Canary Wharf Archives

October 24, 2026

Alto 19 opens its doors atop Locke London Canary Wharf

The restaurant and bar on the 19th floor of the hotel with panoramic views across the Thames to The O2 and of the surrounding area

Alto 19 head chef Chris Dargavel hard at work - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Alto 19 head chef Chris Dargavel hard at work – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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It’s a paradox that, in an area which boasts London’s largest concentration of tall buildings, there are few places that the public can access to go aloft and enjoy the view.

Only restaurant and bar Bokan on the Isle Of Dogs offers significant altitude and its views across the London skyline to The Shard, are soon to be reduced by the rise of a residential block on its western side.

Now though, there’s a new player in town.

Alto 19 is located on the top floor of Locke London Canary Wharf, overlooking Blackwall Basin, Wood Wharf, Billingsgate and even boasting views towards One Canada Square from its wrap-around windows.

While 19 storeys isn’t especially high for the locality, the hotel’s position on the edge of the dock at some distance from any of its neighbours, means guests enjoy an almost uninterrupted panorama over much of its surroundings.

The geography also means nothing is likely to get built right next door any time soon.

The 19th floor restaurant and bar features views over the Thames and The O2 - image by Milo Hutchings — The 19th floor restaurant and bar features views over the Thames and The O2 – image by Milo Hutchings

designed for fun

“This restaurant has been designed as a really fun place,” said Chris Miller, CEO of White Rabbit Projects, which works with hospitality brands such as Lina Stores and Kricket.

“Alto 19 came from a partnership we’ve had with Locke Hotels for a number of years.

“For example, a couple of years ago we opened a restaurant with them in Lisbon – Santa Joana with chef Nuno Mendes – which has been a fantastic site for us and recently hosted former US president, Barack Obama.

“Locke told us they were opening a hotel in Canary Wharf and asked whether we would be interested in creating something there.

“We asked ourselves what we could bring to Canary Wharf that would make it a destination to match the views.

“From the success of the Lisbon restaurant and other venues we’ve worked on, we thought about something focussed on Mediterranean cooking.

“There are lots of places doing this well in London, but what we’re lacking in the capital is some fun.

“The intention for Alto 19 is that it should deliver that.

“We’ve got a DJ booth in the bar area, sexy lighting and a head chef in Chris Dargavel who cooks fantastic food made from great ingredients.

“He absolutely blew us away with his ideas and his career across some of the best restaurants in London is a testament to his huge talent.”

Chris Miller, CEO of White Rabbit Projects - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Chris Miller, CEO of White Rabbit Projects – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

Mediterranean cuisine at Alto 19

Dargavel does have an impressive CV – he’s worked at the likes of Daphne’s, J Sheekey, Scott’s, Roux At Parliament Square and Le Caprice.

He’s also a man who clearly delights in his job while largely letting the dishes he cooks do the talking.

“When I first saw the vision that Chris had for the venue, I thought I had to work with these guys,” said Dargavel, who moved to London at the age of 17.

“To drag me away from Caprice Holdings after 22 years, it had to sit right with me.

“Jamie Oliver is partly responsible for my career.

“I watched his Naked Chef programme when I was 16, thought it was cool and it got me into cooking at home.

“At Alto 19, I just want to showcase Mediterranean ingredients at their best.

“There’s a Sicilian Red Prawn Risotto for two to share on the menu and, for me, it epitomises how great produce can be. It’s really fresh, light and flavoursome.

“I don’t want to mess with the ingredients too much – just well-seasoned, well-cooked and enjoyable to eat.

“Similarly, as a starter we have Prosciutto Di Parma, ham that’s aged for 24 months with Ligurian honey melon, which is the best in Italy.

“Both are fantastic products that you don’t need to mess with. You don’t need anything else to make that dish great.”

The lounge area at Alto 19 - image by Milto Hutchings — The lounge area at Alto 19 – image by Milto Hutchings

sleek design for wide appeal

With an interior by designer Holloway Li that fuses the futurism of a grand 1960s airport lounge from the jet set age with the rich red velvets of a nightclub, Alto 19 has capacity for 100 covers.

In addition to the bar and restaurant there’s a 10-person private dining room at the north-east corner, with views over Blackwall Basin and down towards Billingsgate.

But both Miller and Dargavel are clear that the venue is pitched for broad appeal.

“We wanted it to be accessible to everyone,” said Dargavel.

“When people finish work in Canary Wharf they can come here for a bowl of pasta and a drink on their way home.

“Guests don’t have to spend lots of money.”

Miller added: “It is very relaxed. Of course you can come here for a big sharing steak and we’ve got 300 wines on the list.

“You absolutely can go big and have a celebration.

“But you can also have a glass of wine and something smaller all while surrounded by the stunning views over the London skyline.

“Then, in the lounge area on selected nights we’ll have sunset sessions with DJs and we’ll have a livelier later night offering too.

