Interviews - Wharf Life

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival unveils 2025 shows

This year’s programme celebrated 30 years of performances in Greenwich and its surrounding boroughs with the theme of Above And Beyond

Above And Beyond will open GDIF 2025 - image by Kristina Makeeva — Above And Beyond will open GDIF 2025 – image by Kristina Makeeva

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A giant zoetrope of skeletons punting across the Styx, a vast chandelier with jazz musicians for candles swinging from a crane, huge trebuchet-like bells swinging too and fro, a slick of multicoloured foam, acrobats, dancers, performers, weird installations and cups of tea.

These are just a tiny fraction of the things the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival has brought to east and south-east London, almost all free to watch and thrillingly vibrant.

But don’t take my word for it.

To mark the 30 years organisers have been pulling this remarkable annual event together, large format coffee table book Above And Beyond by Fiona Hughes is set to go on sale to coincide with the launch of this year’s festival.

Frankly, I don’t envy the author.

Even with 160 pages to play with, boiling down the sheer quantity of shows performed over three decades must have been a tough assignment.

The team members behind GDIF, led by festival founder and artistic director Bradley Hemmings since the event’s inception, are not strangers to tricky issues, of course.

Yet somehow on a yearly basis they pull off a powerful programme of shows, finding funding, commissioning artists and emerging victorious over the organisational bothers.

Epiphytes features aerial performers - image by Claude Esselen — Epiphytes features aerial performers – image by Claude Esselen

a mirror: the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

“It’s been very interesting and sometimes challenging, but the festival is in some way a mirror of people’s social and cultural lives over the last 30 years,” said Bradley.

“If you think back to the 1990s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place where you could have a meal on the street or in a public space outside.

“There has been such an explosion of alfresco cultural experiences and there’s now a real appetite for doing things together in the open air.

“If you think of spaces around London, like Canary Wharf, they’re now designed for outdoor conviviality.

“That’s the journey we’ve gone on in a very distinctive way and we’ve thought a lot about that during our time producing the festival.

“For what we do it’s about informality – people can come and see GDIF, meet up with friends and relax.

“It’s completely accessible. It’s something you can have a conversation about, not something where you have to sit in silence in a row.

“Above And Beyond contains gorgeous photographs and very interesting storytelling by Fiona to highlight some of the companies and people who have worked with us over the years.

“I’m so proud of them all.”

Turning Worlds will take place on Greenwich Peninsula - image by Frank Emmers — Turning Worlds will take place on Greenwich Peninsula – image by Frank Emmers

GDIF 2025: Above And Beyond

“Above And Beyond” is also the theme for GDIF 2025, which kicks off on August 22, 2025, with a performance of the same name at 6.45pm in Woolwich’s Beresford Square.

We are living in anxious times, so the idea of ‘Above And Beyond’ is that there are no boundaries or walls to define outdoor arts,” said Bradley.

“There’s a continuity and it can happen anywhere – an inn, a park, a town centre, next to a dock, on a roof, or even, as this year, up in the sky.

“The opening night will feature a specially commissioned production with eight French performers from Lézards Bleus who will create an incredible, heart-stopping Parkour presentation that will take over landmark buildings in Woolwich.

“The climax will feature a collaboration with the Greenwich-based Citizens Of The World Choir made up of sanctuary-seeking people, who’ve done all sorts of exciting things including performing at Glastonbury and recording with Ed Sheeran.”

Weight(less) will be performed as part of Greenwich Fair - image by Lina Johansson — Weight(less) will be performed as part of Greenwich Fair – image by Lina Johansson

evolution and a return to Greenwich Fair

GDIF has consistently changed and evolved over the years, taking root in all kinds of locations depending on availability and funding.

For its 2025 iteration, performances are in the main split over five chunks – one in Greenwich, one on Greenwich Peninsula (home to Bradley and the organisational team) one in Woolwich, one in Thamesmead and the last in Stratford.

First up, Greenwich Park is set to host Greenwich Fair from August 23-24 with performances at various times in the area across the two days.

Bradley said: “It’s a fantastic event but quite hard for us to resource so we had to take a break last year.

“However, we’re delighted to be working with Royal Parks and Greenwich Park, to bring it back to its original home.

“The location is where the 19th century Greenwich Fair used to happen and we’ll be bringing together a programme of street art, dance, circus and installations, with a very family-friendly character at the top of the park in celebration.”

Following on, Greenwich Peninsula will host Turning Worlds on August 30 and 31.

“We’ve moved our offices here, in the Design District and it’s a really invigorating place to work,” said Bradley.

“There are wonderful businesses and phenomenal architecture here, and there are great public spaces too.

“For Turning Worlds we’ve taken ideas of performance and engineering and it will feature a giant metal spiral, a device that enables a performer to walk on a wall and a show that involves exchanges between an acrobat and a giant robotic arm. Robopole, especially, is a phenomenal creation.”

Robopole will be performed on Greenwich Peninsula for 2025 - image by GDIF — Robopole will be performed on Greenwich Peninsula for 2025 – image by GDIF

heading to Woolwich

On September 4, it’s Woolwich’s turn with Fragments Of Us and Go Grandad Go set to both be performed twice in General Gordon Square.

“The former is a piece we’ve co-commissioned with Talawa from dance company Fubunation and director Sonia Hughes.

“It’s going to be very inspiring and thought-provoking, which will invite people into the lives of a cast of black performers who are creating and presenting the work.

“It’s a piece that will challenge traditional assumptions about black masculinity and reveal beautiful moments of poetry, and the brotherhood and connections between the people in the show.

“Then, Go Grandad Go is commission from fantastic dancer and choreographer Dani Harris-Walters. It’s hip-hop – very family-friendly and feel-good – and takes audiences into this world of relationships across the generations.

“It’s really fun and very relatable and engaging.”

The Weight Of Water is set for shows in Thamesmead - image by Campagnefoto — The Weight Of Water is set for shows in Thamesmead – image by Campagnefoto

tilting in Thamesmead

Completing this year’s series of spectacles in south-east London will be The Weight Of Water, a giant tipping staircase of a stage where six performers will dance while battling gravity as their floating performance space.

“It’s from a Dutch company, who have created a wonderful piece of ingenious engineering, that involves a floating stage which can actually tip and change position in response to the movements of the acrobats and dancers on it.

“The show is very much urging us to be aware of the climate crisis and the impact of political indecision.

“There’s live music, dance and circus. It’s nail-biting and an incredibly surprising show which has toured widely across Europe.

“We’re thrilled we’re able to bring it to Thamesmead on September 6 and 7.”

Also taking place that weekend will be Dancing City, an extensive programme of performances on the Saturday held in various locations for the second time in Stratford.

We’ll preview this event more extensively in due course.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival founder and artistic director, Bradley Hemmings - image by Matt Grayson — Greenwich + Docklands International Festival founder and artistic director, Bradley Hemmings – image by Matt Grayson

key details: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 2025 is set to run from August 22 until September 6 at various locations in south-east and east London.

Full listings are available online.

