East London Archives

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026

New homes unveiled at 25 Cuba development on the Isle Of Dogs

Scheme by Ballymore and Penta Real Estate includes facilities such as workspaces, content studios and a fitness suite with a Yoga terrace

An artist's impression of 25 Cuba - image supplied by Ballymore — An artist’s impression of 25 Cuba – image supplied by Ballymore

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“We spend a great deal of time understanding how people actually want to live, how they work, how they rest and how they connect,” said Brian De’Ath, managing director of sales and marketing at Ballymore.

“Every decision at 25 Cuba comes from that understanding, informed by the insights we have gained from listening to our residents through internal surveys and observing how they use our neighbourhoods.

“People are doing so much more than their primary job, they are building businesses, creating content, freelancing, investing and learning.

“They are ambitious and our research shows that their homes need to keep up with them, and become a place where they can feel productive, focused and creative.

“At 25 Cuba, we are creating a space that genuinely supports the full breadth of how these people want to spend their time.”

The development includes a new public square - image supplied by Ballymore — The development includes a new public square – image supplied by Ballymore

marking the launch

Ballymore and Penta Real Estate, the developers behind the 52-storey scheme on the Isle Of Dogs’ Cuba Street, have marked its launch by commissioning a survey into what prospective London buyers are looking for in a home.

Based on the views of 1,000 respondents aged 25-68 and conducted by More In Common, the research found 80% were engaged in entrepreneurial activity outside their main job including investing (47%), freelancing (37%), content creation (27%) and running a small business (23%).

The survey found 92% believed London rewarded ambition, while 23% were already earning £10,000 or more each year from their side hustle.

Echoing Brian’s views, the research also showed buyers were keen for their future home to play a part in that with 48% ranking a property that supported their ambitions or goals as a top-two priority and 65% of respondents using their homes for side projects on most days.

How the development's Yoga terrace will look - image supplied by Ballymore — How the development’s Yoga terrace will look – image supplied by Ballymore

baking-in the facilities

“London is one of those special places where you genuinely feel like anything could be possible,” said Brian.

“We didn’t want to build somewhere that people just come home to at the end of the day.

“We wanted somewhere that actively helps people get to where they are trying to go and gives them the space, literally and figuratively, to do their best work.

“As we prepare for the opening of 25 Cuba we will also be using what we’ve learnt from our most recent research to consider the ways in which the space will be managed, from the type of events hosted to the music played, to best suit those living here.”

Scheduled for completion in 2029, the 434-apartment development offers studios, one, two and three-bedroom properties that feature open-plan design and private balconies.

Communal facilities include a 24-hour concierge service, a reception gallery, a garden bar and a fitness suite on the 32nd floor complete with weights, cardio machines, a dance studio and a Yoga terrace.

There will also be a reading room, workspaces, meeting pods, a library, meeting rooms and content creation studios for residents to use as well as a one-acre park.

More In Common’s survey found more than a third of prospective buyers were paying for access to workspaces, with even higher percentages for those running businesses and making content.

Prices at the tower range from from £395,000 to £2,750,000 - image supplied by Ballymore — Prices at the tower range from from £395,000 to £2,750,000 – image supplied by Ballymore

an increasingly attractive Canary Wharf

The research also said respondents felt most creative in parks and outdoor spaces making the newly landscaped Cuba Street Gardens an attractive proposition on the doorstep at 25 Cuba.

Residents will, of course, also benefit from the likes of Mudchute Park And Farm and Sir John McDougall Gardens, which are also within walking distance.

The survey also found the wider Canary Wharf area had become more attractive over the last decade as a place to live with 62% saying their opinion of the neighbourhood had improved.

A little over three quarters said they would or may consider a move to E14.

Brian said: “Something has shifted in how people see Canary Wharf. Once a place where you came to work and left at the end of the day, it is now a neighbourhood where people want to live, socialise and spend their weekends.

“What has been particularly notable is the commitment from commercial companies like PwC, Visa, and JP Morgan Chase, which is certainly not something we envisaged happening when we first started planning 25 Cuba.”

Facilities include content production studios - image supplied by Ballymore — Facilities include content production studios – image supplied by Ballymore

key details: 25 Cuba

Prices for private sale apartments at 25 Cuba range from £395,000 to £2,750,000.

A show apartment is available to view in the sales gallery by appointment on weekdays and Saturdays at The Cube facility in Millwall Inner Dock on the Isle Of Dogs, just off Marsh Wall.

Find out more about the development here

The building's main reception area - image supplied by Ballymore — The building’s main reception area – image supplied by Ballymore

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September 13, 2026September 13, 2026

London Dock releases discounted homes for Tower Hamlets locals

Buyers must live or work in the borough and meet other criteria to purchase one of 17 apartments at the development’s Jade Wharf building

An artist's impression of Jade Wharf at London Dock - image supplied by Berkeley — An artist’s impression of Jade Wharf at London Dock – image supplied by Berkeley

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Developer Berkeley, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, has unveiled its latest collection of apartments available at discounted, below market value prices.

The 17 one and two-bedroom apartments are located in Jade Wharf, part of the wider London Dock scheme in Wapping.

With prices starting at £262,000, the apartments are only being offered to first-time buyers who have lived in Tower Hamlets for at least 12 months or who work or have a job offer from a firm based in the borough.

Prospective buyers will need to move swiftly as the application and qualification process closes on September 21, 2026.

To be eligible, combined household income must be less than £90,000, with buyers allocated available properties based on their circumstances, which will be assessed by the council following an expression of interest.

