Isle Of Dogs Archives

April 17, 2025April 17, 2025

University Of Sunderland In London opens £10million campus

Institution launches Isle Of Dogs facility, building on 13 years of success in the Canary Wharf area

University Of Sunderland in London pro vice-chancellor for international office and branch campuses, Alan Hardie - image by Jon Massey — University Of Sunderland in London pro vice-chancellor for international office and branch campuses, Alan Hardie – image by Jon Massey

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Alan Hardie is, at least in part, powered by Irn-Bru.

The Glaswegian beverage famously “made in Scotland from girders” is an on-brand drink of choice for the man in charge of the University Of Sunderland In London for two reasons.

Firstly, the orange liquid fits neatly with the institution’s colour scheme.

Secondly, the ammonium ferric citrate that gives it its bright and fizzy hue recalls the steel necessary to make a success of launching a London campus – steel is an alloy rich in strength and flexibility.

And what a triumph the University Of Sunderland’s campus in the capital has been.

Since its launch in 2012 at a building on Marsh Wall on the Isle Of Dogs, the campus has seen more than 28,000 students pass through its doors.

The University Of Sunderland In London started off with four programmes, expanding over the years to 31.

It currently has around 6,000 students with an expectation to “grow significantly”.

That forecast has led to an expansion, with a £10million investment in new space at Harbour Exchange – a facility that was officially opened on March 27.

The new campus is located at Harbour Exchange – image by Jon Massey

a new campus

“We needed to move because our existing building was tired and it was time for a change,” said Alan, who is the university’s pro vice-chancellor for international office and branch campuses.

“The other thing was there just wasn’t the space for some courses and there was nothing else we could do to improve it.

“Those were the things driving us to do something better.

“We chose this location because it’s a great part of London with fantastic transport links and we already had thousands of students coming here – we didn’t want to say to them that we were making life more awkward by relocating somewhere else.

“I’m amazed at the facilities we’re now able to offer.

“I was able to take one of my deputy directors – Lynsey Bendon – away from her student role temporarily and the job she and the team have done on the new campus is outstanding.

“When I first saw it finished, I was genuinely blown away – we couldn’t be happier. It’s light, it’s funky and everything’s been done to a high standard.

“There are lots of areas for students to work together and on their own and a great staff area too.

“Hopefully it projects confidence, that we’re serious about what we’re doing.

“We’ve got the space to be even more successful – to prove ourselves – and I think we can.”

Based on the last 13 years, that’s an aim that seems eminently achievable, given the progress already made.

For Alan, the London campus’ growth has been a story of adaptability – being able to rapidly change course.

There are dedicated facilities for specific courses - image by University Of Sunderland In London — There are dedicated facilities for specific courses – image by University Of Sunderland In London

adaptability at the University Of Sunderland In London

”Here we always want the student to be at the heart of any decisions we make,” said Alan, who is originally from Newcastle and has a private sector background working in human resources.

“If that means paying for extra staff to make things more efficient, then that’s what has to happen.

“As we’re a smaller part of the overall organisation, we’ve managed to speed things up that would otherwise have to go through a committee for approval.

“What we’ve been fairly good at is taking time to understand our student demographic, which is different from some other universities.

“If people come through the door we should treat them really well and, in general, I think we do that.

“If you go into a supermarket, for example, they say they’re doing things for the customer, but the way the store is laid out is really in the company’s interests.

“We choose to operate the campus in a way that works for our students, many of whom are older and may be fitting their education round jobs and childcare.

“It’s important they don’t feel bounced around and that we run as a one-stop-shop.

“Over the 13 years, it’s been key that we’ve learned how to do things ourselves and change where necessary.

“We have a variable intake model, meaning we welcome new groups of students three times a year.

“We have people coming into the campus and leaving all the time with students at all stages of our courses.

“What that allows is for us to identify what is and isn’t working within a 12-week window three times a year, rather than waiting to assess things at the end of a full 12 months.

“It means we can quickly adapt and iron out any problems if necessary ready for the next intake.

“That’s been incredibly rewarding as a process and it’s relied on having a team of like-minded people.

“We’re 252 miles from the mothership and while the original idea was that the campus would run with a small group of staff with services provided remotely from afar, it became clear after a few weeks that wasn’t going to work.

“So we learned how to be more self sufficient and that’s been a theme during our time in the capital.

“We want to celebrate our students.

“We switched to using Southwark Cathedral for our graduation ceremonies, which is an iconic venue.

“Previously we used local hotels, but moving things takes us to another level, which is what we’re always trying to do.

“The question for us is always: ‘Why should students come here?’. It’s up to us to create the answers.

“We’re not for everybody. Some institutions have better programmes or a greater legacy – it’s our choice whether we want to challenge that by doing things differently.

“Initially when we opened with just 199 students there was a kind of modesty – a lack of confidence – for the first couple of years.

“But with support from our base up in Sunderland we’ve continued to grow and expand.”

With such stellar facilities now on tap, the university is clearly on a sure foundation to build on that even further.

Secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson MP, opens the new campus in the presence of University Of Sunderland chancellor Leanne Cahill, vice-chancellor Sir David Bell, Alan, deputy directors of the University Of Sunderland In London, Lynsey Bendon and Geoff Paul and head of marketing, recruitment and admissions, Jelena Miljanic - image by University Of Sunderland In London — Secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson MP, opens the new campus in the presence of University Of Sunderland chancellor Leanne Cahill, vice-chancellor Sir David Bell, Alan, deputy directors of the University Of Sunderland In London, Lynsey Bendon and Geoff Paul and head of marketing, recruitment and admissions, Jelena Miljanic – image by University Of Sunderland In London

opening the university’s new campus

>> The University Of Sunderland In London’s new campus was officially opened on March 27, 2025, by secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson MP.

She said: “As a Sunderland MP, it does give me such pride to see the university going from strength to strength.

“The investment here is the stepping stone to even more growth, excellence and opportunities for people to study.

“I know the impact the university has for local economies, for driving growth both in the north of England and in London.

“It’s more important than ever that our universities are financially sustainable and that means stepping up, as Sunderland has, to drive forward growth, opportunities and productivity – that dynamism that the sector can bring.

“I think we all know we have to do more to narrow those gaps where it comes to inequality and educational opportunity.

“The University Of Sunderland has always been at the forefront of driving that forward and I’ve seen that impact, not just for young people, but for all the adults who have had the chance to go back into education and get on and everything that means for them and their families as well.

“That’s what the university is doing with this new building and I’m so excited to see it put to such good use.

“We can all feel what that means in terms of possibilities for those who come to study here from overseas and also from local communities.”

The new campus boasts a multitude of breakout areas - image by University Of Sunderland In London — The new campus boasts a multitude of breakout areas – image by University Of Sunderland In London

key details: University Of Sunderland In London

The University Of Sunderland In London is based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs and offers courses in business, finance, management, tourism, hospitality, events, engineering, project management, nursing and health as well as postgraduate research.

Find out more about what the institution offers here

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March 22, 2025March 24, 2025

77 Marsh Wall consultation seeks responses from local community

Areli Developments has plans to demolish the existing office block and replace it with a residential tower on the edge of West India Docks

The Sierra Quebec Bravo building may be replaced with a residential tower - image by Jon Massey — The Sierra Quebec Bravo building at 77 Marsh Wall may be replaced with a residential tower – image by Jon Massey

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Proposals are being worked up to redevelop 77 Marsh Wall.

