“Renting in London is a daunting situation for first-time buyers, many of whom feel they have no choice but to accept sub-par conditions for an extortionately high price,” said Kevin Sims, director of affordable housing provider SO Resi.
His statement is backed up by data.
Property portal Zoopla’s latest report on the rental market found that around 21 people were competing for each new listing appearing on its site nationwide, let alone in London.
The organisation’s most recent rental report also found the average monthly rent in the capital was £2,172 – almost 70% higher than the UK average.
While the forthcoming Renters Rights Bill may go some way to addressing issues in the sector for tenants, the changes are not expected for many months, which will be of scant comfort to those renting now.
“There is a solution, however, and that is shared ownership,” said Kevin.
“The scheme offers a low-deposit route onto the property ladder and many buyers of such homes find their monthly repayments are lower than renting in the capital.
“With shared ownership, Londoners finally have the chance to build up equity in their property and find the peace of mind that comes with home ownership.”
SO Resi Canning Town is located at Manor Road Quarter
The scheme is located a few minutes from Tube, DLR and bus links at Canning Town station and enjoys the many benefits of the area’s extensive regeneration.
For example, there’s craft beer at Husk’s taproom, modern Italian food at Pepenero, a bouldering facility at Rise Climbing and outdoorsy activities at Bow Ecology Park and environmental community project, Cody Dock.
But what will buyers actually be getting at the scheme? SO Resi – part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, the fifth largest housing association in the UK – is set to launch a show home at the development on September 26, 2024, so interested parties can get a feel of what’s on offer.
Apartments come complete with fitted kitchens and bathrooms, fully integrated Zanussi kitchen appliances, and solid timber floors.
They feature open-plan layouts – with total living space ranging from 556sq ft to 971sq ft – and each has a private balcony as well as plenty of storage.
A kitchen at SO Resi Canning Town
getting on the ladder
Buying a share in a property is affordable and may be attractive for multiple reasons.
Firstly, the amount of deposit a buyer requires is lower.
The scheme allows people to purchase between 10% and 75% of a home (although usually starting at 25%), while paying below market rent on the rest, alongside a service charge.
That means buyers could purchase their share with a mortgage and potentially only need 5% of its value as a deposit – £4,906 at SO Resi Canning Town, for example.
Buyers are free to live in their homes as though they owned the whole thing with no threat of eviction.
If desired, they can also choose to increase their share in a process known as staircasing until they own the property outright.
The apartments feature open-plan layouts and balconies
key details: SO Resi Canning Town
Prices at SO Resi Canning Town start at £98,125 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment (based on a full market value of £392,500).
A new show home is set to launch at the development on September 26, 2024.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
That’s the message from Vicki Antoniou, senior group exercise manager for Third Space’s two Canary Wharf clubs.
“If people are walking past The Yard – our crossfit inspired training space at the Canada Square club – and there’s a class on it can look like everyone knows what they’re doing,” she said.
“Or they hear a spin session getting underway, it can sound really overwhelming.
“But it’s vital people understand that our classes operate for all levels of fitness – everyone taking part went for the first time at some point.”
We’re sat in Third Space Wood Wharf for our interview.
While the brand’s second site on the estate is in a separate location to the Canada Square club, it essentially acts as a massive extension to the existing facilities as local membership includes access to both.
That means there’s a second pool to swim in and an extra gym floor to train on.
But it also adds something wholly fresh in terms of group exercise – Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates studios.
This, alongside installing equipment for the latter at the original Canary Wharf site, has allowed the club to extend its already extensive timetable of classes, with more than 300 available every week.
Organising and managing that operation across two sites is no small task, but it’s one Vicki clearly relishes.
The Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs offer more than 300 classes each week
the benefits of group exercise
“We get more than 30,000 attendances at classes each month,” she said.
“Around half of the people coming to Wood Wharf are going to a group class, with Canary Wharf a little under that.
“I get really excited about the benefits of working out with other people. We know that once members try a class, they keep coming back.
“The hard part is just getting into the studio. Once you’re there, we’ll look after you.
“If you’re a bit hesitant, get there 15 minutes early and tell the instructor and they will make sure you’re comfortable.
“Everyone’s on their own journey.
“I’m big on inclusivity, so our instructors are trained to make sure everyone who comes into a class has the best possible experience and does what suits their mood for that day.
“We’re also happy to give members a tour of the studios when not in use if they’re feeling unsure.
“We can also advise what classes are best to start with, such as Fundamental Reformer for Pilates or Yin Yoga.”
Vicki’s own journey into the fitness industry began with group exercise, after friends invited her to be part of a film so they could gain Les Mills Bodypump certification.
Having “never picked up a weight in her life” before – a legacy of hating exercise at school – she was hooked and began going to classes.
Later she trained as an instructor and began teaching classes herself. At that time, fitness was more of a side hustle while Vicki worked in banking at Barclays on the Wharf and then in the City.
The arrival of her son saw her spending more time teaching fitness classes, which fitted around his school commitments, before heading back into the corporate world – this time in telecoms.
With her son grown, she “dipped her toe into nutrition”, setting up a company to offer workshops to businesses and organisations.
Third Space Wood Wharf boasts a large Hot Yoga studio
teaching at Third Space
“Around 2017, a friend of mine had started teaching at Third Space and I went to do a class with him,” said Vicki.
“It was fantastic and I thought I’d really like to teach there.
“I auditioned and began working as an instructor in 2018, first with one, then two and three classes a week. Eventually it was 10.
“At that point, I knew I wanted to manage, mentor and lead other instructors and so I applied for the group exercise manager at the Tower Bridge club and got the job.
“At first, despite my experience, I was petrified, but the support network was amazing.
“If you’ve done the job yourself, it puts you in a good position to manage others and I try to lead as I like to be led.
“Transparency and a lot of communication are essential.
“I’m a bit maternal and nurturing and really want to bring people into the fold.