Above And Beyond, published by Unicorn, will be released on August 22 and is available to purchase at GDIF 2025 events and in selected bookstores

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July 27, 2025July 27, 2025

Luna Omakase review: Shoots for the moon but falls short on value

Chef Leo Tenyag and his team deliver very fine dishes in Liverpool Street, but the venue’s price point sets a high bar for the whole experience

The fish is presented before service at Luna Omakase - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The fish is presented before service at Luna Omakase – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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What you want, when spending a significant amount of money on a meal in a restaurant is an experience that will burn itself into your memory.

It should be an something that continues to touch you years after you sat at that table and tasted those dishes.

That’s what makes paying those hefty sums worthwhile – it’s the essence of value in fine dining.

For such an outlay, the expectation of perfectionism is a given.

Price is important because it allows restaurants to calibrate the expectations of diners.

The tariff is a deceleration of quality (albeit a completely insufficient one) but probably the best customers can expect as a rough guide to navigating radically different offerings across the city.

There are currently six restaurants in London with three Michelin stars.

At two of them you can pay £225 per head for a tasting menu.

Luna Omakase charges £200+ per head for its offering.

That’s a broad brush stroke advertisement to customers – it promises a level of quality at a venue that has yet to be recognised by the guide.

Of course, what a tyre manufacturer believes is of merit should always be taken with a pinch of salt and a generous dollop of caveats, but that price point is a bar this restaurant has chosen to set itself.

what happens at Luna Omakase

In short, the experience is as follows.

Luna Omakase sits within Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant Los Mochis at Broadgate Circle.

It is a 12-seat private room with a central prep area.

Here chef Leo Tanyag and his team deliver dishes to guests directly who sit up at the counter overlooking the cooks.

Mostly the food is delivered on fancy ceramics, but occasionally straight into diners’ hands.

The preamble has some of the characteristics of a theatre performance.

Guests gather at the main restaurant’s bar and enjoy views of St Paul’s from its ninth floor position while sipping aperitifs.

Then, at the appointed time we’re collected and led to the private space decorated with a dozen circular paintings by Oms Rocha.

These symbolise “life’s perpetual rhythm”, apparently.

As they’re lit from behind, they also have the pleasing effect of giving diners glorious halos at certain angles.

It’s as though we’re all characters immortalised in Byzantine iconography.

Caviar and tuna are served in a black orb with dry ice pouring out - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Caviar and tuna are served in a black orb with dry ice pouring out – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

from drinks to dining

Here’s what happens in the room.

First it’s time to decide on drinks.

These all come at an additional cost with a wine flight, a sake flight and a non-alcoholic flight all on offer.

Service begins with a gong and we’re treated to around 12 courses (oddly we count 14), expertly finished in front of us plus four drinks that are poured at various intervals.

At the end, one of the diners is invited to bash the gong again and the formalities are over.

Then follows the inevitable selfie session for those who wish to partake.

Many of the 12 courses are one or two bites. King crab - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Many of the 12 courses are one or two bites. King crab – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

positives and negatives

Overall, there are things I really like about Luna Omakase, but others that, given the punchy cost, are underwhelming.

The set up is very much for a performance – a shared experience for 12 lucky people to indulge in together.

But the various couples are shown to our allotted seats around three sides of the rectangular prep area and there’s nothing to break the ice.

Things do warm up a little as the evening gets going, but serving each course in turn creates the effect of silos at the counter.

Different chefs talk to and serve different people, sometimes in sequence.

The result is I feel mild guilt eating a piece of delicate nigiri under the envious gaze of a diner at the other end of the counter, knowing they won’t get theirs for several minutes.

By the time they’ve been served, we’re moving on and the opportunity for any shared conversation on what we’ve just eaten is lost.

Partly because the 12 courses are small and often eaten in a single bite, this lends a disjointed feel to things rather than cementing the idea of a coherent, well balanced evening.

Further jarring is achieved with a sommelier who is given the impossible task of detailing three separate drinks flights when our glasses are refreshed.

I don’t care about the characteristics of a glass of Bordeaux someone else is enjoying at the counter, just as they have no interest in the sake I’m sipping.

At any one time, the lengthy intro to each pouring is at best of interest only to a third of those present at the lecture, with two thirds of the eyes round the table wandering.

As there are only four glasses and 12-plus radically different dishes, the flights’ relevance to the actual food is also debatable and the sommelier doesn’t attempt to relate the “matches” preferring instead to stay in the safer territory of citrus notes and wet pebbles.

The cooking fuses Japanese and Mexican flavours - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The cooking fuses Japanese and Mexican flavours – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

inspired by the moon?

There’s also a question about how well the whole evening is framed.

The 12 seats and paintings echo the new moons in a year – this appears to be a convoluted way of saying the menu changes with the seasons, which isn’t especially ground breaking.

But we’re also promised “12 stories” and that the menu “follows the rhythm of the moon – birth, growth, change and renewal”.

There’s confusion here rather than the pure clarity of lunar light on a cloudless night.

The show tries to do too much and gets in a bit of a muddle.

The setup suggests a performance – and there are moments when blowtorches are waved and dry ice comes wafting out of black orbs – but the chefs are cooks rather than natural entertainers.

Their interest is in delivering on the plate rather than in showing off in front of an audience.

Expensive meals that become etched in our brains cut into them with the clarity and precision of a perfectly honed knife.

They are choreographed, timed, rehearsed and yet feel natural, relaxed and astonishing.

For me, these include Cuisine Minceur and warmth from Michel Guérard, the molecular insanity of Marc Veyrat, deconstructed apple crumble from Richard Corrigan, ice cream overhanging the Royal Festival Hall with Daniel Clifford and broth drizzled over Jean-Luc Rocha’s sliced cuttlefish.

The overall experience at Luna Omakase doesn’t get there, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to praise.

Miso caramel soufflé with wasabi ice cream at Luna Omakase - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Miso caramel soufflé with wasabi ice cream at Luna Omakase – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

Luna Omakase: the good stuff

Chef Leo is engaging.

Scared of the ocean (because of all the fish he’s cut up over the years), we learn his family are mostly cooks save his dad who’s an engineer.

There’s serious skill on the plate too, with dishes often drawing on Mexican flavours and weaving them into his Japanese creations.

It’s an unlikely marriage, perhaps, but one that works with tacos and chilli tricking up the plates.

The fish served is, as expected, exceptional whether it’s king crab, amberjack, sea trout or black bream seared with an improbably hot rod of charcoal.

But it’s when we get beyond the sushi that things really take off including yellowtail with aioli and truffle and a sweet potato hard taco flavoured with sal de gusano – a condiment made from the dried ground red maguey worm more commonly found in bottles of mezcal.

Here is invention and verve, with chef Leo at his best holding forth on food and flavour – especially when those stories are plainly personal.

There’s plentiful freshly ground wasabi too, even in the ice cream served alongside a stunning miso caramel soufflé.

This is a cook unafraid to tame and balance complex flavours.

Tellingly though, my favourite dish is a delicately cut sandwich of wagyu beef seared on Himalayan salt and placed between slices of white bread with wasabi leaves.

It’s a delicious and touching homage to chef Leo’s mother and the lunchboxes she sent him out with as a kid.

