

“We had to protect the root stock. Since then, Jess, Neil and I have taken on more operational roles and we have a managing director who looks after the corporate stuff.

“That allows us to get on with getting stuff done on the ground.”

The venue's extensive bar has been built from reclaimed railway sleepers - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The venue’s extensive bar has been built from reclaimed railway sleepers – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

the offering at Crate

Crate now makes its beers at Purity Brewing close to Birmingham with its range also stocked at its bars.

Wharfers can expect a pale ale, a lager, a session IPA, and IPA and a cider alongside guest beverages.

The expansion to Wood Wharf feels a little like the start of a new chapter.

Fresh pints pulled and placed on newly hewn wooden tables ready to fuel talk of ideas and future adventures.

Tom said: “The White Building is going strong and we’re in a simpler and clearer situation. We’re now looking at how we grow the business.

“We’ve always wanted to expand, to open more Crate experiences, but we needed to find somewhere we could put our stamp on.

“The test is whether we can make a place feel like we, our friends and our family are in Crate. Wood Wharf feels great.

“We’ve only just opened, but there are encouraging early signs.

“We don’t really do big shouty launches – we’re going to be here for a long time and, for the moment, it’s just nice to have people come in and discover us.

“Canary Wharf has a really nice community and we’ve had a couple of launch nights where we’ve been able to see people at every table which is awesome – the space is just how we imagined it with guests laughing, smiling and talking to each other.

“The music element is also really important for us.

“We run a festival called Flamingo Pier in New Zealand and we’ll be having DJs at Wood Wharf on busier days just as we do in Hackney Wick.

“It’ll probably be more a listening bar than a rowdy day rave, but there will be the same kind of music and feeling.

“We just want to play stuff that makes people smile and chat – if you’re after dark techno you’ll probably have to go elsewhere.”

What Wharfers can expect from the new venue is plenty of pizza, stone baked and served on sheets of paper.

Flavours include a classic Margherita, Spicy Salami, Sage And Truffle, Sweet Potato With Stilton And Walnut and Middle Eastern Lamb.

In addition to Crate’s own beers, the bar will be serving guest brews, wines and its range of canned cocktails.

Expect to pay around £7 a pint for a beer and about £13 for a pizza, although cheaper options are available.

key details: Crate at Wood Wharf

Crate is now open at the junction of Water Street and Park Drive in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf.

The bar and pizzeria is open from noon until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and from noon until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Find out more about the new opening here

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October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Omnifix and Omniss set to open second site in Canary Wharf

Brand’s coming to 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf will care for, repair and create fashion in the neighbourhood

Omniss and Omnifix are set to open their second site at Wood Wharf - image by Omniss — Omniss and Omnifix are set to open their second site at Wood Wharf – image by Omniss

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

While Canary Wharf’s malls are replete with stores selling all kinds of fashion, only English Tailoring makes and sells garments in the neighbourhood.

Soon though the veteran tailoring business, which has spent the last 28 years clothing Wharfers from its base on South Colonnade, will be joined by a new arrival to the area.

As part of Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlets Council’s collaborative project to provide affordable space for local businesses, 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf is set to welcome Asya Ter-Hovakimyan’s two brands – Omnifix and Omniss.

The former offers repairs, alterations, tailoring and customisation, while the latter is the creative label she co-founded in 2016 with Francisco Zhou while the pair were studying at the London College Of Fashion.

Omniss became established at Poplar Works in east London in 2020 as a base of operations, while the genesis of Omnifix came shortly after the pandemic arrived when Asya spotted a gap in the market.

Omnifix founder and Omniss co-founder, Asya Ter-Hovakimyan – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a high-end solution

She said: “In the UK, alterations and repairs to clothes are generally handled through dry cleaning businesses.

“In London you also have high-level seamstresses and tailors who do work making garments for fashion labels, but don’t tend to get involved with that sector.

“When lockdown happened, we had customers getting in touch with us for help with designer garments – repairs and alterations.

“I realised that, through my work with Omniss, I was in between these two groups and had all the resources to handle complex services like sympathetically re-sizing pieces as well as simpler tasks.

“Initially, this side of the business didn’t have its own name, but it grew so busy through word-of-mouth that I had to work out what to do with it.

“I founded Omnifix with the aim of treating fashion in a different way.

“I wanted customers to be able to bring pieces they loved to us to work on to bring new life to them.

“In December 2022 we’d moved to a bigger space in Hackney Wick at The Trampery and, by March, we were fully booked.

“We had to hire staff specifically to work on repairs and processing new orders and, by this time, we were getting business from all round the UK.

“I’d always seen us needing more space and I’m quite local to Canary Wharf.

“I know the type of people who are here and I think we have something to offer them.

“While we have an online presence, I believe it’s important that clothes exist in the physical world – people want to try things on and it’s important to be able to see them face-to-face.

“Customers can bring us garments where they know something is wrong and we’ll fix it – we’ll listen to them.

“It’s a bit like going to the doctor with your symptoms. We’re here to be empathetic.

“It’s about trust and there’s a sense of community around that as well.

“I always envisioned that we would have multiple hubs to drop off clothes and get advice, but they’ll also be a retail element at Wood Wharf, selling quality fashion in that neighbourhood.

“Some clothes for Omniss will also be made there – that’s important too, because people can be disconnected from how their clothes are manufactured.

“If what someone is wearing takes special machinery and many hours of making to create but they’re only paying £10, then there’s a problem with that model.”