“Because of its position, this is going to be the place to be on New Year’s Eve or even for fireworks night.

“But we also want this to become a regular place, especially for people working on the Wharf as well as a destination for people coming from across London for the views and the food.

“That’s why the menu has crowd-pleasers alongside special dishes that you might normally associate with dining on a beach somewhere in Italy.”

Sicilian Red Prawn Risotto for two at Alto 19 - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Sicilian Red Prawn Risotto for two at Alto 19 – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

talking on the plate

One of those showstoppers is the Branzino Baked In Salt And Rosemary, a whole sea bass cooked, flavoured with fennel, tomatoes and olive oil.

“That’s a great centrepiece for the table,” said Dargavel. “It’s a kilo of fish and we break the crust, then serve it with the dressing.

“We want dining here to be a sociable event.

“It’s all about sharing courses, getting messy and food all over the tablecloth, so people can try all the flavours.”

There are sweet treats on offer too, with Miller picking out the Chocolate Mousse and a “really boozy” Tiramisu as two of his favourites.

He said: “We’ve also done a lot with the drinks.

“The bartender we’ve brought in ran his own bar for about nine years and he’s a Willie Wonka of cocktails.

“There are loads of bizarre and interesting flavours and the amount of research he’s done into ingredients from across the Med, is phenomenal.

“We did a tasting with 10 people the other day and they split the room. Some will love them and others will find them challenging.

“But we want to be a place where people can try new things.”

Dargavel added: “The food is driven by what’s in season – simple with elevated flavours.

“I want to see a full dining room with people enjoying themselves and having a good time – you can’t put a price on that.

“I’ve got a great team behind me, so it’s go, go, go. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

Prosciutto Di Parma at Alto 19 - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Prosciutto Di Parma at Alto 19 – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Alto 19

Alto 19 is located at Locke London Canary Wharf off Cartier Circle.

The restaurant is currently open for dinner from 6pm-10pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Starters range from £11-£18 and mains from £18-£44. Pasta dishes are around £23.

You can find out more about the restaurant here

The interior of the restaurant and bar has been created by Holloway Li - image by Milo Hutchings — The interior of the restaurant and bar has been created by Holloway Li – image by Milo Hutchings

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October 24, 2026October 24, 2026

East End Community Foundation launches Winter Appeal 2026

Grant making charity marks 20 years of campaign in its ongoing battle to fight poverty in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney

Tracey Betts, chief executive of the East End Community Foundation - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Tracey Betts, chief executive of the East End Community Foundation – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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In 2006, the East End Community Foundation distributed 100 care bags, filled with essential supplies to support older residents in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney through its first Winter Appeal.

Two decades on and the grant-making charity and philanthropy advisor that’s based on the Isle Of Dogs, has set itself a target of raising enough money to send out 2,000.

To do that, it’s aiming to generate £100,000.

“There are about 20,000 older people defined as living below the poverty line in this area,” said Tracey Betts, chief executive of the EECF.

“The appeal first came about through listening to the people and organisations we work with.

“The 2,000 bags we distribute will all be going to people identified by the charities we work with, so we know they’ll be going to those in need.

“The contents of the bag alone cost about £30 and we tailor what’s inside depending on a person’s situation.

“For example, bags for residents in care homes don’t need so much food in them, but instead have things to help keep people occupied.

“They also contain essentials like blankets, hot water bottles and cupboard staples for those living independently – tea, soup, biscuits, chocolate and Christmas pudding.

“Some of the people we deliver to don’t see anyone from week to week – no family or carers. It’s also an opportunity for a conversation and perhaps a cup of tea.

“The appeal is part of the work we do to tackle pensioner poverty in east London.”

For the past 20 years, the charity has delivered care packages to elderly residents - image supplied by EECF — For the past 20 years, the charity has delivered care packages to elderly residents – image supplied by EECF

fighting poverty across three boroughs

Isolation, fear and, to some extent, pride, are all challenges the EECF works to overcome in its efforts to improve the lives of older people locally.

With the three boroughs it operates in suffering some of the highest levels of income deprivation for the elderly in the country, the charity also uses its appeal as a point of contact to introduce them to local services and help them claim any benefits they’re entitled to.

“Some are frightened things will be taken away from them as there are a lot of personal questions during an application,” said Tracey.

“Others don’t want to admit they need it, you have to tackle that element of pride.

“But this is money people are entitled to and, with pension credit, once you’ve been approved it’s there for life unless there’s a really major change to your circumstances.”

Tracey is appealing to businesses and individuals to support this year’s appeal and is well placed to speak on these matters.

Having grown up on the Isle Of Dogs and attended George Green’s School, she’s spent pretty much her whole career fighting poverty locally.

After working for the London Docklands Development Corporation, notably in the application of its grants programme, she became the director of the Isle Of Dogs Community Foundation in 1998, which became the EECF in 2012.

The charity distributes cash via grants from its own endowment fund and donations it receives to support local organisations.