This dish honours the gifts of a parent, who should be very proud of the level of skill her son has achieved.

While we’re eating it, nobody mentions the moon.

*** 3/5

A sandwich of beef and wasabi leaves at Luna Omakase - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — A sandwich of beef and wasabi leaves at Luna Omakase – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Luna Omakase

Luna Omakase is located within Los Mochis’ London City restaurant in Broadgate Circle on the ninth floor.

Food costs £230 per head including service charge.

All drinks are extra including water, sake, wine and non-alcoholic pairings.

Find out more about the restaurant here

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July 26, 2025July 26, 2025

Thames River Police Museum is a hidden gem in Wapping

Located at Wapping Police Station, the collection offers a glimpse into the lives of those who look after the safety and security of the waterways

The Thames River Police Museum has a wealth of exhibits from more than 200 years of operation - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Thames River Police Museum has a wealth of exhibits from more than 200 years of operation – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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Gabriel Franks was fatally shot just outside what is today Wapping Police Station.

The murder took place during a riot on October 16, 1798 and, at the age of 22, he became the first serving officer to be killed in the line of duty anywhere in the world.

Today, Gabriel continues to be honoured by the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit through the name of one of its fast response vessels.

His is just one of a mountain of stories to be found in the Thames River Police Museum – a room stuffed to bursting point with artefacts, curios, models, weapons, uniforms and documents piled high over the more than 200 years that the world’s oldest police force has looked after the water.

Unfortunately, apart from the odd open day, it’s not an especially easy collection to access because Wapping Police Station is a working building.

The museum’s website still recommends that interested parties send a letter with a stamped, self-addressed envelope so the curator can reply.

Thankfully, there is also an email address to contact.

A rocket-propelled rope launcher at the museum - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — A rocket-propelled rope launcher at the museum – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a quick visit to the Thames River Police Museum

Even during a brief visit, however, it’s possible to get a sense of the depth within.

There are oil paintings depicting officers policing the river, a handsome portrait of magistrate Patrick Colquhoun, who was instrumental in the force’s establishment, and innumerable pictures of sports teams competing from its ranks over the years.

There are handcuffs, cutlasses and a rocket-propelled device to fire a rope over the water – not to mention plenty of information about the various craft operated by officers over the years.

But then there are deeply human stories – a newspaper article celebrating Marion Dutton, “the only female diver in the Met’s Marine Policing Unit” from The London Paper in 2007.

There’s a signed portrait of Jack Warner as Sgt Dixon of Dock Green, addressed to the unit’s chief superintendent plus a menu from the Catering Department from a time when a pork sausage would have cost a peckish policeman all of 18p.

Just above is a cartoon with the look of Punch about it poking fun at the river cops as “the senior service” with officers enjoying a snooze in a boat on the Thames.

A view of working police boats from the museum - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — A view of working police boats from the museum – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

the grim and the mundane

But there’s tragedy here too among the painstakingly crafted models of boats created by former constables.

On the wall there’s a plaque recognising officers’ efforts to save lives in the aftermath of the Marchioness Disaster as they rescued 50 of the 80 survivors after the ship sank with 131 passengers and crew on board following a collision with another vessel.

There’s also a fingerprinting kit with a strip of red tape reminding officers that it’s suitable for helping to identify dead bodies.

The death of Gabriel Franks in the year the force was established is a stark reminder of the challenges and often grim parts of the job.

While Gabriel lost his life due to the unpopularity of the principle that those stealing cargo from ships docked in London should perhaps be stopped, the river has also seen its fair share of violent crime and tragedy.

The museum neither shies away from this, nor sugar-coats it, simply presenting events cheek-by-jowl with the reality of the men and women tasked with looking after the safety and security of those on the water.

Undoubtedly, the museum in its current form is a treasure – there’s something wonderful in its haphazard presentation that reflects the layers of surprising history within.

Walking its narrow pathways between old blue lamps and diving suits is a singular, unpretentious experience.

It is a shame, however, that more people aren’t able to see this stuff.

Perhaps the Museum Of London Docklands should mount a special exhibition if taking charge of the collection on a more permanent basis would be impossible.

The Thames River Police Museum is locate at Wapping Police Station - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Thames River Police Museum is locate at Wapping Police Station – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Thames River Police Museum

The Thames River Police Museum is currently only available to view by appointment or on occasional open days such as the annual Wapping Shindig.

Find out more about the museum here

Police cutlasses at the Thames River Police Museum - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Police cutlasses at the Thames River Police Museum – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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July 26, 2025July 26, 2025

KintsÜgi aims to help people reset relationships with their phones

Isle Of Dogs resident Lizzie Aaryn-Stanton found herself spending more than nine hours on her device and decided to create an app to coach people in similar situations

Lizzie Aaryn-Stanton has created a new app, KintsÜgi - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Lizzie Aaryn-Stanton has created a new app, KintsÜgi – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“During lockdown, I was averaging nine and a half hours a day of screen time on my phone, mostly on Instagram,” said Isle Of Dogs resident Lizzie Aaryn-Stanton.

“I was posting, then constantly checking for likes and affirmations.”

The portable communications devices that have become a seemingly essential part of modern life have a darker side to them.

We live in an attention economy.

The enormous organisations that create and hone the apps we stuff our phones with want our time and our eyes – not because they’re really keen to improve our lives, but to show us as many adverts as efficiently as possible.

To do this, teams of developers work tirelessly to design better and better ways to keep us looking, with one of their most powerful tools being simple counters.

The work of creating posts is not rewarded financially, in the main, but instead via something much less tangible – engagement.

The social media companies know it feels good to be seen and keep users hooked by showing how many likes, views and shares their post has attracted.

It’s fun, exciting even. You can watch in real time.

But it’s also a system of diminishing returns.

Over time our brains get used to the little pops of dopamine released when we imagine the positive thoughts of others as those counters tick upwards.

Eventually, our heads get wired to those numbers and the rewards they create in our brains. We need them just to keep functioning and our phones are there to feed us more and more of what we crave.

We sit there anxiously refreshing our screens desperate for the smallest indication that someone has noticed us or something we’ve done.

It’s available all day, every day at the tap of a screen and it’s free.

Little wonder, really, that many people struggle to have a healthy productive relationship with a device that ironically was conceived to ease our lives through communication.

Phones are designed to capture our attention and keep it as long as possible - image by Burst / Pexels — Phones are designed to capture our attention and keep it as long as possible – image by Burst / Pexels

recognising the problem

Lizzie knew what was happening to her wasn’t healthy.

Spending an average of 66 hours or more a week was taking its toll and she decided she wanted to do something about it, not just for herself but for other people too.

“I was absolutely miserable at that time,” she said.

“I would turn my phone off or put it in a drawer and then, five minutes later, I’d be checking something on it again.

“There was no need at all, but I was going back time after time, re-editing images on Instagram.

“It was deeply vain and it came from a lack of self-worth – something I was trying to get from my phone but that it was never going to give me.

“I’ve been an actress for the last decade and so at the time of my phone addiction, I saw posting on social media as part of my career.

“There was a lot of TikTok in those nine and a half hours as well and I realised scrolling through videos had even more of a grip on me than Instagram.