Asya hard at work on a collection for Omniss at the brand’s Hackney Wick Studio. Together with Omnifix, the label will be expanding to Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf – image by Mike Chaney

creating Omniss

Asya has been immersed in fashion from a young age, first learning embroidery in her native Armenia at her mother’s instigation before starting to make clothes aged 10.

She said: “She saw I really loved doing it, but she didn’t really do it herself – she had a conviction that everybody should know how to sew on a button.

“As a girl I learnt about the best fashion schools in the world from her magazines and they were all in the UK. I made it my dream to study in one of those places.

“It was quite a journey to put together a portfolio and apply, because I didn’t know about the system here.

“I did lots of drawings back home and then I got an offer from Central Saint Martins to study a foundation year in art and design.”

From that base, she won a place on the Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear course at the London College Of Fashion, where she met Francisco and started Omniss.

Wave Sheer Blouse, £175 and Wave Suit Trouser, £450, both by Omniss - image by Omniss — Wave Sheer Blouse, £175 and Wave Suit Trouser, £450, both by Omniss – image by Omniss

a foundation in technique

“It was a very technical degree,” said Asya.

“At first I was a bit upset because I was a lot more into the product and I wanted to do more artistic stuff.

“But I came to the conclusion that, if you don’t have the practical skills to bring your ideas to life, it might be easy for someone else to tell you they are impractical.

“If you know how to do it, it’s easier for you to get pieces made the way that you imagined.

“After I met Francisco, we started doing catwalk shows in west London venues such as Mayfair members clubs.

“We were just two students who barely knew anything – finding people to model for us in the tall jeans section of Topshop on Oxford Street.

“Some were tourists who were excited to be involved with fashion students – some even ended up buying our clothes.

“That’s when we realised that, if people liked what we were doing, we should make it into a proper brand and Omniss was born.

“We create collections, taking inspiration from what’s being discussed and what’s going on in the world around us.

“In 2019 it was about how AI would take over the job market – we imagined Omniss as a robot factory.

“Then there was a collection about the sea, when climate change was being neglected.

“One thing I’m very passionate about is making something sustainable, while ticking all the other boxes that fashion is supposed to be.

“Fashion should be empowering and make you feel good. You also need to like it aesthetically.

“Fashion needs to be organic and ethically made by people who are paid fairly. These are the basics.

“The trick is still to make it desirable – that sustainability isn’t the main reason why someone buys something.

“We always try to produce things that are really wearable.

“Running businesses is definitely a lot more hard work than I imagined, but we really care about every product and customer.

“When we get a five-star review we do a little happy dance.”

Omnifix and Omniss will join an ever-growing collection of new arrivals to Wood Wharf including The Flower Club, Wayne Hairdresser Salon, Cafe Seek, Ong Lai Kopitaim, The Island, Awe London, Signorelli and Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa.

Several more businesses are set to open soon including Supershakes, The Lockdown Room, Nora and Mama Li.

Omniss' Broken Heart Jackets, £475 - image by Ominiss — Omniss’ Broken Heart Jackets, £475 – image by Ominiss

key details: Omnifix and Omniss

Omnifix and Omniss are set to open on the ground floor of Wood Wharf’s 8 Harbord Square in the coming weeks.

Details of the former’s services can be found here

Details of the latter’s collections can be found here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

October 15, 2025October 16, 2025

Dagenham Green developers working to deliver on-site amenities

The 3,500+ home joint venture between The Hill Group and housing association Peabody is taking shape with practical and cultural additions

A show home at Dagenham Green in east London - image supplied by The Hill Group — A show home at Dagenham Green in east London – image supplied by The Hill Group

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Amenities are a key consideration for buyers when considering where to purchase a property.

The facilities and services available locally can play a huge factor in such decisions, with canny home-hunters both researching what’s currently on offer and what’s coming to the area.

Take Dagenham Green in east London, for example.

A joint venture by The Hill Group and housing association Peabody, when completed the scheme will see more than 3,500 homes built on the site of Ford’s former stamping plant.

Spread over some 45 acres, the development plans include extensive public open space with parks, a new secondary school and community facilities. It’s also a deeply practical option for buyers.

Dagenham Green is adjacent to Dagenham Dock station, offering a direct C2C rail link into Fenchurch Street in 21 minutes.

For those heading to east London destinations, the line connects to the likes of Barking and West Ham, offering a plethora of possible destinations via Tube, rail and DLR services.

That includes a commute to Canary Wharf or Stratford of about 20 minutes.

An artist's impression of how the new Sainsbury's Local will look at Dagenham Green - image supplied by The Hill Group — An artist’s impression of how the new Sainsbury’s Local will look at Dagenham Green – image supplied by The Hill Group

a new opening at Dagenham Green

But what about on-site amenities? Well, the scheme recently announced it had secured Sainsbury’s as an anchor tenant.

The firm will open a 3,173sq ft convenience store on the ground floor of one of its buildings in the second quarter of 2027.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Hill and Peabody to bring a brand-new Sainsbury’s Local to this exciting development,” said Jonathan Arthur, Sainsbury’s head of convenience property development.

“As well as creating employment opportunities, our new store will bring a carefully curated selection of high-quality, great value products to the local community and we’re looking forward to it becoming a central part of the new neighbourhood in Dagenham Green once it opens.”

Andy Hill, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “Securing Sainsbury’s as our first tenant is an important step in our vision for Dagenham Green.

“Having a trusted national retailer on board from so early in the development will be a huge asset for this growing community and demonstrates the appeal of the development for leading brands and businesses.”