It also advises corporations, helping them manage their own philanthropy effectively and efficiently.

Its comprehensive knowledge of the area, and the charities operating within it, means it has a granular level of expertise and a real appreciation of the size of the challenges faced by residents.

This year EECF plans to gift 2,000 bags through its Winter Appeal - image supplied by EECF — This year EECF plans to gift 2,000 bags through its Winter Appeal – image supplied by EECF

working to give people chances in life

“One of the issues we face increasingly here are the working poor – people who have two or even three jobs but are still under pressure to make ends meet,” said Tracey.

“Some are struggling to feed their children.

“We do a lot of work with schools to identify families and offer holistic packages to help address their issues.

“Right now it does seem as though times are getting tougher, but there are things we can do. Our Digital Inclusion project has been transformational.

“That’s all about getting kids connected so they have the technology and the ability to access the internet and do homework.

“But their families also use the facilities for job searches and to help with their mental health. The impact is much wider.”

Tracey is calling on businesses and organisations to work with the EECF to maximise that impact.

“Our remit is to tackle poverty,” she said. “What we say to corporates is that we know they have the money and we can help get it to the right place to make a difference.

“Companies can have as much or as little control as they like and can be fully engaged or anonymous and we’ll do all the evaluation and monitoring for grants made or projects undertaken.

“We can also match funding for certain projects.

“We’ve been doing this for 35 years – it’s not easy, but organisations can trust us to make the biggest impact possible.

“Through our Life Chances campaign we work with businesses to invest in young people in east London and to support older people too by funding charities that do good work over multiple years.

“With us working collectively in this way to sustain these organisations, they’re able to focus on the brilliant work they do.”

Those receiving gifts are identified by the charities EECF works with - image supplied by EECF — Those receiving gifts are identified by the charities EECF works with – image supplied by EECF

key details: East End Community Foundation’s Winter Appeal

The East End Community Foundation’s Winter Appeal is now accepting donations.

You can find out more about it and other ways to contribute to the charity’s work on its website here.

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October 13, 2026October 17, 2026

Kitchen Jam on how to play the riff to Fleetwood Mac’s Oh Well

Music school offering guitar and bass lessons in Canary Wharf and Stratford on mastering the driving riff created by east Londoner Peter Green

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In the second in our series of regular collaborations with Canary Wharf’s guitar school, Kitchen Jam, we take a look at the history of a track with a local link and deliver some tips on how to play it

Kitchen Jam founder Darryl Powis has created a video tutorial to help Wharfers get their fingers around the riff that drives Oh Well. Find it above or follow this link to get playing
To play the whole track you’ll need the chords below:

All the chords you’ll need to play Oh Well by Fleetwood Mac – image by Wharf Life

looking back on the history of the track and its link to Docklands

BY ZAINAB HASSAN

Ask most people about Fleetwood Mac, and they’ll likely think of the five-piece unit behind landmark album Rumours.

But the group began in London as something else, a blues band built around Peter Green – a guitarist BB King said gave him ‘cold sweats’.

Born Peter Allen Greenbaum in 1946, the youngest of four children in a Jewish family in Bethnal Green, Green grew up miles away from the Mississippi Delta that inspired his playing.

Green’s older brother showed him a few chords and he cut his teeth playing professionally around east London as a bassist or guitarist in various bands.

In one group, Green met a young Mick Fleetwood and the pair later worked together in the influential blues-rock band John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers, then going on to form Fleetwood Mac.

Like many young British players of his generation, he learned blues licks from Muddy Waters, BB King, Freddie King and John Lee Hooker, but he channelled that inspiration in a different way to his peers.

Green played with measured restraint and a distinct, pained vocal colour, writing songs such as Black Magic Woman, Albatross and Oh Well.

At the height of the band’s early success in 1970, he walked away, but his playing remained ingrained in the band’s DNA.

Peter Green was born in Bethnal Green - image by Nick Contador — Peter Green was born in Bethnal Green – image by Nick Contador

the unsung hero

Green’s contributions to Fleetwood Mac don’t always get the same attention as the band’s later recordings, but his influence is undeniable.

Santana’s 1970 cover of Black Magic Woman, originally written by Green in 1968, became one of their biggest hits and a staple in their set list.

Green’s influence even reached The Beatles with George Harrison admitting that Sun King on Abbey Road was inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s reverb-soaked sound on Albatross.

a well of inspiration

Oh Well was a Green-penned hit and its heady blues-rock riff is one of our favourites to play at Kitchen Jam.

Comprising two parts it’s a mini-epic in E minor.

At just over two minutes, part one ricochets with breakneck riffs, then simmers into the melancholic E Minor and D-chord chimes that signal part two, a passage of folk and classical-inspired music in stark contrast.

Once you get the main riff under your fingers, you’ll find plenty of inspiration from Green’s fusion of American blues with east London grit to infuse into your own playing.

key details: Kitchen Jam

Kitchen Jam offers guitar lessons rooted in musical connection and community from its studios in Canary Wharf and Stratford.