“If you feel confident and that you belong, you’re going to lead classes as your authentic self.
“It’s vital that we have brand standards and that those are maintained across all our classes so members will always get that high quality experience.
“But I also want the instructors in my team to be themselves, not to put on a persona.
“They should feel free to express their personality and bring something of themselves to the sessions.
“We have thousands of members at Canary Wharf – the demographic is vast – and people really respond to instructors who deliver classes like that.”
Wood Wharf also has a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio
what Third Space Wood Wharf brings
Wood Wharf’s additions to the timetable have proved immensely popular, with Reformer Pilates capturing members’ imaginations to the point where extra equipment has been brought in at the original site too, in order to keep up with demand.
“I think, with Reformer classes, it’s the accessibility of it,” said Vicki.
“The way the equipment and the classes have been designed means everybody can do it. We have Fundamental, Traditional and Dynamic classes, so it doesn’t matter what level of fitness you’re at.
“It’s about coming to try something different and learning a new way to move your body with equipment that doesn’t put pressure on your joints.
“It’s perfect for people who don’t want to jump around in the gym.
“But it complements other exercises too.
“If you incorporate it weekly into your training you’ll really see the benefits in strength and flexibility.
“People often need to be a bit brave to try it, but we’ll always look after them and teach them how to use the equipment and give lots of options for those at different levels.
“Hot Yoga has been very well attended at our other clubs, so we wanted to bring a studio here too.
“Practising in a warm room gives you the ability to move your body in a more fluid and challenging way both from a physical and a mental perspective.
“It can feel as though the heat is lubricating your joints and giving you that extra mobility.”
Members take part in a Lift class at Third Space Canary Wharf
key details Third Space
The Wharf membership covers Third Space’s Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs and costs £230 per month.
This grants access to facilities across both sites and includes unlimited group exercise classes including Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates.
Third Space also offers group membership, starting at £279 per month, which allows access to facilities at Third Space’s growing collection of clubs including Soho, Marylebone, Wimbledon, Clapham Junction and Tower Bridge. It currently excludes Mayfair.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“Our normal river bus service is our core business – and always will be – but we’ve also been looking at the evening time to see how we can engage with some of our customers,” said Adrian White, head of marketing and communications for the Clippers.
“So we’ve set up a series of comedy and music nights. Audiences will arrive at our recently opened Clipper Lounge at Embankment Pier.
“They’ll be able to get a drink there and board their boat.
“From there, they’ll sail up and down the river – London is really beautiful at night – enjoy the performances and then return to Embankment.
“If people have never used one of our services before, hopefully this will be a great introduction to find a different way of travelling in the capital, either for a commute or as a tourist.”
Comedian Michael Legge will feature on the second of three comedy cruises
That show will feature the talents of Ben Norris, Sarah Kendall and Tim FitzHigham, who once raised more than £10,000 for Comic Relief by sailing a paper boat 160 miles down the Thames.
“With that history, we thought he would be absolutely perfect and clearly we’ve seen there’s a demand for this kind of event,” said Adrian.
“Tickets are already going fast for the second show and we’ve only just made the third date live.
“We’ll also look at doing more of these events in future, especially during the darker months of the year.
“We’ll showcase the best that London has to offer in terms of lights and sights, while people listen to comics that will put a smile on their faces.”
Doors for the comedy shows open at 6pm with sailing at 6.30pm-8.30pm. Tickets cost £20 per person and are available for events on November 8 and December 5.
The former will feature Mike Gunn, Jimmy McGhie and Michael Legge, while the latter stars Keith Farnan, Jenny Collier and Funmbi Omotayo.
Sofar Sounds specialises in gigs at unusual locations
The opening of Clipper Lounge brings a number of benefits to the business.
Open on Embankment Pier to all-comers whether using the boats or not, its current hours of operation are 11am-9pm Monday-Wednesday and until 11pm Thursday-Saturday.
It serves light bites alongside a drinks menu that ranges from Dom Perignon to bottled beers and boasts views of central London from its position on the Thames.
“It means we have use of the pier, so if a client is hiring one of our boats privately, they can use the Clipper Lounge as a place to meet before they get on board,” said Alison Murphy, head of sales at the Clippers.
“It also means organisations have much longer to get their group together in comfort before they get on board and people can hire the venue itself for an evening too.
“As a company, we’ve always operated elements in addition to our river bus services.
“But these latest additions take that and move it to more of a public offering – using our vessels in a different way.”
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers also has a series of special New Year’s Eve cruises to watch the fireworks in central London
“People will board one of four vessels, enjoy a welcome drink, snacks and music from Sofar Sounds,” said Alison.
“After a cruise, the vessels will moor up to give those on board an unrivalled view of the fireworks.
“At midnight there will be Champagne and then the boats will return to the piers they left from.”
Cruises leave from Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf at 10pm.
For those further to the east or south-east, there will be a sailing from Gravesend at 9pm stopping at Barking Riverside and North Greenwich as it makes its way into central London.
They cost £20. Sofar Sounds gigs take place on October 31 and November 14. They cost £41.
Sailings for New Year’s Eve take place from Gravesend (stopping at Barking Riverside and North Greenwich), Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
There is a reason we have so many songs about supporting the one you love – Wind Beneath My Wings, You Lift Me up, Lean On Me. I could go on.
It is because following your dreams can be scary, endlessly exhausting and surprisingly confusing.
Those who succeed almost always have someone cheering them on along the way.
For Laxmi Gurung, that person is her partner Kiyam Lin.
“I’ve always had this passion of having my own restaurant or cooking, but he was my backbone and gave me the confidence to do it,” said the founder of fledgling food startup Hamro Maya.
The business can currently be found at Canada Water Market in Deal Porters Square, every Sunday serving up “under-represented Nepali cuisine”.
“Hamro Maya means ‘our love’ in Nepalese and the business really did start from that, as cheesy as that sounds,” said Laxmi.
Born in Nepal, she moved to the UK with her family aged 12. Kiyam was born in Hong Kong and came here aged two.