James McMylor, managing director, London North at Peabody, added: “We know a great place to live isn’t just about well-built homes – it’s also about having the things that make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

“This Sainsbury’s will mean fresh food and essentials right on the doorstep, making life simpler for new residents and helping them settle in as Dagenham Green takes shape.”

One, two and three-bedrooms apartments are currently available on offer for private sale at Dagenham Green with prices starting at £275,000.

Shared ownership homes are also available at the scheme through Peabody with prices starting at £81,000 for a 30% share of a one-bed.

The development is located next to Dagenham Dock station - image supplied by the Hill Group — The development is located next to Dagenham Dock station – image supplied by the Hill Group

delivering culture on-site

Practicalities are important, of course, but there are also other things to consider and Dagenham Green is working hard to develop a cultural offering for its future residents.

The development has commissioned artist Ruth Ewan to create a series of public artworks on the site, forming the start of a heritage trail that will celebrate the area’s history.

Dagenham’s Ford plant is known not only for its automotive legacy but also for the 1968 and 1984 sewing machinists’ strikes – both landmark events in the campaign for women to be paid equally for their work.

Ruth’s first commission, with local women invited to participate in the creative process, will respond to those events with the aim of inspiring future generations.

“It’s an honour to be part of a project that recognises the importance of Dagenham’s social history – especially the incredible women who stood up for fair pay and equal working rights,” said Ruth.

“My aim is to create new works that convey this remarkable history and speak of its continued relevance to the present.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know local people and working with them to shape the project together.”

Ruth’s work includes installations, performances, writing and print. Her work addresses ideas of power and questions representations of time, rebellion and repression.

She has shown work at Tate Britain, the National Gallery and the New Museum in New York.

The development is hosting an event for first-time buyers in October - image supplied by The Hill Group — The development is hosting an event for first-time buyers in October – image supplied by The Hill Group

getting on the ladder

Dagenham Green is set to host a free event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, aimed at first-time buyers considering moving to the development.

Entitled the 95% Mortgage Talk, advice will be offered from Torc24 experts on buying with a 5% deposit, while solicitors from PCS Legal will also be on hand to handle conveyancing queries.

Those wishing to attend should sign up digitally.

Apartments come with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms - image supplied by The Hill Group — Apartments come with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms – image supplied by The Hill Group

key details: Dagenham Green

Prices at Dagenham Green start at £275,000 with the first residents at the development set to move in by the end of this year.

Those keen to attend the free 95% Mortgage Talk on October 18, 2025, between 11am and 4pm, should register their attendance online.

Find out more about the development here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

London Blockchain Conference returns with a fresh focus on AI

The ledger technology event is set to take place at Evolve London. Book before October 10 and get 10% off with our discount code below

The London Blockchain Conference is set to take place at Evolve London in October - image supplied by LBC — The London Blockchain Conference is set to take place at Evolve London in October – image supplied by LBC

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Things move fast in the world of technology.

Gone are the days when people only talked about the blockchain as the system underpinning Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

The potential applications for using decentralised distributed ledgers are myriad.

One of those, expected to be a central area of focus at the London Blockchain Conference towards the end of the month is its potential to interact with and provide a firm foundation for artificial intelligence.

“The world is on the brink of a new paradigm shift,” said Alex Stein, the event’s conference director.

“Just as the internet transformed the way we connect, and smartphones transformed the way we live, AI and blockchain are quietly but rapidly transforming how we trust, transact and build the systems of tomorrow.

“AI is rapidly becoming the ‘thinking brain’ of modern systems, able to process vast amounts of data and make predictions with remarkable accuracy.

“But trust in AI is still a challenge – decisions it makes are often opaque.

“This is where blockchain enters the picture.

“The immutable, distributed ledger technology, provides transparency and accountability.

“When combined, AI and blockchain offer a powerful synergy – the former can act intelligently and blockchain can record those decisions in a tamper-proof, auditable way.

“Imagine a self-driving car that records every decision it makes, every lane change, every stop, every reaction to road hazards on a blockchain.

“In the event of an accident, there would be a verifiable, timestamped record of what happened, protecting both the passenger and the manufacturer.

“Now take that concept and scale it up to an economy.

“Smart contracts self-executing code on the blockchain can power entire marketplaces, payroll systems, supply chains and financial transactions.

“AI can optimise these systems in real time, making them faster, cheaper and more efficient.

“The result? Economies that are, in effect, self-running and self-auditing.”

London Blockchain Conference director Alex Stein - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — London Blockchain Conference director Alex Stein – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

join the London Blockchain Conference at Evolve London

To discuss this and the many other applications of the technology, the London Blockchain Conference is set to take place at Evolve London in Battersea.

The event is expected to bring together 5,000 people – exhibitors, speakers and delegates – to explore the future of the technology with representatives from the likes of the FCA, the House Of Lords, Deutsche Bank, Greenwich University, Tokenovate and the Boston Consulting Group confirmed.

On the conference’s main stage, keynote speeches will be given by Sebastian Thrun, founder of Udacity and CEO of Kitty Hawk, Elfried Samba, CEO and co-founder of Butterfly Effect and Scott Zoldi, chief analytics officer at FICO.

Alex said: “Attendees can expect keynote sessions from global thought leaders, live demonstrations of cutting edge blockchain applications and panel discussions exploring the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI with decentralised systems.