Follow this link to find out how to book a free trial session

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October 9, 2026October 9, 2026

McDonald’s Billingsgate opens as brand returns after 12 years

Restaurant is franchisee Jon Betts’ 16th branch as his business grows in east London to cover Canary Wharf, Poplar and the Isle Of Dogs

McDonald's Billingsgate is now up and running - image supplied by McDonalds — McDonald’s Billingsgate is now up and running – image supplied by McDonalds

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Jon Betts started his career as a crew member at McDonald’s – cooking, cleaning and serving customers – all while studying for his A-Levels.

After going to university, but discovering it wasn’t for him, he went back to his role at the restaurant.

“I had the intention of getting a proper job, but that never really happened,” he said.

“Instead I worked my way up through the ranks, becoming business manager for different sites in east London including Barking, Canning Town and Leytonstone.

“We used to have a restaurant in Trafalgar Way near Billingsgate Market, which opened in the late 1990s and I was its business manager from 2000 to 2004 – that’s also when I moved to the area to be close to work and I was very proud to do all that.

“I had a 31-year career in McDonald’s and spent the last five of that as vice president of operations and as a member of the executive team.”

McDonald's franchisee Jon Betts now owns 16 restaurants across east London - image supplied by McDonald's — McDonald’s franchisee Jon Betts now owns 16 restaurants across east London – image supplied by McDonald’s

from four restaurants to 16…

Having always wanted to start his own business, in 2022, the opportunity presented itself and Jon left to become one of McDonald’s franchisees.

Starting with four sites, he’s grown his operation to 16 across east London, with the latest of special interest to those living or working in Canary Wharf, Poplar and the Isle Of Dogs.

The single-storey drive-thru near Billingsgate – once managed by Jon – closed in 2014, with the expectation that it would be replaced a few years later on the ground floor of a pair of residential towers.

Those plans failed to come to fruition but, 12 years on, the brand has returned to the area at the base of Urbanest’s newly minted trio of towers, built to house students.

“I’m thrilled we’ve reopened, especially because I spent many happy years here,” said Jon, who still lives locally.

“The new restaurant is cutting edge.

“It has a décor scheme called Sunny-Side Up and we have 138 seats here for customers who want to eat in.

“We also have a drive-thru and we operate delivery out of the restaurant with three delivery partners – Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

“This was always a busy location for us and I know people have been keen for us to return.

“We have a queue of customers on the first day waiting for the doors to open so I’m hoping that’s a good indicator that our business will be very strong.

“Opening a new restaurant is always challenging and I’ve been privileged to do that in a number of capacities during my career.

“We have 120 staff employed here. We’ve recruited 50 and 70 are drawn from our existing restaurants and have transferred here.”

The new restaurant employs 120 staff and has 138 seats for diners – image supplied by McDonald's — The new restaurant employs 120 staff and has 138 seats for diners – image supplied by McDonald’s

a natural step

Having overseen operations at 240 company-owned restaurants while at McDonald’s, Jon is no stranger to the business and originally set himself the goal of running 20 sites through his own company.

“It felt like a very natural step to become a franchisee, but to reach 16 has exceeded my expectations,” he said.

“The growth has been quite quick as the average franchisee operates about six or seven sites.

“As a business, I employ around 1,300 people, which is quite a responsibility and a privilege. It’s really rewarding to see people you hire go on to be successful.

“It’s a great company to work for because it creates opportunities for people. I started as crew and now I’m lucky enough to have 16 restaurants.

“There are 1,500 McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and 99% of our business managers started as crew members.

“Sometimes people join us while they’re studying and the job is a stepping stone to something else.

“But it’s also very rewarding to stay in the business.

“You learn a lot of skills that you can use in other areas of your life.

“We’re the biggest restaurant chain in the world and the largest in the UK.

“We offer a lot to our customers, although I understand sometimes the brand is polarising.”

The interior decor décor scheme is called Sunny-Side Up - image supplied by McDonald's — The interior decor décor scheme is called Sunny-Side Up – image supplied by McDonald’s

the lure of the Double Cheeseburger

Currently top of the menu, alongside all the classics, McDonald’s is offering its World Menu Heist, offering British diners popular options from its restaurants around the world.

Top picks include the Big Rösti (from Germany), which comes complete with a hash brown and bacon, Paprika McShaker Fries (from The Netherlands) which come with special seasoning and Mac And Cheese Triangles (from the UAE) – crispy bites ideal for dipping.

Jon said: “Personally, I enjoy a Double Cheeseburger or Chicken McNuggets and Fries, although I watch what I eat now because of my age, so I don’t have the latter as much as I’d like.

“Another thing that’s important to me is that we’re good neighbours in the areas we serve.

“We do a lot of work within the local community to help improve the environment – litter picks for example.