Currently office block Sierra Quebec Bravo sits on the plot, occupying the corner of Millwall Cutting and West India South Dock.

It’s also home to street food market Canary Garden and provides access to arts venue Theatreship.

Areli Developments, together with architects Patel Taylor, are currently engaged in a public consultation on their ideas to demolish the existing building and replace it with a tower.

While plans are at an early stage, the mixed use scheme could include a blend of co-living space, an aparthotel and apartments for private rent as well as affordable housing.

According to the consultation website, the development will “be a residential led scheme, with a mix of types of homes and tenures.

The mix of tenures will allow residents to stay for any length of time, whether that be one night, two years or more”.

Occupation will, however, be on a rental basis with no mention of apartments for sale in what will likely be the latest tall tower to arrive on the strip of land south of Canary Wharf.

900 residential units to rent

The consortium says its vision includes providing 900 residential units, offering flexibility for those moving in and aimed at attracting a range of inhabitants.

Alongside the accommodation, it promises to provide leisure amenities, green spaces, a lounge, gyms, shops, cafes and bars.

Early sketches show three connected towers set on a communal plinth that will have spaces for “residents’, community and public use”.

Public space will be partially sheltered, allowing people to spill out of the building at street level without getting wet.

The developer says the plans will create a new waterside destination on Marsh Wall, provide jobs both during construction and in the future, deliver opportunities for a programme of activities including a market and community events and deliver new cafes and restaurants.

The scheme aims to create “a place for people at all stages in life – for families, couples or individuals”.

Many developers have turned away from building homes for sale in recent years in favour of build-to-rent.

The advantage is these projects are often easier to finance with the promise of steady returns.

However, they can also lead to more unstable communities with people having less security over whether they remain in a property long-term.

key details: 77 Marsh Wall consultation

The public consultation on 77 Marsh Wall ends on March 31, 2025.

Interested parties are invited to have their say on the proposals via an online survey.

You can also email your thoughts to 77marshwall@kandaconsulting.co.uk

Find more details here

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March 19, 2025March 24, 2025

Green Pioneer from Fortescue brings a message to east London

Australian mining giant delivers a proof of concept for using ammonia as a maritime fuel to help decarbonise international shipping

Green Pioneer is currently moored at West India South Dock on the Isle Of Dogs - image by Jon Massey — Green Pioneer is currently moored at West India South Dock on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey

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It’s time to make some decisions.

Water watchers in east London might well have spotted the Green Pioneer arriving in the capital.

She’s designed to be conspicuous.

At 75 metres long, she towers over West India South Dock and comes complete with a swirling green light show when darkness falls.

That’s because her primary cargo is a message – one squarely targeted at the International Maritime Organisation based a little further up the Thames on Albert Embankment – delivered by Australian metal mining giant Fortescue.

Without getting too technical, the IMO is an independent agency that sits under the United Nations and is tasked with creating regulations for global shipping – including those related to safety, security and environmental performance.

Currently, moving stuff around the world by boat accounts for about 3% of humanity’s total CO2 emissions thanks to the heavy fuel oil burned in the vast majority of ships’ engines.

Then there’s the methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, plus soot and particulate matter belched out by fossil fuel engines.

Some are directly contributing to the warming of the planet. Others are simply nasty pollutants.

With more and more goods being moved by sea, it’s a growing problem – so what to do?

The IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy is for international shipping to reach net-zero by about 2050.

However, there’s disagreement about exactly how to do that.

Green Pioneer is designed to convey a message - image by Jon Massey — Green Pioneer is designed to convey a message – image by Jon Massey

considering the solutions

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is easy to handle with existing infrastructure, but as a fossil fuel, it’s only 25% better than what we already have carbon-wise and also emits methane, a gas that’s worse than CO2 for warming the planet.

Biofuels – in theory – are carbon neutral, but require land and resources for production, a process that can also emit greenhouse gasses such as methane and nitrous oxide.

Methanol is easy to handle and use in existing engines, but the technology and infrastructure to capture the CO2 and make hydrogen using renewable resources are not yet available at scale.

Hydrogen will likely play a part thanks to high energy density, but it’s a flammable gas that requires special training to handle and needs to be stored at cryogenic temperatures so would require the industry to invest in significant retrofitting of vessels.

The message from the Green Pioneer and her parent company is very much that ammonia is the way to go – indeed, she’s been created as a proof of concept designed to advance that cause.

Fortescue believes speed is of the essence.

Head of green shipping at Fortescue, Andrew Hoare - image by Jon Massey — Head of green shipping at Fortescue, Andrew Hoare – image by Jon Massey

the message from Green Pioneer

“We’re here to show that the technology for ammonia is here – it’s not a new fuel, it’s an old fuel – and everybody needs to get behind it,” said Andrew Hoare, head of green shipping at Fortescue.

“We believe LNG doesn’t work – the industry hasn’t been very open and honest about methane emissions – and that if we’re not ready for ammonia, there will be a delay in decarbonising emissions.

“That’s why we’re pushing this project out now, because many things have to happen in parallel.

“You have to make sure you’ve got the infrastructure, the supply and people to handle the fuel. We can’t work on a sequential basis.

“That’s why we’re taking this vessel around the world – we know that in every port we visit there will be another discussion.

“Cities in the UK have been very welcoming so far because they want to make sure they are ready for this.”

Fortescue engine specialist, Tim Abetz - image Jon Massey — Fortescue engine specialist, Tim Abetz – image by Jon Massey

a step on the journey

Green Pioneer is not a ship primarily fuelled by ammonia, but rather a step on the journey to that reality.

She’s equipped with four engines, two of which have been converted to dual fuel, burning a combination of diesel and ammonia.

“When we’re running on that mix the engine is designed to burn 30% ammonia, which means our carbon emissions are nearly a third down,” said Tim Abetz, engine specialist at Fortescue.

“That was our initial target but during tests on this system we’ve pushed as much ammonia in as we could and we’ve got up to 50%.

“The way this system is designed, we don’t have the pressure to go further than that but we’re confident we can get a lot higher in future.

“Realistically, we can get to 95% ammonia. As a fuel it’s harder to burn than diesel, which has its challenges but these can be overcome.

“Diesel combusts at 210ºC, while it’s 650ºC for ammonia.

“That means you need something in the cylinder to start the fire as a pilot fuel.

“During testing, the best option we had was hydrogenated vegetable oil, but the hope is there will be a greener solution for this too in the future.”

While ammonia emits no CO2 when burnt, that doesn’t mean it’s completely emission-free with nitrous oxide (N2O) – a highly potent greenhouse gas – and nitrogen oxides (NOX) produced in addition to the risk of ammonia itself making it though the engine without combusting.

Green Pioneer’s systems have been built as a test bed to measure these emissions in the field and find ways to minimise them.

Tim said: “Every combustion engine makes NOx but that’s largely due to the temperature at which the fuel burns.

“When burning ammonia the temperature is a little lower, so we make some N2O.

“If we heat it up we make NOx instead, which we know we can tackle using scrubber technology so that’s the next step – we’ve found the issue and it’s solvable.”