“Whether you are a developer, policymaker, investor or business leader, the London Blockchain Conference is the place to discover practical insights and network with the brightest minds driving Web3 innovation.

“For example, Sebastian’s talk, Reimagining The Future: From Moonshots To Milestones, will map agentic AI, smart contracts and verifiable data into a practical trust stack that leaders can deploy today, kickstarting the conference with a bold vision of what’s possible.”

Dr Scott Zoldi, FICO’s chief analytics officer, will deliver the keynote speech on the role blockchain can play in auditability, compliance and trust - image supplied by LBC — Dr Scott Zoldi, FICO’s chief analytics officer, will deliver the keynote speech on the role blockchain can play in auditability, compliance and trust – image supplied by LBC

key details: London Blockchain Conference

The London Blockchain Conference is set to take place at Evolve London in Battersea Park from October 22-23, 2025.

Tickets for the event start at £149 which includes access to the exhibition hall, two stages, live demos and networking drinks.

Full conference access including the main stage featuring keynote speakers costs £499, with a VIP package available for £799.

Wharfers can used code WHARFLIFE when registering to save £100 on the price of their ticket before October 10.

Fin out more about the event here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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October 6, 2025October 5, 2025

The Fragrance Shop brings fine scents to Canary Wharf

Recently opened, the new east London store offers big brands and niche products with a 20% unlimited discount for members who pay an annual fee

The Fragrance Shop area manager, Lisa Blackwall - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Fragrance Shop area manager, Lisa Blackwall – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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Canary Wharf has welcomed something new into the portfolio of stores that make up its retail offering.

The Fragrance Shop, located in Canada Place opposite long-time mall resident Charles Tyrwhitt, is the only retailer on the estate to offer a wide selection of products specifically aimed at delighting the nose.

True, there’s the likes of Penhaligon’s in Cabot Place, but the new opening goes beyond a single brand – its shelves lined with mainstream and niche fragrances to satisfy Wharfers’ olfactory desires.

Designer names are everywhere with bottles in an astonishing display of hues and shapes.

Personally, I’m charmed by a little silver robot whose prime directive is simply to exude a fine mist of Phantom Eau De Toilette by Rabanne, but there are plenty of options.

Gucci, Armani, Diesel, Dior and Mugler sit opposite Joop! and Givenchy – all on sleek black shelves with backlit bottles to best show off the vibrant shades of glass.

The testers are out, the air is warm with scent and everywhere there are little lengths of cardboard to try the products out on before committing to skin.

The Fragrance Shop's Canary Wharf branch in Canada Place - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Fragrance Shop’s Canary Wharf branch in Canada Place – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

big brands and niche scents at The Fragrance Shop

“What we offer to Canary Wharf is a bit different to everybody else,” said Lisa Blackwell, area manager at The Fragrance Shop.

“We have all of the big brands you would expect but we also sell a range of niche scents.

“There’s nowhere else on the estate that stocks the wide range of fragrances that we do.”

Lisa has spent her career in retail, the last three years with The Fragrance Shop, managing stores in London, Essex and East Anglia.

“Each one is different, with its own layout, although we carry similar products on the shelves,” she said.

“Customers often know exactly the fragrance they want.

“But for those who are choosing something new, we usually start with what they already like and work from there.

“It’s not always the case that customers can identify the kind of notes they enjoy – they’ll say sweet or woody, but actually prefer something different.

“That’s usually why we start with a brand they’re comfortable with as a foundation and use that as a basis to explore.

“Women will generally know what they want and will pay attention to price – if a fragrance is available for slightly less elsewhere they’ll know about it.

“For men, it’s all about ease. They come into the store, make a decision and then buy a scent.

“With customers who don’t know what they want, we are delighted to help and we’ll ask them questions to narrow down the options from the scents that they like to the way a product feels on their skin.

“We’ll talk about memories too and get as much information as we can.

“Then we’ll try three different fragrances to find out what they’re leaning more towards – it might be a fruity scent, a woody scent or a sweet scent.

“We can then go down that path with them and find a perfume that’s perfect.”

While the Canary Wharf store has not long been open, Lisa and her team have already identified some key trends.

“Our niche brands have been the most popular so far in our Canada Place store,” she said.

“This shop gets the same allocation as any other, but here we’ve found that those fragrances have been selling out and we’ve had to replenish them.

“These are brands like Maison Margiela, Atkinsons and Tocca and come at a higher price point.

“Canary Wharf shoppers aren’t scared of a price tag and we’re now in the process of making sure our stock levels are right for the market.

“We can also order anything in our range to the store if we don’t have it in stock.

“As we’re new, we really want people to come in, see us, talk to the team and get to know us.”

Members at The Fragrance Shop pay an annual fee and get an unlimited 20% discount on all scents - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Members at The Fragrance Shop pay an annual fee and get an unlimited 20% discount on all scents – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

get more for less

There’s another reason to check out The Fragrance Shop, namely its membership scheme, which gives members 20% off on all purchases online and in store for a year for £15 alongside other benefits.

“There are no limits on it,” said Lisa.

“Anything you see in front of you on the shop floor, whether its part of our main range or our niche offering, is 20% off with a membership and we list both prices on the shelves. Nothing is excluded.”

Other perks include monthly rewards, enhanced delivery options and free samples as well as member exclusives.

While choosing fragrances is deeply personal, Lisa said she had three favourites on sale in store.

“I’m very much Born In Roma by Valentino,” she said.

“It’s creamy, it has nice notes of Jasmine Sambac, cashmeran and vanilla bourbon and sits beautifully on your skin and it lasts.

