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Isle Of Dogs rower Joseph Lyu kayaks English Channel

East Londoner believed to be the first person of Chinese origin to paddle across the busy shipping lane all the way from Rye to France

Joseph paddles through the English shipping lane - image supplied by Joseph Lyu
Joseph paddles through the English shipping lane – image supplied by Joseph Lyu

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Joseph (Shangjie) Lyu is quite possibly the first person of Chinese origin to kayak across the English Channel.

However, by his own admission, he’s not especially into kayaking. 

“There are three main elements to my life,” said the Stratford resident.

“Work, raising my three-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, Truffle, and rowing. This was really a side quest.”

Joseph came to the UK in 2018 to study computer science at the University Of Manchester after completing a foundation year in his native China, after plans to study in his home country didn’t work out. 

“I struggled a bit with the course in Manchester and didn’t really enjoy the software side of it,” he said.

“Then, in the middle, the pandemic arrived and I did a project on Covid in the UK, making predictions on when the turning point would be. It wound up being quite accurate.

“That’s when I realised I enjoyed data analysis and now I’ve taken that into my career in AI as a data scientist.”

Joseph, who currently works for Santander, also had his first taste of rowing at university, but was too engaged with his studies to pursue it again after the pandemic faded away.

It wasn’t until he moved to east London that he took up the sport seriously. 

Joseph at Poplar, Blackwall And District Rowing Club on the Isle Of Dogs - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Joseph at Poplar, Blackwall And District Rowing Club on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

taking to the river from the Isle Of Dogs

“I was living in Canary Wharf at that time and found Poplar, Blackwall And District Rowing Club at the bottom of the Isle Of Dogs,” said Joseph.

“I did the Learn To Row course in 2022 and I’ve been involved with the club ever since.

“When you’re on a boat – whether crewed or single – if the weather’s nice, it’s one of the best feelings you can have.

“I really enjoy the sport. It’s literally one movement that you’re repeating, but it requires years of effort to refine and apply that consistently.

“I find it very enjoyable.

“It’s normal for us to be out rowing at sunrise and you have London all around you.

“You see seals too.

“In rowing, 10k is considered a relatively short distance, while 20k is quite long. Around 15k is standard. 

“Rowing from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier is the kind of thing we do at the club.

“Then, a couple of years ago, I realised that the English Channel is not really that wide – it’s about three times the distance between those two landmarks, not an unimaginable journey. 

“I’d had the idea I might want to try something and thinking about it like that gave me a frame of reference – a distance on the water I was already comfortable with.

“This gave me confidence.”

Setting out from Rye - image supplied by Joseph Lyu
Setting out from Rye – image supplied by Joseph Lyu

an idea into reality

After mentioning to friends from the club on the way back from a trip to Henley Royal Regatta, plans began to ferment.

“Making up my mind was the hardest part and I did that around the start of this year,” said Joseph.

“I’d worked out what was doable, what was difficult and so I didn’t commit to it when I had the idea.

“Taking the leap was difficult but coming to this year, physically I was in good shape from years of rowing.

“I felt I was in a good place and I’m in my mid-20s so it needed to happen before any physical decline.

“I thought that if I couldn’t commit to doing it now, with all the time and having everything I needed, then I might never convince myself to try.

“I kept thinking about swimmers – about 2,000 have crossed – and if they could do it, I could too.”

Having little kayking experience, Joseph next went about equipping himself with the skills necessary to make the journey.

He spent time training on the sea off the south coast as well as hitting the water at nearby Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre. 

“I gained confidence after the instructor in Hastings said I was pretty good,” said Joseph.

“Many of the skills I’d developed rowing on the river were transferable and there was a lot of fitness training in the gym.

“I became more active. One of the things that’s changed for me is that I used to just go rowing in the morning, but now I might do that, then go swimming later and maybe go on a hike with Truffle.”

Joseph had a goal to work towards.

He’d managed to secure a booking with a pilot boat – an essential escort across the busiest shipping lane in the world, especially because the French insist those paddling across must be carried in a powered craft over the part of the route they administer.

Weather dependent, the pilot advised Friday, July 18, 2025, would be best, so Joseph and a friend travelled down to Rye the night before, ate some fish and chips and laid in plenty of bananas and energy bars for his solo trip in a hired kayak. 

Paddling through the fog - image supplied by Joseph Lyu
Paddling through the fog – image supplied by Joseph Lyu

setting off for France

“The next day we got to the harbour at 6.30am and met the pilot boat captain,” said Joseph.

“It wasn’t cold, but it was very foggy. We could hardly see anything.

“But we decided to set off anyway. The captain was in constant contact with the Coastguard.

“Because of the lack of visibility we didn’t know whether we’d get clearance to cross the shipping lanes but the captain suggested we paddle out for about an hour and then decide.

“When we started, I felt like it was going to be a good day.

“All the months of preparation had led to this point and I felt like we would make it. I kept going and my energy was at a good level. 

“The fog was still heavy but from time to time I could see the sun.

“Every now and then I’d see a big ship and they really are huge.

“Then everything happened so suddenly.

“In one minute it just changed – the fog lifted and the sun came out, and then I was rewarded with the most surreal water conditions.

“The sea was totally flat, the sky was blue and the visibility was really good. I really enjoyed that transition.

“I was busy paddling, but the crew spotted dolphins and jellyfish.

“When I paddled over to the boat for some water and I heard the Coastguard telling the big ships about my crossing, which was exciting.

“We got clearance and I paddled over this calm, serene water, with these massive vessels in the background – it was an interesting contrast. 

“Then we reached the French side and I had to get in the boat for that before getting back in the kayak to finish the final six miles.

“That’s when it became challenging physically.

“We weren’t going straight, because the current was pushing our course into a curve.

“The whole journey was about 70 kilometres and the last bit was the most difficult.

“I could see France very clearly, but it felt like it wasn’t getting any closer.

“I’d actually preferred it in the middle with the fog, because I just kept going, even though I couldn’t see anything.

“In that last five miles I lost the sense of progress – my mind was playing tricks, so I really had to  concentrate on the strokes.”

Arriving in France - image supplied by Joseph Lyu
Arriving in France – image supplied by Joseph Lyu

a sense of achievement

Joseph did make it to France, pulling into the harbour, tired but happy.

After a shower and a change of clothes, plus a couple of well-deserved pints, there was time to reflect on his achievement. 

“The weather was really good, and that’s when I started to feel more excited,” he said.

“I realised that I’d done it and it was incredible.

“I believe I’m the first Chinese person to have done this. 

“I’ve googled it and can’t find anyone else.

“Also, you have to have a pilot boat to make a crossing like this and there are only a handful operating.

“It’s also to the best of my pilot’s knowledge that I am the first one, although I didn’t think about any of this until I saw a news report on the first Chinese person to swim across.

“For me, it was just something I wanted to do.

“I put the effort in and I made it happen.

“I never really doubted whether I could do it.

“Having done it does give me a foundation for other things, more side quests.

“Rowing is my main thing and I don’t have any plans to do any more kayaking, but I am also getting into free diving and I’m going to Malta to do a spear fishing course. 

“I’m also planning to return to France in October, cycling from London to Paris with a friend from rowing.”

key details: Poplar, Blackwall And District Rowing Club

Poplar, Blackwall And District Rowing Club is located close to Island Gardens on the Isle Of Dogs and offers a range of membership options as well as very popular introductory courses.

Find out more about the club here

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River Lea pre-industrial history to be celebrated at Cody Dock

Vikings and monks are just two of the groups who have shaped the east London we know today

Dividing line: The River Lea was once the border between Wessex and the Danelaw – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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Stories are important.

They help us make sense of who we are and where we are.

Whether passed mouth-to-mouth or written down, they have been the main conduit for human communication down the centuries. 

Even in the age of social media, where video is the dominant force, we can’t do without explanation – an editorial take on what’s being presented.

Images alone are not enough, we have to tell each other what they mean through captions or voiceovers. 

The world over, the recording and telling of tales about the world defines our species – bees in the hive doing a complicated waggledance to tell others where the honey is and whether it’s any good.

The Greeks and Romans had their philosophical dialogues, their myths and their plays. The Vikings had their sagas and the people of Wessex and England had the Anglo Saxon Chronicle.