Under the scheme the apartments are jointly owned with the authority, which retains an equity stake in the property although charges no rent on its holding and can be bought out.

Owners seeking to sell in the future must first market their property through the council for a period before they can offer it more widely.

Inside the apartments, buyers can expect open-plan living spaces featuring timber-effect flooring and carpeted bedrooms, all warmed by under-floor heating.

Fitted kitchens come with quartz worktops and tiled splashbacks and feature bronze, mirrored shelving as well as intergrated Bosch appliances.

Buyers can choose between cabinets sage green or soft white.

Bathrooms feature porcelain and ceramic tiles and framed bath and shower screens.

The apartments, many of which have private balconies, are expected to be finished and ready to move into from spring next year.

The scheme features a series of landscaped garden square spaces - image supplied by Berkeley — The scheme features a series of landscaped garden square spaces – image supplied by Berkeley

ready from sprint 2027

Managing director at Berkeley, Marcus Blake, said: “This latest collection has been created for first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder without compromising on quality, design or location.

“Ready to move into from spring 2027, these homes combine thoughtfully designed living spaces with premium amenities and excellent connectivity, making home ownership in central London more accessible.

“London Dock has grown into one of the capital’s most established and sought-after new neighbourhoods, with continued demand reflecting both the quality of the homes and the strength of the wider place created.

“From the outset, our ambition has been to deliver a neighbourhood that feels fully integrated into Wapping, combining retailers, welcoming public spaces and beautifully designed homes.”

London Dock itself currently houses around 2,000 people and includes 7.5 acres of landscaped open space and private gardens.

Residents get access to The Club, the scheme’s hotel-style wellness facility which comprises a gym, a squash court, a virtual golf suite, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, a private screening room and a treatment room.

The discounted apartments are available to Tower Hamlets workers or residents - image supplied by Berkeley — The discounted apartments are available to Tower Hamlets workers or residents – image supplied by Berkeley

an emerging neighbourhood

The development is also set to become home to The Mauretania Lounge, which includes relaxing areas, a co-working space, a bar and a private dining room.

Inspired by the “gilded age of travel” this facility will also feature a grand central staircase and a floor-to-ceiling aquarium.

Locally, a growing clutch of businesses offer further amenities including hospitality from Urban Baristas, Champagne Route and Motherdough.

Fitness and wellbeing spots include E1 Crossfit, Club Pilates and City Dock Pharmacy and there’s also Dogeast, an independent grooming studio for canine residents.

London Dock is located within walking distance of Tower Hill, Wapping, Aldgate East and Shadwell stations, offering access to the DLR, Tube and Overground services.

Tower Pier is also a short stroll away through St Katharine Docks, past Tower Bridge and the Tower Of London.

It offers residents the option of travelling by river bus on Uber Boat By Thames Clippers services to many locations up and down the river, including Canary Wharf.

Prices for the properties start at £262,000 - image supplied by Berkeley — Prices for the properties start at £262,000 – image supplied by Berkeley

key details: discount market homes at London Dock

Prices for the 17 first-time buyer apartments at London Dock’s Jade Wharf start at £262,000.

Eligibility criteria apply to all of the properties on offer.

Those seeking further information or who would like to register their interest in purchasing one of the homes should call the sales team on 020 7971 7880 email sales@londondock.co.uk or follow this link.

The application and qualification process must be completed by September 21, 2026.

You can find out more about London Dock here

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September 13, 2026September 13, 2026

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

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

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

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“We’re never going to be finished – we’re constantly looking at how we can bring more people to Canary Wharf,” said Stuart Fyfe, managing director – retail, leisure and hospitality at CWG (Canary Wharf Group).

It’s easy to take things for granted in life.

Walk through the estate today and you’ll find it busier that its ever been, especially at weekends.

The Wharf has matured well beyond delivering services to office workers.

It’s become a place to live, a destination for dining, socialising, sport and leisure plus, increasingly, a base for tourists visiting the capital.

But its evolution isn’t a happy accident.

It’s down to the careful, diligent work of CWG, spearheaded by Stuart and his team, who constantly manage the mix and improve the offer to best serve the needs of Wharfers, making sure the estate’s finger is kept on the pulse.

That means a stream of new openings, carefully selected and positioned to move the dials in the right direction as needs and fashions change.

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

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

delivering an anchor

“With retail you’re always looking to engage with the strongest brands,” said Stuart.

“We always felt Jubilee Place needed an anchor fashion store and it’s taken some time to engineer the opportunity.

“Uniqlo is a fantastic retailer – I’ve been lucky enough to see its flagship store in Tokyo and it’s mind-blowing how they make it work over 12 storeys.

“It’s a brand that has broad appeal and that’s important.

“When you’re doing a deal with an anchor store – you need to ensure there’s enough space for the brand to showcase a wide selection of its products, you want to be able to see and shop the collections.”

Uniqlo will extend through what was once three units opposite Circle Collective and Reiss with customers able to peruse its Heattech and Airism ranges, as well as seasonal collections for women and men.

The brand joins a wide range of businesses that are soon to call Canary Wharf home.

Nikkei Cuisine restaurant Bamboo Mat is set to officially open just off Union Square on October 2, 2026, following a soft launch on September 29 and 30.

Other brands coming soon include Nokwol, Chisholm Hunter, Face Gym, The Tallyman, Bronson Burger and Creed, all following hot on the heels of the likes of Jigsaw, Vagabond, Beam and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.