“If I want to sit with something different, I tend to go for Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, which is a feminine ambery fragrance.

“I’ve also recently started wearing La Bomba by Carolina Herrera which has notes of pitaya, peony and vanilla for a bit of a change.”

Lisa's picks - fragrances by Chanel, Carolina Herrera and Valentino — Lisa’s picks – fragrances by Chanel, Carolina Herrera and Valentino

managers picks

Area manager at The Fragrance Shop, Lisa Blackwell, shares her favourites

Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle

Eau De Parfum, 50ml

Member – £87.20, Non-member – £109

Carolina Herrera, La Bomba

Eau De Parfum, 50ml

Member – £78.40, Non-member – £98

Valentino, Born In Roma Donna

Extradose Eau De Parfum, 50ml

Member – £86.40, Non-member – £108

Find out more about the store here

key details: The Fragrance Shop

The Fragrance Shop is located in Canada Place and is open from 9am-8pm from Monday to Saturday and from noon-6pm on Sundays.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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October 5, 2025October 5, 2025

Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre built on Wembley’s strong base

Starlight Express revival venue comes with blockbuster facilities, the kind of place where magic is made both on and off stage

The cast of Starlight Express celebrate on the Wembley stage - image by Troubadour — The cast of Starlight Express celebrate on the Wembley stage – image by Troubadour

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If the overall experience of visiting Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre is only half as good as what the booming company has created at Wembley Park, we’re in for a treat.

With the first preview performances of The Hunger Games: On Stage set to kick off at the newly minted Wood Wharf venue on October 20, 2025, an invitation to check out its north-west London progenitor was not to be missed.

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, a former complex of TV studios transformed into a 1,000-seat venue, is currently home to the latest London revival of Starlight Express.

Andrew Lloyd Webber knows a thing or two about writing catchy tunes and his imaginary world of racing toy trains, made real by a breathtaking blizzard of performers on roller skates, is as thrilling in 2025 as it was in the 1980s.

Updated to include the arrival of hydrogen power it remains a somewhat silly story, bound together with banging melodies, extraordinary athleticism and just enough emotion to melt even the most cynical heart.

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is currently hosting Starlight Express - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is currently hosting Starlight Express – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a showcase of talent

This isn’t really a show review, but special mention goes out to the talents of Jeevan Braich as steam train Rusty, Olivia Ringrose as Greaseball and Jaydon Vijn as Hydra – all three up the front of a very long train of talent, expertly marshalled by Shayan Ghai’s bright-eyed Control.

What Troubarour has done in Wembley is, rather cleverly, create what feels like a sumptuous velvet box for this gem to sit in.

Replete with dozens of glitter balls, a visit feels special, an event before even getting into the auditorium.

Our trip begins in the venue’s Studio Five restaurant which serves three courses for £38 pre or post show.

It’s a funky space decked out in blue velvet that serves the theatre but has the feel of a standalone brasserie. The food is excellent.

At pretty much every turn, Wembley delights.

There’s glam, spectacle and plenty of toilets (not something every theatre in the capital can offer).

Whether you’re sipping Champagne in its VIP lounge or soaking up the starlight downstairs, there’s a real buzz about the place.

The VIP lounge at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre - image by Troubadour — The VIP lounge at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre – image by Troubadour

what this means for Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre

So what does all this tell us about the level of quality the Canary Wharf theatre might offer?

Well, the magic of Starlight gives Wembley a bit of an unfair head start.

The musical’s power to please a crowd is perhaps best expressed in the fact that the show has been running non-stop in Germany since 1988 and has been seen by 19million people.

The Hunger Games, in contrast, is a new play, albeit one with a solid fan base to bounce off, but much still depends on its quality.

However, if the Canary Wharf venue’s restaurants, facilities and – more importantly – its atmosphere are in any way similar to Wembley, Wood Wharf could well become the sort of place where the magic that keeps people coming back decades later is created.

The Studio Five restaurant at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre - image by Troubadour — The Studio Five restaurant at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre – image by Troubadour

key details: shows at Troubadour

The Hunger Games: On Stage is set to open at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre on October 20, 2025. Ticket prices start at £30.

Starlight Express continues its run at Wembley until April, 2026. Tickets start at £27.50.

Find out more about Troubadour here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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October 5, 2025October 4, 2025

Southmere second phase proves popular with Thamesmead buyers

Joint venture by Peabody New Homes and Lovell in south-east London has seen more than half the apartments in its second phase sold

An artist's impression of Southmere's second phase in Thamesmead - image supplied by Peabody — An artist’s impression of Southmere’s second phase in Thamesmead – image supplied by Peabody

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There are reasons that more than half of the homes for private sale in the second phase of the Southmere development have sold in a little over three months.

Peabody New Homes and Lovell’s joint venture in Thamesmead is proving popular as the area takes regenerative steps on a path that’s forecast to see 100,000 people move in by 2050.

“Providing lakeside living with Zone 2 convenience, we are excited to be selling our new phase of highly anticipated homes at Southmere,” said Raquel Soares, assistant director of sales strategy, intelligence and compliance at Peabody.

“Located at the heart of Thamesmead’s vibrant regeneration, Lakeshore and Skyline are set to the backdrop of gorgeous green and blue spaces, exciting new amenities and exceptional transport links.

“With properties in regeneration areas typically seeing an additional annual sale price performance of 4.3%, Southmere is inviting buyers to invest in a growing community.