That’s really the point of the project. Green Pioneer isn’t the finished article, it’s a floating laboratory to show how things might be done.

One of the other issues she aims to address is the safe handling of ammonia, a corrosive, toxic gas.

Engineering manager for Fortescue's Green Pioneer, Anthony Smith - image Jon Massey — Engineering manager for Fortescue’s Green Pioneer, Anthony Smith – image by Jon Massey

safe handling aboard Green Pioneer

“Ammonia is new as a fuel, but it’s old news on ships because ammonia carriers have been around a long time – vessels take it from terminal to terminal for fertiliser and so on and fishing boats use it in their refrigeration systems,” said Anthony Smith, engineering manager at Fortescue.

“We’ve got a fuel preparation room, where we can condition the ammonia for clean and efficient combustion, and at the back end we have what we call the scrubber – a kind of backstop or goalkeeper – if we need to purge any of our lines to prevent any ammonia escaping.”

While Green Pioneer isn’t designed for full-scale ammonia use, the shape of its systems is intended to demonstrate that the fuel can be safely handled and contained on ships going forward.

Anthony’s tour of the various systems is heavy on remote controls, leak sensors and pipes with double walls so any escape can be detected, contained and fixed without risk to the environment or crew.

While all the gubbins necessary to run these things safely isn’t an easy retrofit for existing vessels, it may well be a effort worth making to combat damaging emissions in the industry.

It’s worth noting Fortescue has a vested interest in ammonia as a producer of the fuel.

But we are in a climate emergency and its “gunboat diplomacy” in bringing the Green Pioneer to London makes a strong case for ammonia being part of the mix.

key details: Green Pioneer

Green Pioneer is currently moored at West India South Dock at the top of the Isle Of Dogs.

At present, as a working vessel, she’s not accessible to the public, however that may change.

Follow @fortescuegram for updates

Find out more about the vessel here

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March 6, 2025March 6, 2025

KB Aesthetics London offers beauty treatments on the Isle Of Dogs

Former NHS nurse and east Londoner Kelsey Bailey runs her medical-grader business in space on the southern edge of Canary Wharf

Kelsey Bailey, founder of KB Aesthetics London - image Jon Massey — Kelsey Bailey, founder of KB Aesthetics London – image Jon Massey

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Care and honesty sit at the heart of Kelsey Bailey’s business – something that should come as little surprise given her career.

Born and raised in Poplar, she spent nearly a decade and a half as an NHS nurse much of it on the Royal London Hospital’s Acute Assessment Unit ward in Whitechapel.

“AAU is chaotic,” she said. “It’s where patients go while we figure out what we’re going to do with them – where they will be sent for further treatment.

“It’s a stressful environment and staff often don’t last long there, but I loved it. I was there for nine years.

“I had two kids during that time and it got to the point where I needed to start thinking about what I was going to do because of the long hours and the shift patterns.

“I moved into practice nursing in 2019 at Aberfeldy Village and went from being on my feet all day to sitting in an office.

“That felt more like organised chaos, but I had this feeling the whole time that I wanted to do something.”

KB Aesthetics London started as a side hustle in 2022, with Kelsey offering medical grade beauty treatments in rooms rented through other salons.

“It was all word-of-mouth, but I could feel the momentum,” she said.

“My husband, Ricky, could see I had some energy built up inside me that I needed to get out – I really wanted to try something.

“I knew it would be a risk and it took about six months to make the decision to leave nursing. What if it didn’t work?

“I wouldn’t have that security blanket any more. I felt conflicted, but I needed to take the risk – if I didn’t try, I’d never know.”

Kelsey's clinic offers a full range of services from premises on South Quay - image KB Aesthetics London — Kelsey’s clinic offers a full range of services from premises on South Quay – image KB Aesthetics London

taking KB Aesthetics London to the next level

Kelsey took the plunge and built her dream – a facility with multiple treatment rooms on South Quay, just over the dock from Canary Wharf.

With help from Ricky, it’s a space she’s filled with soft brushed gold, warm whites and neutral tones, drawing on her passion for design and, of course, aesthetics.

“I wanted a calm environment – coming to a clinic like this can be nerve-racking and I just wanted everything to be chilled,” said Kelsey, who lives on the Isle Of Dogs.

“I’m very relaxed in my approach and I wanted everyone to be comfortable so they are happy telling me the truth about themselves rather than telling me what they think I want to hear.

“I’ve always liked looking after people. For every single person who comes through the door, we do a free consultation, which includes a skin scan.

“It may be that their skin is actually really good and they just need some retinal rather than Botox. We always talk about a journey.

“It’s important not to pay too much attention to one thing.

“For example, a woman in her 30s might see a line and focus entirely on that.

“But if she treats her skin as a whole with a really solid regime, the individual line might well not bother her any more.

“It’s about setting the bar lower in terms of what and how much you want to do.

“The trick with having aesthetic treatments is a light touch, which is a skill in itself. If someone has had Botox, they shouldn’t look as though they have.

“People should just be saying that they look well.

“I want people to understand that it’s not scary when you age.

“You might look in the mirror and see things that start to bother you, but it’s all right. It’s not about just getting loads of fillers.

“You can’t stop ageing, but there are things we can to do to make you feel better about yourself and those don’t have to cost a fortune and they don’t need to be invasive.

“Sometimes, if someone has a good skincare regime, all they need is the reassurance to carry on doing what they’re doing and some advice.

“Wherever possible, the natural side is the way to go.

“Our approach is holistic. I’ve known a lot of my clients for a long time.

“We’re really trying to do something different in the industry.”

Kelsey and husband Ricky have worked together to decorate the space

forging a team

Joining Kelsey on that mission are Louise Mitchell, R-Marni Aguilar and Trudi Gibson who bring a wealth of experience to the clinic.

Having grown the business largely through word-of-mouth, the plan is now to make a bigger splash and build on that solid foundation.

“It’s really down to my clients that I’ve come this far,” said Kelsey. “They’re the ones who helped give me the confidence to take that risk.

“Since we’ve put up our signs, people now know we’re here and it feels great. I’ve trained the other three on the team and we’ve really grown together.

“Before this I’d never owned a business – I’m a nurse – and starting a company on your own as a woman can be difficult.

“I wanted to do it with people who get me and that’s made it enjoyable for all of us.

“That connection means we all put more in for each other.

“As a business, we’re a bit more relaxed and that’s good for the team and clients.

“People often say it’s like a spa when they come here, which it is, but it’s built on a strong medical foundation.

“The aesthetics industry is not regulated at the moment and I always make sure people know about our medical training and the standards we set.

“Our approach is about keeping people safe – we always start with the client.

“First of all, my advice is to not spend money on things that aren’t bothering you.

“It would be wrong for me to find stuff you should be bothered about – it should never be about what I think a person needs.

“Often, following a good skincare routine will yield the best results.

“There may then come a day when you need something sorted out and then we can look at treatments and options. Then it’s about your needs.

“It’s important to keep up with what’s happening in the industry.

Kelsey wanted to create a calm, welcoming environment for her clients

“We’re not a clinic that’s machine-led – in this business it’s definitely possible to get too much stuff.

“I currently have one skincare machine – the Sofwave – which I’ve been working with for a couple of years and is non-invasive.