Cody Dock, an ecological regeneration project on the edge of Canning Town, is a keeper of many stories. 

Replica Viking longship the Saga Farmann sails up the Thames on its way to the Classic Boat Festival at St Katharine Docks on September 6 and 7, 2025 – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

first, a bit of context

As part of a £1.6million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, its Lighting Up The Lea initiative will see a home for history created on the banks of the river. 

The roof of its glass Heritage Pavilion will be the Frederick Kitchen – a Welsh lifeboat that was probably the last vessel built at the Thames Ironworks.

It is currently being restored on-site and has stories of its own to tell. 

When work is finished, its hull will shelter quarterly exhibitions about the history of the River Lea and the lands along its length – stories for the people who are here now, drawing them closer to the past.

As that project sails steadily onwards, Wharf Life will be working in partnership with Cody Dock to dip readers’ toes in some of the extraordinary tales that London’s second largest natural waterway has been a party to over the centuries.

In more recent times the area has been fertile ground for social change and industrial endeavour, but for this article we’re going back a bit further…

An artist’s impression of Cody Dock’s new Heritage Pavilion, which is set to be built on the banks of the River Lea – image by Cody Dock

Viking aggression on the River Lea

There are ships sailing up the Lea.

It’s 894 AD – 1,131 years ago –  and Danish Vikings from Mersea Island in Essex are progressing up the river.

Their aim is to build a fortress roughly 20 miles north of London.

It’s a febrile time, but for a while there has been peace.

After King Alfred of Wessex defeated Danish warlord Guthrum and the Great Heathen Army in 878, the Lea took on a new significance – it became a border, a line of division through a marshy landscape of wetlands.  

The Treaty Of Alfred And Guthrum – which survives to this day in the collection of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge – officially created that frontier. 

Different gods, different ways of life, but a pledge of loyalty by the Danes to Alfred in return for peace – an accord that included a schedule for “weregild” or man price.

This was a fine that would be paid by one side to the other should there be future killings, with the amounts subject to the status of the victims. 

Alfred also insisted Guthrum convert to Christianity and be baptised as his godson, taking the name Æthelstan. 

For a while the Danelaw, as it became known, worked.

The Vikings had their substantial chunk of England and the Anglo Saxons had theirs.

But change is a constant. It couldn’t last. Guthrum died in 890.

a test for Wessex

Now the Danes are restless and flexing.

Their voyage up the Lea is a test of Wessex and Alfred’s resolve, directly on the border.

Their arrival prompts swift action.

First a local force of Saxons rises up and routs the provocateurs as they are constructing their fortifications.

Then Alfred arrives and messes with the river itself.

Exactly where and how is unclear – he may have dammed it, obstructed it or fortified it – but both banks are likely involved.

This may have been in what we now know as east London or further upstream, the Anglo Saxon Chronicle isn’t completely clear.

Suddenly, though, the Danes find themselves unable to escape in their ships and they flee with the Saxon army in hot pursuit.

Eventually they wind up in Shropshire.

The tale, however. doesn’t end there. Londoners sail some of the abandoned Viking ships back down the Lea in triumph, breaking up any that are unserviceable.

While we can’t be certain, there’s every possibility that these captured vessels provided vital intelligence and inspiration, with King Alfred ordering a series of long ships built just one year later – vessels with 60 oars or more that would prove decisive in naval battles against the Danes on the south coast. 

So next time you take a walk along the River Lea, remember it was once a dividing line between two countries, that its waters are rich with history and that the aftermath of a battle fought somewhere along its length a little over a thousand years ago may have led to what many regard as the birth of the English Navy.  

from Vikings to monks

This story of Viking unrest, religious diplomacy and clever military tactics is far from the only tale of the Lea in pre-industrial times.

In a valley carved out by the meltwater of the ice age, the river has a long and complex narrative, much of which is sadly lost to the passage of time.

We know Old Ford is where the Romans crossed on their way to Colchester.

We know the river’s course has changed radically through human action – the felling of forests, the draining of marshes, the digging of culverts and the creation of fish traps and channels for water mills.

Today it’s part of the boundary between Tower Hamlets and Newham, but it’s also divided Essex and Middlesex and was once fortified as a potential line of defence during the Second World War.

But there’s much to be gained by looking further back.

Few, for example, may know that Abbey Road station on the DLR and the street it serves are echoes of Stratford Langthorne Abbey. 

Little is left, but this institution exerted a profound influence on the area for 400 years some 240 after the Vikings were sailing up and down.

 From its creation in 1135, the abbey acquired much land, farming the surrounding marshes and cutting channels to lessen the risk of flooding. 

It also owned and operated tidal mills on the River Lea that ground flour to make bread for the bakers of Stratford-Atte-Bow who supplied the City Of London.

There are even reports that a small river port was created to serve the needs of both the institution’s monks, lay brothers and other inhabitants.

It served as the court of King Henry III in 1267, where he met emissaries of the pope and made peace with the barons after the Battle Of Evesham.

It was also sacked during the peasants revolt – singled out as a Cistercian abbey for its “acquisitiveness in matters of land and tithes”.

An unpopular landlord, perhaps.

But by the time of the Dissolution Of The Monasteries under Henry VIII, the abbey was the fifth largest in England, easily on a level of importance with its sister institutions at Jervaulx, Rievaulx and Fountains in North Yorkshire. 

a home for the stories

It’s stories like these that will be celebrated and explored under the mahogany curve of the Frederick Kitchen when Cody Dock’s Heritage Pavilion comes to fruition.

Here will be a place where Vikings and monks can come alive, overlooking the curves of the river that shaped their times. 

One of the founding principles of the Gasworks Dock Partnership which is undertaking the ecological regeneration of Cody Dock is to provide engagement for local people. 

By continuing to research and showcase the remarkable history of the area, it adds a further dimension to that work – offering a vessel for the living history of local residents and a way to present meaningful tales from the far flung past.

Today we smile and take photos of a replica Viking long ship sailing up the Thames to take part in a boat festival at St Katharine Docks.

But just imagine the terror and uncertainty spotting a host of Danes from Essex slipping quietly up the Lea must have generated.

What did they want? Why were they here? Who could we turn to? What a sight it must have been.

Additional research by Cody Dock’s Julia Briscoe

key details: River Lea heritage at Cody Dock

Cody Dock is located on the edge of Canning Town right beside the River Lea. The closest public transport is Star Lane DLR station.

The regeneration project offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities and runs regular events and activities aimed at engaging the local community with its work to regenerate the area and protect and record the wildlife of the River Lea.

You can find out more at its Lighting Up The Lea event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, which is free to attend from 11am-6pm.

Find out more about Cody Dock here

Read more: How Canary Wharf has enjoyed its strongest year for office leasing in a decade

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Canary Wharf enjoys strongest year of office leasing in a decade

Canary Wharf Group’s Tarun Mathur on HSBC taking new space and how the estate is now a place for everyone – workers, residents and visitors

HSBC has leased more than 200,000sq ft at 40 Bank Street in Canary Wharf - image by CWG
HSBC has leased more than 200,000sq ft at 40 Bank Street in Canary Wharf – image by CWG

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Change is a constant.

Three and a half decades ago, no major international businesses called Canary Wharf home.

Since then, the towers built as part of the area’s regeneration from derelict, unused docklands have attracted and housed a vast range of companies and organisations. 

Predicting the demise of an area is a fertile activity for the generation of column inches.

However, it’s perplexing – at best – that the confident prophets of decline failed to spot the solid foundations the Wharf’s success over the last 25 years has been built on and the growth and strengthening of that infrastructure that has taken place more recently.

In reality there has been no pause in the Canary Wharf project.

Wood Wharf continues to attract new residents and businesses and North Quay with its vertical wet labs is also in the pipeline.

The latter is particularly significant for the ongoing diversification of the estate’s tenants.

While some firms have decided to move, this might sensibly be seen as natural churn in an area that other companies are increasingly eyeing as an attractive option.

Barclays, Fitch and Morgan Stanley have all recently recommitted to the estate. 