“Now available to reserve, those hoping to find their place in this up-and-coming destination can contact us via the website now and take advantage of the Stamp Duty contribution of up to £22,000.”

The scheme's second phase comprises 192 one, two and three-bedroom apartments - image supplied by Peabody — The scheme’s second phase comprises 192 one, two and three-bedroom apartments – image supplied by Peabody

on the edge of the water

The scheme’s second phase comprises a pair of red-brick buildings on the edge of Southmere Lake – Lakeshore and Skyline.

Together these house a collection of 192 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes available for private sale.

All properties come with outdoor space (including some with multiple balconies) in addition to features such as Silestone worktops in the fully fitted kitchens alongside blue and green units – a theme that carries over into the homes’ bathrooms in a scheme intended to reflect the blocks’ surroundings.

Southmere sits in 590 acres of green space and is part of a £2.5million regeneration project of land around the lake.

The development is part of a 2.5million regeneration project - image supplied by Peabody — The development is part of a 2.5million regeneration project – image supplied by Peabody

amenities at Southmere

The scheme includes a newly created public plaza – Cygnet Square – as well as amenities such as The Nest Library And Community Space, a Co-Op, an Anytime Fitness gym, a health centre and a dentist.

Also local, the Thamesmead Arts And Culture Office provides spaces for a wide range of arts events, as well as hosting a coffee shop, bakery and deli and The Lakeside Centre contains 38 artists studios, a creche and a cafe.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for moving to Thamesmead, however, is the Elizabeth Line, connecting the area via its Abbey Wood station across the capital like never before.

Canary Wharf is 13 minutes away with the City just 20 minutes direct.

What buyers who make those journeys will find at Thamesmead is plentiful open space and waterside living.

The wider regeneration project’s aim, in addition to providing housing and amenities, is also to safeguard and enhance the area’s natural beauty including nature reserve, Tump 53, the ancient trees of Lesnes Abbey Woods and 18km of riverside walks and 7km of canals.

Together, these all add up to give Southmere residents access to more than double the amount of green space than the London average.

Simon Ginsburg, head of sales at Lovell said: “We’re really excited for Southmere Phase 2 on the beautiful lake front in Thamesmead.

“Our vision is to create amazing places where people want to live and a lakeside view in London on the balcony is truly a rare find.”

The properties overlook Southmere Lake - image supplied by Peabody — The properties overlook Southmere Lake – image supplied by Peabody

key details: Southmere

Prices for apartments at Southmere start at £350,000.

Shared ownership properties for the second phase of the development are set to launch in 2026.

Find out more about the development here

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October 4, 2025October 8, 2025

Frazey Ford celebrates Indian Ocean album with new releases

Canadian singer had been set to perform at Black Deer In The City festival at Tobacco Dock before its shock cancellation

Singer songwriter Frazey Ford - image by Lauren D Zbarsky — Singer songwriter Frazey Ford – image by Lauren D Zbarsky

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**This interview with Frazey Ford was conducted before the cancellation of Black Deer In The City festival, which will now not go ahead at Tobacco Dock on October 25-26. All those who bought tickets should contact the organisers for a refund**

“My mum sang all the time when I was a little kid,” said singer and songwriter Frazey Ford.

“She sang harmony so she got me to sing melody, probably from when I was three years old.

“Music was just part of life growing up in Canada.

“When I was a bit older, I went through a difficult period and it was the only thing that kept me tethered to the world.

“That was when I committed to playing and singing more intentionally.

“From my early adult life I had groups including an Al Green cover band.

“The Be Good Tanyas was one of the six or seven bands I had in my 20s and that one randomly took off.”

Having met on the tree planting trail, Frazey teamed up with Samantha Parton and Trish Klein to release three albums of gothic, folksy Americana in the noughties.

“I was planting cedar, fir and pine,” said Frazey.

“If you grew up in this part of the world, tree planting is hard labour in the forest. It’s kind of like a cult, an alternative lifestyle.

“You work hard for a couple of months, then you go to school or go travelling. It was a great way to get exposed to different things when I did it in the late 1990s.

“As a young person growing up in the mountains in a small community there were a lot of musicians but it was before social media and I didn’t know I could potentially make a living playing and singing.

“That wasn’t my plan. I just intended to find a job that would enable be to do art on the side – I knew I needed to write and play for my own wellbeing.

“It was a surprise when a band I was in took off, because it wasn’t what I had planned for at all.”

Frazey Ford is set to perform at Black Deer In The City festival at Tobacco Dock in Wapping - image by Lauren D Zbarsky — Frazey was due to perform at Black Deer In The City festival before its cancellation – image by Lauren D Zbarsky

Frazey Ford: solo artist

Frazey has continued to find success as a solo artist.

Heading in a more soulful direction in 2010, she released the album Obadiah – her middle name, chosen by her brothers in honour of a pet cat who’d run away – following up with Indian Ocean in 2014 and U Kin B The Sun in 2020.

Ahead of her London show, it’s the second of these two records that demands most attention, following the decision to release an Indian Ocean Deluxe Edition on vinyl and digital last month, a decade on from its creation.

In celebration, three unreleased covers from the same sessions are also getting a public airing.

For Frazey, it’s an opportunity to look back on a “strange, scary and surreal” time where she got to make music with some of her heroes.

“For me, bands and projects are all about different sides of myself,” she said.

“The stuff I wrote for the Be Good Tanyas is not very different from my solo work – it’s just the instrumentation that changes.