“I regularly attend conferences to see what’s out there and listen to the evidence and the claims.

“But for me it’s equally important to talk to people in the industry to find out what they actually do in practice.

“My clients are real people with busy lives. They don’t want there to be down time after they come for an appointment.”

Kelsey said running her own business full-time had been an opportunity for personal growth, alongside professional expansion.

“It’s been life-changing,” she said. “I never thought I’d have my own business and it’s an emotional roller-coaster.

“You have to have stamina, but I love it.

“I remember going to Canary Wharf as a kid – it’s so different now – but I really feel a part of it now and I almost can’t believe that.

“With all my family here and having grown up in the area, I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds.”

key details: KB Aesthetics London

KB Aesthetics is located at Parker House in Admirals Way on South Quay at the top of the Isle Of Dogs.

The clinic’s full range of services is available online.

For more information, visit the company’s website or email info@kbaestheticslondon.com

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February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Byblos Harbour on the Isle Of Dogs gets a lift with Kyrsten Perry’s art

East London artists collaborates with Lebanese restaurateur Aboud Grimesty to cap refurb

Artwork by Kyrsten Perry at Byblos Harbour

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Lebanese restaurant Byblos Harbour has a long history of serving up colourful, flavourful dishes on the edge of Millwall Inner Dock.

The establishment serves a cuisine described by owner Aboud Grimesty as similar “to Turkish food” thanks to 400 years of occupation by the Turks, “but more refined” from a period of French influence and control from the early 20th century.

It’s been attracting diners to the Isle Of Dogs since opening its doors in 2008.

“We had a good plan and the financial crisis hit, but things got better until Covid came,” said Aboud, who lives in Canning Town.

“However, we carry on and we’re in good shape.

“When we opened, there was no authentic restaurant serving proper Lebanese food in east London, so I thought I’d give it a try.

“It’s a varied cuisine – after the occupation by the Turks, there was huge poverty so there’s lots of vegetarian food – people had to do a lot with a little.

“The menu is compact to keep things under control – you can order a range of starters and then a main course.

“My personal favourite is the mixed grill with chicken and lamb.”

a new look for Byblos Harbour

It’s clear when I pop in to interview Aboud that his connection to his customers is paramount.

The consummate host, he’s unfailingly attentive and frequently stopping to chat to regulars and newcomers alike.

On leaving, he presses a bottle of Lebanese red into my hands, telling me the country has the best wine in the world – how does he know?

It’s where Jesus pulled his infamous party trick with the water.

This closeness with his customers and the importance of his homeland sit perfectly in explaining the reason for my visit.

The restaurant has been refurbished recently

To cap off Byblos Harbour’s refurbishment, which has included the construction of a covered, heated and sheltered terrace for diners and shisha enthusiasts, Aboud called on a regular for some assistance with the interior of the restaurant.

“I came here about six months ago, and Aboub showed me his empty walls,” said Kyrsten Perry, an artist and Isle Of Dogs resident.

“He said he wanted to celebrate Byblos – the city from which the restaurant takes its name – so I asked him what the stand-out features of the city were and we went from there.

“It’s a port that’s been operating for about 7,000 years.

“I researched the history, found out all about its connections to the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks, the Phoenicians and its Roman ruins.

“These include an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean, but there’s also a 5,000-year-old pier with many restaurants nearby, which inspired Aboud initially.

“That’s how the collaboration began.”

creating the paintings

Kyrsten set about creating a series of watercolours from images of Byblos, with the collection recently unveiled at the restaurant.

“I wanted to capture what it must have been like in Roman times,” she said.

“Initially I thought I’d do a semi-aerial view, but it didn’t look right.

“I also didn’t want to do one of those big murals.

“It was really a collaboration. I’d send Aboud images and he’d like some and not others.

“We talked extensively about how the culture of the country has affected the food, the people and the whole atmosphere.

“To me, it was something uplifting and joyous.

“There have been so many awful things happening in that part of the world, I thought it would be great to create something positive.

“Aboud supports multiculturalism – people coming together.

“It’s been a real privilege to work with him because I can see what he’s trying to do.

“He brings people together with good food, good wine and good times.”

inspired by the water

Born in Cornwall, Kyrsten was brought up in Australia before returning to the UK, gravitating to the Isle Of Dogs after a stint running a venue in Islington.

In addition to her full-time job working for a Labour MP, the former Tower Hamlets councillor is a practising artist working from a studio in Roman Road.

“During the day we deal with a lot of people who are acutely desperate and in need of support,” she said.

“The art is a good counterbalance to that.

“Some friends and I share the studio and I’m absolutely in my element when I’m painting.

“I’ve really enjoyed the process of working with Aboud – I trust him and he’s got really good taste.

“When you’re in that creative process, trying something new, that’s really important.

“I’ve done lots of things in the past – I have two art degrees – but I’ve only really taken it seriously in the last couple of years.

“I’ve been doing the art class at the Shadwell Centre in Whitechapel and that’s how I met the friends I share the studio with.

“Something happens in that creative space which is very precious and I’ve felt that doing this project with Aboud.

“I’m certainly up for more commissions as I’ve finally got my website and Instagram sorted.

“I’m definitely looking for more opportunities to collaborate, but I’ll be doing my own thing as well.

“I really have to take my hat off to Aboud.

“Byblos Harbour is always reliable – my mum, who is originally from Streatham loves coming here with her friends when she visits from Australia.

“You know you’re getting good quality food and that it will be a fabulous day.

“Aboud has had to be creative over the years, to reinvent his restaurant but always with what the customer needs and wants in mind.

“I’ve known him for 10 years and I’ve always loved the food – having been a councillor, I know how much restaurants struggled over the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, so it’s fantastic that he’s adapted and is still delivering that quality.

Another of Kyrsten's paintings for Byblos — Another of Kyrsten’s paintings for Byblos

key details: Byblos Harbour + Kyrsten Perry

Byblos Harbour is open Monday-Saturday, from noon to 11pm and on Sundays from 1pm to 10.30pm.

Takeaway options include Deliveroo and Uber Eats for those who prefer to dine in their homes, although you’ll be missing out on the artwork.

Find more information about the restaurant here

Kyrsten Perry is a local artist working in east London and is available for commissions.

Her work, which takes inspiration from the water of the docks and the local swan population can be viewed online.

Find more information about her work here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

January 24, 2025January 24, 2025

Kidd Rapinet Solicitors offers immigration services in east London

Wharf Life sits down with Zahira Razaq at the firm’s Harbour Exchange branch on the Isle Of Dogs to talk justice, advice and guidance for businesses

Zahira Razaq of Kidd Rapinet Solicitors in Canary Wharf

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“I’d always been attracted to the law because of my parents’ belief in equality and justice,” said Zahira Razaq.

“I absorbed their advice about finding a career in something like finance, law or medicine – one of the professions.

“It’s very hard to get a job in the law when you’re starting out and it just so happened my first job was as a paralegal working in immigration.

“I didn’t think there was much to this particular area before that, but when I got into it, I could see the impact the work has.

“It’s about helping to change people’s lives for the better.”

It was those first experiences that set Zahira on her path, progressing in the profession to become a trainee solicitor after six months and then a solicitor.

