For Jai Chan, growing up in Limerick, martial arts was an escape.
As the only Chinese person in her school, she was a target for bullies, but found empowerment by throwing herself into the discipline of Jiujitsu training as a teenager.
“My family came from Hong Kong and we moved to Ireland when I was eight months old,” said Jai, founder of Wutian Martial Art Institute, based at South Quay Plaza on the Isle Of Dogs.
“They were business owners running restaurants and takeaways – the usual stuff.
“I was always into martial arts because my dad’s side of the family were all policemen and they were all into self defence.
“I had a bit of a struggle, because they didn’t expect a girl to be interested in martial arts – my background was very traditional – but I really wanted to do it.
“I’d been doing a bit of Kung Fu at home and I didn’t start in a club until I was 13 – I took it seriously and paid for all my training myself.
“I even had to walk half an hour to get the bus.
“In martial arts, it doesn’t matter what culture you’re from, what your background is or whether you’re rich or poor.
“I found I had a talent for it – if someone showed me a move, I could repeat it immediately, so the instructors loved teaching me.
“It only took me two years to become an assistant instructor.”
A session at Wutian Martial Art Institute on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Wutian and Kidwise
the student becomes the teacher, then a founder
With instruction in Hong Kong mostly taking place on an informal basis in private apartments, Jai’s parents warned her against pursuing a career in martial arts, but by 15 she was already teaching children and adults.
A storied journey of training in multiple disciplines, competition and growth eventually led Jai to London with the aim of opening her own martial arts club.
However, her dream was initially deferred, as soon after arriving, she fell ill with Tuberculosis.
But Jai wasn’t ready to give up, taking on three jobs and launching her club, initially on a part-time basis.
Having successfully built her business over a decade, today Wutian is located on the Isle Of Dogs at South Quay Plaza.
“We offer kickboxing and Jujitsu sessions for children and adults and, when students reach higher levels, they also train with weapons,” said Jai.
“My instructor was the martial arts choreographer for the movie Ip Man and they have come over to help us with that sort of stuff too.
“We also offer a life skills programme to help children build confidence and develop their character.
“Parents love it because it deals with things like manners and cleanliness.”
Kidwise offers a wealth of activities for participants in its programmes to engage with – image by Wutian and Kidwise
creating Kidwise
However, this is not just a story about Wutian, there’s a second strand to the South Quay facility.
Having trained as a lawyer and developed a successful legal career, Jai’s business partner, Valerie Shao, had started to become more involved.
Feeling unfulfilled by the law, she decided to make a change, quitting without a concrete plan.
Then, inspired by the after-school clubs she attended growing up in Hong Kong, an idea came together.
“I always enjoyed them, perhaps more than school – learning music and art skills, for example,” said Valerie.
Working with business mentors in the US, the duo spent time developing their offering.
“We’ve created something complementary to the school curriculum,” said Valerie.
“Formal education is a framework where one size fits all, but we go beyond that.
“Our programmes for kids aged five-12 are not just about having fun, they’re also about learning new things.
“For example, we have a partnership with waterside market Canary Garden where the children can try running a stall to learn about business, understanding marketing and creating things they want to sell to parents and friends.
“There’s also the chance to specialise in sports including martial arts, dance, gymnastics, dodgeball, rounders, football and more and we employ specialist coaches to run those sessions – it’s essential they are high quality.
“Our approach is the same with other activities. I was a bit shocked to hear that arts and crafts at some camps were not well supported.”
“We are constantly surprised by how creative the kids are,” added Jai.
“One of the tasks is we give them lots of materials, put them into groups and challenge them to make boats that can hold marbles while afloat.
“In one session, the oldest team put everything together and it held about 20 marbles.
“The middle group only used tinfoil and elastic bands and their craft held 60.
“But the youngest kid built a boat just from folded baking paper only and it held 90.
“Not only was it a great design, but she was also able to convince her team that it would work and they should try it.”
Kidwise specialises in sport and physical activity – image by Wutian and Kidwise
equipping individuals with skills
And that’s really at the core of everything Wutian and Kidwise do.
The aim is to equip those attending sessions with skills they’ll be able to use throughout their lives.
But there’s fun to be had too, as well as lessons in how to conduct themselves.
“At Kidwise, children can earn free time to play board games, classic Gameboys or Nintendo through exemplary behaviour,” said Jai. “We call it cave time and we have a room filled with activities.
“If there’s poor behaviour, we always start with warnings – we never want there to be bullying in our sessions.
“Some children don’t know they are doing it and we help them understand the effects their behaviour can have on others.
“As someone who was bullied, I want to make sure all the children in our care are safe at both Kidwise and Wutian. That’s our first priority.”
Safety is the top priority for both businesses – image by Wutian and Kidwise
key details: Wutian and Kidwise
Wutian Martial Art Institute and Kidwise are based at South Quay Plaza on the Isle Of Dogs and offer a wide variety of services including date night childcare and birthday parties.
“There’s a lot of laughter here, a lot of light within the building – it’s not a sad place,” said Paul Richards, CEO of Richard House Children’s Hospice.
“The ethos of the organisation is to make the most of every day.”
For the last quarter of a century, the charity has been caring for children with life-limiting conditions and their relatives from east and north-east London via its base in Beckton and increasingly in their own homes.
It was founded in 2000 by Anthea Hare, a paediatric nurse at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel who witnessed first hand the struggles faced by young people and their carers and resolved to create a place where they could find respite, support and joy.
“She thought the children and their families deserved better,” said Paul.
“Without any prior experience of hospices, buildings, finance or planning, she learnt all these things very quickly, and managed to raise money to buy a plot of land just behind Royal Albert Dock.
“Our building opened 25 years ago this month, providing five residential beds for children.
“More recently we’ve been growing our community service to look after children at home too, which is increasingly popular.”
The charity offers care for children with life limiting conditions and their families – image by Richard House Children’s Hospice
Richard House Children’s Hospice: significant challenges
However, the hospice is under constant pressure, balancing what it wants to do with the money it receives.
“Running any charity like a children’s hospice is always very challenging,” said Paul, who joined as CEO seven months ago having spent much of his career in advertising with the likes of Saatchi And Saatchi.
“We are very fortunate in that we receive some money from the NHS.
“But for every pound in statutory income, we have to raise three or four pounds.
“The services we provide are delivered at a loss, because the tariff we’re able to charge doesn’t reflect our true costs.
“With the recent change of government bringing increases in national insurance and the like, our payroll has increased by about £100,000 a year.
“To keep Richard House going for the next 25 years, we are looking constantly at raising funds.
“In this financial year we need to find just under £2million to continue what we are doing. We have to reach out.”