“I knew that was really something I shouldn’t do.”

Lizzie was determined to break the cycle of her problematic phone use - image by Dalius Poškaitis — Lizzie was determined to break the cycle of her problematic phone use – image by Dalius Poškaitis

creating KintsÜgi

Determined to break the cycle, Lizzie started by Googling advice on how to get off her phone and began trying things out.

“As an actress, I’ve always been good at inventing games and exercises to help actors unlock characters,” she said.

“Whenever I need to do that, I’ll find a way to make it fun.

“I was having all these ideas about how it might be possible to help others in similar situations.

“Then I realised that I needed to create something on the phone itself so people could reshape their relationship with the device.”

This was the genesis of Lizzie’s creation, KintsÜgi, a recently released app that aims to coach users on establishing and nurturing healthier phone behaviours.

Before going into more depth on the software, first a bit of context.

“I’ve done a lot of deeper work into addiction since I started this journey and I’m not marketing the app as a cure for addicts,” said Lizzie.

“I am an addict of multiple forms and I realise now that the phone was an accessory for a deeper issue – a love addiction.

“I’ve completed the 12 steps through Sex And Love Addicts Anonymous and am doing the 12-step programme with Co-Dependents Anonymous, both of which are based on the AA model.

“I had a break-up in 2022 that brought me to my knees.

“I was only with the guy for a month, but it took me a year and a half to heal from that relationship.

“I was convinced that he was the person I was going to marry and have kids with – that it was going to be all ‘happy-ever-after’.

“I was caught up in very binary, love addict thinking.

“I began working with a therapist who helped me realise that I was addicted to the feeling of falling in love.

“Flash forward and I understood that my Instagram use was a way for me to get little hits of love when I didn’t have somebody to fall in love with.

“Unlike other addictions like alcohol or drugs, as a love addict you’re forced into withdrawal more often than you’d like to be because you can’t control other people.

“I was using social media to help deal with that.

“Through therapy, I’ve gained a deep understanding of who I am.

“Doing the 12-step programmes has also given me knowledge of how addictions are formed and why we’re addicted to things but also how to get yourself back to a place where you can start to put your life back together again.

“That’s how the name of my app – KintsÜgi – came about.

“It takes its name from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold.

“When a bowl smashes, it’s a very slow process, because you have to put one bit back at a time, paint it gold and then move on to the next bit until you’re finished.

“Eventually the idea is that the end result is more beautiful because of that healing journey.”

Lizzie knew the solution had to start on the phone - image by Dalius Poškaitis — Lizzie knew the solution had to start on the phone – image by Dalius Poškaitis

not a programme of abstinence

The contrast for Lizzie is that fighting many forms of addiction involves abstinence.

However, in the same way she’s not shutting herself off from personal relationships, KintsÜgi’s aim is to change its users’ interactions with their phone.

Following a seven-day free trial, the programme costs £5.99 per month and offers users daily tasks and challenges with the intention of helping them achieve this outcome.

“When I was glued to my phone, I turned first to my device for help and then started writing notes on it,” said Lizzie.

“That’s why I knew this had to be on the phone.

“My dad’s in Kenya and my mum’s in Spain, so, without my it, I wouldn’t have a decent relationship with them.

“When users log in there’s a three-part Welcome Pack and the first thing to do is to get a pen and a notebook and start being nice to yourself.

“When people are locked into problematic behaviour, they’re often at their lowest – at or close to rock bottom.

“When you’re there, the person you hate most is yourself and you can’t start a healing journey unless you start to change that.

“Then we go into a week of changing how you react to your phone.

“There are visual things, like cleaning your screen, turning off notifications and changing the ways it steals your attention.

“Then there are some pretty tough habits that I encourage people to adopt such as keeping their phones hidden, not wearing them and never having them on the table when eating or in public.

“Then there’s sleeping with your phone out of the bedroom.

“Watching the screen before you go to bed is not helpful for rest.”

KintsÜgi offers daily challenges to help users reset their relationship - image by Dalius Poškaitis — KintsÜgi offers daily challenges to help users reset their relationship – image by Dalius Poškaitis

how KintsÜgi works

After completing the three-day Arrive sessions, users move on to seven days of Reframe followed by seven days of Retrain to complete the Welcome Pack.

They are then free to explore the app’s other content, with packs created by Lizzie to help address myriad issues.

She said: “Wherever you are and whatever pack you’re on there’s either a written lesson or a voice note from me setting a challenge for the day.

“That might be about reconnecting to yourself or engaging with an offline hobby.

“There are packs that cover working from home, the maintenance of good habits, gambling, adult content and social media.

“Realistically, our phones are the gateway to a lot of problematic behaviours. How people progress within the app is up to them and what they need.

“Ultimately KintsÜgi is a way for people to get to know themselves a bit better. It starts as a way to get off your phone, but the benefits are wider than that.

“The people I want to reach are those who need it most, to stop living the rat race, nine-to-five, and take time for themselves.

“The first thing to do is to write out the positive and negative things about your phone.

“Then it’s about how we can relate to ourselves and each other in a healthy way so we don’t need it to fill the gap.”

key details: KintsÜgi

KintsÜgi is available to download for Android and IOS phones.

The app offers a seven-day free trial with a £5.99 subscription allowing access to all content thereafter.

Find out more about the app here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

Heron Wharf unveils apartments for sale at The Millhouse

The last building in Berkeley Capital’s development on the west bank of the River Lea also includes residents facilities plus Canary Wharf views

An artist's impression of Heron Wharf - image by Berkeley Group — An artist’s impression of Heron Wharf – image by Berkeley Group

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“What will be here in the future is going to be fantastic,” said Luke Tredwell, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital.

“We are in an area where everything is coming together to create huge transformation, with thousands of homes and thousands of jobs.”

The part of east London he’s talking about is the corridor leading up the River Lea to Stratford where big plans are afoot.

While the city historically turned its back on the waterway as industrial transportation became the dominant activity along its length, developers are now seeing the capital’s second largest river as a prime asset.

When completed, the various schemes will see many new residents living on its banks, joining up the likes of East India, Canning Town, Bromley-By-Bow and West Ham.

What’s coming is important. Canny buyers will know that considering the future of a place when deciding where to invest is vital.

Understanding a development’s wider context is just as important as assessing the amenities it provides and those in the immediate area.

This brings us to Heron Wharf by Berkeley.

Formerly known as Poplar Riverside, the scheme has been given a fresh identity to help bring clarity to what it offers, rather than simply naming where it is.

The development is in a strong position – the first two buildings in its initial phase have been well received and it recently launched The Millhouse, offering 92 one and two-bedroom apartments for private sale.

A show apartment at the development - image by Berkeley Group — A show apartment at the development – image by Berkeley Group

creating community at Heron Wharf

“This is the last opportunity to buy a home in the first phase of Heron Wharf,” said Luke.

“The first two buildings are just completing and this is an exciting time as people start living here and forming a community.

“The Millhouse will be a really great addition because it includes a 20m swimming pool, spa, gym and a special salt room on its lower levels that are due to open next year.”

