Sometimes making a house a home is about the things you choose to put into it.
Taking inspiration from the local area can be a good place to start for those just moving in or a way of updating and refreshing an interior for those who’ve lived in east London and the Docklands for a while.
East London Printmakers (ELP), a creative collective that operates out of Acme’s Copperfield Road studios in Mile End, is getting ready to host its Festival Of Print 2026.
The event will showcase work by more than 100 artists in a free exhibition that serves as an opportunity to discover and acquire locally made pieces.
Celebrating the breadth and depth of ELP’s output, the group’s latest show will feature print produced with techniques including woodblock, screen print, etching and relief.
“Our goal for this show is to explore how different perspectives interact within a shared space,” said ELP member and festival organiser, Inga Eičaitė.
“Every piece tells a unique story, and I encourage visitors to take their time – to start conversations and to really connect with the work.”
Detail from You Can’t Give What You Never Had by Maurice Citron – image by Maurice Citron
an exhibition and a live happening
The showcase is set to take over The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park from October 2-11, 2026.
Free to visit, the exhibition will be open daily from 11am-5pm.
The event will include Box Set, a collection of 40 limited edition prints created by ELP members.
The festival will, this year, also feature The Dreaming Of Butterflies – an evening of performances on October 8 aimed at exploring how printmaking intersects with dance and music.
The event will end with a collaborative collage led by ELP artist duo Jairo Zaldua and Nicola Jane Green.
The evening is free to attend and runs from 7pm.
The Art Pavilion is located a short walk from Mile End Tube and can be reached easily from Canary Wharf via the 277 bus.
Detail from Moonstone, Sapphire And Saffron by Lydie Gallais – image by Lydie Gallais
key details: Festival Of Print 2026
East London Printmakers’ Festival Of Print 2026 is set to take place at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park from October 2-11, 2026.
Entry is free and the exhibition will be open from 11am-5pm daily.
“My mother was a dressmaker, who also did alterations and worked for companies,” said Philip Chalk, tailor and co-owner of the Greenwich Collective.
“Until I started school at the age of five, I’d sit beside her, tinkering.
“We’d make things and play with sewing machines.
“My family in Portugal were tailors, shirt-makers and so on, there was skill there.”
Almost absent-mindedly, while we’re talking, Philip has noticed a loose button on his jacket and – without breaking conversation – cuts it off and sews it neatly back on, all without removing the garment from his shoulders.
It’s a small detail, but then there’s a feeling that the Greenwich Collective is all about paying attention to those.
The shop, which Philip owns with his business partner Wayne Carter, is – at first glance – a glorious melange of menswear.
There are rails hung with suits and shirts, vibrant displays of ties, canes, umbrellas, socks and cuff-links.
Some are for sale, some are works in progress for clients. Everywhere there are antique pieces, artworks and curios.
This is no loosely connected bric-a-brac, though. Like the fine clothes created within, everything has been chosen.
Inside, the store is filled with menswear, curiosities and antiques – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a passion for retail
Philip has an extensive history in the industry, evidenced perhaps by the stacks of swatches in innumerable sample books stacked neatly along one wall,
In addition to studying at the London College Of Fashion and working as a bespoke tailor, he’s spent time at Ted Baker, TM Lewin, Thomas Pink and once bought a shoe shop from David Moss (of Moss Bros) – learning a considerable amount about selling footwear in the process.
His is a history of Jermyn Street, floral shirts, Soho, kosher tailoring, Docklands, Whitechapel, riotous nights out and making clothes for classical composers.
Now, the shop in Greenwich is something of a labour of love – the display window for an operation employing around 29 people.
“I’ve always loved the retail side of the business and at this stage I’m bored with the idea of purely trying to make money,” said Philip.
“We offer the best alterations, we’re the best tailors in the country and possibly the best shirt-makers in the world.
“I do the tailoring and Wayne does the shirts. It’s hard, but we enjoy it – I’ve run lots of different kinds of businesses and it’s about wanting to do something you’re interested in.
“Our pieces are bespoke and made the way our customers like, generally with our stamp on them.
“Everything is considered, every detail.”
Greenwich Collective is located at the southern end of Greenwich Market – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
establishing the why
Prices at Greenwich Collective start at around £2,400 for a bespoke two-piece suit and £275 for a shirt.
Customers can choose from a wide range of fabrics and styles with details to meet every requirement.
“People come into the shop, we sit down, have a drink and see what’s doable,” said Philip.
“We often talk finance as early as possible to understand what can be done.
“They say no-one knows you as well as your doctor or your tailor and it’s so true.
“As for the latter, they should be asking what a customer wants a suit for?
“Is it for a career, are they looking for promotion, to get noticed?
“Is it for a date, just to look cool or will they be dancing in it or travelling?
“When it’s for a wedding there’s a lot to consider – the shirt, tie, socks and the shoes. I tend to do masculine tailoring, I dress clients to glide.
“Most people want to look like James Bond or Cary Grant, so that’s what we try to achieve.
“I generally put my clients in better cloth than you’d expect for the price.
“We have dozens of swatch books from all kinds of factories, but there are a few suppliers I advise people to deal with over the others because they offer high quality that’s great value.
“I’d rather put people in a really good suit so they feel at their best.
“If you went to Savile Row, you might find yourself paying £10,000 for a suit made from the same cloth.
“So long as we cover our costs and our risk, we’re happy to offer the prices we do.”
Philip, Wayne and the team offer ready-to-wear products as well as bespoke clothing – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
connected to the community
Greenwich Collective has been trading for close to five years, but has a timeless feel about it.
As we’re chatting, Philip is constantly waving to people through the window, pointing out artists and singers that he knows.
It’s clear there’s connection and community here, which is part of the attraction.
“We get involved with stuff – the Greenwich Historical Society, pub crawls, the other traders on the market,” he said.
“I enjoy it. Everything in the shop is for sale, but it’s not.
“Some things I can’t part with. I have a lot of stuff and I enjoy it – I must have 20,000 pairs of cuff-links, 8,000 ties.
“I go to a lot of auctions and buy things – old surveyor’s sticks, tripods, antiques – I take pleasure in them.