Richard House is based in Beckton near Royal Albert Dock – image by Richard House Children’s Hospice
reaching out for support
While the charity enjoys support from organisations such as Excel, London City Airport, BNY Mellon, Clifford Chance, HSBC, St James’ Wealth Management, West Ham United and many more in Royal Docks, Canary Wharf and beyond, there remains an ongoing need, especially as Richard House intends to grow beyond its current offering.
“We currently have just under 190 on our case list at the moment but we want to expand as the demand is obviously there,” said Paul.
“In 25 years I would like Richard House to be celebrating its 50th year as London’s first children’s hospice and I’d like to be talking about 500 cases on our books, celebrating the successes of the children we’ve supported to live longer, better lives despite the conditions they have.
“We are on a bit of a mission to explain what services are available, so people understand.
“When parents receive a diagnosis, they believe their child is going to die – and the support and services we offer at the end of a child’s life is part of our function – but we do so much more to support the children.
“We have activities, music therapy, sensory equipment – we’re very centred on each individual child.
“Hospices aren’t just about palliative and end-of-life care.
“With advanced medical care children are surviving far longer than they might have done in the past.
“A lot of our work is to enable children to come in and be supported while their parents have a short break.
“For example, families might come in, stay in one our flats and then go out for a rare night on their own while we do the heavy lifting.
“We provide support not only to the child but also the parents.
“We host events – art days, baking days – and the children come in with their carers and enjoy a party.
“It’s good that parents can meet together and we also employ two parent partners who have experienced our services to support families with their insights – that’s so valuable.”
The charity offers a wide range of services including respite care to give parents and relative a break – image by Richard House Children’s Hospice
a personal connection
“Running a children’s hospice is something I really wanted to do,” said Paul.
“I’m a bereaved parent, as is my wife and when we lost our respective children, neither of us had the opportunity to engage with the services Richard House is able to provide.
“I had spent six years as a trustee at another large regional children’s hospice, five of those as vice-chair, which gave me an insight into the huge impact that these services can have, not just on the children they care for, but on parents, carers and siblings.
“My daughter died at 23 weeks and my wife’s daughter died at the age of five.
“It changes you as a person and I have a far greater understanding and greater empathy for the parents I meet day-to-day.
“I don’t share my lived experience with our parents because I’m there to support them, but it absolutely informs my approach to what we do.
“We have a world-class clinical team and I know that the support we offer is quite literally second-to-none.
“Right now, the future of the hospice is about how we can meet unmet need and that’s a commercial issue – raising the money, awareness and spreading the word.
“We need financial support but we’re also always looking for volunteers.
“We operate six shops people can work in and there are jobs to be done around the hospice too. We’d love people to get involved in raising money on our behalf.
“Attending events and talking about the work we do is also important to us.
“The work of our patrons, Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter is enormously important too, but we need to reach out and engage with more people if we’re going to deliver the services people deserve.”
Richard House currently works with 190 children and wants to grow its operation – image by Richard House Children’s Hospice
key details: Richard House Childen’s Hospice
You can find out more about Richard House Children’s Hospice, the work it does and ways to support the charity on its website here.
Annual event returns to Royal Docks with workshops, activities, food and drink from 11am-5pm on June 28, 2025 in the park
Royal Wharf Summer Fete 2025 is taking place on June 28, 2025 – image by Ballymore / Oxley
Royal Wharf Park is set once more to fill with the sounds, sights, scents and flavours of seasonal revelry on June 28, 2025.
Promising a day of family fun with live music, entertainment, fitness classes, kids’ workshops, street food stalls and a waterfront craft market, the east London green space will be transformed between 11am and 5pm.
Over six hours, the Royal Wharf Summer Fete 2025, features a packed programme with contributions from resident artists, small businesses, performers and independent traders.
Hosted by joint developers Ballymore and Oxley, the event has become a firm favourite in the Royal Docks calendar, acting as a focal point for the community and a showcase for the extensive regeneration of the area.
Hum Yoga will be hosting a morning class before the main festivities – image by Ballymore / Oxley
book these as part of Royal Wharf Summer Fete
While more activities are still to be announced, two bookable wellbeing workshops will be held before the main celebrations begin.
Hum Yoga will host a 45-minute class on Royal Wharf Pier from 9.15am with the swirling waters of the river all around. Tickets cost £10, which is redeemable against food and drink from traders at the fete.
One Element Docklands will also be running a high intensity interval training session from 9.30am-10.15am in Thames Barrier Park. Tickets cost £5 and are also redeemable against refreshments later in the day. Both classes are suitable for people of all levels of fitness.
Street food traders will be in attendance at Royal Wharf Summer Fete – image by Ballymore / Oxley
get to the event
Royal Wharf is easily accessed via Pontoon Dock DLR station or the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus service.
Ballymore and Oxley are currently marketing homes at The Forshaw in their Riverscape development on the western edge of Royal Wharf beside Lyle Park.
Prices for apartments start at £480,000.
The event will feature live music – image by Ballymore / Oxley
key details: Royal Wharf Summer Fete 2025
The Royal Wharf Summer Fete is set to take place on June 28, 2025, from 11am-5pm.
Those planning to attend can register for free tickets via this link.
There is a fee for some of the workshops taking place on the day.
There’s a lot of bullshit in the world right now isn’t there?
Much of social media is trying to sell you stuff – everything is perfect, ideal, a must, not flawed, cracked reality.
It’s always been there, but perhaps AI is heightening the desperation as it regurgitates the dross we’ve already created, sometimes nonsensically with extra adjectives.
The word imitation is, after all, only a letter away from limitation.
It’s why historical replicas, no matter how good, are always disappointing stand-ins, even on museum shelves.
Fakes are no substitute for the genuine article.
That’s why one chap promoting an art fair didn’t turn my head with a pitch that rested on the event being a “great alternative for those who didn’t get tickets to Glastonbury” because it happened to fall on the same dates.
Seriously? We’re supposed to believe buying prints is qualitatively similar to passionately dancing around a muddy field in the mass shared worship of The 1975?
Who thought that would actually fly?
Fortunately, the mental drag of all this nonsense means, when one does encounter a real gem, it shines ever so much more brightly.
Its co-founders, in interview, had a sense of irrepressible fun about them – the kind of attitude where the important things are taken seriously but without pretension.
Frankly, it’s delightful to attend as a diner and see the meat on those bones.
Brother Marcus’ Marvo Daiquiri blends rum and blackberry – image by Jon Massey
lots to like
The first thing I like is the staff.
They’re welcoming, down-to-earth and laid back in exactly the right kind of way.
Our waiter gives off the impression that he’s only just tried the dishes on offer and has experienced multiple revelations.
It isn’t a studied performance, but genuine enthusiasm and it’s charming.
This brings me to the second thing I like.
For £42 per head, Brother Marcus will take away the chore of actually making decisions on ordering and just bring a selection of dishes, tailored to preference and dietary requirements.