The couple, both 31, met in September 2020 and bonded over a “shared passion for food” but were quickly parted again due to the Covid lockdowns.
Love still managed to flourish, however, and Kiyam said it was clear from the start where Laxmi’s future lay.
Kiyam Lin, left, and Laxmi Gurung of Hamro Maya – image James Perrin
Hamro Maya – born of a passion for food
“When we first met, I could see she was so passionate about food and suggested she should start a business,” he said.
“But she said: ‘No, I definitely don’t want to’. So, I left it on the back burner.
“But after a while it became really obvious that she really loved making amazing food for all of our friends.
“Every time they came around, she’d make something new and, over time, she realised this was actually a thing that she could really do.
“She’s got the ability, the talent and the passion for it, so I said she should just give it a go.
“Sometimes you need someone else to tell you to just go for it.”
He was also starting his own new chapter, beginning a research fellowship job at UCL in April after studying theoretical physics and completing his PhD.
Laxmi said: “He’s been supporting both of us.
“I left my job in January so I could attend courses and get the business going and I was at the point of breakdown at times.
“I wasn’t sure if I could do it and he’s just been there to support me so well.”
While this encouragement was key, it was that little voice inside Laxmi that finally prompted her to change career.
“I worked in a homeless department at the council and had to talk and listen to people every day about their sorrow – what they’re going through,” she said.
“It made me feel that I am more privileged and also lucky enough to be where I am, just thankful.
“One day I realised I needed to do something about my life.
“I already had what I wanted to do in the back of my head and I just knew I had to make it come true.
“It just hit me that I needed to go ahead and grab that idea and proceed with my passion.”
Hamro Maya trades at three markets in east and south-east London – image James Perrin
from the pans of the father
Her love of making food came from her father, who was previously in the Indian Gurkha army and moved his family to the UK “for a better future”.
“My dad was the main cook of our house,” said Laxmi who grew up in Plumstead.
“Whenever we came home from school or wherever he would be asking: ‘What do you want to eat? What kind of food do you want?’.
“We would pick and he would make it for us.
“He taught us to respect food and what we have been given.”
Laxmi began experimenting with cooking when she went to University in Bath to study biology and business management and then a masters in human resources management.
She went on to work for McDonalds and then Greenwich Council.
Once she decided to leave her office job, she began looking into how to start a business and discovered a free course offered by the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA).
“It was really eye-opening and helped me develop what my aim was, my values,” she said.
“It helped me understand my own business and my own idea better.”
Her menu was developed from home at first, but then she stumbled across Karma Kitchen, which provides space for food production and delivery and has a facility in South Bermondsey where Laxmi lives.
Since July she has been using its shared kitchen space for four days a week to create her dishes, with the aim of transporting customers from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the aromatic spices of hillside treats and the bold flavours of the Terai Here.
They include a range of handmade dumplings known as Momo – based on her mum’s recipe – and classics such as chowmein, fried rice and chatpate, inspired by what her dad taught her.
market traders
Hamro Maya launched at The Market Network’s three markets at the start of August – Tower Hill Market, Wapping Docklands Market and Canada Water Market.
Laxmi said the business had quickly become a seven-day job and she was already considering hiring more staff.
“Canada Water is probably the most popular because we have a lot of people from the South Asian community there,” she said.
“But its also been a real pleasure to introduce what Nepali cuisine is to new people.”
Some of her biggest fans are, of course, her parents.
“They’ve been raving about it and bringing their friends and family,” said Laxmi.
“My dad approves my food, but always wants it be more spicy. We do offer our spicy sauce on the side – not everyone can handle it.”
Then there is Kiyam, who had never even tried Nepali cuisine before he met Laxmi.
“Going down to the markets and seeing people paying money for her food and loving it is honestly so crazy,” he said.
“I feel so proud that it’s successful.
“She is flourishing in this new way she’s never done before and it’s amazing.”
key details: Hamro Maya
Hamro Maya is at Tower Hill Market from 11am-3pm on Thursdays, Wapping Docklands Market from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Canada Water Market from 10am-4pm on Sundays.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Tears are sure to fall when Jackie Eley and Chris Elwell leave Limehouse’s Half Moon Theatre next year.
Their departure will mark the start of a new era, not only for the organisation but also for the duo, who have worked there together for more than two decades and are also a couple.
In January Chris is set to step down as director and CEO after 27 years and Jackie will leave her role as administrative director after two decades.
“I thought we wouldn’t work together for that long,” said Jackie, who first met Chris back in the 1980s.
“But there’s always been something new coming around the corner.
“When the announcement went up about us leaving on Half Moon Theatre’s Facebook page, someone posted: ‘I can’t believe you’re still speaking to each other’.
“But we have always found it easy.”
The company works closely with the local community and children’s centres to give young people from birth to 18 (25 for disabled young people), the chance to experience unique theatre productions, both as participants and audience members.
During his time at the helm Chris has directed, written and adapted more than 60 pieces of work and run programmes including Exchange For Change and Narratives Of Empathy And Resilience as well as developing the company’s streaming service.
He was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to theatre and young people in 2017.
Meanwhile Jackie has overseen fundraising and £2million of capital works to buy and refurbish the company’s Victorian building, to make it more accessible and welcoming to families.
She also led the launch of Theatre Passport in 2020 – a free ticket scheme for Tower Hamlets schools and community groups.
born of the ballet
She and Chris first crossed paths four decades ago at London Festival Ballet – now English National Ballet.
They both then followed their own paths, with Chris working at the Royal Shakespeare Company and then the Central School Of Speech And Drama.
He landed at Half Moon in 1997 and quickly secured core funding from Arts Council England, opening the theatre as a public venue in 1998.
Meanwhile, Jackie ran Pop Up Theatre, which made childrens touring shows and often performed at the east London venue.
When the administrative director role came up, Chris said she should come and work with him “for a few years to help out”.