“Some things we sell are new, others are old. I’m passionate about vintage clothing too.
“A great thing to do is to buy a vintage piece for the quality and then have us alter it to fit.
“Sometimes it’s equally hard to part with the clothes we make.
“If you’ve spent 200 hours making something, it can be hard to say goodbye to it, but you know the customer will take real pleasure in it.”
Shoes for sale at Greenwich Collective – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: Greenwich Collective
Greenwich Collective is located in Nelson Arcade at the southern end of Greenwich Market.
Drop into the shop, call 020 3795 4328 or email gc@thegreenwichcollective.uk to book an appointment or make and enquiry.
Greenwich Market is easily accessible from Canary Wharf via the DLR to Cutty Sark and a short walk.
Alternatively visitors can take the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers or walk via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
This is sometimes true for businesses as much as for those who make their home afloat.
The story of the Maria Alexander Spa Boat began around three years ago.
Built and fitted-out to exacting specifications, the vessel has a treatment room for two and an open-plan spa space for up to four guests.
This features a sauna and a hot tub that manage to feel connected to the water outside, despite being in near seclusion.
While the boat has spent around two years cruising the canals of London, its offering constantly refined and its location changing, the couple behind the venture have now found their curated craft a more permanent home at Limehouse Marina.
It’s been a lengthy voyage, but there’s a sense that this is the dawn of a new chapter for the spa, which offers an experience like no other on the capital’s waterways.
The boat is a joint venture between Ingrid Eriksson and Corvin Roman.
The former has an extensive background in spas and the latter in insurance, teaming up on the foundation of their burgeoning relationship to create a floating haven of relaxation.
The facility accommodates up to four guests and offers multiple options, but the most popular package is the two-hour Private Floating Spa Treatment for two including a 30-minute massage.
The Maria Alexander Spa Boat is now moored at Limehouse Marina in east London – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
stepping on board
“We greet customers at the entrance to the marina, take them to the boat and then show them around the spa,” said Ingrid.
“Then they have a little foot soak, some organic herbal tea and simply relax for a while.
“When they’re ready, we show our guests through to the massage room where we deliver a half-hour masage that’s focussed on relaxation.
“Afterwards, our guests are free to use the spa facilities, take a sauna and enjoy the hot tub. They can even open the doors at the front of the boat to see out while they’re soaking.”
The purpose-built spaces are designed for privacy so guests feel as though they have the whole boat to themselves – however, Corvin, Ingrid or staff can be summoned via small brass hand bells should anything be needed.
“We created something that we thought we’d enjoy ourselves,” said Corvin, who along with his partner helps deliver treatments on the Maria Alexander Spa Boat.
“At the start, I didn’t want to get involved with a business I didn’t properly understand, so I studied massage at the City Lit.
The boat includes a treatment room for two – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
“Part of what we’re offering is that the vibe here is different to other spas.
“When we did our research, we couldn’t find anything else like it.
“This isn’t a space where you’ll find people who are just hired therapists.
“Ideally we always want at least one of us to be here – we want to be talking to customers but also making sure they have space to relax. It’s about looking after people.
“Visiting a spa is about slowing down – put it on the water and you have the best of both worlds.
“We might now be in a marina, but you still feel the movement of the water, you hear the rain on the roof and the calls of the birds.
“You can hear the bells of St Anne’s Limehouse, but once you’re inside you can close yourself off from the world.”
Ingrid added: “We’ve curated the whole experience.
“Spas can be quite impersonal but here we wanted to create something more romantic, a calmer offering.
“We tested it with friends and people in the industry to make sure we were getting the spa journey right and we believe we’ve now done that.”
Maria Alexander Spa Boat co-owner Ingrid Eriksson – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
developing the offering
Built in Liverpool and craned into the water at Watford, the Maria Alexander was fitted out in Tottenham before travelling along the canals of the capital.
The vessel’s sauna is wood-fired to a toasty 90ºC and its hot tub features powerful jets for various kinds of massage.
Guests are supplied with oatmeal-coloured robes, matching towels and small batch UK-made cleansing products.
Typical refreshments provided include tea and dried fruit, although the couple have plans to widen this offering in the future.
“We’re looking into offering afternoon teas and other catering options such as light meals, depending on the package,” said Corvin.
“We have the facilities on board to do this.
“We usually ask groups of more than two to contact us directly to discuss their requirements so we can tell them what’s possible.
Maria Alexander Spa Boat co-owner Corvin Roman – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
“Usually our bookings are for couples or two friends, but we do have three or four people sometimes.
“While we don’t allow children on board, we can accommodate babies by arrangement if needed.”
Ingrid added: “It’s a complete experience focussed on relaxation.
“It’s perfect for couples or friends. One of the things we wanted to make sure of was that there’s no waiting around.
“Sometimes when you visit a spa there can be a long period of time before they’re ready to offer your treatment.
“Here, because guests have the boat to themselves, we don’t have that issue.”
There’s a private wood-fired sauna on board – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
refinement and evolution
While the core offering remains, the couple are constantly working to refine and evolve the experience, tweaking the interior design and adding extra shine to proceedings.
Plans for the future include potentially partnering with local hotels and developing other spa boats to deliver different treatments.
Corvin said that while running a floating spa presented a range of challenges not faced by land-based businesses, it also had many advantages and it was a pleasure to offer guests something unique.
He said: “People who have been to other spas are often not sure what to expect, so it’s amazing when they tell us it’s spectacular and unlike anything they’ve tried before.”
The Maria Alexander Spa Boat features a hot tub for up to four people – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
tired + tested: Maria Alexander Spa Boat
It’s clear from the moment of arrival at the Maria Alexander Spa Boat that this is something different.
There are floating saunas in London, perhaps even boats offering spa treatments, but nothing as considered as this vessel’s offering.
After slipping shoes off, enjoying a quick tour of the facilities (including an incinerating toilet), we change into our swimwear, don our robes and indulge in a foot purifying foot soak with plenty of time to sip cool water and relax.
When we’re ready, we go through to the calm, relaxing treatment room where there’s just room for a massage for two.