“My parents were hippies so there was a lot of folk music around, but I also had a deep love of soul.

“When I moved away from the band, I spent more time exploring how to marry country and soul.

“More recently I’m influenced by funk.

“Sometimes things evolve and you don’t know what direction you’re going in.

“For Indian Ocean, a filmmaker and writer, Robert Gordon, reached out to me from Memphis.”

Frazey Ford's Indian Ocean Deluxe Edition - image supplied by Nettwerk — Frazey Ford’s Indian Ocean Deluxe Edition – image supplied by Nettwerk

recording in Memphis

At that time, Robert was working on a documentary on Memphis soul, which focused on Al Green and long-time producer Willie Mitchell’s creative home base, Royal Studios.

“Robert had heard a song from Obadiah on the radio and recognised I was heading more towards soul and he emailed me to say he could set up a recording session with Al Green’s Hi-Rhythm Section – the musicians who played and co-wrote those songs I once covered,” said Frazey.

“I’ve always been obsessed with the sounds on those 1970s soul records.

“It’s the intimacy and sensitivity – the arrangements of the bands.

“You can hear everything separately but it’s all together at the same time.

“For the sessions, I didn’t just want it to be me with their sound – I wanted it to be a mid-point between the way I tell a story and the way they do.

“Indian Ocean was born of that collaboration and I felt we married the sounds together – it was such an interesting experience for everyone.

“It was so strange, scary and surreal – it took me a while to feel comfortable, but they were so kind and welcoming.

“They said they had always wanted to collaborate with a country-folk musician – something they hadn’t had the opportunity to do before.”

Recorded at Royal Studios with brothers Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass and Teenie Hodges on guitar – the architects of Al Green’s sound – the sessions yielded more than just the songs on the original release of Indian Ocean.

“It was wild to be with them – overwhelming and magical,” said Frazey.

“Whatever I brought to them, they responded with a lot of emotional feeling.

“I always record more than I release, and Indian Ocean was a career-defining album, so somebody suggested I do a 10-year anniversary release.

“I was poking around and found tracks that hadn’t been released, so I thought we should put out these B-sides as part of that project.

“I don’t release a lot of covers or love songs but this is a triptych – a nice little package from that era.

“About six weeks after the recording sessions, Teenie – who co-wrote Love And Happiness, one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard and the reason I became obsessed with Al Green and his band – passed away.

“For this project, it was really special to go back to some of the memories of that time and to edit his parts and put out some more of his work posthumously.”

a trio of covers

The three bonus tracks listeners can now enjoy are covers of Otis Redding’s The Happy Song (Dum-Dum), Van Morrison’s Crazy Love and Ann Peebles’ Trouble, Heartache And Sadness.

“Teenie loved our version of Happy Song in particular,” said Frazey.

“That’s a big part of why I’m including these.

“It felt like I had his ghost on my shoulder saying: ‘You gotta put these tracks out’. It feels like we’re honouring him.

“I’ve been in the industry since the early 2000s, and it’s just got weirder and worse the whole time.

“It’s always been perilous and a potentially bad decision as a career no matter what, but you’ve chosen that path.

“I’m fine, I’m living a great life and getting to do what I love to do, so I don’t spend much time worrying about it.

“I ran into a friend recently and she was performing this beautiful show in a small cafe and she said that music is just music regardless, and we’re out there making art, because that’s what we do, and we’re going to do it no matter what happens.

“There might be all kinds of bullshit, but we’re still going to create things.

“Now I’m at a riper age, I get interested in other bands and young talent.

“I’ve started producing and want to help people. I’m a mum and I tend to mother these young artists.

“There are really cute scenes with funky performers – 20-somethings – starting it all over again, and that’s inspiring.”

Frazey Ford’s Indian Ocean Deluxe Edition is out now on vinyl and digital via Nettwerk.

The three bonus tracks are only available as digital downloads.

key details: Black Deer In The City

Black Deer In The City at Tobacco Dock in Wapping, which Frazey had been due to perform at, was cancelled on October 1, 2025, after the last issue of Wharf Life went to press.

You can find out more about Frazey Ford here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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October 4, 2025October 3, 2025

Theatreship embarks on a fresh season of melodramatic film

Isle Of Dogs floating arts centre continues collaboration with British Film Institute for free screenings and nights featuring live performance

Theatreship's Natalie Hill - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Theatreship’s Natalie Hill – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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When I arrive at Theatreship to interview Natalie Hill, the sun is shining bright.

Swans are gliding on the glittering waters of South Dock and all is right with the world.

But then I see the venue’s doors are closed, a thick rope strung forbiddingly across the steps up to the vessel’s deck.

A cloud falls across the sun and a chill steals across the last day of summer. Have I come on the wrong day?

Has something terrible happened to my interviewee? Is she OK?

Will I hit my deadline or will it be blank pages, hair torn out in frustration, spilt cold coffee on the floor..?

But I’m being melodramatic.

The sun quickly pops out as Natalie casually scoots up on her bike, locks up her mount and guides me on board.

It’s an apt beginning, though, as we’re here to discuss Theatreship’s latest collaboration with the British Film Institute as a venue for its Too Much: Melodrama On Film season.

Natalie has a long history with the moving image.

Despite studying law, her love of film won out and she embarked on a career in the industry.

Her first job was on a UK comedy called Large.

“With my degree, I do have a factual focus and I realised that, by making documentaries, I could marry my two strengths – looking at real stories and doing something creative with them,” she said. “I’ve now worked in factual TV for about 25 years.