Halloumi and watermelon with seeds at Brother Marcus Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey
My usual aversion to small plates – which are too often skewed to the restaurant’s benefit, with over-ordering the desired outcome rather than dining pleasure – never extends to mezze.
The East Mediterranean great gift to the world has been sadly distorted by many venues trying to up their spend per head.
Not so at Brother Marcus.
Our waiter takes over and swiftly delivers tap water and a platter of soft pitta breads coated with the zingy herbs and spices of za’atar.
Along with these come dishes of vibrant dips, all dusted with bright and colourful things, plus a little bowl of chilli-laced olives.
The smoked aubergine baba ghanoush is destined at some point to become a controlled substance, given its dangerously addictive properties.
letting Brother Marcus drive…
One of the pleasures of opting for Marcus’ Choice, is not really knowing what’s going to happen.
To help cope with the uncertainty, I order signature cocktail the Marvo Daiquiri (£12.50), a blend of rum, blackberries, ginger juice and lime.
It’s a bouncy character, a little like a Moscow Mule that’s had a dose of spice and burst through a hedgerow on its way to freedom, a potent libation that makes the ensuing cascade of dishes even more amusing.
And come they do.
There’s a Greek salad, pan fried halloumi, a whole grilled bream, lamb saddle souvla and a sliced onglet steak, with baklava to finish.
To help us through, we order wine on tap at a mere £29 for 75cl.
It comes in a plain bottle from Attiki in Greece and lends weight to the fantasy that we’ve stumbled into a popular taverna.
Greek salad with whipped Feta – image by Jon Massey
In fact the terracottas, textured walls and open kitchen all contribute to this feeling.
Yes, we’re in Canary Wharf, but it’s not too hard to dream that beyond the warmly lit walls, just outside, azure waters are lapping at rocky island shores.
I’m further transported by the food itself.
The cooking here is skilled. The Greek salad is sharp and salted with a dollop of whipped Feta.
The halloumi comes piled with sweet watermelon and seeds, dressed with a minty sauce.
The onglet is hot, sexy pink in the middle and doused with chives, while the bream swims in a lime green sea of almond and dill gremolata.
Then there’s the rich and gamey lamb, bounding over its spinach dressing and coated with ouzo and anchovy.
It’s a lot, but everything feels special – a treat to share rather than a problem to divide.
One bite is enough to turn me into an evangelist for each dish, a building crescendo of enthusiasm my poor dining partner has to endure.
But really, it is that good…
The bream left us beaming – image by Jon Massey
mission accomplished
Brother Marcus’ mission was to bring a genuine sense of Mediterranean hospitality to London – relaxation, carefree dining and, most importantly, bold, moreish dishes.
It does this in fine style.
With its weatherproof terrace now open, this should be the hit opening of the summer.
The flavours are excellent, the service faultless and the interior a gentle pleasure on the senses, but is Brother Marcus good value?
Well, at £84 for two, Marcus’ Choice yielded an impressive £145 worth of a la carte choices – basically a discount of 40%.
I was promised a groaning table and, while the furniture was complaining loudly, I certainly wasn’t.
This discount may not be replicated exactly on all occasions – dishes and house decisions vary with Marcus’ Choice – but the quality and variety here makes a compelling case for any Wharfer who cares for their stomach to visit and to do so urgently.
***** (5/5)
Nutty power: the baklava sandwich – image by Jon Massey
a note on dessert at Brother Marcus
At £8.50, the baklava sandwich, filled with rich pistachio ice cream was less a way to round things off and more the climax to the whole meal.
Despite the abundance of syrup and honey cream, this was a showcase of the power contained within these little green kernels and pulled off the difficult trick of using the sweetness as a backdrop to the main event rather than letting it dominate proceedings. Superb.
The rich, juicy onglet – image by Jon Massey
key details: Brother Marcus
Brother Marcus is located at the base of the YY London building in Reuters Plaza, Canary Wharf.
The venue is open from 7am-11pm on weekdays, from 9am-11pm on Saturdays and from 9am-9pm on Sundays.
For a period of 12 weeks, the restaurant will be revisiting some of its most popular tasting menus, sprucing them up and presenting them as five-course midweek options for diners to enjoy.
tell me more
Each menu will be served Tuesday to Thursday for a fortnight at the Chancellor Passage venue, which overlooks the waters of the recently rechristened Eden Dock.
The midweek offer costs £35 per person – image by Six By Nico
what’s the incentive?
The restaurant is offering all of its Six Club menus at the rate of £35 per person, with the option to add on a sixth course for a supplement.
The offer is ideal for office lunches, midweek catch-ups or dates on a school night as we enter summer socials season.
what’s on offer now?
First up is a reimagined version of the menu that helped Six By Nico make its name.
The Chippie is a celebration of the UK’s national dish, with takes on chip shop classics.
Diners will start with Chips, Cheese And Curry Sauce before sampling Monkfish Scampi, Steak Pie and Smoked Sausage with the sweet conclusion of Deep Fried Mars Bar.
There’s also the option to add-on Fish Supper, which includes salt and vinegar scraps as the extra sixth course.
A flight of wines, with glasses from Chile, Austria, Portugal and Italy, is available alongside the dishes too.
The restaurant offers tasting menus on a theme – image by Six By Nico
and to look forward to at Six By Nico
While final announcements haven’t been made, other menus coming to Canary Wharf may include New York, Guilty Pleasures, Tokyo, Down The Rabbit Hole and Amalfi Coast.
Follow @sixbynico on Instagram for the latest updates or head to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
they say
“Canary Wharf has embraced Six By Nico since day one and the Six Club is our way of giving something exciting back,” said the restaurant chain’s founder and CEO, Nico Simeone.
“These menus helped define who we are, and we’re thrilled to bring them back in a way that’s accessible, affordable and packed with flavour.”
The Chippie includes a take on a smoked sausage – image by Six By Nico
key details: Six Club Summer Series
The Six Club Summer Series dining festival runs at Six By Nico Canary Wharf until September 2, 2025, with menus changing every two weeks.
The Chippie will be available until June 19, 2025, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The five-course menu costs £35 with the option to add a sixth course for £8. Wine flights, cocktails and snacks are also available at an extra cost.
In 1968 sci-fi flick Barbarella, Jane Fonda’s eponymous character is at one point entombed in the Exsexsive Machine – a contraption intended to kill her with orgasmic waves of pleasure when some kind of diabolical tune is played by its creator, Durand Durand on his futuristic musical keyboard.
Fortunately, Barbarella proves too much for the dubious device, causing it to burst into flame to the profound disappointment of its creator.
When first broadcast on the BBC, a decade after its creation, the film was potent enough to immediately prompt a nascent pop trio in Birmingham to name themselves Duran Duran in honour of the antagonist and his piano-wielding ways.