Snuggled under towels, Corvin and Ingrid come through and deliver a slow relaxing massage which leaves a warm, lingering tingle.
The pressure is subtle rather than intense, enough to get the nerves firing without stressing the muscles too much.
Then it’s back to the spa and we’re left on our own to enjoy the offering.
After an intense burst in the sauna, with scented water to boost the humidity, it’s time for a cold shower and then a lengthy soak in the hot tub, our bodies soothed by the potent jets as we relax.
Gazing out at the other boats while gently bobbing along and then looking up to the clouds through the vessel’s skylight is a rare pleasure.
At £200 for two people, the quality and attention to detail here makes the experience a steal.
The boat has been finished to a very high standard – akin to the best spas one might find in high-end hotels.
The fact you can find such an experience on a boat in Limehouse simply adds to the charm of the offering.
Jon Massey
***** (5/5)
Guests are invited to don the robes supplied – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: Maria Alexander Spa Boat
The Maria Alexander Spa Boat is located in Limehouse Marina, a few minutes on foot from Limehouse DLR and is within walking distance of Canary Wharf.
The spa is only open by appointment with pre-booking essential.
“Nothing can mitigate or change the catastrophic loss felt by staff at BGC Group when planes crashing into the World Trade Centre as part of the 9/11 terrorist attacks took the lives of 658 people, employees of its the parent company, Cantor Fitzgerald.
“The feeling never goes away,” said Sean Windeatt, BGC’s co-CEO.
“I was on the phone to a colleague in the towers when the planes hit – it doesn’t matter that it was 25 years ago.
“I’m always thinking about it, but ultimately those are private, inner thoughts.
“Recently, I was talking to the former president of the company, Shaun Lynn, about that time and remembering what happened.
“But we were also saying how incredibly proud we are of what’s happened since – how the company has successfully rebuilt itself and what we’re able to do for charitable causes.”
That latter achievement, especially, is extraordinary.
After ensuring colleagues affected by the attacks were supported BGC launched its annual Charity Day in 2005.
The financial services company invites charities’ celebrity patrons onto its trading floor to close deals on behalf of their organisations with all the revenue donated to good causes.
In addition to the money, the media attention generated helps raise awareness and buzz around organisations’ activities.
This year, a record-breaking $16milllion was generate in a single day, bringing the overall total to $250million since 2005.
It’s a demonstration of the impact a sustained, powerful initiative can have.
BGC Group co-CEO Sean Windeatt is calling for more firms to donate to charity – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
part of the company’s identity
“We still have around 50 members of staff who were at BGC 25 years ago – that means, of the 1,500 people who work in the company, 1,450 were not working on that day,” said Sean.
“However, all of them understand what we stand for, that charity is in the DNA of the business.
“With what we went through at that time, we were lucky to remain in existence.
“The people working here now know that and I’m immensely proud of how hard they work for our Charity Day to ensure we make as much money for those organisations as possible.
“It couldn’t happen without the commitment of our brokers and the generosity of our clients.”
Michael McIntyre appears on behalf of Prostate Cancer Research – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group
This year, BGC’s phones were staffed by the likes of Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Hardy, Hugh Grant, Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix, Michael Mcintyre, Maro Itoje, Fatboy Slim (aka Norman Cook), Sir Gareth Southgate, Youtuber KSI and many, many more.
Since 2005, over 1,000 charities have received funding through the initiative including more than 60 UK organisations that have received cash every year.
These range from large global charities to small grassroots initiatives.
However, BGC now wants other businesses to follow suit. In light of a report by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), which found just 27% of companies supported charities in any way and only 17% donated cash, Sean is calling on others to do more and to reap the obvious rewards.
Helen Mirren drives up prices on behalf of Denville Hall – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group
a call to action
“We operate in a fiercely competitive business world and I don’t think there’s any doubt that giving to charity makes us more successful,” said Sean.
“The fact we are supporting others is something that’s recognised by our clients, other businesses and our own staff.
“They know we’re about more than just making money, we’re about supporting others. They choose to work with us or work harder for us as a result and we become more successful.
“As our revenues rise, so does the amount we give to charity – it’s a virtuous circle. I was shocked by the statistic in the report.
“I understand that it’s tough for businesses, as it is for individuals, but companies that are doing well have some sort of responsibility to do some kind of charitable giving.
John Caudwell, right, completes a trade for Caudwell Youth – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group
“For the percentage to be less than a third really surprised me, especially at a time when the cost of living crisis is stopping households contributing and often making charities’ overheads rise.
“What we’re trying to do in the wake of our latest charity day is to raise awareness of the impact the corporate world can have by helping to fill that gap.”
This year, BGC has teamed up with philanthropist John Caudwell to call on companies to do more.
CAF’s report found that if businesses donated 1% of their pre-tax profits, charities could receive nearly £5billion in additional funding – more than three times the drop in donations last year.
John, the first British billionaire to sign the Giving Pledge, committing the majority of his personal fortune to good causes, took part in BGC’s Charity Day to help raise money for Caudwell Youth.
He said: “BGC’s Charity Day is a fantastic initiative and a powerful example of how businesses can support charities and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
“Having founded Caudwell Youth, I have seen first hand how vital this kind of support is.
“This generous donation from BGC Charity Day will fund one-to-one mentoring for young people facing mental health challenges, leaving care, or at risk of exploitation and offending.
“Thanks to BGC’s support, Caudwell Youth can reach more young people with the consistent support and guidance they need to build a brighter future.”
Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, helps raise cash for Martlets – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group
real things in real lives
While the glitz and glam of the event itself is important, for Sean one of the most valuable and moving sides to Charity Day is seeing the granular impact of those millions of dollars.
“The event has paid for wheelchairs, hospice care, medical research and community projects – real things in real lives,” he said.
“On the day itself we invite charities and some of the people they help to attend and it’s a moment of great pride to watch everyone pulling together, meeting and having fun – to see how much benefit is being created.
“It’s wonderful to see that energy. Then over the course of the year it doesn’t stop.
We get out of the office to meet the charities – we give staff volunteering opportunities and it’s incredible to hear what our support means to these organisations.