But how does CWG go about curating the businesses that find their way into the malls and onto the streets of the estate?

“You have to have a strategy for each sector,” said Stuart.

“Food and beverage, for example, is fascinating because there’s a huge amount of entrepreneurial spirit there.

“A lot of people have good ideas and one of the skills of my job is to work out how successful they’re going to be.

“You also have to make sure you’re getting the right blend.

“For instance, we started in Wood Wharf with Dishoom and Hawksmoor – both massive brands that put the area on the map.

“Then it was a deliberate move to bring in a series of different operators, especially with the independents in 8 Harbord Square to appeal to local residents as well as people working in and visiting Canary Wharf.

“You have to put yourselves in the shoes of the residents, to ask what they want to see, something appealing, hidden gems, so you can ask if they’ve been to all the different places.

“I think we’ve always been good at backing independents and we’re always looking at the trends that are here and coming.

“Right now there’s the explosion in popularity of matcha.

“We wanted to reflect that, so we engaged with Jenki, which opened in Jubilee Place.

“Then there’s salad, with three new operators opening in Canary Wharf over the last three months to join the ones we already have.

“I can remember, when I first started at Canary Wharf, there was real demand for nutritious options and its brilliant we’ve got so many people now eating tasty, healthy food from businesses based here.”

Uniqlo is set to open in 2027 in Canary Wharf - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Uniqlo is set to open in 2027 in Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

the thrill of retail

Stuart began his career with Knight Frank as a graduate, gaining experience across a range of sectors within commercial property.

But it was always retail space that fascinated him as he moved on to agency work with Lunson Mitchenall and worked to let space in Canary Wharf.

He joined CWG in 2012 as head of retail leasing and clearly still relishes the challenge of renewing and refreshing the existing estate as well as working to fill new buildings.

“Retail always interested me the most – it’s an ever-changing market and everyone’s a consumer,” he said.

“You have to make sure you’re taking a view that will be to the benefit of as many people as possible.

“That’s especially true here, because Canary Wharf itself is ever-changing – you have workers, residents and visitors who all have different requirements.

“You have to balance all of that with the demographics of the people living in Tower Hamlets and the surrounding area to create as compelling an offer as you can.

“During the course of my career, food and beverage has been a huge growth area and we have an incredible selection in Canary Wharf now at different price points, offering cuisines from across the world.

“You can’t eat on the internet, so that’s one way we drive footfall to the estate.

“Another has been the explosion of leisure destinations.

“It’s something we were at the forefront of here.

“The chances are, if you spend a couple of hours at Fairgame, The Cube, Electric Shuffle or K1 Speed go karting, you’ll have a drink or a meal before or afterwards, which means people spend more time here and explore.

“We also had the foresight to see how big Padel tennis was going to get – although I’m not sure we realised quite how huge it would become.

“Padium’s opening here has been a game-changer and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf has also been phenomenally successful – we’ve really had the weather for it.

“The winter is coming, but it’s all in their business plan and they are offering saunas, Yoga, paddleboarding and lots of other things so I’m sure they’ll nail it over the colder months too.

“There are also cultural attractions such as the Hunger Games On Stage at Troubadour Theatre Canary Wharf gives people a completely different reason to come here.”

Vagabond recently opened its doors at Wood Wharf - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Vagabond recently opened its doors at Wood Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

the public buy-in

For Stuart and the team, it’s seeing those crowds that really gives them satisfaction, the joy of witnessing people actually using the amenities they’ve worked hard to establish.

“That’s pride, for me,” said Stuart.

“Seeing the first guests arrive at Locke to stay in the newly opened hotel, watching audiences arrive dressed up for the Hunger Games.

“It means we’ve created something the public are buying into.

“Personally, the rise in the weekend footfall is a huge endorsement of what we’ve done.

“It’s also when you hear people say they spent time in Canary Wharf and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“It’s fantastic that young people admire the quality of the environment we’ve created here too – they really get it.

“A lot of people talk about placemaking – here we’ve done it.”

As for the future, Wharfers can expect the ongoing evolution of the estate to continue.

“We want to grow the retail and leisure offering, to give people more reasons to come to Canary Wharf and to stay longer,” said Stuart.

“That involves opening hotels – we have three already and House Of Gods will be the fourth – and working hard to get international visitors here.

“We have so much to offer – the history of the Docklands, our proximity to The O2, our green spaces, the open water and so many restaurants, bars and facilities to explore.

“We want to build on the successes we’ve already had and I’d like to grow our cultural offering.

“That might be via a viewing gallery to look back at the City skyline or immersive experiences for visitors to enjoy.

“Then, on the retail side, the high street is back.

“Trends are always changing and there are innovative brands coming into the market and having phenomenal success.

“Part of the appeal of stores is that it’s possible to offer great customer service more easily and also to showcase products to people directly.

“One thing I’m certain of is that what people want is variety – that’s what creates urban culture and that’s what we deliver.”

Locke is one of three hotels now trading on the estate with a fourth set to open shortly - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Locke is one of three hotels now trading on the estate with a fourth set to open shortly – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: retail, leisure and hospitality in Canary Wharf

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

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September 12, 2026September 12, 2026

West India Docks Impounding Station set for October open days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But all that water is constantly trying to escape.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the harmony of the pumps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

opening to the public

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

key details: West India Docks Impounding Station

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

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

You can book tickets via this link

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September 11, 2026September 11, 2026

University Of Sunderland In London recruits for MNurse programme

Isle Of Dogs-based course features academic theory and plenty of practical experience for graduates seeking to become registered nurses

Alwin Puthenpurakal, associate head of pre and post registration nursing and public health at the University Of Sunderland In London - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Alwin Puthenpurakal, associate head of pre and post registration nursing and public health at the University Of Sunderland In London – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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The University Of Sunderland In London has opened applications for its MNurse (Adult) programme, set to start in January next year.