The sales launch of this latest block coincides with the unveiling of some 1.5 acres of Heron Wharf’s park.

This first phase includes expansive green space with views over the Lea and plans to retain part of an historic gasholder as a link to the site’s industrial past.

When complete, the finished 2,900-home scheme will see the park extend to 2.5 acres.

With swathes of planting and landscaping, the scheme has already had a big impact on local wildlife with a plan to increase biodiversity by 545%.

“That’s reflected in the name of Heron Wharf,” said Luke.

“It’s aspirational and, because this scheme is of a substantial size, it’s easier to have a greater impact on the environment.”

An artist's impression of the residents' pool at the development, which is on the first floor of The Millhouse building - image by Berkeley Group — An artist’s impression of the residents’ pool at the development, which is on the first floor of The Millhouse building – image by Berkeley Group

services and amenities

The development will also provide a concierge service, a co-working space, a cinema room and a games room in addition to the exercise and wellbeing facilities at the Riverside Club.

In the 79,000sq ft of retail space on-site, residents can also look forward to using local shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a crèche

But what can buyers at The Millhouse look forward to in the properties themselves?

“They have fantastic layouts, often with amazing views over the park, the river and towards Canary Wharf,” said Luke.

“Depending on what a buyer wants to get from the building, there will be a home in it for them.”

The apartments feature open-plan design and come with private balconies.

Buyers can expect integrated Bosch appliances in the kitchens, white sanitaryware and black fittings in the bathrooms and carpeted sleeping areas with built-in wardrobes for the main bedrooms.

Luke Tredwell, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Luke Tredwell, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

Heron Wharf – well connected

Luke said: “The Millhouse marks the end of the beginning of a new way of living in east London.

“With serene green views, premium wellness facilities and the River Lea on the doorstep, the neighbourhood offers residents a unique blend of tranquillity and city connectivity.

“Heron Wharf continues to evolve into one of London’s most exciting new addresses and The Millhouse is right at its heart.”

Heron Wharf is located within about 10 minutes’ walk of East India DLR station, with Canning Town station a little further away.

Both offer rapid access to Canary Wharf, the city and other destinations across east London.

Those who prefer to get about on their own could opt to walk to the Wharf in less than 30 minutes of go by bike in around a quarter of an hour.

A series of bridges planned to cross the River Lea should improve pedestrian and cycle links in the area still further, allowing access to local amenities such as ecological regeneration project Cody Dock, which is just over the water.

In the immediate area, Aberfeldy Village, London City Island, Goodluck Hope and Trinity Buoy Wharf all offer amenities and places to eat and drink.

Further afield, residents can also easily access the likes of Stratford, the Wharf, the Isle Of Dogs and Greenwich as well as plentiful open spaces such as Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and Royal Docks without having to travel very far.

It’s a place well worth checking out.

Apartments at The Millhouse come with private balconies - image by Berkeley Group — Apartments at The Millhouse come with private balconies – image by Berkeley Group

key details: The Millhouse at Heron Wharf

Homes at Heron Wharf are currently on sale with prices ranging from £455,000 to £930,000. Some are ready to move into now.

One and two-bedroom apartments at The Millhouse are expected to complete in May 2026 with prices starting at £460,000.

All apartments come with a 999-year lease.

Find out more about the development here

This is an opportunity to help shape the community at Heron Wharf as it forms - image by Berkeley Group — This is an opportunity to help shape the community at Heron Wharf as it forms – image by Berkeley Group

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July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

AFK Beach Volleyball court raises funds for charity in Canary Wharf

The facility is back in east London until August 10, 2025, this year at Union Square in Wood Wharf

AFK Beach Volleyball has returned to Canary Wharf - image by Canary Wharf Group — AFK Beach Volleyball has returned to Canary Wharf – image by Canary Wharf Group

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what’s this?

Where have you been? This is the AFK Beach Volleyball court in Wood Wharf’s Union Square.

what’s that?

It’s a pay-as-you-play facility for anyone who fancies bashing a ball around while diving about on sand to use.

what do I need?

Court hire is for four or more people on an hourly basis and costs £15 per person – £60 minimum.

Volleyballs and guidance on the rules are provided, so players just need to turn up in kit that’s appropriate to play a game or two on the sand.

when can I book AFK Beach Volleyball?

The court is already in place and will be in Canary Wharf until August 10. 2025.

Bookings are available Tuesday-Sunday although some slots may be unavailable due to special events.

why should I play?

Isn’t it time you did some exercise?

In all seriousness, beach volleyball is a fantastic sport and an ideal way to get some fresh air.

Also, every single thwack of the ball helps raise money for AFK, a charity that helps children who are disabled or neurodiverse live more independent, fulfilling lives.

This year the court is located in Union Square in Wood Wharf - image by Canary Wharf Group — This year the court is located in Union Square in Wood Wharf – image by Canary Wharf Group

tell me more

Corporate partnerships manager at AFK, Lyn Prodger said: “It’s an amazing small charity and this event is a big shop window for us.

“We wouldn’t be speaking to the likes of JP Morgan, Barclays and Accenture without it and the support of Canary Wharf Group.

“We provide mobility equipment for disabled children and young people all round the country and we also fund the maintenance of that equipment which is vital and not something all charities do.

“It’s no good if you have a £2,000 wheelchair that’s your whole life but you can’t use it for the sake of a £200 repair.

“But it’s not just about buying some equipment and saying goodbye, it’s an ongoing dialogue and opportunity.

“We’ve also started providing work placements in London because we’re based in the capital.

“We support anything that fosters independence and wellbeing and that includes helping people into work.

“We realised quite early on that many of the young people we work with aren’t ready for employment, so we have an outreach team that supports them to help change that.

“When you’re in a special school, for example, no-one ever asks what you want to do when you leave.

“The employers we work with are like gold dust – they raise confidence and aspirations.

“What we say to them is that we’re not bringing a problem, we’re bringing an amazing group of talented young people who are ready for work.

“We also put our money where our mouth is by giving young people paid employment roles with us. Some of them help with this event and they really are amazing.”

The charity will be hosting its Corporate Championship - image by Canary Wharf Group — The charity will be hosting its Corporate Championship – image by Canary Wharf Group

what’s coming up at AFK Beach Volleyball?

In addition to free access play on the court, AFK hosts a corporate tournament for businesses and there are still a couple of slots left.

Taking place on July 31, 2025, the event sees companies face off on court in a five-vs-five format with most teams entering a squad of 10 players to allow for subs.

Teams commit to fundraising £2,000 to enter.

This can simply be paid as a donation from the business and covers a full day of play, lunch and refreshments as the competition for the 2025 Corporate Championship trophy heats up on the court.

AFK corporate partnerships manager, Lyn Prodger - image by Jon Massey — AFK corporate partnerships manager, Lyn Prodger – image by Jon Massey

who’s the team to beat?

Lyn said: “We’ve been running these events since 2009, first at Broadgate Circle in the City before moving to Canary Wharf in 2013.

“Barclays have won the most championships, but Accenture won it last year after being silver medallists in about four contests.