“We also engage with local schools to provide work experience opportunities, which can lead to jobs.

“A large percentage of our workforce are young adults – it’s a privilege to often be people’s first job.”

The restaurant also features a drive-thru - image supplied by McDonald's — The restaurant also features a drive-thru – image supplied by McDonald’s

key details: McDonald’s Billingsgate

McDonald’s Billingsgate is located at the junction of Trafalgar Way and Aspen Way and is open Sunday to Thursday from 5am to 11pm and 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Find out more about the branch here

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October 8, 2026October 8, 2026

Third Space spotlights impact of strength work in Canary Wharf

Master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise at Third Space, Will Pate, on why he’ll always recommend resistance exercises

Third Space master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise, Will Pate - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Third Space master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise, Will Pate – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“Regardless of your favourite way to train, the one thing nobody disagrees on is the importance of strength and conditioning work,” said Will Pate.

“There are just so many benefits. People want to move their bodies and feel strong.

“It’s the reason I’ll always recommend strength work whatever level you’re at and whatever your reason for training.”

There’s a real note of excitement in Will’s voice as we’re talking – a sense that his area of expertise, as Third Space’s master trainer of strength and conditioning for group exercise, is deservedly having its moment.

“There’s such demand for it,” he said. “We know what’s being used in our gyms and it’s the squat racks and cable machines.

“I think it’s because people recognise the benefits and they know it’s not about becoming a body builder.

“It’s about functionality and longevity. It’s all about the bigger picture.

“Personally, I don’t train for aesthetics, but so that my body feels good.

“As I get older, that will still be the case.

“In the past there was this idea that, particularly for women, training with weights would make you bulky.

“That’s obviously not the case and if you look at what women are searching for online, strong is now a more popular search than skinny.

“I think there’s a greater appreciation that everyone’s on their own journey and will have their own goals.

“More and more, our members are focused on how they are looking after themselves to stay strong and injury free.”

Third Space's Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs have extensive facilities for resistance training - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Third Space’s Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs have extensive facilities for resistance training – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

two clubs, one membership

Third Space offers access to its Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs under a single membership package, both offering an extensive array of equipment for resistance training.

Members can also take advantage of a packed timetable of classes designed to help them take their first steps into weightlifting, hone their skills or challenge themselves.

“Whatever people’s goals are, we want to give them the building blocks to achieve them,” said Will.

“For example, we now run our Lift classes on four-week cycles so that there’s progression built in for people who are going regularly.

“We’re always encouraging people to challenge themselves with the weight they are working with when it’s safe to do so.

“We also offer smaller classes such as Yard Weightlifting, which is up to 10 people.

“It’s inspired by Olympic Weightlifting to help people learn the correct techniques for the clean and jerk and the snatch.

“These classes run in six-week cycles and are in smaller groups to make sure we’re delivering the right standard of training in a completely safe way.

“These are complex movements. You’re moving from the floor to overhead in less than a second, so you have to be able to break that down, to understand the challenge that each member is facing.

“Having a small group allows you to do that.

“One of the challenges I have managing our group exercise coaches is making sure that, whatever class they’re teaching, members are getting the right advice, encouragement and correction when they need it.

“It’s our job to ensure they feel that they’re making progress.

“Whatever level someone is at, we can help move them forward.

“In the same class I might have someone who’s qualified for a weightlifting championship and someone else who has never touched a barbell before.

“We always want people to feel that they’re learning, that they can go away and practise the skills and enjoy training.

“It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, skills are always coachable.

“Members are still coming to classes for a reason and, for everyone, it’s up to us to understand what that is and help them get what they need.”

Will loads up a bar on one of the club's squat racks - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Will loads up a bar on one of the club’s squat racks – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a wealth of facilities

Both Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf have extensive resistance training areas which are constantly assessed to ensure members have all the equipment they could want.

Will himself is passionate about curating classes to help members get the most out of the club whether that’s alone or in a group setting.

Football obsessed as a kid, he had an ambition to become a PE teacher before moving to London and embarking on a career in the fitness industry.

Initially working with Gymbox, he made the switch to Third Space alongside fellow master trainer Clare Walters and has spent the last eight years honing his skills.

“I did do some internships with some lively groups of kids when I was at university and decided it would be easier to teach adults,” he said.

“It was never the plan to take this path but I’m so grateful because I really love it.

“I always call our Canary Wharf club the mothership because it’s so extensive.

“If you can’t find a way to train that you enjoy here, then I don’t think it exists.

“I look after all the strength and conditioning classes in our studios and one of the other big assets we have is The Yard, which was inspired by the boom of crossfit-style training.

“In there you’re looking at weightlifting, lots of platforms followed by gymnastic work and the callisthenic crowd.

“I always say that if you’re looking to get stronger, Canary Wharf has everything you could want.

“Yard Strong is a really fun class we offer.

“Born of the popularity of strongman events, it offers people the chance to do lots of things they might not normally try.