BBVA and Smartest Energy have both expanded their presence, while the likes the Bank Of London And The Middle East and McLaren Construction Group have arrived.  

It’s also a time of renewal, with refurbished and reimagined spaces frequently preferred to relocation away from the Wharf. 

Citibank is currently refreshing its headquarters in Canada Square, while Revolut – once a handful of employees at the estate’s tech community, Level39 – has claimed the upper levels of YY London, a freshly renovated building right outside the Jubilee line’s main entrance. 

With JP Morgan outgrowing its 25 Bank Street building and taking space in Credit Suisse’s former block, recent reports suggest the banking giant is looking seriously at restarting a project to build new towers on the western edge of Canary Wharf overlooking the Thames at Westferry. 

Then there are other incomers including challenger bank Zopa, Hershey’s, Hexaware, hVIVO and AviadoBio.

Did I mention Visa is also reportedly seeking space at One Canada Square?

All-in-all it’s proving to be something of a vintage year for leasing on the estate – especially given HSBC’s decision to rent some 210,000sq ft of space in Canary Wharf at 40 Bank Street making its relocation to the City in 2027 only partial.

Director, offices at Canary Wharf Group, Tarun Mathur - image by CWG
Director, offices at Canary Wharf Group, Tarun Mathur – image by CWG

HSBC retains a Canary Wharf presence

“It’s a real endorsement of what we’ve done over the last few years,” said Tarun Mathur, director, offices at Canary Wharf Group.

“That’s not just in terms of the quality of our buildings, but also the environment and the value that HSBC clearly sees in what’s being delivered here for their employees going forward.

“It’s been a fantastic year, with over 450,000sq ft of transactions – this is the strongest 12 months we’ve had for a decade – and a lot of that has been driven by existing customers expanding as well as new entrants.

“Digital bank BBVA, for example, did a major review of where they wanted to be, which focussed on Canary Wharf vs the City for their expansion. 

“For them, it was about value and amenity provision – their staff are really happy here and we’ve had an ongoing partnership with them.

“As a long-term owner of our assets, the ability to enable companies to scale here is hugely significant.”

Canary Wharf Group has seen vacancies fall to 6% across its portfolio, which includes 40 Bank Street - image by CWG
Canary Wharf Group has seen vacancies fall to 6% across its portfolio, which includes 40 Bank Street – image by CWG

right product, right time

For Tarun, the recent leasing successes are a combination of providing the right product and doing it in the right place.

He said: “Firstly the building has to work – value and workplace environment are key. In the case of Zopa, which is moving to Wood Wharf’s 20 Water Street, the bank found it really appealing.

“Businesses are now thinking about their workplace, not just within the four walls, but also the micro environment and how their employees can benefit from the ecosystem of Canary Wharf.

“The blue and green spaces we have here are as good as anywhere in London and then there’s the access to local amenities. As a package, occupiers are seeing that as immensely valuable.

“The Elizabeth Line is also a game-changer.

“It creates additional capacity alongside the Jubilee line and the DLR, as well as resilience.

“There’s been a bit of a time-lag, but the real estate office market is now benefiting from it as those advantages filter up to the level where occupiers make decisions and those claims are backed up by our footfall numbers.

“In 2024, 72million people came to Canary Wharf – that’s a stratospheric increase on 2019 and it’s a figure that’s forecast to be exceeded in 2025.”

a wider appeal

Tarun said there were a number of factors that were making Canary Wharf attractive to companies at present, not least the wider regeneration of east London.

“For some businesses it’s about the fact that the capital is moving east, so there’s a large, younger pool of talent that they’re looking to target within the radius of the estate,” he said. 

“It also goes back to what we’re delivering – a high quality product with the best workplace experience that meets the needs of our clients.

“There is constraint in the office market at the moment and that means organisations are having to be more open-minded about location.

“Some years ago, there was more of an insistence in some sectors that they stay as close to their existing buildings as possible. 

“We’ve seen a slight shift in that this year because of supply and demand of Grade A products.

“It’s exciting for the future because our existing stock is filling up.

“Our current vacancy rate is around 6%.

“We were around 10% about 12 months ago, so it’s come down quite significantly.

“Right now, it’s all about the buildings we’re getting back and how we can reposition those products for the next-generation occupier, so that’s where our focus is and it’s really exciting. 

“Then we’re looking at what we can do to integrate these towers better into the public realm than they were when they were designed 30 years ago.

“Back then occupiers wanted large, secure reception areas on the ground floor. Now they want them to be amenity rich with lots of vibrancy.

“Until you get the buildings back, there’s only so much you can do but our teams have done an amazing job activating the estate with arrivals such as the Troubadour Theatre coming later this year.

“I think in 10 years time we will see more permeability across the estate with links from building to building and a lot more engagement for workers, residents and visitors. 

“The ongoing process of diversification will continue but we’ll stay true to ourselves – tapping into new markets.

“We’ll see growth in the technology sector here alongside life sciences and financial services. 

“Canary Wharf is a place for everyone and we’re demonstrating that. It’s a long time since it was just a financial or business district.”

key details: commercial space available in Canary Wharf

Workspace at Canary Wharf is currently available at Level39, One Canada Square, 40 Bank Street, One Bank Street and The Columbus Building.

Find out more about the options here

Read more: Discover Greenwich Theatre’s revival of Jim Cartwright’s Two

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Dancing City 2025 promises to fill Stratford with free performances

The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival returns to Newham with a packed programme of movement stretching across the area’s spaces

GDIF has teamed up with Fire Island Dance Festival to present a trio of shows including Layl (Night) at Dancing City - image by Nina Wurtzel
GDIF has teamed up with Fire Island Dance Festival to present a trio of shows including Layl (Night) at Dancing City – image by Nina Wurtzel

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As the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival draws to a close, Stratford is preparing to welcome a packed programme of free spectacles for a second year.

A total of 15 shows are set to arrive at locations across the area for this year’s Dancing City on Saturday, September 6. All will be performed at least twice.  

“We were in Stratford very successfully last summer,” said Bradley Hemmings, GDIF founder and artistic director.

“The area has been transformed in the most remarkable way over the last few years, especially since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The advent of the new East Bank cultural quarter, which includes phenomenal outdoor spaces was the focus for Dancing City in 2024.

“This year we’re bringing 15 dance companies together here.

“Much of the action will take place in the town centre, with audiences also able to cross over to East Bank and into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to see more performances.

“We’ve expanded the programme for 2025 because we welcomed such large numbers to the shows last year we wanted to make sure we could spread over the wider area.”

Raquel Gaultero will present 360º in the Olympic Park - image by La Gualtero
Raquel Gaultero will present 360º in the Olympic Park – image by La Gualtero

Dancing City highlights

The one-day festival, which runs from 1pm-6.30pm, will feature the likes of dancer Joe Powell-Main – the first wheelchair user to dance with the Royal Ballet – who returns to GDIF with Passionately Defiant.

Billed as a “joyous celebration of dance and disability pride, which challenges perceptions of classical ballet” the piece will be performed at 1.55pm and 3.30pm at Marshgate South next to UCL East in the Olympic Park.

Also in the park will be 360º, a constantly rotating 17-minute show from Columbian dancer Raquel Gaultero that promises “an all-encompassing evocation of female lived experience”.

This includes nods to childhood games, motherhood and connection to the planet.

As ever, GDIF’s programme seeks to celebrate both the cultural landscape of east London while also reaching out.

This year Dancing City will welcome a triple bill presented in partnership with Fire Island Dance Festival.

The trio of shows will each be performed three times simultaneously at East Bank’s Waterfront at 1pm, 3.30pm and 6.05pm.

Courtney's Diner will be presented as part of the Fire Island collaboration - image by Elyse Mertz
Courtney’s Diner will be presented as part of the Fire Island collaboration – image by Elyse Mertz

lighting the fire

Bradley said: “Each is led by LGBTQIA+ artists and they will be presented together.

“Fire Island Dance Festival in New York state is legendary.

“It was started in the 1990s in response to the AIDS crisis, which the area was very much at the epicentre of.

“It’s gone on to benefit people living with HIV across the US and beyond.

“The performances over there are on the waterfront with some of the most amazing staging I have ever seen. 

“We’re trying to bring some of that energy to Stratford with these performances.