This year will be her eighth in the legal world, having joined the immigration team at Kidd Rapinet Solicitors’ Canary Wharf branch at Harbour Exchange in August.

You don’t have to sit with her for long to understand that her passion for the work burns fiercely.

a passion for immigration

“I’m old-school when it comes to hard work – I come in first thing to do my research because I never want to be the person giving bad advice – I always go above and beyond for my clients,” said Zahira.

“It’s my responsibility to prepare for everything and to be honest.

“I’m always upfront to the point that if I don’t see any merit in a client’s case then I won’t pursue it and waste their funds.

“I understand money is hard to earn and, if someone is in a position where they are struggling to pay for legal representation, it’s essential they get the very best service possible.

“Often my job is about changing a judge’s mind after the Home Office has turned down an application by showing how a client meets the criteria on compassionate grounds.

“I think it was really seeing the effect on clients that drew me deeper into this area of the law.

“There was one man who had five kids and was the sole breadwinner for his family.

“He was doing every kind of job available just to support them.

“I referred him to the British Red Cross and food banks just to help him survive.

“We went back and forth with the Home Office for ages, but eventually I managed to get him leave to remain.

“Seeing the gratitude on the faces of his family was amazing.

“It gave him a lot of security and was a whole new start for them. I’m not sure what would have happend to them had we not succeeded.

“The satisfaction of doing things like that is what makes the job so worthwhile – you can’t really measure it.

“It’s about fighting for justice and equality.

“I hate things that are unfair with a passion.

“What I want for myself is what I want for everybody else – situations where someone’s liberty has been taken from them or they’ve been denied justice without a fair hearing really get to me.”

Kidd Rapinet Solicitors offers free phone consultations on immigration matters

services at Kidd Rapinet Solicitors

Kidd Rapinet offers a comprehensive selection of immigration services for individuals and businesses from its base on the Isle Of Dogs, apt perhaps given the area’s history as a locus of international trade.

“We’re a one-stop-shop for people or companies who want to talk about immigration in any context,” said Zahira.

“A very hot topic is compliance – not all organisations understand things like work visas and right-to-work checks but there can be substantial penalties for those in breach of the rules.

“One of the things I’m especially keen to do here is to reach out to businesses and universities – students will have the qualifications to become skilled workers, but they need the work experience to go with that.

“Businesses often hire students because they are cost effective and can be moulded to specific roles, but a failure to do the right-to-work checks could see firms liable for fines for anyone employed illegally.”

The law is crucial when it comes to immigration.

It establishes whether those who come to this country through both legal and illegal routes can legitimately stay here, for how long and what they are allowed to do while resident.

“It’s always going to be a hot political topic,” said Zahira.

“Governments tighten rules for businesses and educational organisations to bring legal migration down.

“I would advise any migrant coming to the UK, either as a student or on a work visa, to try to obtain legal advice first.

“We can talk to them about how to remain after completing their studies and advise businesses and individuals on compliance when it comes to being employed and employing those from overseas.

“You want a solicitor who knows the law and who will be willing to fight your case if that becomes necessary.

“It’s very important because migrants contribute a lot to the UK economy. Many of my clients have really well paid jobs – that’s true of students who want to remain here after studying too.

“Immigration is an ever-changing field within the law and one that’s not just about what’s in the rules and regulations, but an area that’s based on arguments from other cases that apply to individual situations.”

for those seeking advice

The team at Canary Wharf has more than 25 years of experience helping people and businsses with immigration issues.

These include those who wish to visit or stay in the UK as a partner or child, a student, an investor, an innovator or to work at or start a company.

The firm can also help with permanent residence, indefinite leave to remain, British citizenship and UK Passport applications.

“Whatever issue it is, regarding immigration, then come and talk to us,” said Zahira. “We’ll be able to tell you whether we can help with your case.”

key details: Kidd Rapinet Solicitors

Kidd Rapinet Solicitors offers a wide range of legal services through its Canary Wharf branch based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs.

The firm’s expertise include immigration, conveyancing, wills and probate, employment law, commercial property, family law and an extensive list of services for businesses of all sizes.

Kidd Rapinet offers free, no obligation phone consultations with lawyers on immigration matters. Call 020 7205 2115.

Find out more about the firm’s services here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

December 16, 2024December 16, 2024

Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf offers tutoring on the Isle Of Dogs

How Pauline Suarez left teaching to set up a franchise offering tutoring in east London

Pauline Suarez always knew she wanted to be a teacher

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From a very young age, it was clear Pauline Suarez would be a teacher.

“Even at three years old, my mum remembers me lining up my teddies and teaching them how to read and write,” she said.

“However, they were very poor achievers.

“It was something in me – I knew what I wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for nurturing people and I really wanted to help the world.”

Having grown up in “a very small village in Canada”, Pauline studied education at the University Of Saskatchewan before seeking a position overseas.

She interviewed for a role in Mexico, but only found out she’d got it by letter 12 weeks after she’d already started teaching in London.

“I came to be a supply teacher in primary schools,” she said.

“I actually didn’t take it all that seriously.

“I really wanted the Mexican job and I think London was probably the worst interview of my life.

“But I got the job, I loved it and I thrived.

“My first job was at De Beavoir school in Hackney – the toughest, roughest school I had ever seen.

“The kids were on the tables, totally out of control.

“I called my mum in the first week and told her it was awful and that I was moving home.

“But that was in 2000, it’s 2024 now and I’m living and working in Canary Wharf.

“London is like a woman and you either love her or hate her.

“I’m madly in love with her. This is an amazing city – it just has everything.”

born of experience

Working initially in Southwark before moving to Tower Hamlets and a stint in South Africa, Pauline’s career has see her accrue a great deal of experience in inner-city education.

Before embarking on a new venture, she worked extensively at Malmesbury Primary School in Mile End and most recently at Harbinger Primary School on the Isle Of Dogs.

“I was a phenomenal teacher,” said Pauline.

“But teaching 30 children each day and working long hours left me more and more disillusioned with the education system.

“It was about having everything written down rather than adapting to the child’s needs.”

Having initially started tutoring while still teaching, she decided to leave the classroom in 2022 and try something different.

“I wanted a change,” said Pauline.

“It was a time in my life when I couldn’t get assurance of regular work as a teacher – they would just call when they needed someone, a bit like a zero hours contract.

“I felt like a swan – calm on the surface but frantically paddling under the water.

“So I decided to take on a franchise with tutoring company Conexus.

“Only around 16% of businesses in London are owned by women, so that’s one reason I wanted to do this.

“I started the franchise for the Canary Wharf area in January and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had – everyone has wanted to help.”

Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf: Isle Of Dogs sessions

Based at the Barkantine Community Hall, just off Westferry Road on the Island, Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf offers tutoring to small groups of students in English, maths and science.

One-to-one and online sessions are also available.

“We cater for children from the age of four and up, right to the end of GCSEs and we have A-Level tutors available too,” said Pauline.

“The story of Conexus itself is really amazing.

“It was started by a woman called Sharon Cawley – a teacher who had a breakdown, a broken marriage and was living with two kids in a council flat on benefits.

“She realised she could tutor to make a living and discovered that teaching them in small groups worked really well.

“That’s backed up by the research from the Education Endowment Foundation, which found that this kind of environment allows children to learn more over the course of a year than one-to-one.