While they’ve so far failed to kill anyone with the pleasure of their output (at least to our knowledge), it’s a demonstration of the movie’s power to inspire.
Even 57 years after it first hit the big screen, it remains a cultural icon with some clout.
How do we know? Well, Canary Wharf is about to get its very own Barbarella.
opening Barbarella at YY London
Located on the lower two floors of the YY London building in Reuters Plaza, the venue is set to open its doors on June 20, 2025, and already there’s a playfulness about proceedings.
Part of Big Mamma Group – which operates the likes of Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, Gloria Shoreditch and Carlotta in the capital – there’s a sense the east London venue will be every bit as larger-than-life as the camp classic that inspired its identity.
A conversation with Enrico Pireddu, managing director of Big Mamma’s operations across Europe, does little to suppress that notion.
Born in Sardinia, he studied electrical engineering before falling into hospitality and “going on an adventure in France”. Joining the company in its early days, he grew with them, taking charge of East Mamma in Paris in 2015.
“Then, in 2018, I went to London to open our first restaurant there, moving with my Argentinian wife who I’d met in Paris and my French cat,” said Enrico, who has since added “a beautiful English daughter to the mix”.
“Then I started as operations manager for the UK, London has been the biggest adventure of my life.
“There are so many brilliant professionals and you can learn a lot.
“When I became managing director in the UK, I tried to bring everything I learnt to it.
“The key is to know your market and knowing what to do to make a difference.
“It has not always been easy and I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve learnt a lot about business, leadership and I’m still learning every day.”
Big Mamma Group’s Enrico Pireddu – image by Joann Pai / Big Mamma Group
growth and expansion
Big Mamma feels very much on an upward trajectory.
Canary Wharf will be its 30th restaurant, having already seen venues open beyond the capital in Birmingham and Manchester.
But rather than stick to replication, the group’s approach relies instead on tailored offerings.
“The restaurants are all different and we’re very site driven, so we have to feel the vibe,” said Enrico.
“Barbarella is on the waterfront – it has two floors and there are many things that make you feel it’s a great opportunity.
“The idea for the restaurant is to reflect the golden age of Italian cinema and its eccentricities.
“It’s a world we want people to step into.
“Canary Wharf is a fascinating area – it changes very fast, it has a lot of life and culture.
“We’ve been watching its transformation and a lot of our chefs in London have lived in the area.
“Many have asked to come and work in Barbarella.”
Members of the Barbarella team post at Bokan on the Isle Of Dogs. We’re not sure, but it’s unlikely Canary Wharf’s towers will be decorated like this for the opening – image by Haydon Perrior / Big Mamma Group
stories of the interior
At this stage, we can neither confirm nor deny the presence of an Exsexsive Machine on the premises.
It’s also unclear whether the playlist will include all of Duran Duran’s back catalogue, or just a few of the hits.
What we do know is that there will be chocolate brown silk walls, a mirrored bar, a three-metre wide amber chandelier, silver curtains, a mirrored reception desk, a chromed lounge and a gold-framed open kitchen.
The latter will be the domain of Roman chef Marco Rastelli, hailing from the same city where producer Dino De Laurentiis built his original studios, home to Barbarella and countless other vivacious shoots.
“The food is a very important story,” said Enrico.
“Everything is homemade and we’re very proud of it. We might have an idea what we want to do, but we also change depending on the chef. We take inspiration from everywhere.”
Diners can expect a series of “twisted classics” including the likes of Italian tomato tatin with Parmigiano cream and a pizza selection that changes daily.
Secondi include buttered Cornish lemon sole filleted tableside to share and a selection of steaks from butcher Phillip Warren, ranging from a tender fillet to a 1.2kg T-bone.
beyond spaghetti
“Personally, the first thing I’ll be ordering is the metre-long spaghettone,” said Enrico, praising the extra-thick version of spaghetti that’s perhaps set to be the restaurant’s signature dish.
“We also have a big wine list, all Italian, with a lot of big-name labels.
“To round things off, I’d probably have the tiramisu with a pistachio espresso martini.”
Even though much of the branding is slanted towards the sexy, glam 1970s camp of the kind of film that inspired its name, Barbarella also aims to be a welcoming environment for all.
“You can definitely bring your whole family here,” said Enrico.
“We will provide everything you need when you’re out with the family at the weekend.
“For example, Sunday lunch is inspired by when your grandmother invites you and everyone else over – that long table with the whole family sitting together.
“We have a lot of families on Sunday in our restaurants and we love them, whether that’s a booking for three people, four, seven, eight or even 50.”
While much of Barbarella remains under wraps for now, the potted jungle that has arrived outside is a statement of intent –a wild counterpoint to the comparatively neat Eden Dock. This place could well be a riot.
key details: Barbarella
Barbarella is set to open at YY London in Canary Wharf’s Reuters Plaza on June 20, 2025.
Those seeking more details should subscribe to Big Mamma’s newsletter for
further updates. You can also find details of the group’s other restaurants in London on its website.
But these arrivals are very much in the vanguard of a cascade of launches to come.
With Union Square acting as a wide boulevard through to the eastern edge of the estate – picnic and ping pong tables already attracting a healthy flow of Wharfers – it’s perhaps the ideal time for Signorelli to arrive in the neighbourhood.
“The message is simple,” said Rebecca Rosmini, CEO of Signorelli, which she founded with husband Alberto a little over 10 years ago.
“We do great coffee, pastries, focaccia, cakes, cookies and biscuits.
“In Italy, you have places where you buy your croissant and your coffee, have a chat with a neighbour and then go on with your day.
“Our recipes are Italian-inspired – the ethos is very much from Alberto’s mum’s way of cooking – but we’ve adapted them for the UK market.
“Our coffee is fantastic, Italian blends and roasts, different to much of east London where there has been a trend for darker roasts.
“Our espresso is really lovely.”
Signorelli co-founder and CEO, Rebecca Rosmini – image by Jon Massey
the learning curve of Signorelli
Wood Wharf will be the fifth branch in what has become a finely tuned east London operation.
However, Signorelli’s genesis was not without its learning curve.
“My background is as a surveyor in commercial real estate,” said Rebecca, originally from Hartlepool.
“My mum started investing in residential property in the 1990s and needed a mini-me to go around building Ikea furniture for her.
“I still like doing that – it gives me a very tangible before-and-after feeling and you can see the results immediately.”
Joining the Tesco graduate scheme having mastered the allen key, Rebecca forged a career with the supermarket giant before a move to Sainsbury’s property team.
She then founded RSR, her own commercial real estate advisory company, that has since worked with the likes of Deliveroo, Asda, Boots and local authorities.
“After starting the business, I met Alberto, an agronomist – he moved to London to look for a job because it wasn’t the right time for me to relocate,” said Rebecca.