“What we’re also trying to do on September 6, 2025, is to create something that’s very permeable with shows taking place outside in public spaces.

“There will also be a link to Sadler’s Wells East at East Bank, which has been designed with a connection between the indoors and outdoors in mind. 

“As part of Dancing City, we’ll be collaborating with them for One Sky, a performance that takes inspiration from South African kite festivals.

“It’s brilliant, taking place on the bridge over to the Olympic Park in front of East Bank in a celebration of togetherness.

“There’s something that happens at a festival like in public spaces like these.

“People share something and it’s very uplifting.

“It doesn’t happen very often, but we know from the feedback we get how grateful audiences are.

“We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and I already have a very long list of what I want to do in the future.

“GDIF has always been about the community, the audiences who come to cherish the performances and the organisations that support us.

“We want to ensure we’re here for another 30 years.”

Ballet dancer Joe Powell-Main who performs with the aid of a wheelchair, will present Passionately Defiant - image by David Edwards
Ballet dancer Joe Powell-Main who performs with the aid of a wheelchair, will present Passionately Defiant – image by David Edwards

key details: Dancing City

Dancing City, part of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is set to return to Stratford on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 1pm-6.30pm. 

All shows are free, with multiple repetitions to allow audiences to see as many performances as possible.

Full listings and timings are available here

The wider GDIF programme includes performances in Greenwich, Woolwich and Thamesmead. 

Read more: Discover Greenwich Theatre’s revival of Jim Cartwright’s Two

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Café Seek, a new Japanese bakery is set to open at Wood Wharf

Pinky Chan and Emily Leung are pouring their passion for food into a dream project that will serve up cakes, savouries and beverages to Wharfers as Harbord Square in Canary Wharf buzzes with life

Café Seek founders Emily Leung, left, and Pinky Chan at their Harbord Square bakery - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Café Seek founders Emily Leung, left, and Pinky Chan at their Harbord Square bakery – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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The customers sipping slickly brewed matcha  at Café Seek – following its forthcoming opening – might never know the powdered green tea leaves used to brew their drinks have been painstakingly selected following a field trip to Japan.

But this fact serves as a measure of the effort and attention to detail that founders Pinky Chan and Emily Leung are putting into every aspect of realising their dream project.

Set to open in the coming weeks on the south-eastern corner of Wood Wharf’s 8 Harbord Square, the Japanese bakery promises to be a tranquil haven for local workers, residents and visitors alike.

For Emily and Pinky, the café is the culmination of a passionate journey that’s been years in the making.

“I’m from Hong Kong originally and, while over there, I’d set up a platform for selling organically grown produce online,” said Emily. 

“We worked with farmers on small farms to build a bridge between them and consumers. 

“I came to London because my husband was moving here, so I closed down the company and moved here in 2021.

“I was quite lost for a while after that and I didn’t know what to do, but it was always my dream to open a cafe or a bakery and then I met Pinky.”

Citrus Earl Grey Chocolate Cake - image by Café Seek
Citrus Earl Grey Chocolate Cake – image by Café Seek

the start of the Café Seek dream

The pair connected at a market at Kingston three years ago where Emily was mostly selling sweet bakes and Pinky was showcasing her Japanese-inspired breads.

“I’m also from Hong Kong, but I came over in 2018 for my masters degree,” said Wood Wharf resident Pinky. 

“Then I worked in financial services in London.

“I decided I also really wanted to pursue my passion for baking, so I began to make some Japanese breads after work.

“When I met Emily, we decided we should open a bakery together, so I left the world of finance. It’s a high-pressure environment, although the income is good. 

“When I was working in the industry, I kept asking myself why I wanted the money – what was it for?”

The pair quickly began working towards their dream, initially establishing a bakery from their home kitchens and selling goods online.

Pinky said: “We both love Japanese culture – Hong Kong isn’t far from Japan and the chef who first taught me to bake is Japanese.

“At first we did more traditional pastries but that was less popular here.”

Next came the French influence, with Emily and Pinky decamping to Paris for a course in traditional Gallic patisserie. 

“I love French techniques – how they combine flavours and textures,” said Pinky.

“The course was very intensive – it was back to school, but the main lesson was to practise. 

“We learnt all sorts of techniques, but we found the Japanese flavours are better.”

It’s this fusion that forms the blueprint for Café Seek – fine French patisserie with fillings such as purple sweet potato paste and daifuku.

Offerings include Citrus Early Grey Chocolate Cake, Mango Mochi Coconut Cake, Matcha Opera Cake alongside savoury options such as Japanese Chilli Mayo Sausage Roll and Cheesy Corn Beef Bagel.

Café Seek’s Matcha Opera Cake, with layers of matcha joconde sponge, ganache, buttercream, red bean paste and matcha chocolate - image by Café Seek
Café Seek’s Matcha Opera Cake, with layers of matcha joconde sponge, ganache, buttercream, red bean paste and matcha chocolate – image by Café Seek

building on success in Canary Wharf

“We’re called Café Seek because we want everyone to seek their life – to find themselves,” said Emily, who also lives in east London. 

“This is really the main message that we want to share with everyone.

“We’re opening in Canary Wharf because it’s the best option for us – it’s where many of our online customers are from or where they know to travel to. 

“People would order from us and come here to pick up their cakes – we had some arrive from places that are quite far away such as Brighton.

“We’re so grateful when customers come all that way for products.”

Pinky added: “Canary Wharf was best for us.

“Half of the space will be our kitchen and bakery and the other half will be for the café. 

“We’ll have eight seats for customers and some outside too, with our products all laid out.

“We’ll be serving authentic Japanese teas including the matcha. 

“We went to Japan and found small companies to bring their products over and give to our customers to try.

“When you actually go to the places where these teas are grown, you learn more and you can also bring back that knowledge for your customers.

“We did some research before deciding to open in this area and we know there’s a large Asian community here – we’re going to be a part of that.”

In addition to serving customers online and in person, the café will also be offering catering services for parties and businesses locally.  

Café Seek’s opening is part of Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlets Council’s project to provide affordable spaces for local companies. 

Recent openings at Wood Wharf include Reformer Pilates fitness operation The Island Studio, florist The Flower Club, pet groomer Pawsome, nail art salon Awe London, Italian bakery Signorelli and Wayne Hairdresser Salon.

Forthcoming openings include Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam in the very near future as well as Turkish restaurant Nora in the autumn.   

Creamed Sweetcorn Soft Bun - image by Café Seek
Creamed Sweetcorn Soft Bun – image by Café Seek

key details: Café Seek

Café Seek is set to open its doors at 8 Harbord Square in the coming weeks.

The Japanese bakery will sell a wide range of breads and cakes, baked fresh on the premises.

Follow @cafe.seek on Instagram for live updates. 

Find out more about the opening here

Pistachio Symphony Cake - image by Café Seek
Pistachio Symphony Cake – image by Café Seek

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Leee John to celebrate Feel My Soul at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf

Imagination singer and songwriter will perform at the Cabot Place venue with his jazz quartet to mark 20 years since the album’s release

Singer, songwriter, performer and actor, Leee John, is set to bring his jazz quartet to Boisdale Of Canary Wharf - image supplied by Leee John
Singer, songwriter, performer and actor, Leee John, is set to bring his jazz quartet to Boisdale Of Canary Wharf – image supplied by Leee John

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The ultimate judge of vibe in Leee John’s home is not, apparently, Leee John.

The actor, singer, songwriter and wearer of stylish hats pops up from his chair just before our interview begins in earnest to sort out Skippy, his cat.

“He jumps all over the place and he’s very inquisitive, especially with people,” said Leee.

“He’s a great judge of vibe. Animals are like that, I’ve always had them, since I was a kid.”

Born in Hackney, the performer began his own career as a child after moving to the US with his father and signing to Worldwide Records aged 11 after a successful audition.

He went on to lend his voice to the likes of The Delfonics, the Chairmen Of The Board and The Velvettes, eventually moving back to the UK as a teenager. 

It was there he formed soul band Imagination – named for John Lennon’s song Imagine – with Ashley Ingram and Errol Kennedy.