At the time she was working at the Royal Festival Hall.
“It was great to work for such a flagship organisation and I learned so much about fundraising, which I could then bring to Half Moon, but I didn’t like doing just one thing,” said Jackie.
“That’s what attracted me about this job – that I could bring the fundraising skills and also be much closer to the product and be involved in community work and pieces for young audiences.”
The biggest challenge she has faced was, perhaps unsurprisingly, lockdown.
Half Moon Theatre is located in Limehouse
closing Half Moon Theatre during lockdown
She said: “We were supposed to be opening a show that week and were just coming up to the dress rehearsal.
“I remember thinking: ‘What do you mean, we’ve got to close for three weeks?’
“How naive were we?
“We quickly filmed the play in the dress rehearsal and then, because we were due to have new air conditioning and ventilation put in.
“We rapidly took everything out of the theatre – all the lights, the lighting rig and all the technical equipment, so it was an empty space for the builders to work on.
“I think the builders did two days and then said: ‘Sorry, we can’t work anymore because we can’t argue that it’s necessary’.
“We took our computers home, because we weren’t in the cloud then, and all started working from home.
“That lasted three months and it was really, really tough.
“Finally, the builders came back to finish and we managed to get a grant to film lots of shows so we could put them online for free, for the community.
“We ended up getting audiences in Canada and Australia and South Africa and loads of other places, because all these shows for young audiences were available online.
“We also put on some free workshops online for people to do at home – things they could do even if they were in a confined space.
“That was challenging, but we were also really proud that we didn’t stop.”
leaving a legacy
While she will be sad to say goodbye to Half Moon, she is infinitely proud of the legacy she is leaving behind.
“I honestly didn’t expect to be here for 20 years,” she said.
“I just thought I’d come for three or four, help buy the building, get some money to refurbish it and then be off.
“But I’ve had such a good time – we’ve ended up doing four different capital projects.
“It took much longer than I thought to buy the building, but we’ve done that now and even paid off the mortgage, which helps the company because we don’t have to find that money every year.
“Each capital project has made it better and more welcoming.
“The last one we did was to put in a new lift, because it was 30 years old and they literally didn’t make spare parts anymore.”
She added: “Every time we have finished a new project, I’ve thought maybe it was time and I’d move on, then something else came up and it’s always been really interesting.
“So I’ve ended up staying.”
She said the couple had been talking about leaving “on and off” for a long time but finally felt the right moment had arrived.
“It’s time for me to retire because it has been very hard work,” said Jackie.
“Chris is going to do some freelance creative stuff, without having the responsibility of running a company.
“He is the one who is very much involved in the community.
“Someone stopped him in the street the other day.
“They just pulled up their car in the middle of the road, wound down the window and said ‘My daughter used to come to you and thank you for everything you’ve done for our family’.
“I tend to spend more time in the office, so I know the families really well that come in here regularly and I know lots of the organisations and funders in the borough.”
Fun Palaces is set to come to the theatre in October
saying goodbye
The duo announced their departure in early August, picking the timing as the company’s application for the next four years of Arts Council funding is due in Autumn 2025.
“We felt that gives time for the trustees to recruit two new people and us to have a handover,” said Jackie.
“Then there will still be a good 11 months for the new people to get their feet under the table and create their vision.
“I’m sure the company will still have the same ethos, because the trustees are absolutely certain they want to appoint people who are committed to being very much part of the community.”
While the couple has tried not to let work spill over into their personal time, it has been inevitable over the years.
“On our journeys in and out of work, we will be briefing and debriefing,” said Jackie. So it ends up being a lot more hours than we do in the office.
“When we go on holiday we agreed we’d always be contactable because for the two senior people to go on holiday together wouldn’t normally happen.
“But our staff are so great that only very rarely has anyone had to contact us.”
So will saying goodbye to Half Moon Theatre leave a big hole in her life?
“It’s sad, but it’s time,” said Jackie. “We are going to do some traveling. We moved house at the end of last year, so there’s decorating to finish.
“I’d like to do some things I never had time for – classical concerts and jazz, read more, see my friends and go to the gym.
“Then I might get bored and volunteer at a small charity. Who knows?
“Leaving doesn’t actually seem real yet.
“At the moment, there’s so much to do. I’m trying to get ahead with my fundraising so that whoever takes over from me has got a secure base to start from.
“We’re always busy, so there’s always lots and lots to do.”
Fun Palaces is free to attend
coming up at Half Moon Theatre
This free family fun day returns for a ninth year with another selection of fun community events throughout the building and garden.
Fun Palaces will be held on October 5, 2024, from 10am-4pm with pop-up storytelling performances, music and movement workshops, art and craft activities and a tea and cake stall.
Exhibition, Greenwich Printmakers Comes East, can also be viewed in the foyer gallery.
No need to book, just show up.
Jackie said: “It’s focused on environmentally sound issues. So we use recycling to create all the craft and this year the theme is nature. In the theatre, every 20 minutes, there’s a different activity on a cycle.
“In the foyer staff and volunteers will run the art activities and then there’s always a giant chalk area outside.
“Families can stay as long as they like, pop in and out or come for the day with a picnic.
“You’ll often find one of our trustees dressed up as a duck or a dragon or a squirrel or something going around interacting with the families.”
The event usually attracts around 700 participants to the theatre.
“It’s a great way for us to introduce families to our work; “ said Jackie.
“Kids can have a go at things and hopefully they’ll come back and book tickets for our shows.
“About a third of our audience is new each season and I think a lot of them would have come from the Fun Palaces day.
“Because it’s a free activity, that definitely appeals to people who aren’t sure about the arts or coming to the theatre.
“We try to be as informal as possible, relaxed and welcoming because the whole point is to get families through the door to realise what we’re about, and also to talk to them about all the other stuff we offer the rest of the year.”
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
“I’ve always been involved with boats from about the age of five onwards,” said Richard.