The masters level course runs over two years, with those graduating obtaining the necessary qualifications to become a registered nurse with the Nursing And Midwifery Council.

It’s a pathway that can lead to careers in the NHS, the military, primary care, private healthcare, nursing homes, the prison service and more.

“The landscape in UK healthcare is changing, as it is across the world,” said Alwin Puthenpurakal, the university’s associate head of pre and post registration nursing and public health.

“A lot of people are thinking about diversifying their skill set – everyone’s talking about AI replacing jobs. Globally, the birthrate is low and the population is ageing.

“Japan has the oldest, Italy is second and the UK is catching up.

“As a society, we need people to care for those who are living longer, especially when they’re carrying the burden of ill health and living with conditions such as heart disease and lung disease.

“You need humans to do these jobs and that’s where this course comes into play – it provides skills of immense value to the healthcare sector.”

The campus boasts extensive facilities including a simulation ward - image supplied by the University Of Sunderland In London — The campus boasts extensive facilities including a simulation ward – image supplied by the University Of Sunderland In London

a pathway into nursing

Applicants for the programme need to have completed an undergraduate degree in any field and to have 600 hours of healthcare experience.

“This is a regulated programme for graduates who want to embark on a career as a registered nurse, perhaps who want to change the sector they work in,” said Alwin.

“We welcome people from all fields – what’s most important is dedication. Nursing, as a profession is human-centric.

“What makes a student suitable for this programme is that they can demonstrate the ability to study at the right level, but also that they have the lived experience of understanding the needs of a patient.

“Each of our modules over the two years has three elements – there’s the theory and then clinical placements, so students can apply what they have learnt.

“Then there’s the opportunity to reflect on their experiences.

“We have lots of facilities at the university where we emulate what students will see in clinical practice.

“These facilities are about allowing people to make mistakes in a controlled environment where they have support and can learn from them.

“Simulation practice is a very valuable tool and part of how we give people the theoretical and practical knowledge they need to succeed.”

The University Of Sunderland In London is based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The University Of Sunderland In London is based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

inspired by care and compassion

Alwin himself has an extensive background in both practical and academic healthcare.

“My mum was a nurse, now retired, and she was an inspiration,” he said.

“I learnt dedication and diligence from her when I was growing up – care and compassion for her were the most important things.

“She was a workaholic and I’m the same, I love what I do.

“Her dedication – sacrificing Christmas dinner to work in a care home – really rubbed off on me.

“If I manage to achieve a tiny part of what she did during her career in Manchester, then that will make it all worthwhile.”

After training, Alwin worked as an intensive care nurse in the NHS before embarking on a career in education, initially as a lecturer for London South Bank University and then in various roles for institutions including the University Of Greenwich and UEL.

He said: “There’s something special about the University Of Sunderland In London.

“Having researched its aims and history, I saw that it was an institution I wanted to be a part of.

“I’ve always had a love for learning and knowledge and I like helping others develop and build their skills.

“Whether in clinical practice or in education, my career has always been about supporting people. Now my focus is on our students.

“With the MNurse course, the skills you learn can be applied in all walks of life.

“Society keeps changing, but what makes us human is being kind to each other.

“Nursing has always provided that foundation for me to connect with other people, even in their direst need.

“It helps you to value life, individuals and it helps you fundamentally to value relationships.

“Now, I and my colleagues are stewards for the next generation going forward.

“With this qualification, the world is your oyster.

“So, if you are interested in becoming a nurse, then come and speak to us – we can help you understand whether its the right path for you.

“We also encourage people to speak to our alumni about their experience of the healthcare sector, our courses and how they’ve been able to give back to society.”

key details: MNurse (Adult) at the University Of Sunderland In London

Applications are now open for the University Of Sunderland In London for the MNurse (Adult) course that’s set to start in January next year.

You can find full details here or discover more at the institution’s open days on September 12 and November 26, 2026, at the Harbour Exchange campus.

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September 9, 2026September 9, 2026

The Boat House at Cody Dock is the work of many hands together

How the Canning Town ecological regeneration project has, with the help of Nicholas Alexander and many others, delivered a heritage pavilion

The Boat House makes use of the restored Frederick Kitchen as its roof at Cody Dock - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The Boat House makes use of the restored Frederick Kitchen as its roof at Cody Dock – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“I think The Boat House is probably the best thing I’ve done – of all the things I’ve worked on, this project has been the most complete process,” said Nick Runeckles, founder and director of Nicholas Alexander.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to see it through from concept to being on site and sweeping up after the installation.

“I’ve done every bit with my team, all two of us, plus a couple of part-time staff.

“Usually in the built environment, design is kept quite separate from fabrication, but I’ve never seen it like that.

“For me, they are two sides of the same coin – making the structure informs the design.

“You can’t really say you’ve finished designing something until you’ve figured out how it works in practice.”

Nick won the contract from Cody Dock on the banks of the River Lea to come up with a way of using a restored, historic former Welsh lifeboat built on the Thames as the roof of a heritage pavilion, then turn it into a reality.

Already familiar with the ecological regeneration project near Canning Town, he’d previously worked with University Of Westminster architecture students to create The Growing Space on site – an angular building for horticultural propagation and workshops made from Douglas fir.