Together they scored hits in 28 countries, earning four platinum discs, nine gold discs and dozens of silver discs between 1981 and 1983.

“I’d done a lot before Imagination – I’d been an actor, performed in different shows and worked as a waiter – I was learning my craft,” said Leee. 

“There was a lot of preparation before I became successful and, when it was time to go on tour, I was ready.

“I knew lighting, sound, costumes – we had the look and we fitted in.”

Leee first rose to fame as the lead singer of Imagination in the early 1980s - image supplied by Leee John
Leee first rose to fame as the lead singer of Imagination in the early 1980s – image supplied by Leee John

Leee John and Imagination

The band put in the hard yards, visiting France, Belgium, Italy, Canada and the USA to promote and spread their music – an effort that’s stood Leee in good stead as his multifaceted career has progressed. 

He saw a resurgence in popularity in the UK following his time on TV show Reborn In The USA with the likes of Tony Hadley, Dollar, Sonia and Gina G.

But in reality, Leee has continued to play shows internationally and in Britain as well as act and record during a remarkably varied stint in show business.

This has included sounds as diverse as a turn as the spirit of an abused ocean on Gorillaz’ The Lost Chord, made during lockdown in 2020 and, of course, Leee’s jazz album Feel My Soul. 

It’s this record that will take centre stage as Leee and his jazz quartet celebrate its 20th anniversary with an intimate evening of music at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Leee released Feel My Soul 20 years ago
Leee released Feel My Soul 20 years ago

recording Feel My Soul

 “I’d done Reborn earlier that year and there’s a place called the Alhambra Studios in Rochefort where they said I should feel free to record whatever I wanted,” said Leee.

“I knew I wanted to do a jazz album and I did a dummy run, but didn’t think I was ready emotionally or vocally – I didn’t have the empathy at that time. 

“I needed to do the research, so I went back in time to things I knew already like Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Satchmo, Birdland, Chet Baker and Miles Davis – who I actually met at Sadler’s Wells.

“In the end I threw all the research out of the window.

“I had John Watson, a wonderful pianist, with me and we arranged a few songs with a hip-hop flavour, but we wanted to give them a bit of jazz fusion so I took musicians from the Paris Jazz Orchestra with me and we went to Rochefort.

“I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for – a jump into the ocean – but it turned out to be a life-changing experience.

“It was partly about everything I’d learnt – I threw all of me into the sound.”

Leee says he wants the audience to dress up for his gig at Boisdale - image supplied by Leee John
Leee says he wants the audience to dress up for his gig at Boisdale – image supplied by Leee John

Leee John at Boisdale

Billed as a “coming-of-age” record for Leee, Feel My Soul features a selection of classic jazz standards with modern arrangements alongside original songs penned and produced by the vocalist.

The album features the talents of Stephane Huchard on drums, Stephane Kerechi on bass, Noel Godard on percussion and Dave Mansell on brass as well as Watson on keyboards.

Since recording the record, Leee has performed sporadically with his jazz quartet, in addition to shows featuring Imagination’s output and other work. 

“Last Sunday, I was in Avignon, playing to an arena, so I’ll be going from that to performing at Boisdale,” he said.

“Having the jazz quartet gives me diversity in my audience.

“I love the room at Boisdale – it’s very intimate and you can get so close to the audience. That’s perfect for me.

“There are moments when I’ll come down from the stage and sing right to them.

“It’s a very charming place, very elegant, very classy.

“I want everybody who comes to the show to dress their best – jazzy, sexy, funky. I want them to make the effort. 

“They’re going to be able to enjoy a wonderful DJ set from Calvin Francis of Mi-Soul Radio– he’ll be playing some cool tunes.

“Then it’s my turn. This is different to the Imagination shows.

“When I performed in Germany, I was a dot on the map in front of thousands of people.

“This is a completely different version of me and a lot of fans actually prefer the jazz shows for that reason.

“I’ll sing songs like Strange Fruit, which has a historical context, or The Thin Line, where I present different emotions when performing them.

“It gives me a chance to give something back to the audiences who have continued to support me.”

As for Leee, there’s plenty more in the pipeline including an EP featuring vocalist Elaine Delmar and a track with “an American artist” whose identity remains under wraps for the moment.

Find our more on Leee’s website here 

key details: Leee John at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf

An Intimate Evening With Leee John Jazz Quartet is set to take place at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Table reservations are available from 6pm with live music from 8.30pm.

Tickets for the show start at £25, £49 including £30 food credit or £79 including a three-course dinner.

VIP and meet-and-greet packages are also available.

Find out more about the gig an book tickets here

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East London Printmakers delivers facilities and courses for artists

Based at Acme studios in Mile End, the collective provides a wealth of hardware and expertise to help creatives put images on paper and fabrics

East London Printmakers founding member, artist and tutor, Ann Norfield - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
East London Printmakers founding member, artist and tutor, Ann Norfield – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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The plain white walls of Acme’s Copperfield Road studios are a visual amuse bouche for the quiet riot of creativity that lies within.

Like the blank sheets of paper used by the image-wrights inside, the possibilities for what might be are limitless. 

That’s all due to collaboration and cooperation.

Walk through the doors at East London Printmakers (ELP) – located on the building’s ground floor – and you’ll find a large, brightly lit space filled with presses, etching baths and paraphernalia, all waiting to be used.

Everywhere there are wire racks to store fresh prints for drying.

It’s a workshop, ready and waiting with the tools for artists to make things – to turn their imaginations into hard copies.

The facility has its origins in a group of artists who began meeting monthly at Pub On The Park in Hackney.

Screenprint Melting City by Paul Lincoln - image by Paul Lincoln
Screenprint Melting City by Paul Lincoln – image by Paul Lincoln

a bit of East London Printmakers history

“They were already calling themselves East London Printmakers when I met them,” said founding member, artist and tutor at ELP, Ann Norfield. 

“At that time it was hard to find places to print.

“I’d do courses at the City Lit, but that was only three hours every now and then, so I was certainly thinking it would be great if there was a local studio in east London where I could fit making work in with everything else.

“I became a printmaker because I didn’t have a lot of spare time and it’s something you can do in small bursts.

“It started when my children were small about 33 years ago and I’ve made artwork all through my adult life.

“I was an art teacher for 40 years and I retired five years ago. Since then, I’ve been able to concentrate on my own practice.”

ELP is located in Mile End - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
ELP is located in Mile End – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

from London Fields to Mile End

The 10 or so people in that nascent ELP group all felt the same and, after setting up an interim space with Bow Arts, found a more solid home established through Space Studios near London Fields.

The deal was that in return for a contribution towards equipment, ELP would rent a studio and provide facilities and community access to them.

Opened in 2003, the collective effort was a success, with the facility and membership growing as well as the introduction of courses to educate local artists and designers. 

“Everything had been done on the premise that we wanted to provide somewhere affordable for people to work,” said Ann.

“But then the rent suddenly shot up in 2016 and we realised that would be impossible unless we moved.

“Fortuitously, Acme in Mile End had a space recently vacated by an art gallery and we were able to take it on.

“It took us 14 weeks to move into the unit and then pull a studio together to get it up and running for the community again. 

“We had about 40 people work on the project and then, after moving the presses – some of which are very heavy – we had to get specialists in to ensure they were set up and aligned properly.

“We also had to build some new walls and replumb the place – it was all done voluntarily with a huge amount of communal goodwill.”

Artist Tanaka Mazivanhanga at work in ELP - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Artist Tanaka Mazivanhanga at work in ELP – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

East London Printmakers today

Today, the membership has grown to around 50, with about 200 associates using the facilities.

There’s also a wider community who attend courses, talks and events.

For printmaker and ELP member, Paul Lincoln, it’s a place where he can get his hands dirty. 

“I trained at the City Lit and I’ve done courses here too – I’ve been involved for about five years,” he said.

“As an editor I’ve always worked with graphic designers and so visual communication has always been an interest for mine. 

“I’ve done printmaking off and on for about 20 years, but I’ve taken it more seriously recently.

“Right now I’m doing silkscreen prints based on photography.

“I take an image, manipulate it digitally, then output it onto an acetate using a machine, scan it on a lightbox and that fixes the image as an emulsion. 

“It starts as digital and then becomes entirely analogue.