“Sharon was teaching English and found out that many of her students were also going to see a maths tutor.

“She decided to hire one herself and that’s where Conexus was born.

“The company provides small group learning from top quality tutors.

“Each knows their subject really well – we only hire specialists because you need that in-depth knowledge.”

Pauline’s franchise offers online sessions from £20 or in-person classes from £23 on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.

the benefits of tuiotion

She said: “I don’t believe there’s a child on the planet who wouldn’t benefit from having a tutor.

“Tutoring embeds learning and allows your child to get to grips with their education.

“The school system is overloaded.

“There’s too little money and, in a traditional classroom, the average student might only be spending three minutes with a teacher during a lesson. Tutoring is an investment.

“If a child is top of their class, they often need a push to achieve their potential.

“Equally, if they’re struggling, then they need support. It’s being able to adapt to the child’s needs.

“One small thing can affect them and a tutor has the time to find out what that is and deal with it.

“Children can be terrified of saying the wrong thing or making a mistake.

“I had a child two weeks ago who had been over-tested in school.

“She came in, started learning and she seemed fine, and then she had a panic attack.

“I got her to breathe so that she could calm her nervous system down and then she cried and cried.

“I asked her why she was so upset and she said she’d failed a test in school. I explained to her that as her tutor it was me that had failed if she didn’t know something.

“Now she has the biggest smile and wants to come to our sessions because she knows there’s no judgment.

“In school there’s an exorbitant amount of pressure on these children, and they’re not handling it well.

“We can take away that pressure and we can help them learn. That’s our promise.

“I’ve had phone calls from parents fearful that their child would fail exams and I’m always confident we can get them through.

“One of the mums cries when she sees us – her daughter was failing but ended up getting fours and fives at GCSE and is now training to be dental nurse.

“It feels amazing when you can really change the course of someone’s life – it’s my true purpose.”

key details: Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf

Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf delivers group tutoring sessions at the Barkantine Community Centre each week.

One-to-one and online sessions are also available in children’s homes by arrangement.

Conexus is a member of the Tutors’ Association and is committed to safeguarding with all staff DBS checked every term.

Pauline is also about to launch specialist 11+ Core Classes aimed at helping children in Years 4 and 5 pass entrance examinations for selective secondary schools.

Find out more about tutoring on the Isle Of Dogs here

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November 2, 2024November 2, 2024

A Kiss For Cinderella is set for a festive revival at The Space

Tickets are now on sale for the Christmas run of Bethany Sharp’s adaptation of JM Barrie’s play

Bethany Sharp has adapted JM Barrie's A Kiss For Cinderella as The Space's festive show for 2024 and is also directing the show — Bethany Sharp has adapted JM Barrie’s A Kiss For Cinderella as The Space’s festive show for 2024 and is also directing the show

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Perhaps, if a weighty tome hadn’t fallen off a shelf onto the head of Bethany Sharp’s mother in a bookshop in Frinton-On-Sea, her daughter would never have discovered A Kiss For Cinderella.

“When I was 12, I was into old, weird plays and I was given this very big book of JM Barrie’s plays, which I found fascinating,” said the interim deputy artistic director at The Space on the Isle Of Dogs.

“He wrote so many fantastic pieces, although you wouldn’t perform a lot of them today because they’re too strange.

“Very few of his works have survived with such fame as Peter Pan, but many were very popular.

“Quality Street, for example, gave its name to the chocolates, despite there being no chocolate in the play at all.

“It’s a romance and they borrowed the costuming and put it on the tin.

“But I thought A Kiss For Cinderella could actually work as a festive show at The Space.

“It’s kind of an anti-Peter Pan because there’s no magic in it – although we won’t be telling that explicitly to the children who come to see it.

“It’s not a pantomime, but it is very funny and very snowy.

“The play has the elements of something like It’s A Wonderful Life – being grateful for things in the best possible way.

“The festive season can be a time for gathering round and traditional storytelling.

“People often ask if we have shows for families and we do a lot of that kind of thing at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf.

“But I think there should be a festive play here at The Space. It’s a building where lots of people feel at home.”

A Kiss For Cinderella is set to run from December 3-15, 2024

family friendly: A Kiss For Cinderella

Suitable for ages eight and up, Bethany has adapted A Kiss For Cinderella for the 21st century and is directing the production.

“It was written in 1916 and is set in that year in a poorer part of London,” she said.

“We’ve put it in the East End and it’s about a girl who has been made to think she’s Cinderella by her employer, a posh, patronising sculptor.

“She takes this to extremes because she doesn’t have much hope in life and convinces herself that a fairy godmother will come, grant her a wish and that she’ll marry the Prince Of Wales.

“She’s slightly deluded, slightly unwell and indulging in a fantasy.

“The magic stuff does happen, but it’s all in her mind. Then it turns into her convalescing and discovering she’s not the real Cinderella.”

Set against a backdrop of the First World War – with Zeppelins bombing London from the skies – the fear of death from above proves a key plot point in the piece.

“Cinderella is actually harbouring illegal immigrants – she shouldn’t have a set of children she’s looking after in war time, but she’s desperate to help people,” said Bethany, whose love of the performing arts began with a trip to see a panto at the age of three.

“She’s very good-hearted, but she’s incredibly poor and can barely feed herself let alone the children she’s taken on.

“Then a policeman turns up to investigate the sculptor who has a light on in his apartment, fearing it might attract the bombing.

“He is very suspicious of Cinderella but eventually falls in love with her.

“Not all the best aspects of the police are in this person – he’s very gruff – so it’s also a transformative story for him as he changes a lot of his opinions along the way.”

The show will run at The Space in Westferry Road on the Isle Of Dogs

a darkness alongside the light

In similar fashion to The Snowman and A Christmas Carol the play contains darker elements, but nevertheless promises audiences much more than misery.

“The main thing to say about it, is that it’s very funny,” said Bethany.

“JM Barrie is very underrated as a comic playwright.

“The jokes in it are fantastic and we’re having a physical comedy director to bring out a lot of the more visual material out.

“There’s a ball scene, for example, which happens in Cinderella’s brain – it’s her idea of what such an occasion might be like.

“George V is handing out party bags with sandwiches in them and she’s been to see a horse show so she imagines the women are lined up to have their teeth examined.

“It’s all a bit confused because they are the best things she can imagine.

“There’s also a lot of class criticism.

“It’s clear that the posh sculptor has set up a lot of the problems, although he is redeemed by helping Cinderella out.

“It’s not an angry class comedy, though – it’s all very subtle.

“It is ridiculously layered and detailed – I’m hoping it will come together as a lovely Christmas entertainment.

“We’ll be performing it in the round and the atmosphere changes when that happens.

“There’s a scene where the policeman meets the children and they all sit down together – it’s really nice and I hope people will feel that.”

comfort and joy

Bethany, who is also a stand-up comedian, writer and actor, said she hoped the production would leave people with a sense of warmth.

“I would like people to feel very comforted, which is not often a very popular thing to say with theatre,” she said.

“I come from comedy and I think everyone should be happy by the end.

“Obviously, it’s great, if they’re crying and emotional, but I also want them to be comforted as well.

“I would like people to have laughed and appreciated the darker bits too.

“There is a strong message of love, comfort and hope, even if we know what the ending is going to be.”