“People find it really enjoyable, but it’s also carefully put together.

“We base it around primary lifts and supplementary lifts to ensure the training is effective.

“That’s so important because seeing the benefits and when they click for a member is just great.

“Our bodies weren’t designed to sit the way so many people do – I think more are aware of that now and we’re giving them action they can take to address it.”

Will says Third Space offers resistance training at all levels - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Will says Third Space offers resistance training at all levels – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Third Space

Third Space The Wharf membership includes full access to its Wood Wharf and Canary Wharf clubs and costs £257 per month plus a £100 joining fee.

This covers full access to both sites and all classes on the timetable.

Find our more about joining here

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September 25, 2026September 25, 2026

BGC Group Charity Day raises record funds as celebs answer call

Ambassadors including Hugh Grant, KSI, Helen Mirren and Tom Hardy attend firm’s Canary Wharf offices to help generate $16million for good causes

KSI generates money for When You Wish Upon A Star at the BGC Group Charity Day - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group except where stated — KSI generates money for When You Wish Upon A Star at the BGC Group Charity Day – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

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“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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.”

Find our more about NASSA’s work here

Hugh Grant hits the phones on behalf of the Press Justice Project - image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group — Hugh Grant hits the phones on behalf of the Press Justice Project – image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group

key details: BGC Charity Day

BGC Group’s Charity Day takes place every year in September with 100% of revenues generated by the firm donated to good causes.

Since it started in 2005, $250million has been raised, $16million this year.

Find out more about the company’ here’s initiative here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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September 24, 2026September 24, 2026

The Space launches fundraising drive to generate £30,000 this year

The theatre, arts centre and community hub on the Isle Of Dogs is marking its 30th birthday with the unveiling of its Space 30 crowdfunder.

Artistic director Matthew Jameson could be losing quite a lot of hair, depending on the levels of donation - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Artistic director Matthew Jameson could be losing quite a lot of hair, depending on the levels of donation – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“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.

Those keen to witness the goings-on can still tune in for the live stream with tickets starting at £12 and profits going towards the 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 — 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.”

key details: The Space’s Space 30 campaign

Full details of the live stream on Friday, September 25, 2026, are available via this link.

The venue has also launched a Space 30 crowdfunder to help its achieve its aims and to support its mission in the future. Find out more here.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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September 13, 2026September 13, 2026

Canary Wharf unveils Uniqlo letting and looks to the future of retail

CWG managing director, retail, leisure and hospitality, Stuart Fyfe, talks openings, culture and constantly working to achieve balance

An artist's impression of how the new Uniqlo store at Canary Wharf will look - image supplied by CWG — An artist’s impression of how the new Uniqlo store at Canary Wharf will look – image supplied by CWG

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“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.

Recently, totemic Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo announced it would launch a branch at the western end of Jubilee Place in 2027.

Staurt Fyfe, managing director - retail, leisure and hospitality at CWG - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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

Full details of the estate’s retail, hospitality and leisure offering can be found on its website here or via the Canary Wharf App here.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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September 12, 2026September 12, 2026

West India Docks Impounding Station set for October open days

Canal And River Trust facility houses 97-year-old pumps that keep water levels topped up across the Isle Of Dogs and is offering tours

Canal And River Trust mechanical and electrical technician Brandon Hamilton at the West India Docks Impounding Station - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Canal And River Trust mechanical and electrical technician Brandon Hamilton at the West India Docks Impounding Station – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“It’s the lid we use to seal off the bottom of the pump and prevent the Thames coming in at high tide,” said Brandon Hamilton, indicating a massive steel plate leaning against one of the walls inside the West India Docks Impounding Station.

“We use it because Brandon doesn’t like to go swimming when he’s not wearing his trunks.”

While admitting to a preference for taking his dips in Mexican cenotes, we’re not here to talk about Brandon’s aquatic adventures.

That’s because he’s one of a small team of people that plays a vital, mostly hidden role in the life of this part of east London.

Walking past the docks on the Isle Of Dogs and in Canary Wharf, it’s easy to forget that the waterways don’t simply take care of themselves – that these human-made lakes are anything other than a bucolic feature of Island life.

The facility houses three Worthington pumps, which started work in 1929 and are still going - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The facility houses three Worthington pumps, which started work in 1929 and are still going – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

But all that water is constantly trying to escape.

It evaporates, it flows to freedom into the Thames when lock gates open and it seeps away over time.

As a mechanical and electrical technician at the Canal And River Trust, among many other tasks and challenges, Brandon and his colleagues work tirelessly to maintain the systems that prevent the water level dropping too far.

It’s an operation centred on just three machines housed in a low brick building on the western edge of the Isle Of Dogs between Westferry Road and Marsh Wall.

The premise is simple. Three Worthington pumps can draw water from the Thames at high tide and top up the docks to the required level.

The quantities are staggering. They are capable of filling an Olympic-size swimming pool in about nine minutes.