“Then he started baking at home. He can be very obsessive and it got a bit out of control.
“We started giving out baked goods to our neighbours, then we started doing picnics and having big dinner parties at home in our tiny flat in Camden.
Freshly baked loaves for sale – image by Jon Massey
“People started joking that we should have our own catering company.
“One day, an Italian pizzeria company approached me to find a site in London and they were looking for a manager, so I put my husband forward.
“We went on a journey with them and went through the process of finding locations but we discovered they wanted to import frozen food from Italy and defrost it here to serve.
“That wasn’t what we wanted, so we parted ways.
“Alberto was so disappointed. He’d spent six months developing recipes and was really down, so we thought: ‘Stuff it, let’s do it ourselves’.
“I knew that East Village in Stratford was launching retail units and thought we should go and have a look.
“I hadn’t been back since my time at Sainsbury’s and it was October 2014, windy, cold and empty.
“There could have been tumbleweed.
“There was no transport hub, no retail – I just didn’t see it. But Alberto thought it was perfect.
“He said I should imagine it, that it was just like Italy – pedestrianised with water and trees – that it would all be about people walking, talking and interacting.
“I made peace with it.
“We designed the unit ourselves, it immediately felt like home and we had friends popping in to help.
“The Ikea skills came back too and then the vinyls came down, even though I didn’t really feel ready to have people in.”
Filled focaccia at Signorelli – image by Jon Massey
opening the doors
“It was carnage,” said Rebecca.
“We had no idea what we were doing and, before we opened, I suddenly decided we were going to do scrambled eggs, because that was what people needed.
“We looked up how Jamie Oliver did them and then we opened.
“We forgot to hire people, so we had a queue out of the door and people came to help us.
“We had lawyers and accountants, some vegetarian, cooking sausages – we didn’t even know that you had to prep food ahead of service.
“We were cooking like you would at home – we just thought it would be the same.
“We went on a three-year learning curve and there were so many terrible stories along the way.
“I think it was the community that made us survive – we had so many people rooting for us.
“People wanted us to succeed and I was blinded to how crap we were. It took a long time.”
Latte art on the coffee – image by Jon Massey
fighting for Signorelli
In the end, the pandemic was part of the solution. The first lockdown provided a forced stop, time to rest, regroup and rethink.
“I always say we’ve had two businesses – the crap one from 2015 to 2020 and then 2.0,” said Rebecca.
“We decided we were determined to fight for Signorelli – we had put so much into it and we weren’t just going to kill it.”
Salvation began with a serendipitous decision taken in 2019 to install a serving window out onto the street.
This reopened in April 2020 to serve pastries and coffee. People queued in socially distance fashion.
Back as a small team, with Alberto – as ever – baking overnight, Signorelli had two baristas serving and Rebecca doing deliveries in her trusty 25-year-old SEAT. It was a fresh foundation.
Suffering “PTSD” from the smell of burnt eggs, they resolved never to offer brunch again and set out on a new path – baked goods, coffee and alcoholic drinks for later in the day.
The arrival of the couple’s second child prompted another change as Signorelli opened its Bakehouse, centralising production in part to allow Alberto to work fewer antisocial hours.
Instead, the new direction was the catalyst for creating the current shape of the business, allowing greater capacity for more staff and the founders to step back a bit from the day-to-day.
The cafe serves coffee, pastries, sweet treats and savoury options – image by Jon Massey
a complex symphony
“No-one in our baking team trained as a baker – they have all learned in our business and they’re doing an amazing job,” said Rebecca.
“It’s like a perfect symphony – you just watch them and everyone knows their role.
“We chose Canary Wharf for our latest expansion because it’s about 15 minutes from the bakehouse by cargo bike for deliveries.
“In lockdown, my husband, me and our little boy came to E14 a lot – we used to do these really long walks along the canal.
“Both Alberto and I grew up by the sea, so being close to the water felt familiar.
“Our strategy now is about creating mini pods of branches to grow Signorelli and we’d love to create one in Canary Wharf.
“It’s always been my husband’s dream to recreate the town squares of Italy in the UK, bringing people back to the table, to conversation.
“The Wharf allows us to share that energy.
“We are so much about getting people together, getting them off their phones and getting them to talk to one another.
“It requires patience and you can’t go into it expecting a quick turnaround.
“It’s a journey that you go on with the landlord, with the community, and everyone needs to work together to make it come alive.”
Stuffed with tomatoes, pesto and mozzarella – image by Jon Massey
sustainable baking
Signorelli’s arrival in Canary Wharf also brings with it catering services and celebratory cakes, all delivered with a consistent focus on sustainability and healthy ingredients.
“The Italian philosophy is to have really good raw produce from rich soils, then you can create something really amazing from just three or four ingredients,” said Rebecca.
“We’re not about cutting costs to produce a better margin.
“We’re really happy to accept less profit on our baked goods to deliver better quality.
“My rule is that if I wouldn’t feed it to my three-year old, then I will not feed it to my customers.
“We guard massively against ultra-processed foods, although we haven’t yet found an alternative to Nutella, so there is one naughty thing.
“We also monitor our waste really carefully.
“We’re always looking to re-use anything that goes unsold, but is still delicious.”
Signorelli Wood Wharf is located in West Lane off Union Square, Wood Wharf – image by Jon Massey
key details: Signorelli Wood Wharf
Signorelli Wood Wharf is located at 5 West Lane off Union Square and is open every day from 7am-7pm.
The bakery and cafe operates a “once it’s gone, it’s gone” policy to minimise food waste with customers seeking pastries advised to visit before noon for the full range.
The launch of an aparthotel in Canary Wharf is a smart move.
Those wishing to live on the estate long-term already had two options – they can buy a property from Canary Wharf Group or rent one through it’s subsidiary Vertus.
Short-term visitors can, of course, stay in Water Street at Tribe. But now Wood Wharf also offers something in between.
Vertus Edit, which celebrated its official launch this month, houses 378 studios of varying sizes split across two buildings in West Lane, overlooking Union Square for short or extended stays.
That could be for one night or six months and every inch of its design embraces that level of flexibility.
In contrast to trad hotel rooms, guests get fully equipped kitchens and access to communal rooftop spaces as well as more intimate lounge and terrace areas.
Please clean my room – a wooden sign for the door at Vertus Edit – image by Jon Massey
comfort at Vertus Edit
This is a place laser-focused on the comfort of its inhabitants whether they’re just passing through or living in Wood Wharf for a while – perhaps visiting family or working locally.
On my stay, we’re allocated a “Cosy” studio for a single night.
While this is the second smallest on offer, its 257sq ft feels palatial in comparison to many hotel rooms with an expansive bathroom and shower.
The strip of kitchen running from the door to the bedroom includes an oven, a toaster, a kettle, a proper four-burner hob and a real fridge – enough to cook a complex meal.