A Kiss For Cinderella is a co-production between Bethany’s company On Point and Space Productions and is set to play for two weeks on various dates at the start of December.

Tickets have just gone on sale, with purchases contributing to the work of The Space, which supports and champions new writing in theatre.

key details: A Kiss For Cinderella

A Kiss For Cinderella is set to run at The Space on the Isle Of Dogs from December 3-15 with shows on various days at 7.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.

Audiences can pay either £10, £16 or £25 for tickets to support the production.

Find out more about the production here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

October 15, 2024October 15, 2024

Forge Art Fair relocates to London Lighthouse Gallery And Studio

Isle Of Dogs showcase finds a new home at Sokai Higgwe’s London City Island space

Forge Art Fair founder Carolina Kollmann

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Anyone who visited the Forge Art Fair in 2023 will have felt the buzz.

Founder Carolina Kollmann and her team packed Craft Central’s Westferry Road base with art, artists and people to appreciate them and their work.

The charity may be no more – with its crafters, artists and tenants ejected from the Isle Of Dogs building following its unexpected collapse, earlier this year – but, nevertheless, Carolina’s vision lives on.

That’s in no small part thanks to artist and photographer Sokari Higgwe.

The founder of London Lighthouse Gallery And Studio at London City Island had visited the fair in 2023 on the advice of residents and neighbours.

So when Carolina and her co-curator Tammy Walters were looking for an alternative location to host this year’s event, he stepped in, allowing it to grow in scale and scope.

The Forge Art Fair 2024, is set to kick off at the gallery with a private view on November 1, before opening to the public on November 2 and 3.

The Forge Art Fair will take place at London Lighthouse Gallery And Studio

the Forge Art Fair: curated by artists

“The event is curated by artists to showcase talented creatives – it’s a unique, affordable opportunity for people to immerse themselves in and understand the world of contemporary art,” said Carolina.

“My idea when creating the fair was to bring art from across the UK to east London, but also that it should be connected to the local area.

“As a curator, for me, quality is the most important thing.

“As an artist, someone who is always creating, I want to showcase people who are serious in what they are doing.

“Yes, the work has to be affordable, but it has to be art that says something by an artist that can communicate properly.

“We were very lucky to have a lot of applications to show at the fair and so we had to make choices.

“Even though we are growing, I wanted to ensure the artists are all completely different so there is a real range for people to see.”

A piece by Venetta Nicole, who will be exhibition at the Forge Art Fair 2024

a multitude of artists

The Forge Art Fair is set to feature work by Kathy Miller, Venetta Nicole, Alexandra Moskalenko, Miguel Sopena, Dom Holmes, Abi Jameson, Jairo Nicola and Imogen Hogan as well as Carolina, Tammy and Sokari.

The fair has also teamed up with the Women In Art Prize to offer the winner of its Young Artist award space to exhibit.

As a result, Nancy Singh will be showing and selling her work at the event.

While works from all the artists will vary in price, pieces will be available from £50 with the structure of the fair contributing to its affordability, with no third parties placing charges on the artists.

Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of pieces, including Carolina’s 3D paintings and Sokari’s photography, meet the people that created the work and support creativity by purchasing art if they so choose.

“This will be an autumn art experience like no other – from traditional paintings to textiles, multi-disciplinary creations and abstract pieces – it’s perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages from the local area and further afield,” said Carolina.

Artwork by Forge Art Fair contributor Dom Holmes

key details: Forge Art Fair

The Forge Art Fair 2024 will run from November 2-3, 2024, at London Lighthouse Gallery And Studio in Lyell Street. Entry is free.

The gallery is located in the same building as English National Ballet at London City Island and is a short walk from Canning Town station.

There will be a private view on November 1 from 5.30pm. Those wishing to attend should subscribe for updates from the fair organisers.

Find out more about the showcase here

Artist, photographer and gallerist Sokari Higgwe

meet the artist: Sokari Higgwe

“When people who are not your friends start buying your work, it’s scary,” said Sokari Higgwe, artist, photographer and gallerist.

The London City Island resident spent two decades working as a database engineer for the Bank Of New York and UBS before turning a passion for his hobby into a career.

“I mostly do abstract architectural photography but also portraiture,” said Sokari. “

I’ve loved both taking pictures and buildings since I was a child, so it was easy to put the two things together.

“In my pieces I want to show aspects of architecture you wouldn’t think about when you just look at a building.

“For years my day job was working in the City for UBS.

“Before that I was in east London, employed by the Bank Of New York, looking after 30% of electronic trading and making sure it was running smoothly – a big responsibility.

“The artist in me was always, there through my hobby. After 20 years I was getting bored and I wanted to express myself creatively.

“But, as a self-taught photographer, I always felt I was an imposter. I wasn’t confident. I’d joined the camera club at UBS and that was where my interest got stronger.

“Then I got a break when a gallery offered to show my work at an exhibition in Mile End.”

Successful solo shows followed and Sokari found himself much more absorbed by his creative work than by the databases he managed.

So he decided to take voluntary redundancy when it was offered and embarked on a new chapter in his life.

“I thought this was my chance to do photography full time,” he said.

“I started looking for a gallery and a studio where I could do portraiture and create art using models and props.

“I opened the London Lighthouse Gallery three years ago, after searching for quite some time.

“London City Island was one of the best places to do that because of the creative community locally and especially as I moved here eight years ago.

“I really love the history of this part of town, knowing it used to be the engine of the country when the docks were operating.

“One of the reasons for opening a gallery was to help promote artists like myself who haven’t gone the conventional route.

“I know it was a struggle for me to get myself out there because I wasn’t a professional. The idea is to have this as a space where creatives can feel free.”

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

October 5, 2024October 5, 2024

The Eleventh Hour finds its niche serving coffee on the Isle Of Dogs

Entrepreneur Daniel Bull on opening The Lockdown Room and The Eleventh Hour in east London

Image shows Daniel Bull, the man behind The Eleventh Hour and The Lockdown Room, drinking a cup of coffee — Daniel Bull, the man behind The Eleventh Hour and The Lockdown Room

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BY LAURA ENFIELD

He is the kind of guy who runs a spontaneous marathon on New Year’s Day and goes on to clock 3hrs15 for the London event.

The kind of guy who sold sweets in the playground aged 13 to make money and, by 17, was the top salesman in a car dealership.

The guy who can lead a failing coffee shop business through the pandemic and emerge with venues The Eleventh Hour on the Isle Of Dogs and The Lockdown Room at London City Island.

“I remember my sister went on a ski trip with school and I said ‘Can I take the cash option?’ and bought DJ gear with it,”said Daniel Bull on his first move as a teen entrepreneur.

“I was into my music and saw the business opportunity, because what else can you do at that age?

“So I put an advert in the Yellow Pages and off I went.”

This seemingly innate entrepreneurial drive has always been matched by an attitude of never giving up – which emerged when he wrote off his first car after two weeks.

“I thought I would never get insured again so I emailed a few car dealerships and said I would work for commission only,” said the Isle Of Dogs resident.

“I was back in a car within a week.

“At 17 I was a top salesman and within two years I was managing the dealership.”

It was also this mindset that saw him land a spot on an MBA course aged 26 with almost no formal qualifications.