“You ink up the screen and then you can select the colours and print on paper.

“Last year I also got quite excited about printing on fabric, making long hangings.

“Mainly my focus has been on buildings, such as tower blocks in the City, and the stuff I’m doing today involves maps and images imposed on them.

“I like how messy it can be and it’s nice to see things happen by chance – most of my career has been digital and precise.

“You can work quite fast, it’s about poster-making techniques, or you can do layering. I also like working with collage, making things and exhibiting them.” 

Screenprint Blue Chasm by Ann Norfield - image by Ann Norfield
Screenprint Blue Chasm by Ann Norfield – image by Ann Norfield

crumbling shorelines…

Having made use of many printing techniques over the years, Ann is currently working on a series of etchings.

She said: “They’re images of crumbling shorelines eroded by the sea.

“I’ve made a lot of images recently about people making channel crossings and how they cross water. 

“This latest series came about because of what you see as the coast comes into view and think about what kind of greeting you will get.

“For the etchings you take a metal plate and coat it with a substance that resists a corrosive solution.

“Where you remove that substance, the solution bites into the plate and they hold ink – that’s what you use to make the print.

“I think there’s an elemental quality about what we do as artists here – constant making is a human need and people really love to do things with their hands.”

Printmaker and ELP member, Paul Lincoln - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Printmaker and ELP member, Paul Lincoln – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

showcasing the work

Paul and Ann’s stories are simply a snapshot of the kind of creative endeavours ELP enables.

To showcase the collective’s wider work, it organises a Festival Of Print, which this year is set to take place from November 21-30, 2025, at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park.

Paul, who is one of the festival’s organisers, said: “It’s a celebration of print and we have room for 98 printmakers.

“Most people at ELP have a connection with east London, Tower Hamlets or the City, and so we’ll be pitching it as a major celebration of print to people in this area.”

The collective is also keen to branch out and make connections with other local organisations following its successful collaboraton to supply Canary Wharf’s aparthotel, Vertus Edit, with 50 works for its interior decor. 

For those who fancy a go themselves, a wealth of courses are currently on offer covering everything from etching to collagraphy, wood cuts, screen printing, lithography and monotype.

Courses are open to all.

Lino print Jazz Owl by ELP member Steve Edwards - image by Steve Edwards
Lino print Jazz Owl by ELP member Steve Edwards – image by Steve Edwards

key details: East London Printmakers

East London Printmakers is located in Copperfield Road in Mile End and hosts Community Access sessions on Thursdays from 10am-2pm and 3pm-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.

These cost £25 for non-associates and £22 for associates.

Full details of all courses and memberships, including prices, are available on ELP’s website

Read more: Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam to open its doors at Harbord Square

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NHG Homes offers shared ownership apartments across London

Housing association is offering incentives worth up to £6,875 for buyers who reserve a property before September 1, 2025 at its schemes in the capital

NHG Homes is currently offering incentives on shared ownership apartments - image by NHG Homes
NHG Homes is currently offering incentives on shared ownership apartments – image by NHG Homes

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NHG Homes has unveiled a package of offers aimed at tempting prospective buyers to reserve a home over the summer.

Available on selected one and two-bedroom shared ownership apartments across its London portfolio, those agreeing to purchase a property before September 1, 2025, could receive incentives worth up to £6,875 from the housing association to help them get on the ladder.

“NHG Homes wants to offer more choice to London homebuyers, which is why we are offering incentives to help you move into homes all across the capital,” said Diana Alam, director of sales and marketing at NHG Homes. 

“Whether you prioritise riverside living or city views, an easy commute or close proximity to nature, we have homes suited to a range of budgets in perfect London locations. 

“With an extra £6,875 to spend you could be making your move this year – that could be by topping up your existing deposit to help get you mortgage-ready, covering your living costs for a few months while you settle in, opting for vouchers towards furnishing your new home or even taking your dream summer holiday – we can help you get the best value for you.”

The offer is subject to lender approval and terms and conditions naturally apply.

Any incentive is payable up to 28 days after completion on the property and eligibility and affordability criteria also apply.

Options available to buyers include travel vouchers, Ikea vouchers, a contribution towards a deposit, a discount on the property or assistance with a buyer’s first few months of living costs.

To help spark readers’ imaginations, we’re showcasing London apartments available to buy on a shared ownership basis with NHG Homes below:

Kidbrooke Square - image by NHG Homes
Kidbrooke Square – image by NHG Homes

Kidbrooke Square – SE3


£91,875 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> Just seconds from Kidbrooke Station, NHG Homes’ collection of one and two-bedroom apartments at this development benefit from a concierge service, a residents’ gym and on-site retail units.

In addition to landscaped communal gardens, Cator Park and Sutcliffe Park are close by and the attractions of Blackheath and Greenwich are within easy reach. 

The proximity of the railway station also makes for rapid connections for London Bridge, Charing Cross, Victoria and Lewisham (for onward journeys to Canary Wharf).

The apartments feature private balconies or winter gardens, USB ports in every room, integrated A+ Zanussi kitchen appliances and Corian worktops as well as wood-effect flooring in halls, living areas and kitchens. Bedrooms boast built-in wardrobes with sliding mirrored doors. 

key details: NHG Homes at Kidbrooke Square

Prices at Kidbrooke Square start at £91,875 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £367,500.

Find out more here

The View At Aspect Croydon - image by NHG Homes
The View At Aspect Croydon – image by NHG Homes

The View At Aspect Croydon – CR0


£88,125 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> This development offers a collection of 92 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each featuring open-plan layouts, sleek modern kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows and private winter gardens with views over London’s skyline. 

The Wellesley Road scheme is located a five-minute walk from East Croydon station, connecting residents with central London and Gatwick Airport via mainline rail services. 

Local amenities include the Centrale And Whitgift shopping centre, home to high street retailers, independent shops, street food outlets and boutiques.

key details: NHG Homes at The View At Aspect Croydon

Prices at The View At Aspect Croydon start at £88,125 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £352,500.

Find out more here

Lampton Parkside - image by NHG Homes
Lampton Parkside – image by NHG Homes

Lampton Parkside – TW3


£83,125 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> Delivered in partnership with developer The Hill Group, this scheme is located close to Hounslow Tube station on the Piccadilly line. Journeys into central London take approximately half an hour.

The development offers a range of shared ownership apartments located beside Lampton Park in west London.

The properties feature built-in storage, underfloor heating and private outdoor spaces in the form of either balconies or terraces. 

Residents benefit from a concierge service and a series of communal outdoor spaces connected by wildflower walkways.

In addition to the open spaces at the development, the apartments are within easy walking distance of the amenities offered by Lampton Park itself including tennis courts, an adventure playground and plenty of green open space.

key details: NHG Homes at Lampton Parkside

Prices at Lampton Parkside start at £83,125 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £332,500.

Find out more here

Royal Albert Wharf - image by NHG Homes
Royal Albert Wharf – image by NHG Homes

Royal Albert Wharf – E16


£82,500 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> There are only a few homes still available at this development which sits on land between the River Thames and the eastern end of Royal Albert Dock. 

Residents can expect a concierge service, a communal lounge and podium gardens as well as local amenities such as restaurants, cafés and open spaces.

The scheme is also close to Gallions Reach Shopping Park.

Properties available feature open-plan design, fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and rainfall showers in the bathrooms.

Every apartment also boasts a private balcony.

This 15-year regeneration project is located 10 minutes’ walk from Gallions Reach DLR station, which offers connections to Canary Wharf in 15 minutes via Poplar and Bank for the City in about 25 minutes.

key details: NHG Homes at Royal Albert Wharf

Prices at Royal Albert Wharf start at £82,500 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £330,000.

Find out more here

The Perfume Factory - image by NHG Homes
The Perfume Factory – image by NHG Homes

The Perfume Factory – W3


£105,000 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> Acton is all about connectivity and vibrancy with residents in this development benefiting both from North Acton Tube station on the Central line and Elizabeth Line services from Acton Main Line station offering direct links to Heathrow and, of course, Canary Wharf. 

The scheme is also within easy reach of the likes of Portobello Road, Ealing Broadway and Westfield London for shopping and a wealth of local amenities including restaurants, bars and cafes. 