“We know from these experiences how regular funding and support is so important for charities – especially at the moment, so that’s exactly why we’re saying businesses should do more when they can.
“If just 50% of the companies that currently give nothing were to contribute 1% of pre-tax profits it would make such a difference.”
NASSA founder and CEO Natasha Hart – image by Matt Grayson
case study: National All Star Skills Academy (NASSA)
The National All Star Skills Academy (NASSA) is an east London charity based in Newham that uses sport as an engine to fight gang culture and knife crime, but also to act as an agent of social mobility.
Centred primarily on basketball, its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign reaches thousands of school kids each year, while its training sessions and teams are vehicles to focus young minds on fitness, skill, discipline and collaborative effort.
As a grassroots charity founded by Natasha Hart in 2006, the organisation has an extensive track record of effectively addressing issues in society through rapid action with programmes that deliver results.
It’s quick to respond and maintains the feel of a close-knit family, despite helping and educating more than 100,000-plus young people.
Last year, BGC Group decided to donate $10,000 to NASSA to support its ongoing work in east London, raised during its Charity Day.
“I can’t begin to say how grateful we are to BGC for this money,” said Natasha, who remains the charity’s CEO.
“We immediately decided, having identified a need locally, to use it to support a new kind of session for NASSA.
“I’d spoken with several mothers locally and we set up regular ball skills training for young people with conditions such as autism, Down’s Syndrome or other complex needs.
“The donation covers court hire at the University Of East London, all the equipment needed and also pays for a specialist coach.
“Over eight months, we were able to run 90-minute sessions once a week for young people aged eight to 18 in response to clear demand from the local community.
“Just through word of mouth we had 25 families registered on our books.
“The young people would come down and learn skills inspired by basketball that are appropriate for their abilities – they’d be passing, shooting and dribbling.
“But they would also be plenty of free time to just have fun and run about.
“One of the things we noticed was that the coach was able to also teach them elements of discipline.
“While there was a lot of excited running around in the early sessions, that changed – you would not believe how much progress they made.
“We also used some of the money to reward that by purchasing certificates and medals for participants and you could see in their eyes what that recognition meant to them.”
In addition to allowing NASSA to train some of its own coaches in-house to help run the sessions, the initiative has also provided parents and carers with some respite.
“Caring for a child with complex needs or a specific condition can be very intense and it can be a 24-hour job,” said Natasha.
“One of the reasons for setting up these sessions was to give parents and carers a break, even if that’s just an hour where they can get a cup of tea in the UEL cafe.
“At the start we set up a WhatsApp group so we could keep in contact with all the parents easily and update them.
“The feedback we’ve had has been amazing, especially from the young people themselves who have been asking the adults to text us to make sure they’re happening.
“It’s something they really look forward to and it’s fantastic to see.”
“We officially turn 30 this September,” said Matthew Jameson, artistic director of The Space arts centre on the Isle Of Dogs.
“It’s extraordinary to be the guardian and representative of an organisation like this at a point in its life when it feels like it’s grown up.
“We can still see the vision that its founder, Robert Richardson had for this place in the 1990s – a multiform arts centre, a community centre and hub on the Isle Of Dogs for all its people regardless of religious or political persuasion.
“It was to be something to expose them to all forms of art – that’s the only instruction we’ve been given and what we try to achieve.”
While in-person tickets for Space 30: An Evening Of Celebration on Friday, September 25, 2026 rapidly sold out (thanks in no small part to the promise of patron Sir Ian Mckellen performing some Shakespeare), the event will act as both a birthday party and the start of a wider fundraising campaign.
“We’ve got a smorgasbord of acts who have all played their part in The Space’s story,” said Matthew.
“Andrew Campling, a composer, conductor and pianist who was a dear friend of our founder will be playing some of his own compositions.
“We’ll also have Kayla McQuarrie, the host of our new open mic comedy nights and Stephen Smith who has smashed the Edinburgh Fringe with his show One Man Poe and found his feet at The Space.
“Then Sir Ian will perform some Shakespeare and talk to us about the journey of turning this building from a disused church into what it is today having helped lay the ground for that project in the early 1990s.
“Depending on the levels of donations we get on the night I might be shaving my beard, my hair or even waxing my whole body.
“Then, as part of Space 30, we’ll be unveiling all sorts of ways to donate to The Space – people can sponsor seats for £200 or sign up to support a creative for £630, which allows us to bring in an artist, subsidise their practice and give them a safe place to develop and hone their craft.
“It’s a project we’re very keen to do but one we just don’t have the resources for at the moment.
“We also want to remind people that a £60 donation lets us open for an evening to host a community-minded group or organisation.
“This is the start of a new chapter in the life of The Space – we’re under new management, split jointly between myself and Sarah Read and there are exciting times ahead.
“The people we’re working with are getting excited by the multi-form vision, something that can be somewhere for everyone on the Island, that puts on fun, engaging, entertaining shows and events with pathos and meaning.
“We want to provide people with somewhere that’s affordable, that they can come and see their first show or discover new artists.”
The Space is located on Westferry Road on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
welcoming audiences through the doors
One of the key messages The Space is keen to amplify is its accessibility. While being nestled on the Isle Of Dogs, the arts centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Mudchute DLR and served by multiple bus routes connecting it to Canary Wharf in 12 minutes. Walking between the estate and the venue takes less than 20 minutes.
“A lot of what we do is about getting people across the threshold,” said Matthew. “We have a beautiful building here but there’s a mystery about it – is it a church, a synagogue, a power station?
“Once people visit, it can be enough for them to fall in love with the place.
“We’d welcome even more people coming from Canary Wharf and we’re incredibly grateful to CWG for the collaborations we’ve done with them over many years.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone and all the organisations that have contributed to The Space and who have helped us make it the place it is today.
“If people haven’t visited for a while or have just wondered what this strange building is on Westferry Road, then I want to say that we’re here, we’re open and we have a broad programme for everyone.
“As artistic director, one of the things I’ve most enjoyed about the role has been getting out into the community and meeting people with the aim of working more closely – with Theatreship, for example.
“We always punch above our weight in terms of the performers who come here – such as our stand-up comedy nights, for example.