“So many business schools turned me down because I didn’t have an undergraduate degree, but I managed to get a fairly decent GMAT score and ended up going to Cass, which is now Bayes Business School,” he said.

“I was the only person without an undergraduate degree, but they liked that because they were trying to diversify the class and not just have a cohort full of investment bankers.”

It was while studying that he crossed paths with floundering company The Espresso Room.

It opened one of London’s first speciality coffee shops in 2009 on Great Ormond Street but by 2019 the owners were considering cutting and running.

Daniel picked up the baton as part of his final project and ended up taking it over.

The cafe is located on the ground floor of Wardian off Marsh Wall

turning things round

“There were two investors at the time and they said it was losing money and wanted to know if they should sell it or if it could be turned around? The product was amazing, but behind the scenes, it was a mess,” said Daniel.

“So I did a whole turnaround plan and decided to invest in it.

“I ended up opening two more shops with them and then the pandemic hit.

“Three of the four coffee shops had to be closed and most of the staff furloughed.

“We were basically bankrupt, but I decided to take it on fully and to fight to keep it going.”

The Bloomsbury branch had survived and Daniel and his team landed a gig handing out subsidised coffees to NHS workers battling Covid.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing and it was a whirlwind, but we kept busy. I think that’s why we survived,” he said.

“A lot of people threw the towel in during that time. I didn’t.

“I took a £50,000 bounce back loan and worked around the clock to make something happen.

“I kind of wish we’d gone online now like Grind did but I’m not complaining, because we managed to keep half our team.”

Instead of turning to the internet, he focussed on the community in Leamouth where he was living at the time.

His venue at English National Ballet had shut down and so he began offering a grocery delivery service to residents.

Through the various restrictions, it evolved into what is now known as The Lockdown Room.

The Eleventh Hour serves up a wide array of pastries and food

launching Lockdown

“When everyone realized how bad things were and supermarkets and shops were staying closed, we asked the developer Ballymore if it had an empty space,” he said.

“They threw me the keys for one of their biggest retail units on the island.

“It was an empty shell with no water, no lights – nothing – and was full of old desks and chairs all covered in dust.

“We put a table out at the front and became a grocery pop-up.

“A few weeks later we put in a coffee machine and after a month a pint machine and ended up with loads of east London craft beer.

“Then, around June 2020, we bought a PA system and started doing live music outside and theme nights.

“We were building this community as we went along.

“We got a lot of residents involved and some friends set up a kitchen, and started doing Vietnamese street food and some other friends started doing a bottle cocktail business.

“It was an interesting time. I would never have thought to open a bar there, but it was definitely a fun project.

“Now we’ve had to diversify and scale it back a little bit, but we’ve also brought in our own Mexican street food concept called Taco Hut and get events with 400 people being booked in.

“We’re not just a standard venue. We’ve sort of found our niche and we get a lot of repeat bookings and repeat customers.

“So yeah, we’ve learned.

“It’s the hub of the community there and people are now recognising what we do as a business with all our venues.

“We’re not just the place you go to grab a product and leave. It’s about much more than that.”

A staff member makes a coffee at The Eleventh Hour

opening The Eleventh Hour

Today Daniel has 35 staff and manages his brands and venues under The Bull Group.

They include The Barre at the English National Ballet and the Lockdown Room, both on London City Island and The Eleventh Hour on the ground floor of Wardian.

Despite the fact he speaks roughly 12,000 words in our 70 minute interview (that’s almost three words a second) Daniel is not fuelled by free caffeine from his shops.

Instead, he starts every day with a glass of water and a ginger shot, followed swiftly by a healthy juice or shake.

These are consumed in his Wardian flat before he descends a few hundred feet to his coffee shop below to check it is all running smoothly.

The Eleventh Hour opened last November and, like all Daniel’s venues, has found a niche.

“Before we opened a lot of people didn’t really know each other – no one really spoke to each other in the lobby,” he said.

“Now everyone feels they can talk and get to know each other and it’s amazing the difference it made even within a month.

“That’s what makes it fun and not feel like work.”

different designs

The space was created with interior designer Anna Moller, who also worked on The Lockdown Room and the penthouse at London City Island.

“She’d never done commercial,” said Daniel.

“Her background was high-end residential stuff, so it has created an interesting mix.

“We wanted it to be a neighbourhood coffee shop – a place that is warm and a home-from-home, where people just want to hang out.

“We’re not a big chain where we’re just trying to do them cheap and roll them out.

“Every venue we open has personality.”

The coffee it serves is a house blend made by a roastery in Winchester, but Daniel has also started introducing coffees discovered on his travels around Europe.

About 70% of the food menu is made at a central production kitchen, with items such as brownies, cookies, sausage rolls and energy balls made by a long-standing pastry chef and pastries supplied by a local bakery.

Having got the coffee crew rolling in, Daniel is now about to launch a cocktail menu with a party on October 31 to entice in an evening crowd.

“We thought we’d go big for Halloween,” he said.

“I think there is demand for this here. Even in Canary Wharf, there’s not many quirky neighbourhood bars.

“We wanted to crack the daytimes first, because the quality can slip if you’re trying to do everything at once.

“Now that we’ve nailed that, this is like a second phase.”

The cocktail menu will be served Tuesday to Saturday from 3pm to midnight and includes five different espresso martinis and a menu of gourmet bar snacks.

Not content just tackling the evening scene Daniel is also about to enter the health food market with Supershakes, due to launch on the Isle Of Dogs and as a pop-up at Royal Wharf later this year.

It will be a step away from coffee towards a more health conscious offering – driven by Daniel’s own fitness makeover.

He ran his first marathon on a whim four years ago and now regularly competes in Ironman events, mostly without any training. He also gave up alcohol two years ago.

Takeaway cups stand ready at The Eleventh Hour

more of a challenge

“I do like the fact of proving the impossible in a way,” he said.

“People who train for six months or a year, I’ve got a lot respect for them, because that’s what you’re supposed to do.

“But part of me likes to give myself even more of a challenge.

“I’m an all or nothing person – I used to get a buzz from partying and drinking and now I get it from this.

“I have learned not to be like that in business though, to not sacrifice everything for it.

“I know a lot of people who have done that and they’re not happy.

“For me it is about keeping a balance.

“I almost burnt out two years ago, because I didn’t have that and was using going out and drinking as stress relief – it was a recipe for disaster.

“But I found that if I keep nutrition, sleep and exercise in check, everything else seems to fall into place and be a bit more manageable.”

Keeping the balance in work is also a constant challenge but one Daniel is more than up for.

“The coffee scene is definitely saturated,” he said. “People’s attitudes have changed, with more supporting local and wanting to know about sustainability and that employers are paying the right wage.

“The pandemic was survival of the fittest and the coffee industry is definitely a lot tougher now. I wouldn’t go into it again because – with increased rents, wages, the cost of coffee, packaging – it’s not an easy win.

“We’re surviving because we’ve diversified.

“It’s like an Ironman – you just keep fighting.

“Nothing really fazes me anymore and I’m never short of ideas. If we were sat here twiddling our thumbs, then I’d be worried.”

key details: The Eleventh Hour

The Eleventh Hour is open Mon-Fri from 7.30am-5pm and Sat-Sun 8am-5pm.

Find out more about the cafe here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com