“I grew up in a tiny village between Fleetwood and Lancaster near the coast and friends of mine went sailing, so I started racing at the age of 10, going on to compete nationally.”
While pursuing a career in automotive sales, Richard continued sailing in his leisure time so, having spent some time living with his family in Paris, it was a natural move to join Aquavista on their return to the UK.
“That was about four years ago when the company was starting up its Boat Sales operation and I’ve found I really enjoyed working with boats as well as sailing them as a leisure activity,” he said. “You meet a fascinating variety of people.
“Last year I sold £6.5million worth of boats and we’re already on track to supersede that this financial year.
“We’ve progressed from selling just used boats to marketing new ones – I thoroughly enjoy it and it’s led me in a roundabout way to get involved in the design of them too.”
Broker at Boat Sales By Aquavista, Richard Hogarth
a lifestyle choice
Boat Sales by Aquavista currently has vessels available for between £33,000 and £297,500 at its east London marinas – but what’s really involved on giving up life on dry land for the water?
“It’s really a lifestyle choice, a bit of an adventure,” said Richard. “It’s not really an economic decision.
“First and foremost, living on a boat is something very different.
“But at our marinas you’ve got all the features and benefits of life ashore as well as the excitement of being able to move around and the wonderful floating communities of Limehouse and Poplar.
“People buy boats here from all over the world – we’ve sold them to clients from Australia, America, Canada and France over the last 12 months alone.”
Aquavista also operates Poplar Marina in Blackwall
the practicalities: Boat Sales by Aquavista
But what about the practicalities – what kind of lifestyle and costs can those who opt to live on a boat expect?
“Driven by the pandemic, with people sitting at home and thinking about alternatives, continuous cruising in London has exploded,” said Richard.
“That’s where people sail up and down the canals, moving every two weeks.
“That really is a lifestyle decision, given the practicalities and you have to want to do it.
“Having a residential mooring in a marina is different and we’ve seen an increased demand for it.
“The only way to get a boat into our London marinas is to buy one that already has a mooring.
“We’re massively over-subscribed and Limehouse is the most central marina in the capital where you can live full time on a residential mooring.
“St Katherine Docks, for example, only has leisure moorings.”
Many house boats feature chic interiors and are ready to move onto
a permanent home
While buying a boat and hoping for a slot is a non-starter, the existing moorings are transferable with vessels already moored at Aquavista’s facilities and there are plenty of new and used craft on the market to consider.
A mooring in a marina also takes the headache out of searching for services while cruising.
Richard said: “With us, your boat literally plugs into the mains and tap water is supplied.
“We have a laundry room for boat owners, toilet and shower suites and we take people’s post to a letter box on your pontoon.
“Our facilities are accessible 24-hours and we have a parcel room as well to take in deliveries.
“We sell used boats and new ones that are 70ft long and 12ft 6” wide so there’s plenty of space inside.
“What is refreshing is that more people buying boats here are actually using their boats, going out on the canal network and enjoying them, and that’s good to see.
“One of the benefits of Aquavista is that we have a reciprocal mooring scheme where boats can book into other marinas at no extra cost around the country.
“Your mooring back home stays empty and ready for you when you return.”
In addition to the cost of the boat, buyers pay 7.5% (plus VAT) as a one-off fee to take over the mooring. They’ll also need a survey to assess the craft’s condition.
Ongoing costs for owners include an annual mooring fee based on the size of the boat (£14,522 for a £33,000 narrowboat, for example) and council tax in Band A.
Other costs to consider are regular blacking to protect the hull, boat insurance and the cost of a safety certificate.
Prospective buyers can tour boats at Limehouse Marina on September 14
catch Boat Sales by Aquavista’s Limehouse Open Day
For those interested in learning more, Boat Sales by Aquavista is set to host an Open Day at Limehouse Marina on September 14, 2024.
Running from 10am-5pm Richard and staff from Aquavista will be on hand to talk visitors through the process of buying and owning a boat in east London.
“People can just drop-in, but we’d love them to get in touch beforehand so we can find out what they’re potentially interested in and make their visit as relevant as possible,” he said.
“There are so many options.
“If I was a single man, I’d probably just be looking at narrowboats.
“I also love the new wide-beam boats we have for sale – they come with everything.
“You can just move on board and get on with your life just as you would in an apartment.
“Also the charm of the Dutch barges – some of which are more than 100 years old – is compelling.
“They have so much history associated with them and many have been beautifully fitted out.”
A Greenwich house boat moored at Limehouse Marina, available through Boar Sales by Aquavista
case study: new boats at Limehouse and Poplar Marinas
Guide: £297,500
Boat Sales by Aquavista is currently selling a number of new boats that come with residential moorings in east London.
These 70ft, wide beam barges come with two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and bath and an expansive, open-plan living area.
Built by Waterspace Living, the Greenwich boasts the kind of interior features usually found in luxury apartments such as a wine cooler, underfloor heating in the bathroom and a skylight to flood the craft with natural light.
Viewing is highly recommended.
The wide beam barge offers plenty of living space
key details: Boat Sales by Aquavista
Keen to view? Richard and his team will happily show prospective buyers the options at Limehouse and Poplar Marinas by appointment.
Call 020 7308 9930 or email richard.h@aquavista.com to arrange a viewing.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
But, according to London-based creative, Willy Amott: “There’s always someone singing as the boat goes down.
“Whether it be Titanic, The Poseidon Adventure or in real life, that entertainment still happens even in those dark moments.
“The show must go on, is a saying some people really do live by.
“I thought that was a really interesting angle and it would be fun to put an audience in that situation – then make it very silly and not scary.”
On September 26, 2024, Willy is set to bring Get Your Ducks In A Row to Theatreship on the Isle Of Dogs – a Cabaret-style show that promises to thrust the audience into a world which is, well, ending.
“The idea is that the audience and performers are all on the last known ship because the climate crisis has happened and sea levels have risen,” said Willy.