“This is your invitation to come into The Space, see a show and discover what it is we’re doing on the Isle Of Dogs.”
Travelling for work often comes with conditions and strict budgets.
But every location also arrives with opportunity – the chance to discover something new, even if it’s just to dip one’s toe in local culture.
Take Bournemouth, for example.
Gazing out across Poole Bay, with Swanage and The Needles of the Isle Of Wight visible from its sandy beaches, it sits two hours south of London via South Western Railway’s direct services from Waterloo.
Today it’s a place of holidays, study at the university and commerce – especially at the expansive Bournemouth International Centre.
While the heart of the town has gone though some modernisation, its pleasure gardens (including a well-stocked aviary), seafront theatre and pier remain symbols of a place that was once the seaside playground of the rich and famous.
Today it’s run by the Britannia Hotels chain, meaning prices for a small double room (without windows) start at £75.
It’s a budget option when visiting the town, but this sprawling Grade II listed pile offers something none of the other low-priced establishments locally can muster.
Firstly, it’s enormous, with a grand cafe feel to its lobby, a massive restaurant and a ballroom with an impressive barrel-vaulted ceiling.
It’s all just minutes from the beach, a glorious relic from a time when British seaside tourism boomed.
The Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
an historic destination
Opened in 1838 on the day of Queen Victoria’s coronation, the hotel’s most prosperous times came under the ownership of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes.
The couple transformed its fortunes, attracting a string of celebrities and even royalty to the town as well as playing an important role in improving its rail connections.
Merton met and married Annie while he was working as a travelling salesman, a career that lasted a decade and gave him a solid grounding in what people expected from the places they were staying.
Relocating to Annie’s native Glasgow, the couple purchased the lease of the Hanover Hotel, running it successfully before selling up and acquiring the Royal Bath in a move to the south coast that was partly made with the hope the warmer climate would improve Merton’s health.
The grand cafe-style lobby of The Royal Bath Hotel – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Between 1876 and 1880 they extended and extensively refurbished it, the foundation of a business that would make them wealthy enough to travel the world.
From 1884 they visited Australasia, America, India, the Near East, Egypt, the Pacific Islands and Japan and collected voraciously, filling the Royal Bath’s public and private rooms with treasures.
It attracted the likes of the Prince Of Wales (before he became Edward VII), Benjamin Disraeli and the painter Hubert Von Herkomer, as well as Oscar Wilde and his lover Lord Alfred Douglas.
Wilde described it as a place that has taken “the greatest beauty and elegance of a palace and filled it with gems of art for the use and benefit of the public at hotel prices”.
Eventually the couple’s collections outgrew the hotel and in 1897 they created the eccentric East Cliff Hall next door as both a way to display their artworks and objects and as a luxury home for themselves serviced largely by hotel staff.
Sir Merton and Lady Annie, who served as mayor and mayoress of Bournemouth decided to leave their house and collection to the people of the town.
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery And Museum – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
an extraordinary collection
Today, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery And Museum showcases those pieces, with much of the house presented as it would have been in its owners’ day.
Furniture and ornaments are not kept in cabinets, with visitors free to explore the spaces, warned only to not sit on seats adorned with a dried thistle.
The collection is broad – everything from high art to Victorian tourist tat.
The couple had a taste for vibrant paintings of cattle and horses as much as they went in for Biblical and classical scenes.
The house itself blends architectural styles into something of a fantasy palace with some of the best views over the sea in Bournemouth.
The interiors at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery And Museum are something to behold – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
It may have been self interest, but Merton was instrumental in bringing the railway into the town.
Today that decision simply means easier access to the pleasures of its seafront, not least those found in his former home.
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery And Museum is located at East Cliff Promenade and is open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10am-5pm.
Tickets cost £12.50 for adults and £6 for children aged 5-17.
Coya By Nicholas James is at the heart of Westbourne – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
visit Westbourne
Head up the hill from the town centre of Bournemouth and you’ll find this pleasant, up-market area centred around a Victorian arcade that’s packed with shops selling curiosities and books.
Our top tip is to stop off at Coya By Nicholas James, a wine and cocktail bar offering pleasantly constructed small plates.
Recently opened, the interior features vibrant posters in frames, zinc-topped high tables and leather banquettes.
We try a succession of dishes for £10 each including crispy Tempura Prawns with a sticky chilli jam, an earthy Spiced Houmus with roasted vegetables and toothsome Salt And Pepper Squid with ponzu dipping sauce.
It’s all solid stuff and ideal for taking the edge off a pair of classic Margaritas – two for £15 all day, every day.
The Alum Beach Hut is a popular spot – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Once sated, follow the trail celebrating former resident Robert Louis Stevenson and his adventurous fiction down to the sea where the Alum Beach Hut provides views over the water and plenty of well-appointed refreshments to tourists and locals alike.
Key West Restaurant is located on Bouremouth Pier – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
dine at Key West Restaurant
>> No trip to Bournemouth would be complete without striding out onto its squat, muscular pier.
With waves crashing all around, stroll its full length to Key West Restaurant for breakfast overlooking the sea, all served under the unexpected calm of the venue’s breathtaking glitter ball.
The place does a decent Full English for £15.95, a premium price but well worth it for the view.
The service is slick and the flavours nostalgic.
It’s the kind of place where, if you hang around until evening, you might just catch Elvis on stage.
After dining, consider indulging in a zip line back to the beach. It’s the quickest way to return to the sandy comforts of the shore.
Joe says SWR Business Direct has features that making implementing a travel policy easy – image supplied by SWR
on track with SWR’s Joe Thurgood
Q
I’m formulating a travel policy for employees at my company. What are the benefits of doing this and how can the SWR Business Direct platform help us apply it to journeys made by staff?
A
Travel policies. They are a must if you want to save money while also increasing productivity.
But if we are honest, creating one and actually getting people to follow it is a whole other ball game.
Booking out of policy, handing in tired looking receipts or reserving the most expensive tickets, because: “Hey, it’s not my money”, are just some of the scenarios that you are going to face if you don’t have one.