“They’re both coming back this year. It’s a wonderful event with plenty of dressing up. We’ve had Smurfs, Oompa-Loompas and Baywatchers over the years.

“We start from 10am and everyone gets a good day of play – then after lunch we go into the play-offs and then the finals.

“Whether it’s in the corporate championships or members of the public simply playing on the court, when I see what we’ve done here I have to pinch myself a little bit.

“We’re a small charity and realising we can do something like this is fantastic.

“It feels so good to know everyone who plays here is contributing.

“Just stepping on that sand makes a real difference in people’s lives.

“What’s really great about Canary Wharf is that we have this audience and we’re able to tell them about AFK and what it does.

“It’s a great community here and we’re working with The Island Studio to offer Pilates on the sand, with Signorelli on a deal for players who come down and, of course, with 640 East.”

The minimum booking for the court is four people - image by Canary Wharf Group — The minimum booking for the court is four people – image by Canary Wharf Group

key details: AFK Beach Volleyball

AFK Beach Volleyball’s court will be in Union Square until August 10, 2025.

Court hire is for a minimum of four people and starts at £60 per hour.

All proceeds go to the charity.

The Corporate Championship is set to take place on July 31, 2025, with slots still available.

Find out more about court hire here

AFK Beach Volleyball will be in place until August 10 - image by Canary Wharf Group — AFK Beach Volleyball will be in place until August 10 – image by Canary Wharf Group

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July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

Ong Lai Kopitiam will bring Malaysian flavours to Canary Wharf

How Robert Ngo and his wife Mel have built on their street food brand, Eat Lah, to open a new restaurant in Wood Wharf’s emerging Harbord Square area

Ayam Goreng Berempah with the blue Nasi Kerabu, which gets its colour from the butterfly pea flower - image by Ong Lai Kopitiam — Ayam Goreng Berempah with the blue Nasi Kerabu, which gets its colour from the butterfly pea flower – image by Ong Lai Kopitiam

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“I want Malaysians, Singaporeans and south-east Asians to feel at home here and for people who have never tried Malaysian food before to have a really great experience,” said Robert Ngo, co-founder and director of Ong Lai Kopitian – set to open its doors at Harbord Square in Wood Wharf soon.

“I knew I didn’t want a simple place with four walls and a kitchen where we would just cook food.

“We’ve spent a long time and a lot of money and effort on the fit-out.

“I believe restaurants are really important, not just places to eat, but places to hang out at – somewhere for the community.”

Ong Lai is joining a rapidly emerging part of Canary Wharf based around independent businesses.

Already Italian bakery Signorelli is drawing Wharfers down to Union Square, with another new restaurant – Nora – coming later this year.

There’s also Wayne Hairdresser Salon, floristry from The Flower Club and beauty services from Awe London as well as recent arrival The Island Studio offering Reformer Pilates classes.

So what does Ong Lai bring to the mix?

Well, firstly, kopitiam means coffee shop, so there will be plenty of robusta-based brews on offer with beans imported from Malaysia.

But there’s also the food and hospitality, something that’s in Robert’s blood.

Robert Ngo of Ong Lai Kopitiam outside his soon-to-open restaurant - image by Jon Massey — Robert Ngo of Ong Lai Kopitiam outside his soon-to-open restaurant – image by Jon Massey

a journey into food

“I’m a first generation Chinese immigrant child – I was born in Hackney and raised in Leyton,” he said.

“When I was five, my dad opened up his first restaurant and, at his peak, he had about four takeaways – I was already in the kitchen from a very young age.

“By the time I was seven I was washing dishes, even though I was only as tall as the sink, so I was always around my parents doing business in the food and beverage environment and my dad was always getting me ready to take over the operation after my studies.

“But being young and naïve, I told him I had other ideas.”

After realising aerospace engineering wasn’t for him, Robert embarked on the lengthy training necessary to qualify as an architect.

But then the Credit Crunch dealt a double blow.

The family business suffered a serious financial hit and Robert took a break from his studies to work as an architect’s assistant.

By the time he returned to education part-time, he realised the recession had damaged the industry to an extent that made finishing his training financially unattractive.

Instead, after a brief flirtation with estate agency, he went back into architecture working his way up in computer aided design to run a team of five people, rounding off the first decade of his career.

“I’d always been creative but that working environment wasn’t,” he said.

“People were coming in, doing the hours and getting paid silly amounts, but the environment was quite toxic. I needed a different outlet.

“I came home everyday hating my life and myself.

“My wife, Mel, got the worst of it – hearing me complaining.

“She said I should quit my job and start my own food business.

“The lowest point of entry was street food so I went all-in and spent about £7,000 getting a van and gazebos – I did everything properly, buying all the right equipment and created a decent brand.

“That’s how it all started.”

The restaurant will offer plenty of vegan options, including Kolo Mee with tofu and okra - image by Ong Lai Kopitiam — The restaurant will offer plenty of vegan options, including Kolo Mee with tofu and okra – image by Ong Lai Kopitiam

Eat Lah and blue rice

Co-founded with his wife, Eat Lah began serving Nasi Kerabu, a dish built around vibrant blue rice flavoured with herbs and spices that originated in Mel’s native Kelantan in Malaysia.

Following a steep learning curve that has included street food markets as well as spells at Boxpark in Croydon and Canteen at Design District, the brand now operates around a professional prep kitchen, allowing it to trade at multiple locations as well as at events.

It’s a regular at Canary Wharf’s Thursday pop-up Lunch Markets, for example.

Positive feedback from customers on the quality of the food, plus a desire to offer something more complex than street food setups can has driven the couple to establish Ong Lai.

Menu experiments in Croydon and, more recently, at a pop-up in Canning Town, proved the viability of the concept and Robert and Mel began searching for a space in 2024.

The restaurant will serve kopi - coffee - specially imported from Malaysia - image by Ong Lai Kopitiam — The restaurant will serve kopi – coffee – specially imported from Malaysia – image by Ong Lai Kopitiam

opening Ong Lai Kopitiam

“We looked all over, but mainly in east London and then we were approached by an agent for Canary Wharf Group who was looking for independent businesses for Wood Wharf,” said Robert.

“We wanted somewhere that we could build the new concept from the ground up.

“Ong Lai means: ‘Prosperous fortune come my way’, but it also translates as ‘pineapple’ in Chinese. At New Year they have big pineapples as decorations, so we’ve used the fruit in our branding.

“The reason we created that name is that Malaysians and Singaporeans know what it means – it’s an inside joke.

“For people who don’t know, it’s a good conversation starter.

“The design is based on a traditional kopitiam with interior design by a Malaysian agency.

“Ong Lai is about being creative,” said Robert.

“Doing festivals, markets and office catering, Eat Lah always revolves around the blue rice, but we’ll be doing much more than that in the restaurant.

“We will be doing an elevated version of it as well as Kolo Mee – noodles flavoured with soy sauce and shallot oil, Hainanese Chicken Chop and Malaysian Fried Chicken Wings.

“We’ll also be serving really good pork.

“The name shows we’re leaning more towards the country’s Chinese food – we didn’t want to be a Malaysian restaurant that tries to do everything.

“But this will be somewhere people can come in for an Egg Tart or Kaya Toast with a coffee.