The Boat House project, however, presented a new kind of challenge for Nicholas Alexander, a business known for its creative construction projects.

Over more than 25 years, Nick has produced everything from a giant statue of Jeff Goldblum to machines that blend whisky on demand or serve expertly mixed cocktails, not to mention sensory experiences to showcase Tesco’s Devour range.

At Cody Dock, though, the task was to create a frame capable of supporting the 4.5-tonne Frederick Kitchen to form a glazed, multi-functional space for exhibitions and events that sensitively placed the boat in the environment without blocking the view of the Lea.

Making the steel frame the boat rests on - image by Alexander Nicholas — Making the steel frame the boat rests on – image by Alexander Nicholas

combining design, fabrication and installation

“We put this opportunity out to tender and selected Nicolas Alexander because of Nick’s unique combination of experience and ability,” said Simon Myers, CEO and co-founder of the Gasworks Dock Partnership, which has been transforming Cody Dock from an industrial wasteland into a functional community space for the last 16 years.

“Bringing together design, fabrication and installation is very rare and this was a company that was happy to set ego aside, really consider the materials used and deliver a structure to our brief that does everything we want it to.”

Funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for Cody Dock’s wider Lighting Up The Lea project, Nick worked alongside the team restoring the Frederick Kitchen to realise The Boat House.

Sections of frame are installed in the boat ready for the vessel to be flipped over - image by Nicholas Alexander — Sections of frame are installed in the boat ready for the vessel to be flipped over – image by Nicholas Alexander

from scans to realisation

“The first thing we did was to scan the boat so I could have something to work with digitally,” he said.

“With a vessel like this you can’t just measure it up because there are no straight lines, no reference points.

“I needed to understand the process of construction and that, for me, means drawing it first and then working with materials.

“The central idea was that the Frederick Kitchen was a really beautiful working boat, so what we needed was to create a structure to support it physically, but also to reflect that.

“The space we’ve created underneath it is both literally and figuratively the working envelope that the vessel offered to people on board when it was sailing.

“One of the challenges for us was that the Frederick Kitchen’s construction is actually pretty modern, it’s a very lightweight design for its size that uses cross diagonal planking in mahogany.

“It doesn’t have heavy ribs so there wasn’t a lot of structure to work with and we’ve had to create a frame that distributes the weight as evenly as we can.

“We divided it into seven sections to split up the load.

“The most scary part of the whole process was the pinch point, the day of the crane when we had to move the boat 100 metres and connect it to the frame on a windy day.

“There was a big responsibility to Simon’s team, everyone who’d worked on the boat and the stakeholders – it was that moment that was responsible for delivering what Cody Dock had said it was going to use the funding for.

The boat is prepared for craning into place - image by Nicholas Alexander — The boat is prepared for craning into place – image by Nicholas Alexander

“I’d allowed maybe two millimetres of clearance so it was a very small target for a very big boat.

“But one of the things we’d done through the whole project was work together. I’d shown them the drawings and asked what they thought.

“One of the things we decided was to mount the boat on single pivot brackets to allow the whole thing to move – the polyurethane bushes enable it so shift as the wood swells and contracts.

“The core of this project was to deliver a space that really works for Cody Dock and I think we’ve achieved that.

“The building has to have a good relationship with the boat to allow passive ventilation to keep the timbers in good condition, but it also has to function as an exhibition space.

“We also have fold-down seating for events, workshops and talks.

“I think we’ve hit that brief.”

Nick Runeckles at work on the project - image by Nicholas Alexander — Nick Runeckles at work on the project – image by Nicholas Alexander

come and see it…

Now finished, The Boat House is set to be the centrepiece of Cody Dock’s forthcoming Lighting Up The Lea festival on September 19, 2026.

The free community event will include the unveiling of Remiiya Badru’s Common Threads, a year-long art project inspired by the local history of calico and Prussian Blue, some of which will be displayed in The Boat House.

Intended as a structure that will bring people together by showcasing local history and creativity, it’s apt that so many will have played a part in its construction.

In addition to the team restoring the Frederick Kitchen, Cody Dock’s staff and Nick’s operation, more than 100 volunteers excavated the land for the pavilion’s foundation.

“We decided it would be too disruptive to bring a digger onto the site, so Cody Dock enlisted teams of volunteers to dig it out by hand,” said Nick.

“With lots of people these things really are doable. It’s amazing what can be achieved.

“It’s also been important to include the history in what we’ve created.

“The castings we needed, for example, have been done by James Hoyle And Sons, an offshoot back in time from the Thames Ironworks which originally built the Frederick Kitchen.”

Bethan Maddocks' doors to the pavilion - image by Madeline Griffin — Bethan Maddocks’ doors to the pavilion – image by Madeline Griffin

care and detail

Another local link are the metal doors to The Boat House.

Artist Bethan Maddocks – known for her intricate paper cut-outs – was commissioned to make a work inspired by the wildlife found along the River Lea and at Cody Dock, with the final design rendered in steel.

Elements like this, even the fact that the boat drains rainwater into a specially installed pond for plants and creatures to thrive in, are testament to the level of detail, thought and care taken with the pavilion’s creation.

“It’s a real privilege to be a part of something like this,” said Nick. “I’ve probably done more drawings for this project than any other, but it’s difficult to see on a computer screen just how beautiful an object that boat is – kudos to Tom Myers and his team for all their work over the two years that has resulted in making it so.

“I’m often working with brands on marketing campaigns, so it means something to have my name associated with this.