Apartments at The Perfume Factory include interior design with a “contemporary Nordic feel” and boast underfloor heating, fitted kitchens with stone worktops and bathrooms with Roca sanitaryware.

Communal spaces at the development include a formal play area and cycle storage to help promote greener travel.

key details: NHG Homes at The Perfume Factory

Prices for the last available homes at The Perfume Factory start at £105,000 for a 25% share of a one-bed with a value of £420,000.

Find out more here

Heybourne Park - image by NHG Homes
Heybourne Park – image by NHG Homes

Heybourne Park – NW9


£88,125 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> Offering a collection of one and two-bedroom shared ownership apartments – the latter with a starting price of £117,500 for a 25% share – this north-west London development is located within walking distance of Colindale Tube station with direct trains to Kings Cross.

The properties, which are part of a 15-year regeneration project offer access to plentiful open space including a new community plaza on-site as well as the amenities of Heybourne Park itself, Colindale Park and Montrose Playing Fields.

Residents moving in will find the scheme boasts an outdoor gym, a supermarket and a cafe as well as a library. Further afield, Colindale town centre, Mill Hill Broadway and Edgware Road are all within walking distance.

All apartments feature underfloor heating and private outdoor space plus access to a communal podium garden. 

key details: NHG Homes at Heybourne Park


Prices at Heybourne Park start at £88,125 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a total market value of £352,500.

Find out more here

Gadwell Quarter - image by NHG Homes
Gadwell Quarter – image by NHG Homes

Gadwell Quarter – N4


£118,750 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> A selection of one-bedroom shared ownership homes awaits at this north London scheme located between Manor House Tube station and Woodberry Down wetlands nature reserve. 

Short-listed for the First Time Buyer Readers’ Award 2024 for Best First Time Buyer Apartment, this development in Zone 2 on the Piccadilly line offers prospective owners the chance to get on the ladder in a vibrant, well-established neighbourhood.

Located in Hackney, close to the borough’s northern border with Haringey, the scheme benefits from its proximity to Finsbury Park and the Green Lanes area, both offering a wealth of leisure and hospitality options.

Only one-bedroom apartments now remain at this popular development with homes enjoying natural light through large windows and glazed balcony and terrace doors leading to private outdoor space. 

key details: NHG Homes at Gadwell Quarter


Prices at Gadwell Quarter start at £118,750 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £475,000.

Find out more here

There's just one apartment left at Wembley Place - image by NHG Homes
There’s just one apartment left at Wembley Place – image by NHG Homes

Wembley Place – HA9


£78,750 for a 25% share of a one-bed

>> Offering direct connections from Wembley Park station to Canary Wharf via the Jubilee line, one of myriad benefits for residents moving into this development is its connectivity.

The scheme is within easy walking distance of stations connected to national rail services, the Metropolitan line, the Bakerloo line and London Overground trains.

Located a few minutes from Wembley Stadium, the development has only a single one-bedroom apartment remaining for sale via shared ownership.

Set on the third floor, the property features open-plan design and boasts a private balcony. 

With a bustling urban environment all around, residents are able to escape to the relative tranquillity of nearby Union Park and the Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir) for access to grassland and activities on the water.  

key details: NHG Homes at Wembley Place


The price for the final home is £78,750 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £315,000.

Find out more here

Read more: Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam to open its doors at Harbord Square

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Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa opens its doors in Canary Wharf

Founder Valeriia Istratova took inspiration from Vincent Van Der Fluff, her three-year-old Pomeranian, when launching in Wood Wharf

Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa has opened its doors at 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa has opened its doors at 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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“I‘m originally from Ukraine and I first came to London 14 years ago to study A-Levels,” said Valeriia Istratova.

“My first degree is in fashion management and I have masters degrees in marketing and psychology.

“Somehow I’ve ended up opening a pet grooming salon.”

Having spent time working in marketing and operations across a range of sectors including wealth management, IT and at paper product giant Kimberly-Clark, Valeriia had long had a desire to start her own business.

“I just hadn’t found an idea,” said the Canary Wharf resident.

“It was during a holiday over New Year that I was thinking about what to do – perhaps a beauty salon or an Italian coffee shop – but I wasn’t sure because of the competition in the market. 

“That’s when I realised I needed to open a grooming salon.”

a fresh direction

In the end, Vincent Van Der Fluff – Valeriia’s three-year-old Pomeranian – turned out to be the inspiration for her venture.

“When I first arrived in London, my college was in Greenwich so I got to know this area,” said Valeriia.

“Then my university was in central London so I wanted to move there but a friend was living near Canary Wharf and invited me to come and look round. 

“I fell in love with it. England has beautiful little houses but personally I like skyscrapers with nice views, modern facilities and the infrastructure.

“My husband and I were some of the first residents in Wood Wharf and, because the building is pet friendly, it was finally the moment to get a dog.

“There are lots of people living here around my age who perhaps don’t have kids yet or who have decided not to, but they do have dogs.

“With Vinnie, I couldn’t find the right level of grooming service locally so I was taking him to South Kensington – driving him across central London for two hours, waiting for three and then travelling back.

“I needed to take the whole day off and he finds the car stressful, so in some ways it was crazy.”

Pawsome includes an area for pups to relax in between treatments - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Pawsome includes an area for pups to relax in between treatments – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

creating Pawsome

However, it was those experiences that sparked the genesis of Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa and Valeriia sprang into action.

First she put a business plan together after coming back from holiday and drew on her project management skills to work her way to opening.

“I knew there were lots of dogs living in Canary Wharf and around the local area and we worked out how many might come and what the demand might be,” she said.

“Then I started to look for a space, initially in South Quay, but there was nothing suitable.

“It was when I took Vinnie to the vet in Harbord Square that I noticed this building was now finished and that the commercial units on the ground floor were available.

“I contacted the agent and we prepared a presentation for Canary Wharf Group, which took place in April.

“A week later they approved my application and we started to set the business up.”

Pawsome is one of a group of independent businesses to open in Wood Wharf as part of a joint project between Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlets Council to provide affordable commercial space to local enterprises.

Ventures launched so far include Wayne Hairdresser Salon, florist The Flower Club, nail bar Awe London, Reformer Pilates at The Island Studio  and Italian bakery Signorelli.

Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam and Japanese bakery Cafe Seek are set to join Pawsome and the rest soon.

Dog groomer Nancy Salt trims Pomeranian Rich at Pawsome - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Dog groomer Nancy Salt trims Pomeranian Rich at Pawsome – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

offering quality at Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa

Key for Valeriia in setting up the business was the quality of offering.

Pawsome aims to deliver a service for dogs analogous to a human visit to a luxury health spa. 

“We’re offering a premium experience for pups,” she said. “The atmosphere is specifically curated for them including the music, the scents and the flavours. 

“We will only ever have a maximum of three dogs in the salon at one time – this isn’t a factory approach.

“We have a special playpen for them to relax in between treatments with toys, food, water and beds for them to sleep in.”

Pawsome is also a boutique selling everything from specially curated canine fashions to wine, beer and perfume for pups. 

There’s a welcoming area with velvety sofas for their humans to relax on too, although clients are asked to leave the salon during treatments so their four-legged charges remain focused on the experience.

Pawsome also sells a range of pup accessories including clothing, treats and refreshments - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Pawsome also sells a range of pup accessories including clothing, treats and refreshments – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

the benefit of a Canary Wharf base

“There was nowhere for me to wait in South Kensington and I often ended up sitting in the car, but there’s so much in Canary Wharf,” said Valeriia. 

“Here there are restaurants, cafés and also parks to take a walk in while their pup is with us.

“We offer three core packages that take between an hour and a half and three hours.

“Naturally Pawsome includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming and a blow dry, Bubbles, Brushes And Bliss includes all of the above plus a full body haircut and styling according to the breed and Fur Season Spa adds on a full ‘pawdicure’ and a blueberry and banana facial.

“We also provide little goody bags for every client and a complimentary accessory depending on your pup’s character.”

Package prices start at £70 and bookings are now being taken online.

“It’s so exciting to have opened,” said Valeriia. “I always wanted something of my own and I love animals.