“The beverage side of Malaysian cuisine is not that celebrated over here, so we really wanted to do that.

“We’ll be serving the Kopi black with sugar or with condensed or evaporated milk as well as Teh Tarik.

“These are wonderful flavours that I drink every day when I’m visiting Malaysia.”

Hainanese Chicken Chop will be available at the restaurant - image by Ong Lai Kopitiam — Hainanese Chicken Chop will be available at the restaurant – image by Ong Lai Kopitiam

key details: Ong Lai Kopitiam

Ong Lai Kopitiam is set to open soon at Harbord Square in Wood Wharf.

The restaurant will seat up to 30 diners and will be open daily.

Find out more about the restaurant here

Kolo Mee with Ayam Goreng - image by Ong Lai Kopitiam — Kolo Mee with Ayam Goreng – image by Ong Lai Kopitiam

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July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

North Gate Park offers a rarity to London buyers – new-build houses

The joint development by The Hill Group and housing association Peabody occupies a tranquil patch of Haringey on the site of a former hospital

An artist's impression showing new-build houses at North Gate Park - image by The Hill Group — An artist’s impression showing new-build houses at North Gate Park – image by The Hill Group

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The London property market offers many things.

Swimming pools connecting buildings, high rise towers with gorgeous penthouses on their upper floors and thoughtful, titanic regeneration schemes that reimagine whole neighbourhoods.

North Gate Park is certainly the latter, but it also offers prospective buyers something rare – new-build houses.

In total 37 will be built at the site off St Ann’s Road in Haringey on land that formerly occupied by a hospital and which retains and enhances a mature park conceived to bring calm and solace to patients.

The development, a joint venture between The Hill Group and housing association Peabody, makes use of existing historic buildings as part of its scheme as well as preserving the brick wall that once protected its perimeter.

The houses all come with back gardens bounded at the base by this barrier – a tangible connection to the area’s heritage. Dedicated parking spaces are also included, another rarity.

Set on a site that will see nearly 1,000 new homes built, the houses are already drawing wide interest, with reservations made even before their official launch earlier this month.

“They’re proving popular,” said Eloise Solari, head of sales at The Hill Group.

“What we’ve found so far is that there’s no particular demographic they appeal to – every buyer is different.

“We’ve had interest from interior designers, downsizers, people who want to move closer to their children as well as first-time buyers.

“It’s been a real mix of different types of people.

“There are lots and lots of Victorian houses in the area including the streets surrounding North Gate Park, but the question is how much they need doing to them and what the cost will be to get them to the energy efficiency level of a new-build?

“Buyers here face none of those costs, worries or concerns and there’s also the comfort in knowing there’s no onward chain to think about.”

Three and four-bedroom properties at available at North Gate Park - image by The Hill Group — Three and four-bedroom properties at available at North Gate Park – image by The Hill Group

open-plan living spaces and back gardens

Arranged over three floors, buyers can choose from a variety of flexible layouts to match their needs.

Inside, features include open-plan design, plenty of natural light, folding doors opening onto rear gardens, kitchens with Ceasarstone worktops and minimalist bathrooms with black fixtures and fittings.

The properties also come with air source heat pumps with underfloor heating throughout alongside a 10-year NHBC warranty on build quality.

We know people working in Canary Wharf are increasingly looking further afield in their property searches, not just based on price point, but to get something they can’t find in east London.

North Gate Park delivers that, thanks to its blend of Victorian buildings, mature parkland and its location – a serene patch of the capital between the vibrant areas of Green Lanes, Finsbury Park and Seven Sisters.

The rear garden at the show house - image by Jon Massey — The rear garden at the show house – image by Jon Massey

The perimeter wall provides an added layer of tranquillity for residents at the development, who are also within easy walking distance of the wide open spaces of Chestnuts Park (just across the road) and Finsbury Park to the south west.

Further down, past Manor House Tube station lie the outdoorsy amenities of the Castle Climbing Centre (an old Victorian pumping station) and watersports on Woodberry Down’s West Reservoir.

North Gate Park offers buyers the chance to live in modern homes located in a very well established area.

To the west lies Green Lanes, one pole of the fabled Haringey Ladder and a road rich in flavour and commerce.

Here independent cafes and bars sit side by side with storied Turkish restaurants (the best carrying the name of Antepliler) and bakeries, a reflection of a strong Mediterranean community that calls this part of the capital home.

Punctuating these are proud Victorian pubs with The Salisbury Hotel their undisputed king, thanks to its cast iron crown and located where St Ann’s Road meets Green Lanes.

For more than 100 years, locals have sat amid its black velvet drapes and dark woods, chatting, drinking and dining in a building that dates to 1898 and was constructed by London Crick Company founder John Cathles Hill.

Eloise Solari, head of sales at The Hill Group - image by The Hill Group — Eloise Solari, head of sales at The Hill Group – image by The Hill Group

North Gate Park – peace close to the buzz of Green Lanes

“I was amazed when I first came to this area to explore – especially by the variety of food on offer,” said Eloise.

“What North Gate Park offers is the buzz of Green Lanes close by but also peace and quiet.”

The development will also take those Victorian flavours and celebrate them with historic buildings repurposed as space for businesses to serve the residents.

Amenities planned in addition to a concierge service include a café, a nursery, a health clinic, fitness facility, supermarket, co-working space and a dental surgery.

North Gate Park’s transport links are also a compelling proposition for buyers.

The development is within walking distance of Seven Sisters which offers Victoria line services, network rail trains as well as the Weaver line on the Overground network.

Stroll in the opposite direction and residents will find themselves passing Harringay Green Lanes on the Suffragette line and Harringay rail station, which provides a direct rail link into Moorgate.

The development is also well served by the 67 bus, which connects to Wood Green and Turnpike Lane stations.

For Wharfers considering a move, the simplest commute is probably via Seven Sisters and the Victoria line to Green Park with an easy change to the Jubilee to access the estate.

The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

Kitchens come with fully integrated Siemens appliances - image by Jon Massey — Kitchens come with fully integrated Siemens appliances – image by Jon Massey

key details: North Gate Park

Prices for houses at North Gate Park start at £965,000 for three-beds and £1,010,000 for four-beds.

A range of apartments are also available at the development, with prices starting at £395,000.

Shared ownership properties are also available at the development through Peabody with a 25% share of a one-bed starting at £96,875.

Overall, 60% of the development is designated as affordable housing.

Find out more about the development here

Some of the houses at North Gate Park are close to completion - image by Jon Massey — Some of the houses at North Gate Park are close to completion – image by Jon Massey

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July 13, 2025July 13, 2025

Lina Stores review: Canary Wharf branch impresses with simplicity

Recently opened at Crossrail Place, the restaurant draws on more than 80 years of history to deliver a high quality Italian dining experience

Grilled prawns with tomatoes and garlic at Lina Stores - image by Jon Massey — Grilled prawns with tomatoes and garlic at Lina Stores – image by Jon Massey

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There’s a danger with growth, especially when it comes to hospitality brands.

A business founded and nurtured with passion by its creators can lose its appeal as economies of scale dislocate a sprawl of branches from the things that made the place good to start with.