“My family came to the opening, which was really nice and I’d like to express my eternal gratitude to Simon and everyone at Cody Dock.

“I feel we’ve built something really good together and that’s the best reward of all.”

Projects like this don’t come about by chance.

The Gasworks Dock Partnership has taken what was once an industrial dumping ground, polluted with all sorts of foulness and has turned Cody Dock into an increasingly vital community asset.

With its rolling bridge, visitors centre, growing space, cafe and bar in place, the momentum is there and recognition should go to those with the foresight and imagination to fund such projects, not least the National Lottery.

Stuart McLeod, director, England – London And South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support the creation of The Boat House at Cody Dock, an inspiring project that brings together heritage and community.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, the remarkable story of the Frederick Kitchen and the wider history of the River Lea will be preserved and shared in an engaging and meaningful way.

“This new space offers people the opportunity to connect with Newham’s industrial and maritime heritage, ensuring it is valued, understood and enjoyed for generations to come.”

The Boat House will be at the heart of the Lighting Up The Lea festival - image by Madeline Griffin — The Boat House will be at the heart of the Lighting Up The Lea festival – image by Madeline Griffin

key details: Lighting Up The Lea at Cody Dock

Cody Dock’s Lighting Up The Lea festival is set to take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11am-6pm and is free to attend.

You can find out more details here.

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September 1, 2026September 1, 2026

Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy offers new perspective on a classic

Stratford East show is set to star Michelle Dockery and Laura Aikman as it explores the true cost of a woman leaving her life behind

Michelle Dockery, left, and Laura Aikman star in Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy at Stratford East - image by Rebecca Need-Menear — Michelle Dockery, left, and Laura Aikman star in Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy at Stratford East – image
by Rebecca Need-Menear

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While Matt Damon and his fellow film stars are living it very large on the nation’s IMAX screens, east London is set to host its own show set in the aftermath of Homer’s Iliad.

Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy by Ava Pickett chronicles the queen’s return to Sparta following the war fought in her name – her husband, Menelaus’ celebrations and her childhood friend Cee’s dismay.

Staged for its world première at Stratford East, the play deals with friendship, motherhood, loyalty and the “true cost” of one woman’s decision to abandon her life.

Michelle Dockery, best known for Downton Abbey, will play Helen, opposite Laura Aikman who is making her stage debut in the role of Cee following stints in Gavin And Stacy and Line Of Duty.

a bold reimagining

“Ava is such an extraordinary voice in storytelling right now and I’m delighted to be part of this bold reimagining of Helen’s return from Troy,” said Michelle.

“Stratford East’s history of bringing vital and ambitious stories to life makes it the perfect home for this production.”

Laura added: “From the moment I read Ava’s brilliant script I was desperate to play Cee.

“I think we can deliver something really gripping and I can’t wait to get started.”

The production is directed by Lisa Spirling, artistic director and co-CEO of Stratford East, and will run at the venue from September 3 until October 10, 2026.

She said: “When I first read Ava’s debut full length play Bloodsport three years ago, I was struck by how powerful, prescient and visceral it is.

“To tell this mythical story of Helen Of Troy at Stratford East, through Ava’s laser sharp lens is thrilling and to get to do that with our phenomenal creative team and company led by Michelle and Laura is ridiculously exciting.

“The team and I are buzzing to bring Bloodsport to Stratford East and to share it with our audience.”

Ava added: “I feel so excited and lucky to be working with Lisa, Michelle and Laura on this new play at Stratford East.

“To be given the opportunity to reimagine characters we feel we know is such a privilege and I can’t wait to share this story with audiences.”

Ava’s debut play, 1536, enjoyed a West End transfer following a successful run at the Almeida Theatre.

Also an historical work, the dark comedy drama explores female friendship in Tudor England against the backdrop of the fall of Anne Boleyn.

key details: Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy

Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy runs at Stratford East from September 3 until October 10, 2026, with evening performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Available tickets start at £17.50.

Find out more about the production here

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August 27, 2026August 27, 2026

The Garnet Studio places community at the heart of fitness classes

Opened in Canning Town by Zee Filho and Julio Nadalini, the business offers Reformer Pilates, Yoga, HIIT and even sound baths at Caxton Works

The Garnet Studio offers fitness classes aimed at buildng functionality and strength - image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer — The Garnet Studio offers fitness classes aimed at buildng functionality and strength – image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer

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“We picked this gemstone because it has a nice strong colour and we wanted to avoid beige,” said Zee Filho.

“We don’t want to look the same as everyone else because we’re not.

“We know the classical way to teach Reformer Pilates, but we’ve created our own method.”

“Our logo has different facets – they represent different parts of a person’s life and we wanted to have a place where people could pay positive attention to them,” added Julio Nadalini.

Together the couple are directors of The Garnet Studio – recently opened in Canning Town over two levels in a unit at Caxton Works in Hoy Street.

Drenched in a deep, calming red, the space offers Reformer Pilates, Yoga, sound baths and HIIT classes on a daily basis.

Julio Nadalini sits amid The Garnet Fitness Studio's suite of Reformers - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Julio Nadalini sits amid The Garnet Studio’s suite of Reformers – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a route into fitness

“We’re originally from Brazil and arrived in London in 2008 during the credit crunch,” said Julio.

“The jobs market wasn’t great so we started off in low paid jobs in restaurants and retail, but at some point we decided to move into something else.

“Fitness has always been a passion for both of us – we met in the gym, decided to come to the UK and got married in 2010. Instead of travelling we saved money to start our own business here.”