They’re also 97 years old. This is rugged infrastructure that was built to last, designed to serve the needs of thriving docks.

Today it supports everything floating in the waterways from Skuna’s hot tubs and St Peter’s Barge at West India Quay to the GoBoats in Canary Wharf, the houseboats in Blackwall Basin, the Docklands Scout Project in South Dock and the Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre further down the Island.

The West India Docks Impounding Station is located between Westferry Road and Marsh Wall on the Isle Of Dogs - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The West India Docks Impounding Station is located between Westferry Road and Marsh Wall on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

the harmony of the pumps

“This,” said Brandon, indicating the interior of the West India Docks Impounding Station, “is what I call the heart of Docklands.

“When the pumps are running they make this humming sound – it’s harmonious, like a symphony.

“This place has a hold on me, it’s very close to my heart – I’ve spent a long time working on these machines.”

Having joined the trust after college, Brandon has spent eight years working for the charity, which looks after the Isle Of Dogs waterways and countless others nationwide.

He said: “Now, the impounding station is pretty much fully automated. But when I started in 2018 we were still operating the pumps manually.

One of the electrical motors that drive the pumps - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — One of the electrical motors that drive the pumps – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

“Because they need to be operated at high tide for around two hours, before automation, that would mean coming down to the station at all hours of the day and night – usually three times a week to maintain the water level.

“Several of us were trained to operate them and to do that job, but now it’s automated we don’t need to come down at 3am while everybody else is in bed.

“Now they can be operated remotely and we can even see updates and get alerts on our phones if there are any issues.

“That’s the beauty of mixing the old and new technology.

“Of course, we still need to do the maintenance and it’s wonderful to be able to work with these historical artefacts and to help keep them running – the pumps and the hydraulic gates that open and close to let water into the docks. I love it.”

One of the hydraulic gates that control the flow of water into the dock - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — One of the hydraulic gates that control the flow of water into the dock – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

opening to the public

Driven by electric motors, the pumps have survived a lot over the years including the blitz, floods and even damage to the station’s roof from Storm Eunice that meant it needed replacing.

At some point, the pumps themselves will also need to be renewed, with the trust investigating its options.

In the meantime, the inter-war systems will continue to pump water just as they have for most of the past 100 years.

Not normally open to the public, the impounding station is set to throw wide its doors on October 9 and 10, 2026, for a series of guided tours led by staff from the Canal And River Trust.

Visitors can expect to learn about the history of the facility, get close to its singular pumps and discover exactly how the whole set-up works.

Brandon, who works across all of the charity’s mechanical and electrical infrastructure on the Island, including its numerous bridges, said: “I love that I get to do these things – each day is different and I get to collaborate with an organisation that really values the water and the things that me and my colleagues do.

“I would tell any young person that looking after waterways and canals is a pretty good direction to go in.

“Being by the water is peaceful and calming, it’s just nice.

“Through my role I get the opportunity to support STEM students and to let young people know what my job is like.

“That’s definitely a blessing. It’s a career I really enjoy.

“It brings me real pride to work for a charity that’s so passionate about what it does.

“But it’s also the team, getting to work alongside each other to make sure everything’s working and repairing things when we need to.

“The trust is doing its utmost to bring people to our canals and rivers – individuals, our neighbours, communities and businesses – and there are real benefits to doing that.

“It takes a lot to maintain our waterways and there wouldn’t be so much beauty for people to discover if we didn’t do the work we do.

“We love it when people come and visit us to see the kinds of things we’re actually doing behind the scenes.”

The impounding station inlet, which takes water from the Thames - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The impounding station inlet, which takes water from the Thames – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: West India Docks Impounding Station

Guided tours of the West India Docks Impounding Station are set to take place on October 9 and 10, 2026, with 45-minute time slots from 10am to 3pm.

Tickets cost £16.76 for adults and £9.21 for children.

You can book tickets via this link

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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August 26, 2026August 26, 2026

Bamboo Mat set to open Nikkei cuisine restaurant in Canary Wharf

The brand’s latest launch sees owners Denis Gobjila and Victor Rosca build on their success in Stratford as they deliver Peruvian-Japanese fusion dishes

Bamboo Mat serves Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cooking - image supplied by Bamboo Mat — Bamboo Mat serves Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cooking – image supplied by Bamboo Mat

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Already it’s hard to remember a time when East Village in Stratford wasn’t a thriving community.

What was once the athlete’s village for the 2012 Olympic Games has become both an attractive place to live and a sustainable home for hospitality businesses.

That the likes of Darkhorse, Signorelli and La Gelatiera have all been trading for more than a decade, is no small achievement in a turbulent sector.

Having truly come alive over the last year, there’s a sense something similar is happening to the food and drink scene at the eastern end of Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf.

Ong Lai Kopitaim, Mama Li, Cafe Seek and Signorelli have all proved popular since launching, while Osteria Al Molo and Lockdown are finding their feet.