In-room, what Vertus delivers best is functional luxury.
Aside from the colourful East London Printmakers artworks, the aesthetic is plain, even minimal. But what is provided in spades is quality.
The furniture and appliances have a solidity, a dependability about them, which promises reliability – a kind of subtle reassurance to aid a good night’s sleep in the supportive cloud of the bed.
Rooms at the aparthotel are decorated in a cosy, minimal style – image by Vertus
a clean, green stay
Sustainability is here too.
My room features toiletries supplied in refillable metallic dispensers from Kankan.
Nothing feels throwaway.
Chief among Vertus Edit’s attractions is its location.
About five minute’s walk from the eastern exit of the Jubilee line station, it’s within easy reach of the whole of Canary Wharf and much of central London thanks to the area’s transport links.
But a close second is definitely the facilities on offer.
While the rooms are relatively neutral in their design, the lounges, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and private dining space pop with personality.
There are rich colours, exotic wallpapers and even a neon ice lolly installation (it’s art).
Its facilities for guests to do their own laundry, an honesty market pantry system for ingredients, snacks and drinks plus a gym for workouts really cement Vertus Edit’s proposition for practicality.
It may not feature some of the trappings of a traditional hotel (although staff are always on hand), but the clear depth of its communal spaces marks it out as something special.
Then, of course, there are all the benefits of being moments from Canary Wharf’s increasingly vibrant offering.
And with more to come in Wood Wharf, stays will only get better.
The spaces are decorated with art by East London Printmakers – image by Vertus
key details: Vertus Edit
Rates at Vertus Edit vary depending on the date and length of stay, but those booking can currently get 15% off using code HELLOEDIT in celebration of the aparthotel’s launch.
Canary Wharf is built on connections, creating a community of people and organisations with opportunities to come together, grow, evolve, discuss, create ideas and make things happen.
From large team meetings and workshops to corporate parties, private dining, team bonding and more, we’ve got the space and the opportunities to showcase, engage, impress and bring people together.
Looking for the right location for your next event?
Bask in the rays on the terrace at No 35 Mackenzie Walk – image by Canary Wharf Group
celebrate outdoors in Canary Wharf
>> When the sun starts shining, it’s time to head outside and Canary Wharf has some amazing venues with outdoor space to arrange an alfresco meet-up…
The Boathouse
Harbour Quay Gardens / Wood Wharf
Inspired by intimate speakeasies and chic Parisian jazz clubs, The Boathouse boasts modern facilities, stylish décor and a large rooftop area with ample seating.
Max Capacity – 25 seated, 200 standing
bookings@boathouselondon.co.uk
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The Parlour
Park Pavillion / Canada Square
This is a gorgeous bar and restaurant perfect for both daytime and evening events with its large terrace.
Max Capacity – 200 seated, 550 standing
info@theparlourbar.co.uk
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Humble Grape
Mackenzie Walk
This venue boasts more than 400 artisan wines on its list, innovative cooking in its kitchen and private hire spaces.
Max Capacity – 90 seated, 120 standing
events@humblegrape.co.uk
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Hawksmoor Bar
Water Street / Wood Wharf
The water-level floating bar and events space offers a variety of different options including a beautiful outdoor terrace.
Max Capacity – 300 standing
woodwharf@thehawksmoor.com
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BrewDog
Churchill Place
Whether you’re planning a business meeting, private party or special celebration, BrewDog Canary Wharf is ideal.
Max Capacity – 310 seated, 510 standing
canarywharfbar@brewdog.com
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GoBoat
Churchill Place
Enjoy a team social with a difference aboard your own self-drive boat, cruising the waters around Canary Wharf.
Boat Capacity – 8
ahoy@goboat.co.uk
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Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
George Street / Wood Wharf
Walking into this venue is like entering a bustling trattoria in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region, with all the plentiful food and drink options one would expect. There’s also an alfresco space for outdoor dining.
Max Capacity – 60 plus 24 seated outside
hello@emiliaspasta.com
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No 35 Mackenzie Walk
Mackenzie Walk
No 35 Mackenzie Walk is a lively bar and restaurant – the perfect spot for large scale breakfast or brunch events, seated three-course dining or drinks receptions with DJ and substantial canapés or finger food.
With a dedicated events team on hand to help organise your event, they have tried and tested menus and packages to suit all occasions. The large bar and extensive south-facing waterside terrace makes it a perfect summer party destination.
Max Capacity 90 seated, 300 standing
reservations@no35mackenziewalk.co.uk
TRIBE Hotel offers hospitality at its on-site bar and restaurant, Feels Like June – image by Canary Wharf Group
stay in Canary Wharf
>> For Summer Socials that stretch into the night, why not book a place to stay and cut out the commute in the morning?
TRIBE Hotel
Water Street / Wood Wharf
With 312 rooms set across six floors, this venue also boasts a 24-hour, free-flowing ‘Social Hub’ plus dining and event destination Feels Like June which can seat up to 220.
Rooms To Book – 312
reservations.canarywharf@mytribehotel.com
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Vertus Edit
Union Square / Wood Wharf
Opened in March, Vertus Edit offers guests a choice of 378 studios across two buildings in West Lane with rooms ranging in size from 200sq ft to 301sq ft.
Each comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining space, comfy double beds, super-fast wi-fi, and a bright bathroom with a walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries.
Guests can enjoy shared spaces, including a lush garden lounge and landscaped terrace, co-work, gym, meeting rooms and private dining rooms.
Rooms To Book – 378
reservations@vertusedit.com
Dishoom has plenty of options for group bookings – image by Canary Wharf Group
fine dining for Summer Socials
>> Food is at the heart of a good celebration and Canary Wharf offers an extensive range of options for group bookings, ideal for team lunches or larger gatherings
Blacklock
Frobisher Passage
Nestled beneath the train tracks of the North Dock in Canary Wharf, Blacklock is perfect for group dining, serving up sharing plates of chops, succulent steaks and plenty in between.
Max Capacity – 120 seated
canarywharf@theblacklock.com
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Brasserie Marceline
Water Street / Wood Wharf
Planning an event? French cuisine specialist Marceline has the perfect space for it. Choose from the elegant main dining room, their waterside terrace, or semi-private and fully private dining rooms.
Max Capacity – 400 standing
events@marceline.london
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Din Tai Fung
Crossrail Place
A Taiwanese restaurant and bar where award-winning Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings meet group dining perfection. There’s even a private space that can accommodate up to 16 guests.
Max Capacity – 130 seated
canarywharf@dintaifung-uk.com
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Food at Caravan – image by Canary Wharf Group
Caravan
Reuters Plaza
Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, sitting alongside Konstantin Grcic’s iconic Six Public Clocks artwork, Caravan Canary Wharf delivers superb all day dining.