It’s understandable. Those seeking a profit margin will always be tempted to trim an ingredient here or there.

It’s an equation where small differences can translate into big savings.

The risk is how close to tipping the scales does an operation dare go? Will the punters really notice a sauce made with two cloves of garlic instead of three? How about one?

Fortunately, Lina Stores – recently opened in Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place in the unit formerly occupied by The Breakfast Club, is more concerned with value and quality for its customers than making a quick buck.

At least, that’s the message it’s sending out on its pale green plates.

There could be a few reasons for this.

Firstly, the brand’s lineage is an 80-year-old deli in Soho rather than a beloved restaurant.

That brings with it a certain dedication to quality born of a family-run institution that was conceived primarily to supply Londoners with the kind of Italian treats which were a rarity at the time it opened.

The restaurants, which can now be found in 11 locations in London and Manchester, plus three in Japan, aren’t tasked with replicating an existing establishment, but instead aim to showcase produce.

The original shop is a jumping off point for this, rather than something to be photocopied.

Secondly, the team at White Rabbit Projects, which has worked with Lina to expand the brand, have clearly shed sweat to tread lightly.

Clean and green: The first floor dining room at Lina Stores in Crossrail Place - image by Jon Massey — Clean and green: The first floor dining room at Lina Stores in Crossrail Place – image by Jon Massey

an Italian ethos

Italian cooking at its best lives or dies on the quality of its ingredients often in spare, unfussy combinations.

There’s nowhere to hide and Lina isn’t afraid to be the neutral backdrop to the stars topping its green and white-striped serving paper.

The aesthetic of the Canary Wharf restaurant follows this pattern.

Head upstairs from the ground floor deli and you’ll find a bright, airy space with a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

Everything is in shades of pale green save the floor – marble the shade of emeralds at night.

There’s an open kitchen too, with stools for diners who want to watch the magic happen.

It’s a minimal scheme akin to the slender black picture frames used to contain the delicate art on its walls.

This is because Lina saves nearly everything for the eyes and mouth.

30-yolk tagliolini pasta with truffle, a fabulous over load - image by Jon Massey — 30-yolk tagliolini pasta with truffle, a fabulous over load – image by Jon Massey

sampling the food at Lina Stores

To start, we crunch the flesh of fresh green Bella Di Cerignola olives (£4) while making up our minds.

Burrata (£10) comes bathed in a little pool of extra virgin olive oil and dusted with black pepper – a simple, creamy delight on the tongue with a pleasant tang.

Next comes the grilled prawns (£13) – three chunky specimens that arrive with a wedge of lemon and dressed with fresh tomatoes and garlic.

Expertly singed, these give up their meat without effort in sweet little chunks – an excellent way to whet the appetite for what we’re really here to try.

Lina in Soho is known for its fresh pasta, trays of which in its windows have been tempting passers-by through the doors for decades.

So what of the restaurant offering?

We order three due to greed and the desire to be comprehensive – the Jerusalem artichoke and ricotta ravioli (£10.50), the lamb sausage ragu pappardelle (£14.50) and the 30-egg yolk tagliolini with black truffle (at £17.50, the most expensive option on the menu).

The portions are sensible, the kind you might actually get as a first plate in a restaurant in Italy.

But the flavours are outsize.

The ravioli is earthy and vegetal, the tagliolini a fabulous overload of truffle, but the star of the show is the deep, rich pappardelle shot through with seasonal greens and chilli.

Great value, high quality.

When the staff have relaxed into things – clearing away the plate for discarded olive pits without asking while I was still chewing, was a minor misstep – Lina is shaping up to be very good indeed.

**** (4/5)

Jerusalem artichoke and ricotta ravioli at Lina Stores - image by Jon Massey — Jerusalem artichoke and ricotta ravioli at Lina Stores – image by Jon Massey

key details: Lina Stores

Lina Stores is located at street level in Crossrail Place. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30am-11.30pm.

The deli is open from 8am-5pm on weekdays and from 9am-5pm at weekends.

Bar Lina is open from 5pm to midnight, Tuesday-Thursday and from 5pm-1am, Friday-Saturday.

Find our more about the restaurant here

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July 13, 2025July 13, 2025

Neptune Wharf offers discounts to tempt buyers to Deptford

Galliard Homes development offers homes for private sale or rental in south-east London as regeneration of wider area continues

A show home at Neptune Wharf in Deptford - image by Galliard Homes — A show home at Neptune Wharf in Deptford – image by Galliard Homes

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“We are delighted to have completed Neptune Wharf and to be able to deliver highly specified new apartments in Deptford,” said Eli Dias, executive chairman and CEO of Galliard Homes.

“We are thrilled to be launching this exceptional collection of homes for private sale in such a dynamic area.”

Located on Grinstead Road, with Deptford Park to the north and Folkestone Gardens to the south, the scheme connects the two open spaces via a newly constructed public square, while providing more than 170 apartments spread over six buildings.

Currently on the market are 37 apartments for private sale, with Galliard recently unveiling a host of incentives for prospective buyers.

Four properties have been significantly discounted with price reductions of up to £135,000.

First-time buyers can look forward to having their Stamp Duty bills covered, while contributions to legal costs are also available for those using solicitors from a preferred panel to handle conveyancing.

There are also 100% mortgage deals available for those who meet the criteria, meaning even those who haven’t saved up a deposit could potentially purchase a home.

As for the apartments available for sale themselves, one and two-bedroom properties are available with some of the larger units laid out as duplexes.

The Galliard Homes development is located in Deptford - image by Galliard Homes — The Galliard Homes development is located in Deptford – image by Galliard Homes

going inside: Neptune Wharf

Buyers can expect full height glazing with homes on upper levels offering direct views of Canary Wharf, the City and the surrounding open spaces.

Inside oak-style flooring, light grey walls and steel hardware present a neutral base with open-plan living areas and private balconies for all apartments.

Kitchens feature integrated Smeg appliances, navy base units and oak-style wall cupboards over stone worktops.

The homes come with a wealth of tech including LED lighting, in-built radio, TV and Sky-Q ports and kitchen taps that deliver hot, cold or boiling water on demand.

Main bedrooms boast built-in wardrobes, while bathrooms are tiled in porcelain and come with white sanitaryware, thermostatic showers and heated towel rails.

A total of 37 apartments are available for private sale at the scheme - image by Galliard Homes — A total of 37 apartments are available for private sale at the scheme – image by Galliard Homes

The homes all achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of B and include central heating systems based on flat-panel white radiators.

Some apartments are available fully furnished.

Neptune Wharf is located around a 16-minute brisk stroll from three stations – Deptford, South Bermondsey and Surrey Quays – offering rail and Overground connections into central and east London.

It’s located about 15 minutes from Canary Wharf via bus and Tube.

The development is in an area that is set to see major regeneration over the coming years as schemes at nearby Canada Water and New Bermondsey, both bringing thousands of incoming residents, businesses and new infrastructure to this part of south-east London.

As an increasingly attractive part of the city, it’s therefore likely to bode well for those seeking capital appreciation as well as an interesting place to live.