Zee added: “I’d been in the army for 10 years and it had got to the point that if I stayed any longer I would have been there forever.

“Originally we were only going to come to the UK for six months but then we stayed longer and longer.

“We learned the language and trained as fitness instructors.”

Zee Filho spent a decade in the army before moving to the UK with his partner, Julio - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Zee Filho spent a decade in the army before moving to the UK with his partner, Julio – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

from Brazil to Kore to Garnet

The pair’s first business together was Kore Gallery in Fleet Street, which they ran for a year before relocating successfully to Whitechapel for five years.

However, the landlord of the space they were leasing had a different plan for it, so the couple took a step back from fitness for a bit before coming across a unit close to where they’d bought a home, in Canning Town.

While Kore had broadly been built to appeal to the LGBTQIA+ community, the aim for Garnet is to welcome everyone with a programme of classes to cater for all levels of fitness and ability.

The two brands, however, do have something else in common – a focus on community.

“We want to be welcoming to everybody,” said Julio.

“Fitness is about much more than just building muscle mass – it’s about feeling good.

“What we want is for people to come here, enjoy their class and then stay for 10 minutes after to get to know each other – we want to create a community.

“Sometimes in London, people from the same building might not know each other, but we’ve noticed since we opened that people now come to classes together and everything becomes more friendly.

“We don’t make anyone talk to others, we just create an environment where the teachers are nice to people and it allows them to chat freely.”

In addition to Yoga, HIIT and sound baths, The Garnet has its own take on Reformer Pilates - image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer — In addition to Yoga, HIIT and sound baths, The Garnet has its own take on Reformer Pilates – image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer

fully equipped

The Garnet Studio is arranged over two levels. Upstairs on the mezzanine, a line of cutting-edge Reformer Pilates machines await the next class.

Downstairs there’s plenty of equipment for high intensity exercise, TRX straps and shelves neatly stacked with Yoga props.

But beyond the workouts, Julio and Zee have plans to further develop their offering with a coffee shop to allow both clients and passers-by to hang out.

“It’s a quiet, calm space,” said Zee.

“The windows are sound-proofed so you don’t hear anything from outside.

“Our classes last 50 minutes and we typically run seven or eight each day. After, it’s really lovely if people can stay a bit longer instead of running home.

“We arrange the classes so people are able to talk to each other a bit, but nobody has to do anything they don’t want to.”

While the core of The Garnet Studio will always be its focus on Reformer Pilates, HIIT and Yoga, Julio and Zee are also happy to experiment and have hosted sessions for parents and kids as well as a floristry workshop combined with fitness.

“We realised we can do events like this and it can bring people closer,” said Zee.

“We’d love to move more towards this.

“For us, The Garnet Studio is all about feeling better.

“We always want to be positive. If people don’t feel great at the end of our classes, then we have failed in what we’re trying to do.

“Fitness should be functional, not about losing weight.

“We offer full body workouts that develop balance, flexibility and strength.

The studio is arranged over two levels at Caxton Works - image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer — The studio is arranged over two levels at Caxton Works – image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer

“When you get stronger, your posture changes, you stand taller.

“Just losing weight using drugs, for example, doesn’t make sense to us.

“We avoid using before and after images, because exercise should be about how you feel, not about how you look.”

Julio added: “The other problem with the drugs is that you lose muscle mass as well as fat, so you can end up being weaker when you’re older.

“Nobody wants that. We want to support the people who come to our classes.

“We are very mindful of the things we and the other instructors say and how we train people.

“If people are coming together, feeling better and doing exercise, then that’s good for us and right now we are working to make The Garnet Studio a success.

“We want to get things stable here and it’s really encouraging to see more and more people signing up for regular memberships.

“We want to be a place where we keep in touch with our clients, where we know their names and that we can maintain the quality of the product and control what’s happening.

“Perhaps then we might look at expanding through a franchise model.”

Community is very much at the heart of The Garnet's approach to exercise - image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer — Community is very much at the heart of The Garnet’s approach to exercise – image by Marlene Landu, Lifestyle Photographer

key details: The Garnet Studio

The Garnet Studio is open from 6am-10pm on weekdays and from 8am-2pm at weekends.

The business has an introductory offer of three classes for £45.

Monthly memberships start at £76 per month.

Full class timetables and details of packs and membership options are available on the studio’s website here.

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August 27, 2026August 27, 2026

London Homebuilding And Renovating Show to offer advice at Excel

Showcase in Royal Docks offers those seeking to build a dwelling or improve their existing house or apartment connections to suppliers and experts

The London Homebuilding And Renovating Show is coming to Excel in September - image by Simon Maxwell — The London Homebuilding And Renovating Show is coming to Excel in September – image by Simon Maxwell

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The London Homebuilding And Renovating Show is gearing up for its latest event in the capital at Excel.

Running from September 18-20, 2026, the brand has been hosting live gatherings for more than 30 years offering access to hundreds of suppliers, free advice and expert seminars.

“I was the editor of Homebuilding And Renovating magazine in the 1990s when we started doing live shows and then I became editor-in-chief for about 10 years,” said journalist, TV presenter and business founder, Michael Holmes.

“Now I look after the shows as director of content.

“We run eight across the country, which are on for around 20 days during the year and our London event is the biggest. I appear at every single one.

“I host the seminar stages, with our Ask The Experts feature, which involves people with unrivalled experience in fields such as self-build, renovation, sustainability and architectural design.