Max Capacity – 150 seated
events@caravanrestaurants.co.uk
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Dishoom
Water Street / Wood Wharf
Nestled in a little corner of Wood Wharf, Dishoom brings to life the glittering-shimmering, big-business, metropolitan scene of ‘70s Bombay. Perfect for groups.
Max Capacity – 40 on terrace
reservations@dishoom.com
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Hawksmoor Wood Wharf
Water Street / Wood Wharf
Hawksmoor’s dedication to flavour and ethical sourcing has seen the venue achieve the highest rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association. The venue boasts a 150-cover restaurant, a 120-cover bar and private dining room for up to 20 guests
Max Capacity – 150+ seated
woodwharf@thehawksmoor.com
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Kricket
Frobisher Passage
Tucked beneath the DLR in Canary Wharf, a reimagined space combines new and unique design. Kricket offers a vibrant setting for groups. Known for its modern Indian food, the menu is perfect for sharing.
Max Capacity – 80 seated
events@kricket.co.uk
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Roe
Park Drive / Wood Wharf
Set across three stunning floors with a wrap-around terrace, Roe offers
event spaces overlooking the water – perfect for private dining or special occasions.
Max Capacity – 250+ seated
events@roerestaurant.co.uk
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Mallow
Water Street / Wood Wharf
This 100% plant-based restaurant in the heart of Wood Wharf serves seasonal, sustainable food, inspired by cuisines from all over the world. The first floor is available for private hire, with movable seating to assist in creating memorable gatherings.
Max Capacity – 100+ seated
canarywharf@mallowlondon.com
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Patty&Bun
Park Drive / Wood Wharf
This is your one stop shop for an epic team lunch, boozy bash or even
full venue hire for something more bespoke. The team can tailor menus and packages to help your event run with ease.
Max Capacity – 60 seated
canarywharf@pattyandbun.co.uk
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Wahaca
Park Pavillion / Canada Square
Wahaca brings the vibrant energy of Mexico to Canary Wharf. Available spaces include a bookable private terrace bar overlooking the park and exclusive venue hire.
Max Capacity – 180 seated
canarywharf@wahaca.co.uk
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The Ivy In The Park
Canada Square
The venue offers a range of options for group bookings including two private dining spaces decorated in vivacious botanical style. The first floor is also available for hire.
Max Capacity – 50 seated
events@theivy-collection.com
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Roka
Park Pavillion / Canada Square
Roka Canary Wharf offers several versatile spaces for your events. The dining room features elegant interiors and a central robata grill, for dining groups of up to 60 guests or 120 when hired exclusively.
Max Capacity – 120 seated
infocanarywharf@rokarestaurant.com
Fairgame offers games, street food and fairground-themed bars – image by Canary Wharf Group
competitive socialising
>> Action-packed gatherings are an increasingly popular option for groups looking to add an extra layer to their events. Check these Canary Wharf options out…
The Cube
Charter Street / Wood Wharf
Combining intense physical and mental skill, The Cube pushes the boundaries of immersive gaming. Based on the Bafta-award winning TV gameshow, players must master balance, speed and judgement across seven games.
Max Capacity – 440
groupbookings@bookthecube.com
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Pitch Wharf
Churchill Place
Pitch Wharf is a dynamic, multifunctional venue with a stunning waterside terrace, designed to host events of all sizes. Guests can enjoy
everything from virtual golf games and Mario Kart in their immersive bays to roulette and shuffleboard, creating a unique blend of energy and competition.
Max Capacity – 400
events@pitchldn.co.uk
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K1 Speed
Cabot Place
K1 Speed is one of the UK’s most trusted corporate event providers, offering an exhilarating indoor go-karting experience in Canary Wharf. Featuring over 500m of track, next-generation electric karts, and an exclusive bar and lounge area, K1 Speed is the perfect choice for your next event.
Max Capacity – 150
sales@k1speed.com
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Fairgame
Fisherman’s Walk
Classic fairground games, reimagined. One unique, immersive experience. This is the funfair… exactly like you don’t remember. With games and drinks packages starting from just £41pp, get in touch with the team now to discuss your next event or social.
Max Capacity – 600
events@wearefairgame.com
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Electric Shuffle
Cabot Square / North Colonnade
Bringing together groups of up to 350 guests can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Electric Shuffle’s high energy tournaments are the ultimate team-building activity
that’s sure to make you the hero of the office party. Located in the heart of Cabot Square, their venue
features two stylish bars, 10 cutting-edge, digially enhanced shuffleboard tables, and vibrant interiors, perfect for turning good nights into great ones.
Max Capacity – 350 standing
bookings@electricshuffle.com
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Clays
Cabot Square / Wren Landing
Take a shot at a fantastic interactive experience and make Clays your target for a guaranteed fun-filled
event that everyone will love. All packages include unlimited gameplay in private or semi-private shooting pegs, fully loaded with
delicious food and premium drink options. Set in a spectacular cocktail bar where you can enjoy dancing and post-game celebrations all in one place.
Max Capacity – 330
events@clays-group.com
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is ideal for Summer Socials that stretch into the evening and beyond – image by Boisdale
Summer Socials lates…
>> Summer Socials need not end early evening – Canary Wharf has plenty of venues where the party can go on into the small hours…
Soma
Frobisher Passage
A modern and minimalist take on the classic speakeasy, Soma serves drinks inspired by the Indian subcontinent and beyond. In 2022, Soma Soho, the sister to the brand’s new Canary Wharf bar, was voted Best Bar at the GQ Food And Drink Awards. This is a hidden gem – elegant and understated – just waiting to be discovered, a favourite of those in the know.
Max Capacity – 50 standing
canarywharf@hovarda.london
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Hovarda
Water Street / Wood Wharf
Hovarda, the iconic Aegean restaurant and bar that’s already turned heads in Soho, has arrived on the Wharf and it’s everything you’ve been waiting for. Nestled in the trendy Wood Wharf district, this isn’t just a place to eat – it’s an experience.
Max Capacity – 250 standing
canarywharf@hovarda.london
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Pergola On The Wharf
Crossrail Place
Pergola On The Wharf is a botanical waterside Eden, grown for naturally good times. Flooded with natural light via floor-to-ceiling windows, strewn with vines and ferns, the indoor space is home to two bars, a beautiful open kitchen and a private dining room.
Max Capacity – 700 standing
events@incipio-group.co.uk
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The Alchemist
Reuters Plaza
The Alchemist Canary Wharf is a creative cocktail bar and restaurant with theatre and immersive experiences at its core. Cocktails include serves that change colour, smoke and even levitate. The food menu takes influence from South East Asia and the Americas with playful versions of much loved dishes. The vibrant location has live DJ’s throughout the weekend, playing disco house, classic house and soulful tracks.