These things all use valuable time and resources that could be spent chasing sales and improving productivity.
This is where SWR Business Direct can save you time and money.
The platform allows you book rail travel across the entire national network and all you pay is the ticket price.
rules built right into the system
You can bake your guidelines directly into the booking process.
If your policy says “standard class only” or requires booking advance tickets, the platform can enforce it automatically. No more awkward conversations about bookings.
track each journey
Not only can you track aspects such as carbon footprint and ticket savings, but you can also record the reasons for travel, job numbers and client names. The choice is yours.
one simple invoice
Say goodbye to a mountain of individual expense reports. Everything goes onto centralised billing, meaning less paperwork for staff and total transparency for finance teams.
Essentially, it turns your travel policy from a dusty document nobody reads into a seamless, automated system.
The team gets an incredibly easy way to book their train journeys and you get total peace of mind that you’re staying on budget.
key details: SWR Business Direct
SWR Business Direct is free to use and allows companies to book, plan and manage business travel across the whole of Britain. There are no hidden fees or charges and no booking fees on tickets purchased via the service.
Back in 2011, London Oktoberfest staged its first event in the UK in Millwall Park, aiming to bring a flavour of the famed German celebrations to the capital.
Over the years, it has become an annual fixture in the city’s calendar, having hosted parties in the likes of Ealing, Moorgate and Turnpike Lane.
The irrepressible Carsten Raun has been organising the events since the very beginning and said he was delighted to once again be bringing the beer, bratwurst and music to the capital.
He said: “Our tent can welcome up to 2,000 people – inside you’ll find a giant bar, a stage with live music and entertainment plus many rows of tables and benches.
“You can choose to sit with your group or with others and, hopefully, by the end of the event you’ll have made new friends.
“Our focus is always to create a wonderful, friendly atmosphere in the tent, which this year will be decorated to give a feeling of being in the Bavarian mountains.
“Our staff will be wearing traditional dress, which adds to the fun.
“I think the appeal is that both the British and the Germans enjoy beer and having a good time – that’s exactly what London Oktoberfest is about.
“The event is attractive to all kinds of different people.
“On the first night, especially, we have companies attending with their guests.
“There’s a feel of networking as well as the celebration.
“The thing I enjoy most about it is that we’re bringing something positive – an event those attending can really enjoy.
“I love it when people come dressed up.
“It’s great fun to think of the Tube filled with lederhosen and dirndls, which is, of course, not normal in London.
“We have traditions, we’re still partnered with the same brewery that was supplying us from 2011 and we serve bratwurst, brezel and schnitzel, because these foods sit perfectly alongside that.
“While the dance floor is often empty at the start of the session, it’s always full by the end, which is a very interesting development.”
The tent has got an upgrade for this year – image supplied by London Oktoberfest
what sessions are on offer?
There are evening sessions from 5pm-11pm on October 1 and 2.
On the Saturday there are two slots from 11am-4pm and 5.30pm-11pm.
“My favourite session is actually the Saturday afternoon, which is designed for people who are coming from further away,” said Carsten.
“The mood is a little different and, for me, it’s the best.”
how much does it cost?
Entry to the event starts at £10.
Visitors can choose the Bavarian Ticket from £35, which includes a mass of Festbeer, a bratwurst roll with sauerkraut and a shot of Underberg.
Various VIP options are also available starting at £55 per head which include reserved seating, table service, drinks and food.
Corporate guests can also choose to add on Tyrolean clothing for those keen to rock the lederhosen or a dirndl.
The festival will again be located in Finsbury Park – image supplied by London Oktoberfest
how do I get there?
London Oktoberfest is a short walk from Finsbury Park station, which is served by the Victoria and Piccadilly lines as well as national rail trains. The station is also on a multitude of bus routes.
From Canary Wharf, the easiest journey is to take the Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street, cut through the underpass to Moorgate and catch a direct train to Finsbury Park.
London Oktoberfest offers corporate packages – image supplied by London Oktoberfest
key details: London Oktoberfest
London Oktoberfest is set to take place at Finsbury Park is set to take place from October 1-3, 2026. Tickets start at £10.
“We spend a great deal of time understanding how people actually want to live, how they work, how they rest and how they connect,” said Brian De’Ath, managing director of sales and marketing at Ballymore.
“Every decision at 25 Cuba comes from that understanding, informed by the insights we have gained from listening to our residents through internal surveys and observing how they use our neighbourhoods.
“People are doing so much more than their primary job, they are building businesses, creating content, freelancing, investing and learning.
“They are ambitious and our research shows that their homes need to keep up with them, and become a place where they can feel productive, focused and creative.
“At 25 Cuba, we are creating a space that genuinely supports the full breadth of how these people want to spend their time.”
The development includes a new public square – image supplied by Ballymore
Based on the views of 1,000 respondents aged 25-68 and conducted by More In Common, the research found 80% were engaged in entrepreneurial activity outside their main job including investing (47%), freelancing (37%), content creation (27%) and running a small business (23%).
The survey found 92% believed London rewarded ambition, while 23% were already earning £10,000 or more each year from their side hustle.
Echoing Brian’s views, the research also showed buyers were keen for their future home to play a part in that with 48% ranking a property that supported their ambitions or goals as a top-two priority and 65% of respondents using their homes for side projects on most days.
How the development’s Yoga terrace will look – image supplied by Ballymore
baking-in the facilities
“London is one of those special places where you genuinely feel like anything could be possible,” said Brian.
“We didn’t want to build somewhere that people just come home to at the end of the day.
“We wanted somewhere that actively helps people get to where they are trying to go and gives them the space, literally and figuratively, to do their best work.
“As we prepare for the opening of 25 Cuba we will also be using what we’ve learnt from our most recent research to consider the ways in which the space will be managed, from the type of events hosted to the music played, to best suit those living here.”
Scheduled for completion in 2029, the 434-apartment development offers studios, one, two and three-bedroom properties that feature open-plan design and private balconies.
Communal facilities include a 24-hour concierge service, a reception gallery, a garden bar and a fitness suite on the 32nd floor complete with weights, cardio machines, a dance studio and a Yoga terrace.