Beam, a rapid re-brand of Nora London from the same owners, is also attracting all-day diners, having moved towards more brunch-friendly fare.

Walk through on a sunny weekend and you’ll find al fresco tables packed with Wharfers enjoying food and drinks from across the world as awareness rises.

With more rental properties on the estate due to come on stream through Vertus, it feels like an auspicious place to expand to.

That’s very much the hope of Denis Gobjila and Victor Rosca, co-owners of Bamboo Mat, who are aiming for a September opening next door to Beam.

An artist's impression of how the Canary Wharf restaurant will look when it opens - image supplied by Bamboo Mat — An artist’s impression of how the Canary Wharf restaurant will look when it opens – image supplied by Bamboo Mat

growing in east London

Born in a small unit in Leyton in 2022, their first Bamboo Mat achieved runaway success following a glowing review from Grace Dent in The Guardian.

This allowed them to quickly open a bigger site in Stratford, which has been their focus ever since and continues to grow steadily despite pressures in the industry.

Now it’s time to branch out and their plans are for a venue unlike anything else on the estate.

“What we are building will be one of the nicest restaurants in Canary Wharf,” said Denis.

“It will be a journey. Customers are not going to come just for the food, but will be excited by what they’re seeing, hearing and feeling.

“Gynda Gourmet Hospitality Management group has overseen the design based on the combination of two cultures – Japanese and Peruvian, which is at the root of the Nikkei cuisine we serve.

“We’ll be recreating the beautiful Rainbow Mountain – the restaurant will have the feel of a house in the Peruvian highlands.

“Everything is hand-made, with wood as the key material.

“We’re having chairs carved especially for us – there’s an artist working on them for us non-stop.”

Bamboo Mat co-owner, Denis Gobjila - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Bamboo Mat co-owner, Denis Gobjila – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a focus on detail and balance

It’s not just the furniture.

Bamboo Mat takes great pride in presentation, with all the ceramics used in the restaurant hand-thrown in Denis’ native Moldova to create backdrops to the restaurant’s dishes.

Overall, the approach is similar to the style of food that will be on offer – an exacting approach to high quality ingredients that fuses into a result that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Nikkei cuisine is all about the delicacy of Japanese preparation married with the fiery vibrancy and crunch of Peruvian cooking.

For Denis and Victor, that looks like an 82-cover restaurant that features a raw bar and cocktail bar on its ground floor and a robata grill, hot kitchen and sushi operation upstairs.

When it opens it will be the only establishment serving dishes of this kind on the estate.

“Canary Wharf will have a menu that is a 90% match to our Stratford restaurant, but there will be some differences,” said Denis.

“We’ll have the charcoal grill, which is a nice update and we’ll have ceviche and our signature salads downstairs so people can enjoy them with a glass of Champagne.

“Bamboo Mat is really a sharing concept so people can try as many flavours as possible – there will be our take on sushi, teriyaki and tiradito.”

Nikkei dishes make much use of fresh fish and ceviche techniques - image supplied by Bamboo Mat — Nikkei dishes make much use of fresh fish and ceviche techniques – image supplied by Bamboo Mat

combining the flavours

Victor added: “The bar will serve wine, all kinds of spirits and, of course, Peruvian cocktails and other drinks that match with our food.

“We like our dishes to always be balanced when it comes to texture and taste. My favourite on the menu is the Chicken Anticucho, which is flavoured with coriander and mashed potato.

“There are 25 ingredients on the plate including produce from Peru and the Amazon.

“Using those in balance is what we’re always trying to do as chefs and it’s one of the most difficult parts of the job – we know we did it right when we see empty plates.

“If we can keep doing that, I’m confident we’ll do well in Canary Wharf.”

Bamboo Mat itself is, perhaps, a venture that could only have emerged in London.

A pair of European chefs cut their teeth in the capital at the likes of Sushisamba, Inamo, Lucky Cat and Roka before meeting at trailblazing Nikkei restaurant Chotto Matte.

They team up in east London to cook food inspired by a South American reinvention of Japanese cuisine and go on to successfully grow and expand. It’s a fusion of multiple, potent ingredients.

Bamboo Mat co-owner, Victor Rosca - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Bamboo Mat co-owner, Victor Rosca – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

targeting the top

“We started out by wanting to make something we are proud of – to create and deliver good food and, if you do that in the right way, then money follows,” said Denis.

“Hospitality is a big challenge for everyone and the bills are massive, so we have to be careful, but alongside the stress comes happiness.

“We want to become the best restaurant in Canary Wharf, to make everyone happy after a day in the office and we’ll do that by offering really good quality at the right price.

“One of the trends we’ve noticed is that people like to dine out at restaurants in the neighbourhoods where they live so they don’t have to travel after dining.

“If you create a nice atmosphere, then that will attract customers.

“Everything at Bamboo Mat is going to be open, so guests will see how we cook and create what we’re serving.”