Max Capacity – 300 standing
reservations@thealchemistbars.com
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Brera Lounge
Cabot Square
Located next to the fountains in Cabot Square, Brera Lounge offers a captivating escape. Guests are invited to indulge in the flavours of authentic Italian pizza, expertly crafted cocktails, and the calming
ambiance of premium shisha beside rushing water.
Max Capacity – 200 seated
tasso@italika.co.uk
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The Cocktail Club
Cabot Square / Wren Landing
The venue benefits from a large,
open-plan space with eclectic interior design and a large outdoor
terrace. Have Champagne roaming on trays for your guests’ arrival and why not surprise them with a couple of immersive circus acts. Expect swinging lamps and a large range of cocktails.
Max Capacity – 200 standing
info@thecocktailclub.com
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Boisdale Of Canary Wharf
Cabot Place
A lively restaurant and music venue serving modern British food, comprising of the UK’s largest whisky bar, a garden terrace, the Hine bar, a cigar lounge and library, overlooking Cabot Square with the City’s skyline in the distance. There are multiple spaces available for private hire within the venue.
Max Capacity – 250 seated
reservations@boisdale-cw.co.uk
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COMING SOON
Canary Wharf never stands still and Mediterranean venues Barbarella and Brother Marcus at YY Londonplus Lina Stores in Crossrail Place will soon be opening their doors to offer further options…
Muscles can be trained by progressively overloading them.
In response to the greater weight or number of reps, the body is prompted to respond – growing in size, strength and capability.
It’s an apt analogy for Third Space’s approach to its offering.
The last time I sat down with David Burrow, senior general manager at Third Space Canary Wharf, Europe’s largest luxury health club, was about to embark on a major renewal project.
Changing rooms were refitted, showers replaced, saunas and steam rooms upgraded, lighting boosted and tweaked, flooring improved and training areas refreshed with new equipment including weights and cardiovascular fitness machines.
But seemingly the Canada Square club has barely taken a rest before plunging into its latest round of upgrades.
It’s a case of going straight into the next set.
“We’ve converted the space at the front of the club, which used to be The Pearson Room, into a beautiful Reformer Pilates studio,” said David, who is in his ninth year managing the club.
“It overlooks the wonderful grass square through floor-to-ceiling glazing, which really adds something to the class experience – it’s a design feature.”
Third Space Canary Wharf’s senior general manager, David Burrow – image by Jon Massey
responding to members’ needs
The conversion is in response to demand.
Reformer Pilates, which makes use of spring-loaded beds to resist or support an individual’s movement, is booming right now, with businesses popping up across the capital.
The latest studio doubles the club’s provision at its main Canary Wharf site – both spaces a response to the demand seen since launch at its nearby Wood Wharf branch.
“We knew it was going to be popular, but the demand is incredible,” said David.
“We run classes every hour, on the hour in all three of our studios and we’re also expanding our programme throughout our other clubs beyond the Wharf because it’s what our members want.
“There’s a waiting list for almost every session.
“What’s been key for us is having the right quality of instructor.
“As a piece of apparatus, Reformers are pretty standard but having someone with the right level of experience is what keeps people coming back.
“The success of Reformer Pilates at Third Space has been driven by our instructors and they are absolutely sensational.
“They are all different and deliver their own style of training but at a level of quality our members expect.
“We provide high end Reformers, but it’s the teaching that’s incredible and helps members be the best version of themselves, while feeling they can really connect and progress.”
The square-facing studio isn’t the only addition to the front of the club.
Next door is a lounge space that’s also proving popular.
“In response to flexible working we’ve tried to create a place where people can find a happy medium between using a laptop and socialising,” said David.
“We’ve got soft-seating areas for people to relax and have conversations, and we’ve got a breakfast bar where people can work.
“It’s been another hugely popular addition and soon we will open a balcony area off it that people will be able to use too.”
The new Recovery Spa – Third Space
stars of the Recovery Spa at Third Space
Perhaps the most substantial change in recent weeks at the venue has been the reopening of the venue’s spa, now with a very clear focus on recovery.
Open to both members and non-members alike, it’s a tranquil space away from the more intense areas of the club.
David said: “We’ve changed it from something more traditional into a Recovery Spa for regeneration and renewal.
“We do all the things you’d expect such as facials, aesthetic treatments, massage and acupuncture, but we’ve also added new features such as Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy and a Vibroacoustic Bed.
“We test all of these things thoroughly before making the decision to include them in our offering.
“We’re always sceptical. I went to try the bed and it was a really fascinating sensory experience.
“In the middle of the afternoon I was wide awake, thinking there was no way it would make me fall asleep.
“But I got on it, switched it on and a minute later I was out.
The spa includes a Cryotherapy chamber that can take up to two people – Third Space
“There was a tap on my shoulder 25 minutes later and I woke up.
“It’s a very clever tool and you can have different programs with different frequencies, depending on what your aim for the session is.
“The benefits of good sleep are so enormous and people are increasingly aware of that.
“You need rest and repair time to function properly and this bed helps people access that.
“Another thing that can help people in many different ways is our new Cryotherapy chamber that can take up to two people.
“They step into a space chilled to -85ºC and it shocks the body into simulating recovery with a euphoric feeling that’s incredible.
“It’s short – you can go in for three minutes and your skin temperature drops significantly.
“It can be challenging, but you come out feeling great.
“The demand for that and cold plunges is increasing everywhere and it’s a must if we’re going to provide an area where people can recover and regenerate more effectively.
“Wellness – feeling better and being better – is so important to people and I think that’s a good thing – the right direction of travel for our industry.”
Third Space is currently giving new members at Canary Wharf their £100 joining fee back as club credit to spend on its products and services such Natural Fitness Food, personal training, Recovery Spa treatments and more...
rocking Hyrox and more
Speaking of the future, these changes are far from the end of the story, with competitive exercise concept Hyrox inspiring the next move.
“We’ve got another project that will almost double the size of our free weights area, adding on a Hyrox studio – the first gym to have a space dedicated to the sport,” said David.
“Although the contests are about sport and the drive to achieve, there’s a huge communal element to it, so competitors are both doing better physically and feeling better because you have that community there.
“The process of change is non-stop and we’re constantly reviewing feedback from our members and data on what they use.
“Some people love the dynamism of a Yard WOD at peak time in Canary Wharf. Others prefer something more chilled.
“What we want is an offering that allows everybody to be the best version of themselves.”
Red Light Therapy is also on offer – Third Space
key details: Third Space
Third Space membership for The Wharf including full access to its Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs currently costs £230 per month.
Group membership including all sites excluding Mayfair costs £279 per month, with an all-club deal costing £305.
Members receive 25% off their Recovery Spa booking included with membership.
You do not need to be a Third Space member to use the spa with sessions available to book online.