There will also be a reading room, workspaces, meeting pods, a library, meeting rooms and content creation studios for residents to use as well as a one-acre park.
More In Common’s survey found more than a third of prospective buyers were paying for access to workspaces, with even higher percentages for those running businesses and making content.
Prices at the tower range from from £395,000 to £2,750,000 – image supplied by Ballymore
an increasingly attractive Canary Wharf
The research also said respondents felt most creative in parks and outdoor spaces making the newly landscaped Cuba Street Gardens an attractive proposition on the doorstep at 25 Cuba.
Residents will, of course, also benefit from the likes of Mudchute Park And Farm and Sir John McDougall Gardens, which are also within walking distance.
The survey also found the wider Canary Wharf area had become more attractive over the last decade as a place to live with 62% saying their opinion of the neighbourhood had improved.
A little over three quarters said they would or may consider a move to E14.
Brian said: “Something has shifted in how people see Canary Wharf. Once a place where you came to work and left at the end of the day, it is now a neighbourhood where people want to live, socialise and spend their weekends.
“What has been particularly notable is the commitment from commercial companies like PwC, Visa, and JP Morgan Chase, which is certainly not something we envisaged happening when we first started planning 25 Cuba.”
Facilities include content production studios – image supplied by Ballymore
key details: 25 Cuba
Prices for private sale apartments at 25 Cuba range from £395,000 to £2,750,000.
A show apartment is available to view in the sales gallery by appointment on weekdays and Saturdays at The Cube facility in Millwall Inner Dock on the Isle Of Dogs, just off Marsh Wall.
Developer Berkeley, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, has unveiled its latest collection of apartments available at discounted, below market value prices.
The 17 one and two-bedroom apartments are located in Jade Wharf, part of the wider London Dock scheme in Wapping.
With prices starting at £262,000, the apartments are only being offered to first-time buyers who have lived in Tower Hamlets for at least 12 months or who work or have a job offer from a firm based in the borough.
Prospective buyers will need to move swiftly as the application and qualification process closes on September 21, 2026.
To be eligible, combined household income must be less than £90,000, with buyers allocated available properties based on their circumstances, which will be assessed by the council following an expression of interest.
Under the scheme the apartments are jointly owned with the authority, which retains an equity stake in the property although charges no rent on its holding and can be bought out.
Owners seeking to sell in the future must first market their property through the council for a period before they can offer it more widely.
Inside the apartments, buyers can expect open-plan living spaces featuring timber-effect flooring and carpeted bedrooms, all warmed by under-floor heating.
Fitted kitchens come with quartz worktops and tiled splashbacks and feature bronze, mirrored shelving as well as intergrated Bosch appliances.
Buyers can choose between cabinets sage green or soft white.
Bathrooms feature porcelain and ceramic tiles and framed bath and shower screens.
The apartments, many of which have private balconies, are expected to be finished and ready to move into from spring next year.
The scheme features a series of landscaped garden square spaces – image supplied by Berkeley
ready from sprint 2027
Managing director at Berkeley, Marcus Blake, said: “This latest collection has been created for first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder without compromising on quality, design or location.
“Ready to move into from spring 2027, these homes combine thoughtfully designed living spaces with premium amenities and excellent connectivity, making home ownership in central London more accessible.
“London Dock has grown into one of the capital’s most established and sought-after new neighbourhoods, with continued demand reflecting both the quality of the homes and the strength of the wider place created.
“From the outset, our ambition has been to deliver a neighbourhood that feels fully integrated into Wapping, combining retailers, welcoming public spaces and beautifully designed homes.”
London Dock itself currently houses around 2,000 people and includes 7.5 acres of landscaped open space and private gardens.
Residents get access to The Club, the scheme’s hotel-style wellness facility which comprises a gym, a squash court, a virtual golf suite, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, a private screening room and a treatment room.
The discounted apartments are available to Tower Hamlets workers or residents – image supplied by Berkeley
an emerging neighbourhood
The development is also set to become home to The Mauretania Lounge, which includes relaxing areas, a co-working space, a bar and a private dining room.
Inspired by the “gilded age of travel” this facility will also feature a grand central staircase and a floor-to-ceiling aquarium.
Locally, a growing clutch of businesses offer further amenities including hospitality from Urban Baristas, Champagne Route and Motherdough.
Fitness and wellbeing spots include E1 Crossfit, Club Pilates and City Dock Pharmacy and there’s also Dogeast, an independent grooming studio for canine residents.
London Dock is located within walking distance of Tower Hill, Wapping, Aldgate East and Shadwell stations, offering access to the DLR, Tube and Overground services.
Tower Pier is also a short stroll away through St Katharine Docks, past Tower Bridge and the Tower Of London.
It offers residents the option of travelling by river bus on Uber Boat By Thames Clippers services to many locations up and down the river, including Canary Wharf.
Prices for the properties start at £262,000 – image supplied by Berkeley
key details: discount market homes at London Dock
Prices for the 17 first-time buyer apartments at London Dock’s Jade Wharf start at £262,000.
Eligibility criteria apply to all of the properties on offer.
Those seeking further information or who would like to register their interest in purchasing one of the homes should call the sales team on 020 7971 7880 email sales@londondock.co.uk or follow this link.
The application and qualification process must be completed by September 21, 2026.
“We’re never going to be finished – we’re constantly looking at how we can bring more people to Canary Wharf,” said Stuart Fyfe, managing director – retail, leisure and hospitality at CWG (Canary Wharf Group).
It’s easy to take things for granted in life.
Walk through the estate today and you’ll find it busier that its ever been, especially at weekends.
The Wharf has matured well beyond delivering services to office workers.
It’s become a place to live, a destination for dining, socialising, sport and leisure plus, increasingly, a base for tourists visiting the capital.
But its evolution isn’t a happy accident.
It’s down to the careful, diligent work of CWG, spearheaded by Stuart and his team, who constantly manage the mix and improve the offer to best serve the needs of Wharfers, making sure the estate’s finger is kept on the pulse.
That means a stream of new openings, carefully selected and positioned to move the dials in the right direction as needs and fashions change.