“The uber rich have gone up in the sky and are probably living on the moon.
“The middle rich, however, are on this boat and the performers are providing the entertainment for the evening.
“There will be some sort of prize –maybe joining the rich on their blimp in the sky – which will add a sort of game show element to this surreal, post-apocalyptic cabaret.”
Drag act Jean will perform. They wear denim. A lot of denim
stepping into the arts
Originally from Bristol, Willy had a varied career journey before “tripping” into the arts and culture world for the first time during the pandemic.
He said: “I never studied live art or performance at university, but I think sometimes there’s a great benefit in that.”
In the last four years he has mainly spent time producing other people’s shows including performances for Fierce Festival, Beatfreeks and Fatt Projects.
He has also managed stages at Manchester Pride and Birmingham Pride, toured with drag artists like Bailey J Mills and cabaret collectives like Send In The Clowns, filling in the gaps with odd jobs as a performer, facilitator, panellist and researcher.
In January, he took the plunge and moved to London to pursue his dream of creating his own shows under company name Willy Does Productions.
He got his chance after successfully bidding for £1,000 seed funding for this year’s Totally Thames Festival, which “takes off some pressure” and has allowed him to really play around with the concept for Ducks.
“Initially, I applied with slightly different idea – a bit lower key,” said Willy.
“It was just going to be a sort of light touch environmental quiz with performance elements.
“Then someone from the festival said I should check out Theatreship.
“The second I saw inside it, I knew we had to be there.
“I decided to make it more performance heavy and amp up the immersive elements.
“The idea has transformed into something I think will be very wacky and very silly.”
Willy Amott
bringing a different Energy to Theatreship
The evening will be hosted by comedian and West End star Richard Energy, who Willy has worked with before.
“He performs stand-up, lipsyncs, sings live and will be providing a little narrative sense to the chaotic evening,” said Willy.
Beyond Richard, there’s a trio of performers, namely Cyro, a trans drag performer and co-host of Man Up London, Jean, winner of Top Of The Slops 2024 who wears denim ensembles and Jamie Fuxx, a cheeky heartthrob who has performed across the capital.
“In general in my work I try to platform more drag artists,” said Willy.
“It’s important to make sure that other people are getting their moment in the spotlight, including people I think are really good and these performers certainly are.
“Usually I put on this kind of show for other people – they present their ideas to me and I work out how to make it happen in a really pragmatic way.
“Being the creative is very different.
“My notes for this show have been so long my finger gets tired scrolling through them.
“It’s full of silly little things I’ve seen on Tiktok or YouTube – songs I think might work for a particular moment.
“When I was producing for other people I would always try to make it work – whatever they wanted. Now I’m trying to do that with myself and not cut off ideas.
“The reason the show has grown is because I gave myself permission to say: ‘What you really want to do is something that is a bit mad and requires the imagination, but that’s fine. You can make people buy into it if you buy into it yourself first’.
“I’ve learned to say yes to myself in the last couple of months and that’s a skill.
“Sometimes we don’t let ourselves play like that as we get older, we start to get too practical.
“But I just allowed myself to play with the idea.”
The former bulk dry cargo carrier is moored in Millwall Cutting between West India South Dock and Millwall Inner Dock.
It used to carry up to 300 tonnes of grain and coal but was brought across from the Netherlands as part of a project with the Canal And River Trust to reopen the dock as a public space.
Fully converted, it boasts a 110-seat auditorium suitable for theatre performances or film screenings and a cafe-bar area within its steel cargo hold.
The aim is to make it into a mixed arts space with the help of its impressive role call of staff.
They include head of film programming, Natalie Hill, who has won multiple BAFTAs and head of music programming Karl Lutchmayer – a multi-award winning Steinway artist and former professor at Trinity Laban in Greenwich.
Theatreship is moored at South Quay on the Isle Of Dogs
key details: Get Your Ducks In A Row at Theatreship
Get Your Ducks In A Row will be performed aboard Theatreship on September 26, 2024.
Doors open at 5.30pm for a performance at 7.30pm.
Tickets start at £9.42 and are available through Totally Thames.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
Alistair has a long history with Laser Quest and there’s a sense he’s lost none of the enthusiasm he first felt for the game and its atmosphere.
Born in Bolton, he began playing aged 14 and started working part-time at his local branch while studying at college.
“Apart from the games it was also a bit of a social scene,” he said. “Inevitably I got a job and a foot in the door.
“I lived up there until my mid-20s when I hit a bit of a glass ceiling as one of the managers, so the next step was to own my own centre.
“There was an opportunity for me to get some premises in Croydon and open up.
“So I sold my house and raised some capital to get it up and running as a licensed operation, similar to a franchise.”
The Laser Quest Greenwich alien
opening his first
That first venture was a success, with Alistair getting stuck in to establish the business.
“Once that had happened, all I could think about was opening a second one,” he said.
“Being a northern lad, I was drawn to some opportunities in the north and so I opened the next one in Sheffield.
“That was next to a leisure complex and a cinema, so that worked very well too.
“From there it was a case of me, having understood how the business model worked, copying and pasting the next one and eventually I found myself with eight or nine sites.”
That trajectory may well have continued had the pandemic not arrived in 2020, which forced the closure of his businesses.
However, Alistair leaned into an opportunity.
“I had the chance to buy the whole of Laser Quest, which develops, supplies and licenses the equipment,” he said.
“The owner was coming up to retirement age and I got on with him quite well, so that opportunity was there.
“I figured that, if we didn’t recover from Covid, I was screwed anyway, so I put all my chips on the business.”
Laser Quest GB managing director Alistair Dawson at Laser Quest Greenwich
bouncing back
The man who’d fired his first laser at 14 now owned the company that was ultimately responsible for his first ever job.
“It was bizarre,” he said. “At first there was a lot of pressure and I did question whether I’d done the right thing.
“But then there was a bounce back after Covid – people had been starved of fun.