“All the speakers, including me, also appear at our Advice Centre stand and visitors are able to book free 15-minute one-to-one appointments with them to talk about their projects.

“That means they can talk to the likes of planning consultants, architects, builders and designers, who specialise in all sorts of areas.

“They are free to ask them anything they like about a project. From an educational perspective, it’s an invaluable opportunity.”

At its heart, the show is a simple proposition.

The advice and suppliers on offer are there to help people who are thinking of, or engaged in, either improving a property they own or building a new one to live in.

That might be the likes of loft conversions, extensions or replacing kitchens and bathrooms in the former category or executing a grand design in the latter.

Michael Holmes of the London Homebuilding And Renovating Show – image supplied by the show

recycling space and adding more

Michael said: “In London you would expect the majority of visitors to be those who want to improve their existing homes, but there are a surprising number of self-builders as well.

“You wouldn’t expect there to be anywhere left to build, but there are little infill plots, perhaps adding on to the end of a terrace, or where a rather tired house has been demolished and is replaced.

“Sometimes there are old industrial units or garages, where people take the buildings down and create a new home.

“What’s more common though, is people recycling their existing space – reconfiguring rooms and layouts for better flow or to open things up.

“Projects that add square footage can also add serious value to an existing home and, if you have the space, it makes a lot of sense to investigate the possibilities.

“London is blessed with very high quality housing stock, and that’s why things need constantly regenerating, because people reinvest in those lovely old houses, built of beautiful brick.

“They are worth restoring or improving for our lifestyles today.

“If you’re buying a house that’s not to your taste, undoing that and making it fit with your design ideas will likely not add significant value, but buying a property that needs renovating anyway means you’re adding value and getting it the way you want at the same time.”

There will be plenty of advice on offer for those updating kitchens or bathrooms - image by Malcolm Menzies — There will be plenty of advice on offer for those updating kitchens or bathrooms – image by Malcolm Menzies

starting with the essentials

Michael said those embarking on projects should ensure the basics in a property were taken care of and keep a close watch on finances to ensure changes made were both worthwhile and beneficial financially.

“Number one, you need to make sure you’re aware of the condition of a property and spend money on the essential repairs,” he said.

“Any sign of structural movement – fix that. Any sign of damp, old wiring or leaks – get those sorted first.

“Then think about space.

“Any way to increase it is usually a good banker, as long as the value of the extension exceeds the cost of creating it.

“Beyond that, embracing things like open-plan design and using large expanses of glazing to help bring the outside in, often make homes more attractive to buyers.”

Such changes are both practical and cosmetic and Michael said boosting a property’s energy efficiency was also an increasingly hot topic at the shows.

“Investing in this area is seriously worthwhile,” he said.

“Especially if you’re going to be living in a home for a long period of time.

“You’ll save money on bills and so on, but you need to make sure the changes are appropriate for the property you’re working with.

“If, for example, you have a 1950s house that has no insulation, it’s not a good idea to install a heat pump and slap solar panels on the roof.

“What you should do is invest in the building envelope first to prevent heat loss.

“Then, if you have the money you can look at those other technologies and, if there’s any cash spare after that, then installing batteries to store electricity is a great way to help reduce running costs.

“As with all these things, it’s important to do the right calculations to work out the costs involved and how much money you’ll save.

“People are also starting to consider air conditioning and cooling options, given the climate, but these also need careful consideration and may not be an option for everyone.”

Michael advocates embracing open-plan design to maximise space - image by Kasia Fiszer — Michael advocates embracing open-plan design to maximise space – image by Kasia Fiszer

the value of advice

As with all the experts appearing, Michael will be on hand to offer advice at the show.

“People ask me absolutely everything,” he said. “I do tend to get questions related to design and remodelling, especially with kitchens.

“That is my speciality and I’ve ended up running a design and build business.

“Where we can help is when, for example, people know they want a kitchen extension and they’ve got some plans – they know instinctively how it should be but can’t quite get there on their own.

“Often they don’t want to knock down part of their house to make the design really work, even if they know they should be doing that.

“So, I’m there to confirm and give them the licence to follow their instincts.

“These projects are often semi-open-plan, extending at the back or the side and integrating that kitchen into the new design of the house.

“The number one project I see is to convert the existing kitchen into a utility room and then have an extension to create a new kitchen-dining area, followed by loft conversions, which typically become the master bedroom with an en-suite.

“The one thing I’d love to build would be a bungalow, although these days that means confronting land prices – which is why we often have smaller properties on multiple storeys.

“But I’d love to create a single-level dwelling in woodland or by the sea – preferably on a Greek island – in quite a traditional style.

“It’s a dream, but then that’s the point of the show – it’s somewhere people can come to explore those ideas and turn them into a reality.”

key details: London Homebuilding And Renovating Show

The London Homebuilding And Renovating Show is set to run at Excel from September 18-20, 2026, from 10am daily.

Tickets to the event are free if booked in advance and you can find out more here

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August 26, 2026August 26, 2026

Bamboo Mat set to open Nikkei cuisine restaurant in Canary Wharf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

growing in east London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a focus on detail and balance

It’s not just the furniture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

combining the flavours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

targeting the top

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chicken Anticucho at the Stratford restaurant - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Chicken Anticucho at the Stratford restaurant – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Bamboo Mat

Bamboo Mat is set to open at North Lane between Union Square and Harbord Square in Wood Wharf in September.

Find out more about the new restaurant here

The brand’s Canary Wharf restaurant is set to open at North Lane, just off Union Square – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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