“I had a cat as a child in Ukraine and then a chihuahua.

“When I was a kid, I always said I’d open an animal shelter because stray animals are a big problem over there. I was always bringing puppies and kittens home to feed them.

“Getting Vinnie has changed my life and what I wanted to create was a service here in Canary Wharf that is as good as the one offered in central London salons.

“It’s important to me that both the owners and the pups feel a sense of calm and that they are getting a service they feel is on a par with human spas.”

As for quality control, we’re reliably informed that Vinne (officially Pawsome’s CFO or chief fluff officer) has personally tested and approved all the treatments on offer. 

Vincent Van Der Fluff, Pawsome CFO, relaxes on a sofa - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Vincent Van Der Fluff, Pawsome CFO, relaxes on a sofa – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa

Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa is located in East Lane on the west side of 8 Harbord Square in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf. 

The business is open on weekdays from 10am-7pm, on Saturdays from 10am-6pm and on Sundays from noon-6pm.

A full list of services and prices is available on the company’s website here

Read more: Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam to open its doors at Harbord Square

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Greenwich + Docklands International Festival unveils 2025 shows

This year’s programme celebrated 30 years of performances in Greenwich and its surrounding boroughs with the theme of Above And Beyond

Above And Beyond will open GDIF 2025 - image by Kristina Makeeva
Above And Beyond will open GDIF 2025 – image by Kristina Makeeva

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A giant zoetrope of skeletons punting across the Styx, a vast chandelier with jazz musicians for candles swinging from a crane, huge trebuchet-like bells swinging too and fro, a slick of multicoloured foam, acrobats, dancers, performers, weird installations and cups of tea.

These are just a tiny fraction of the things the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival has brought to east and south-east London, almost all free to watch and thrillingly vibrant.

But don’t take my word for it.

To mark the 30 years organisers have been pulling this remarkable annual event together, large format coffee table book Above And Beyond by Fiona Hughes is set to go on sale to coincide with the launch of this year’s festival. 

Frankly, I don’t envy the author.

Even with 160 pages to play with, boiling down the sheer quantity of shows performed over three decades must have been a tough assignment.

The team members behind GDIF, led by festival founder and artistic director Bradley Hemmings since the event’s inception, are not strangers to tricky issues, of course.

Yet somehow on a yearly basis they pull off a powerful programme of shows, finding funding, commissioning artists and emerging victorious over the organisational bothers.

Epiphytes features aerial performers - image by Claude Esselen
Epiphytes features aerial performers – image by Claude Esselen

a mirror: the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

“It’s been very interesting and sometimes challenging, but the festival is in some way a mirror of people’s social and cultural lives over the last 30 years,” said Bradley.

“If you think back to the 1990s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place where you could have a meal on the street or in a public space outside.

“There has been such an explosion of alfresco cultural experiences and there’s now a real appetite for doing things together in the open air.

“If you think of spaces around London, like Canary Wharf, they’re now designed for outdoor conviviality.

“That’s the journey we’ve gone on in a very distinctive way and we’ve thought a lot about that during our time producing the festival.

“For what we do it’s about informality – people can come and see GDIF, meet up with friends and relax.

“It’s completely accessible. It’s something you can have a conversation about, not something where you have to sit in silence in a row.

“Above And Beyond contains gorgeous photographs and very interesting storytelling by Fiona to highlight some of the companies and people who have worked with us over the years.

“I’m so proud of them all.”

Turning Worlds will take place on Greenwich Peninsula - image by Frank Emmers
Turning Worlds will take place on Greenwich Peninsula – image by Frank Emmers

GDIF 2025: Above And Beyond

 “Above And Beyond” is also the theme for GDIF 2025, which kicks off on August 22, 2025, with a performance of the same name at 6.45pm in Woolwich’s Beresford Square.

We are living in anxious times, so the idea of ‘Above And Beyond’ is that there are no boundaries or walls to define outdoor arts,” said Bradley.

“There’s a continuity and it can happen anywhere – an inn, a park, a town centre, next to a dock, on a roof, or even, as this year, up in the sky.

“The opening night will feature a specially commissioned production with eight French performers from Lézards Bleus who will create an incredible, heart-stopping Parkour presentation that will take over landmark buildings in Woolwich. 

“The climax will feature a collaboration with the Greenwich-based Citizens Of The World Choir made up of sanctuary-seeking people, who’ve done all sorts of exciting things including performing at Glastonbury and recording with Ed Sheeran.”

Weight(less) will be performed as part of Greenwich Fair - image by Lina Johansson
Weight(less) will be performed as part of Greenwich Fair – image by Lina Johansson

evolution and a return to Greenwich Fair

GDIF has consistently changed and evolved over the years, taking root in all kinds of locations depending on availability and funding.

For its 2025 iteration, performances are in the main split over five chunks – one in Greenwich, one on Greenwich Peninsula (home to Bradley and the organisational team) one in Woolwich, one in Thamesmead and the last in Stratford. 

First up, Greenwich Park is set to host Greenwich Fair from August 23-24 with performances at various times in the area across the two days.

Bradley said: “It’s a fantastic event but quite hard for us to resource so we had to take a break last year.

“However, we’re delighted to be working with Royal Parks and Greenwich Park, to bring it back to its original home. 

“The location is where the 19th century Greenwich Fair used to happen and we’ll be bringing together a programme of street art, dance, circus and installations, with a very family-friendly character at the top of the park in celebration.”

Following on, Greenwich Peninsula will host Turning Worlds on August 30 and 31. 

“We’ve moved our offices here, in the Design District and it’s a really invigorating place to work,” said Bradley.

“There are wonderful businesses and phenomenal architecture here, and there are great public spaces too.

“For Turning Worlds we’ve taken ideas of performance and engineering and it will feature a giant metal spiral, a device that enables a performer to walk on a wall and a show that involves exchanges between an acrobat and a giant robotic arm. Robopole, especially, is a phenomenal creation.”

Robopole will be performed on Greenwich Peninsula for 2025 - image by GDIF
Robopole will be performed on Greenwich Peninsula for 2025 – image by GDIF

heading to Woolwich

On September 4, it’s Woolwich’s turn with Fragments Of Us and Go Grandad Go set to both be performed twice in General Gordon Square.

“The former is a piece we’ve co-commissioned with Talawa from dance company Fubunation and director Sonia Hughes.

“It’s going to be very inspiring and thought-provoking, which will invite people into the lives of a cast of black performers who are creating and presenting the work.

“It’s a piece that will challenge traditional assumptions about black masculinity and reveal beautiful moments of poetry, and the brotherhood and connections between the people in the show.

“Then, Go Grandad Go is commission from fantastic dancer and choreographer Dani Harris-Walters. It’s hip-hop – very family-friendly and feel-good – and takes audiences into this world of relationships across the generations.

“It’s really fun and very relatable and engaging.”

The Weight Of Water is set for shows in Thamesmead - image by Campagnefoto
The Weight Of Water is set for shows in Thamesmead – image by Campagnefoto

tilting in Thamesmead

Completing this year’s series of spectacles in south-east London will be The Weight Of Water, a giant tipping staircase of a stage where six performers will dance while battling gravity as their floating performance space.

“It’s from a Dutch company, who have created a wonderful piece of ingenious engineering, that involves a floating stage which can actually tip and change position in response to the movements of the acrobats and dancers on it.

“The show is very much urging us to be aware of the climate crisis and the impact of political indecision.

“There’s live music, dance and circus. It’s nail-biting and an incredibly surprising show which has toured widely across Europe.

“We’re thrilled we’re able to bring it to Thamesmead on September 6 and 7.”

Also taking place that weekend will be Dancing City, an extensive programme of performances on the Saturday held in various locations for the second time in Stratford.

We’ll preview this event more extensively in due course.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival founder and artistic director, Bradley Hemmings - image by Matt Grayson
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival founder and artistic director, Bradley Hemmings – image by Matt Grayson

key details: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 2025 is set to run from August 22 until September 6 at various locations in south-east and east London.

Full listings are available online.

  • Above And Beyond, published by Unicorn, will be released on August 22 and is available to purchase at GDIF 2025 events and in selected bookstores

Read more: Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam to open its doors at Harbord Square

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