“When all the centres were open and trading again, there was renewed interest from other leisure operators too – such as Flip Out – so it’s proved to be quite a good decision and I hope it will continue.
“At the moment we’ve got about 60 centres in the UK and I own about 10 or 12 of those sites.
“The others are licensed operations.”
In response to renewed interest, the company has been increasing its operation in Greater London with branches in Bromley, Brent Cross, Kingston, Barking and Romford.
It has just opened Laser Quest Greenwich, tucked away in a basement at Merryweather Place just off the Deptford End of Greenwich High Road.
“We’ve realised there’s a big demand in the capital and we’re now getting round to fulfilling that,” said Alistair.
“Traditionally, the business has always been a venue for children’s birthday parties.
“We do packages that include food, drinks and everything people need for that.
“But it also appeals to all ages – for some there’s a nostalgic feel to it.
“Someone in their 40s, for example, might remember going to parties as kids.
“It’s a fun activity and people get excited just talking about it.
“We still do score sheets for each player so you can see who you zapped, who zapped you and what percentage of your shots were on target.
“Being just down the road from Canary Wharf, we’d love companies to use the facility – we do offer exclusive hire with unlimited games.
“We’ve got a 4,500sq ft arena that can accommodate up to 40 players.
“Catering can be arranged or groups can make their own arrangements – we like to be really flexible.
“We also intend to get the venue licensed so we will be able to serve alcohol to adult players.
“That means we’ll also be fitting into the competitive socialising market, which is really taking off.
“We’ve also introduced something completely new for Greenwich – an attraction called the Laser Maze.
“It’s like something out of Mission Impossible, where players have to navigate their way through a room filled with beams.
“Break one of them and you’ll get penalised.
“We hope it will become really competitive.
“Also on-site, we have an array of video games to keep people entertained.”
Party business: Laser Quest Greenwich is perfectly equipped for kids’ parties
looking to the future
As for the future, the fact that Alistair is now in charge of the wider business means he has oversight on the development of the brand, its equipment and what its future will be.
“As a business we own the trademark and produce the packs necessary to play the game,” he said.
“The great thing about owning the company is that I can help develop new equipment, features and systems to make it even better over the coming years.
“One of the things we want to do is to bring out a Laser Quest app, so photos and scorecards from the game can be downloaded.
“That would also allow us to do members’ leagues.
“We’ve got some really exciting things coming over the next couple of years.”
Will you take on the Laser Maze?
key details: Laser Quest Greenwich
Laser Quest Greenwich is open now from 4pm-9pm on weekdays and from 10am-9pm at weekends, for school holidays and on Bank Holidays.
The standard rate for a single, 20-minute game is £10.95. A go on the Laser Maze costs £3.
Party packages start at £29.95 per guest.
Exclusive hire of the whole venue starts at £350 with a capacity of 40 people.
Corporate hire starts at £795 for one hour with unlimited games included.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
He’s been patron of music at the Cabot Place venue since it opened its doors way back in 2011.
But his musical connection to this part of London goes back even further.
“Growing up, I lived in Greenwich – just the other side of the Blackwall Tunnel – but nobody dared go through ‘the pipe’ as it was known,” said the band leader, pianist, presenter, singer and former member of Squeeze.
“It was another world, but we were teenagers so we went through and discovered the people on the other side of the river were just as nice as us.
“I even won a talent show in one at the age of 15.
“The prize was that you got to play there for four weeks.
“They sacked me after three, because I didn’t know any more songs.
“Pubs used to have piano players and then, once a week, maybe a band.
“There was one in Rotherhithe – The Prince Of Orange – which had trad jazz. It was open all night for a while and it was fantastic, although it’s closed now.”
That regularity of live performance was what first attracted Jools to Boisdale.
“I went to the restaurant in Belgravia a few times and got to know the owner, Ranald Macdonald,” said the musician.
“I just thought it was so great that they put on music, because there aren’t that many places doing that consistently.
“Boisdale does and that’s amazing because it’s a really hard thing to organise.
“Right from the first time I went in there, it had an atmosphere, something a bit glamorous – as though it was from another age like a 1940s American film.”
Jools performs with Gregory Porter and Nick Reynolds of the Alabama 3
patron of music: Jools Holland
As patron of music, Jools regularly hosts a Boogie-Woogie Spectacular at the Canary Wharf venue, featuring his favourite stride and boogie-woogie pianists such as Neville Dickie, German Axel Zwingenberger and Swiss Ladyva.
“Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is really a wonderful place,” said Jools.
“It has a magical atmosphere that’s like walking into another world.
“You have the joy of the music, the food and the buzz.
“The awards are really great because you get people from all different fields of performance at varied stages in their careers.”
Previous winners have included the likes of Alabama 3, PP Arnold, Snow, Tony Iommi, Kiki Dee, Suzi Quatro, Emeli Sande, Lemar, UB40, Lisa Stansfield, Mud Morganfield and Maxi Priest.
It’s also recognised emerging acts such as Errol Linton, Emily Capell and Charlie Pyne.
“Forget what they say in the media, there aren’t different sorts of music, these are just great players and singers,” said Jools, who often collaborates with winners on the night.
“It’s a bit like Later, my TV programme.
“The event is a real mix of things rather than just a load of pop music – although there’s nothing wrong with that.
“I’d use previous winners Gregory Porter and Albert Lee as examples.
“Albert is one of the greatest country guitarists the world has ever known and Gregory is one of the best jazz singers alive today.
“I love the fact that they’re in different spheres, but they can both fit into Boisdale and both receive awards from this venue in Canary Wharf – I think that’s wonderful.”
PP Arnold on stage at the Boisdale Music Awards
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf: home of the unexpected
One of the endearing things about nights out at Boisdale is that you never quite know what’s going to happen and its awards ceremonies are legend for their unexpected appearances and juxtapositions.
Where else might you spot Hugh Laurie swapping tales with a founder member of Black Sabbath or see a Sex Pistol perform with David Bowie’s sideman?