Staurt Fyfe, managing director – retail, leisure and hospitality at CWG – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
delivering an anchor
“With retail you’re always looking to engage with the strongest brands,” said Stuart.
“We always felt Jubilee Place needed an anchor fashion store and it’s taken some time to engineer the opportunity.
“Uniqlo is a fantastic retailer – I’ve been lucky enough to see its flagship store in Tokyo and it’s mind-blowing how they make it work over 12 storeys.
“It’s a brand that has broad appeal and that’s important.
“When you’re doing a deal with an anchor store – you need to ensure there’s enough space for the brand to showcase a wide selection of its products, you want to be able to see and shop the collections.”
Uniqlo will extend through what was once three units opposite Circle Collective and Reiss with customers able to peruse its Heattech and Airism ranges, as well as seasonal collections for women and men.
The brand joins a wide range of businesses that are soon to call Canary Wharf home.
Nikkei Cuisine restaurant Bamboo Mat is set to officially open just off Union Square on October 2, 2026, following a soft launch on September 29 and 30.
Other brands coming soon include Nokwol, Chisholm Hunter, Face Gym, The Tallyman, Bronson Burger and Creed, all following hot on the heels of the likes of Jigsaw, Vagabond, Beam and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.
But how does CWG go about curating the businesses that find their way into the malls and onto the streets of the estate?
“You have to have a strategy for each sector,” said Stuart.
“Food and beverage, for example, is fascinating because there’s a huge amount of entrepreneurial spirit there.
“A lot of people have good ideas and one of the skills of my job is to work out how successful they’re going to be.
“You also have to make sure you’re getting the right blend.
“For instance, we started in Wood Wharf with Dishoom and Hawksmoor – both massive brands that put the area on the map.
“Then it was a deliberate move to bring in a series of different operators, especially with the independents in 8 Harbord Square to appeal to local residents as well as people working in and visiting Canary Wharf.
“You have to put yourselves in the shoes of the residents, to ask what they want to see, something appealing, hidden gems, so you can ask if they’ve been to all the different places.
“I think we’ve always been good at backing independents and we’re always looking at the trends that are here and coming.
“Right now there’s the explosion in popularity of matcha.
“We wanted to reflect that, so we engaged with Jenki, which opened in Jubilee Place.
“Then there’s salad, with three new operators opening in Canary Wharf over the last three months to join the ones we already have.
“I can remember, when I first started at Canary Wharf, there was real demand for nutritious options and its brilliant we’ve got so many people now eating tasty, healthy food from businesses based here.”
Uniqlo is set to open in 2027 in Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
the thrill of retail
Stuart began his career with Knight Frank as a graduate, gaining experience across a range of sectors within commercial property.
But it was always retail space that fascinated him as he moved on to agency work with Lunson Mitchenall and worked to let space in Canary Wharf.
He joined CWG in 2012 as head of retail leasing and clearly still relishes the challenge of renewing and refreshing the existing estate as well as working to fill new buildings.
“Retail always interested me the most – it’s an ever-changing market and everyone’s a consumer,” he said.
“You have to make sure you’re taking a view that will be to the benefit of as many people as possible.
“That’s especially true here, because Canary Wharf itself is ever-changing – you have workers, residents and visitors who all have different requirements.
“You have to balance all of that with the demographics of the people living in Tower Hamlets and the surrounding area to create as compelling an offer as you can.
“During the course of my career, food and beverage has been a huge growth area and we have an incredible selection in Canary Wharf now at different price points, offering cuisines from across the world.
“You can’t eat on the internet, so that’s one way we drive footfall to the estate.
“Another has been the explosion of leisure destinations.
“It’s something we were at the forefront of here.
“The chances are, if you spend a couple of hours at Fairgame, The Cube, Electric Shuffle or K1 Speed go karting, you’ll have a drink or a meal before or afterwards, which means people spend more time here and explore.
“We also had the foresight to see how big Padel tennis was going to get – although I’m not sure we realised quite how huge it would become.
“Padium’s opening here has been a game-changer and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf has also been phenomenally successful – we’ve really had the weather for it.
“The winter is coming, but it’s all in their business plan and they are offering saunas, Yoga, paddleboarding and lots of other things so I’m sure they’ll nail it over the colder months too.
“There are also cultural attractions such as the Hunger Games On Stage at Troubadour Theatre Canary Wharf gives people a completely different reason to come here.”
Vagabond recently opened its doors at Wood Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
the public buy-in
For Stuart and the team, it’s seeing those crowds that really gives them satisfaction, the joy of witnessing people actually using the amenities they’ve worked hard to establish.
“That’s pride, for me,” said Stuart.
“Seeing the first guests arrive at Locke to stay in the newly opened hotel, watching audiences arrive dressed up for the Hunger Games.
“It means we’ve created something the public are buying into.
“Personally, the rise in the weekend footfall is a huge endorsement of what we’ve done.
“It’s also when you hear people say they spent time in Canary Wharf and thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It’s fantastic that young people admire the quality of the environment we’ve created here too – they really get it.
“A lot of people talk about placemaking – here we’ve done it.”
As for the future, Wharfers can expect the ongoing evolution of the estate to continue.
“We want to grow the retail and leisure offering, to give people more reasons to come to Canary Wharf and to stay longer,” said Stuart.
“That involves opening hotels – we have three already and House Of Gods will be the fourth – and working hard to get international visitors here.
“We have so much to offer – the history of the Docklands, our proximity to The O2, our green spaces, the open water and so many restaurants, bars and facilities to explore.
“We want to build on the successes we’ve already had and I’d like to grow our cultural offering.
“That might be via a viewing gallery to look back at the City skyline or immersive experiences for visitors to enjoy.
“Then, on the retail side, the high street is back.
“Trends are always changing and there are innovative brands coming into the market and having phenomenal success.
“Part of the appeal of stores is that it’s possible to offer great customer service more easily and also to showcase products to people directly.
“One thing I’m certain of is that what people want is variety – that’s what creates urban culture and that’s what we deliver.”
Locke is one of three hotels now trading on the estate with a fourth set to open shortly – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: retail, leisure and hospitality in Canary Wharf