“I’m a producer and director and have made lots of different series like 24 Hours In A&E, Stacey Dooley Investigates and The Apprentice.

“Over the last four or five years, I’ve mainly focused on documentaries where I’m looking at the impact of something.

“The Man With 1,000 Kids is the biggest thing I’ve worked on and one of the most impactful because, although Dutch sperm donor Jonathan Meijer’s actions weren’t illegal when I started making the documentary, it was incredibly shocking to find out that he’d got away with lying on such a massive scale to people around the world.

“Professionally I have a focus on telling stories that people will find interesting but that could also help make changes.”

The bar on board Theatreship - image by Theatreship — The bar on board Theatreship – image by Theatreship

curating creativity at Theatreship

While Natalie originally approached Theatreship with the idea of making a documentary about the project to open a floating arts centre moored on the Isle Of Dogs, her involvement quickly became something else.

As a boat dweller on the Island herself, she became the vessel’s head of film programming – a creator turned curator.

“It’s lovely, because I normally produce stuff and here I’m exhibiting other people’s work – that’s an absolute joy,” she said.

“I’m loving it, whether it’s introducing the films, serving up drinks or picking up stray kernels of popcorn.”

She’s masterminded and programmed a successful and growing series of Free Mystery Cinema Screenings on Wednesday nights.

Audiences don’t know what they’ll be seeing, but clues are given out in the run-up to each event and prizes dispensed for correct guesses.

Under her direction, Theatreship has also – from day one – forged a partnership with the BFI screening films alongside live performances for its Creative Worlds of Powell And Pressburger and Art Of Action seasons.

The organisations have also collaborated on a showing of independent seafaring films.

Natalie introduces a mystery screening at the venue - image by Adrian Sidor — Natalie introduces a mystery screening at the venue – image by Adrian Sidor

a cargo of cinema

“One of the main things about Theatreship, is that when vessels came into this dock historically, they brought new things and that’s what we wanted to do from a cultural perspective,” said Natalie.

“We also wanted to showcase vintage cinema to a fresh audience and bring hidden gems from the various genres to people’s attention.

“I’m very passionate about it and feel like a proud parent for what we’ve done for our forthcoming season.

“We’re calling it Never Too Much Melodrama On Theatreship because, for me, melodrama is all about intense emotion and visuals in film.

“I think it gets a bit of a bad reputation because it’s seen as overacting, am-dram or prima donnas.

“It’s not about that at all, it’s about embracing that intensity.

“It could be as part of a psychological thriller or a war film or about love. It’s about really strong emotions playing out in front of you.

“Our completely Free Mystery Cinema Screenings from October 15 into December will form part of the season, although obviously I can’t tell you what we’ll be showing.

“I can say they’ll be new films, old films and films from all over the world – they’ll be dramatic and good.

“We’re also now doing Late Night Mystery Cinema on various dates.

“These are also free and start around 8.30pm, but will feature a slightly higher age rating and may be edgier, although they’ll still have warmth and integrity.”

The programme for the BFI season starts on October 13, complete with live performances alongside the named screenings.

“We’ll have three Sapphic Cinema nights in collaboration with Abi Asisa, starting with Benedetta (18) – the story of a 17th Century nun in Italy who develops a passionate and forbidden lesbian affair with a fellow novice – on October 13,” said Natalie.

“We’ll also be having a mini-season called All About Almodovar on Sundays, starting with Law Of Desire (18) on November 2.

“He is seen as a living legend of melodrama – Pedro Almodovar’s films are always so passionate, so intense.

“They’re rather like the juicy storylines you get in a soap opera, but on film and from a really revered director.

“Again, each screening will be paired with a live performance.

“Another highlight will be the The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (U) on November 18, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

“That’s a glorious Technicolor musical and we’ll be having live music from Naomi Banks, an incredible jazz singer who can perform in French, Spanish and English.

“That film – as a musical – might be seen as a bit cheesy and old-fashioned, but it’s really not. It’s got some really intense storylines in it.

“So many films have been influenced by it like La La Land and Barbie.

“We’ll also be showing Wong Kar-Wai’s 2046 (12A) alongside short film I Am Alive by Jun Chew on December 7.

“The former follows a cynical writer in 1960s Hong Kong who revisits his past through a series of fleeting romances, all the while weaving his memories into a sci-fi novel about a futuristic train that travels to the year 2046.”

For Natalie, the importance of film at Theatreship is in offering audiences a different way to enjoy the medium.

“Because there are so many ways to watch now, people are overwhelmed,” she said.

“Let us make the choice, so you don’t have to.

“Watching long films in a cinema setting is great – you’re not distracted by your phone, so you can just engage with what’s on screen.

“When I’m programming, it’s hard because there are just so many to choose from, but I’ll get round to all the ones I want to show eventually.

“I often look for films that have a bit of underdog to them – when there’s only a small budget and a small team but someone’s done something really special.

“Sometimes it’s about looking for films that might have won critical acclaim but been missed or approaching others from a different angle.

“For example, we screened Buster Keaton’s One Week but with an introduction looking at the part played by Sybil Seely in the film.”

Audience members watch a film on board the floating venue - image by Theatreship — Audience members watch a film on board the floating venue – image by Theatreship

key details: Too Much Melodrama On Film at Theatreship

Full information and booking details for all film shows at Theatreship during its Too Much: Melodrama On Film season, including the mystery screenings, can be found on the venue’s website.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here