With going on a decade and a half of performances, its stage has hosted an unrelentingly diverse programme of acts, with Mel C, Rebecca Ferguson, Alexander Armstrong and Suspiciously Elvis giving it their all.
“My friend Rod Stewart did go in and perform one night and loved it,” said Jools. “He didn’t realise I could have been there playing with him.
“Boisdale Of Canary Wharf has become a great room. When these places are new, I think they’re harder. I do think rooms have a spirit – now it’s got a vibe in it.
“It’s a curious thing. I’m not a mumbo-jumbo person, but there is definitely something about a musical instrument that’s been played a lot, or a room that’s been inhabited and has had a lot of music played in it, with people enjoying it. That really adds to the atmosphere.
“You can’t put your finger on what it is, but the likelihood of something great happening is much increased.
“For me, that was playing with Gregory Porter at Boisdale.”
The event packs our Boisdale Of Canary Wharf
Jools Holland on Canary Wharf
It’s not just the venue itself for Jools, however.
Having grown up locally and formed Squeeze across the river in Deptford, he’s seen Canary Wharf emerge and grow and he’s a fan.
“Some people say that, years ago – when there was nothing there – it was really great,” he said.
“But I say what the great gurus say, which is that it’s now that’s the moment
“If you have a room with all those great people in it and great food too, then now is its pinnacle – paradise is now – and now is the time to go.
“When Canary Wharf was first built it was a big thing.
“You’d look over from Greenwich and you’d see it towering above everything else, but now everything’s around it – there’s a whole world here.
“When they said the piazza in Covent Garden was a great place after it was first built, others said they’d preferred it as a mediaeval village.
“The great thing about Canary Wharf is that it’s been very well built.
“Then with the live music you have here now at Boisdale it becomes a place.
“You’ve got to give places like the Wharf a chance sometimes, rather than saying it was better in the past or it will be better in the future.
“Now is the time that it’s actually good.”
Son of Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield on stage at the awards
a burger for preference
While on duty Jools prefers a clear head and stomach, so he’ll be waiting until after the presenting is done to enjoy Boisdale’s hospitality on September 18, 2024.
But his dish of choice at the venue perhaps harks back to another memory from his personal relationship with Canary Wharf.
“Their cheeseburger is a delicious thing,” he said. “The food is always very consistent – you feel as though you’ve had a proper night out when you eat there.
“They have a great wine list there, and I quite like wine.
“You could take your aged aunt there and she’d think it was fantastic, or you could take some teenagers and they’d have a fantastic time.
“It has that personal touch, it’s not like a corporate chain, but it has the contents of Ranald’s brain all around the room and it’s a very nice brain to have a look at.
“I remember, back when One Canada Square was first built, I used to take my children through the Blackwall Tunnel and we’d pretend we’d driven all the way to the USA.
“There was an American diner at the foot of the tower serving burgers and that was great.
“There’s a lot more than that here today.”
Emerging artist Emily Capell performs at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf after receiving an award
key details: Boisdale-Xejoff Music Awards 2024
The Boisdale-Xerjoff Music Awards 2024, hosted by Jools Holland, are set to take place on September 18, 2024, with ticket prices starting at £149.
The evening starts at 6pm with a Champagne and cocktail reception followed by a three-course dinner.
The awards will then be presented by Jools Holland and YolanDa Brown alongside performances from the winners.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
That same image caught the eye of Andrew Finnegan, bar board chair at The Space Bar, who saw it on Ed’s stall at Wapping Docklands Market next to Shadwell Basin and decided it would make the perfect present for a friend.
“He drinks regularly in The Grapes and he’s a keen cyclist,” said Andrew. “The painting had a bike outside the pub, so it was the ideal gift.”
Having made the connection and, keen to forge local partnerships for mutual benefit, Ed was duly invited to exhibit some of his work at The Space Bar – the hospitality arm of the Westferry Road arts centre on the Isle Of Dogs.
Completely coincidentally, its patron is Sir Ian.
Ed is often to be found sketching around Docklands
an amazing building
“It’s an exciting venture for me because The Space is such an amazing building and one that’s not particularly well-known outside the area,” said Ed.
“The bar now has some of my original works on the wall as well as prints that are available, framed or unframed.
“People are buying about one a week at the moment.
“With this collaboration, what I’ve tried to do is capture the local area – pubs, the historic cranes, Millwall, the dock and the Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre as well as other locations along the Thames.
“My watercolour of The Space itself has already sold and prints have gone off round the world.
“I’ve got loads more pictures in the pipeline and – working in this area, I’ve been introduced to other buildings and other pubs – so this is the start of something that I hope will continue to be a real success.”
Detail from Ed’s image of Millwall Outer Dock
from architecture to painting
Originally an architect, Ed found the increasing digitisation of the profession less than satisfying and began selling his paintings at Wapping Docklands Market in 2021.
He also trades at its sister markets in Canada Water and Tower Hill and sells his paintings through Skylark Galleries on the South Bank, working full time as an artist.
“My work appeals to different people – locals who have lived in the area for many years, people moving into the area, those moving out and tourists visiting,” he said.
“Commissions are a big part of my income too.
“Only this morning, I was talking to a boat-owner about doing a painting of their boat, which is fantastic.
I also recently delivered a big order to Tower Bridge’s gift shop, which is their fourth in the last couple of years, so it’s all going really well
“Thanks to social media I’m now selling work internationally, which I never thought would happen. I’m always out drawing and painting with my sketchbook.
“It’s like when you’re out walking a dog, people come and talk to you and you get a lot of feedback that way.
“I’m planning to do more panoramic views of the Thames which are popular and have already painted the oldest pub on the Isle Of Dogs – The Ferry House – and places like Burrells Wharf, which is where Brunel’s ship The Great Eastern was built and launched from.
“That sold within 24 hours of going up at The Space.”
Ed’s signed prints start at £50, with original paintings available from £295.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
