8 Harbord Square opening sees building’s commercial spaces fully occupied with 10 independent businesses now operating in Wood Wharf
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It started in March 2025, with the opening of Wayne Hairdresser Salon and now it’s complete.
This month, Osteria Al Molo opened its doors at 8 Harbord Square, the last of 10 independent businesses to launch in the Wood Wharf building with its ground floor now completely filled.
Their presence is the result of a collaboration between CWG and Tower Hamlets Council to offer east London firms affordable commercial space.
The project has seen The Flower Club, Awe London, Omnifix, Kitchen Jam, Ong Lai Kopitaim, Supershakes, Pawsome Pet And Grooming Spa and Cafe Seek all become a part of the fabric of the neighbourhood just as it welcomes new residents into its Charter Street buildings through Vertus’ rental homes.
They’re just in time to sample a glass or two at the latest arrival.
“This is my third opening in Tower Hamlets,” said Giuseppe Pollifrone, owner of Osteria Al Molo.
“My first was a wine bar and shop in Roman Road called Vinarius and then another wine bar, this time with a kitchen, called Symposium.
“We are passionate about wine and the idea has always been to have places where you can leave everything behind when you walk through the door.
“I opened them because I couldn’t find the wine and food that I liked.”
the flavours of Italy at Osteria Al Molo
Italian by birth and initially a physicist by trade, he moved to east London in the late 1990s to take up a post at Queen Mary University following a spell in Switzerland.
Wine has always been a passion, however, and his move into hospitality came alongside a career in finance, with roles on the Wharf at the likes of Credit Suisse and more recently JP Morgan.
“I also knew people who were opening at Wood Wharf, such as the team behind Signorelli,” said Giuseppe.
“What we want to offer people here is a taste of the real Italy.
“We want customers to be relaxed and happy – to leave with a smile on their faces.
“We have the knowledge and experience, but we’re not over-explanatory.
“If customers want to know more, they will ask.
“The idea is to showcase small producers – perhaps 80% will be Italian, but we’re not averse to including other areas.
“With the food, there will be things everyone is familiar with and also others they won’t have encountered.
“My chef, Alessandro Marino, is from Sicily, so there will be dishes from that area such as the Cannolo Sicilian with ricotta, pistachios and chocolate, and others from different areas of the country.
“It’s not on the menu yet, but it’s likely he’ll cook a dish with couscous, which is traditional due to the island’s proximity to North Africa.”
the food and the wine
Osteria Al Molo, which more or less translates as “wine bar on the Wharf” will be under Juri Moro’s day-to-day care in the role of general manager.
“I’ve been in hospitality for more than 20 years and I love the concept of the osteria,” said Juri.
“It allows you to offer something different, to show our love for the little producers and to change the menu frequently.
“People can come simply for a glass of wine, for a bite to eat or for a full dinner.
“The food we’ll be serving is super regional.
“We’ll be making use of fish from Billingsgate as the menu features seafood and also more unusual ingredients such as samphire to go with prawns.
“My personal favourite is the Pasta Con Le Sarde – I’m from near Florence, but my father was from Sicily and this dish is from that area.
“It’s lovely and rich, a mix of sweet and sour flavours.
“We want to be known for our food and wine, but also the atmosphere and as a place that’s friendly.
“Osteria Al Molo isn’t a place to feel inhibited.
“There are lots of things to try and explore.”
Giuseppe added: “My choice on the menu is the Coda Di Rospo All’Acqua Pazza from Naples. It’s poached monkfish in broth with olives, capers and tomatoes.
“I’ve been friends with Juri for years and loved the idea of working together on this.
“I just thought it would be lovely for the Wharf to have a neighbourhood place like this.
“The important thing is to maintain a level of authenticity.
“We want this to feel like a safe place for people to come and really enjoy the wine and the food.
“We are offering something truly different – these are not wines you’ll find on the supermarket shelves.
“If I had to pick one bottle to try, it would be Ciro Riserva Piu Vite, produced by Sergio Acuri in 2018.”
Juri added: “For me it’s the Punset Barbaresco, which isn’t something that’s widely available locally. It’s exceptional.”
The venue is currently in a phase of soft opening, but when fully up and running will be able to accommodate about 40 people.
There are plans for food and wining evenings and tastings with producers as well as the offer of free delivery to anyone living in Harbord Square.
key details: Osteria Al Molo
Osteria Al Molo is located on the corner of 8 Harbord Square and Union Square.
Find out more about the bar here
open and trading at 8 Harbord Square
These nine other independent businesses are now also welcoming customers on the ground floor of the Wood Wharf building:
Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa
Founded by Valeriia Istratova, this establishment offers a wide range of services and products for four-legged Wharfers. The aim is to offer a similar level of quality to luxury health spas for humans. Expect specially curated music and a playpen for pups to relax in between treatments.
Kitchen Jam
Offering a fresh approach to teaching guitar in a space that comes complete with a Triumph motorbike, Darryl Powis’ music school offers players of all levels the chance to make some serious noise together. The fully-equipped studio comes with everything Wharfers need to become six-string legends.
The Flower Club
Find fresh cut flowers, plants and gifts at Julia Knyazevich’s business. Inspired by her grandmother’s garden in the mountains of Ukraine and the displays at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, this business sells a wide variety of bouquets with an emphasis on striking arrangements. It supports events too.
Ong Lai Kopitaim
Modelled on a traditional Malaysian cafe, Robert Ngo’s restaurant delivers exactingly cooked food in bright colours with plenty of potent flavour. Known for the blue Nasi Kerabu rice, which gets its colour from the butterfly pea flower, the venue serves a wide range of dishes with varied and intriguing cocktails.
Awe London
Opened by Kamden Monplaisir, this salon delivers manicures and pedicures in a beautifully designed, relaxing environment. Clients will find a wealth of nail art options to suit a wide range of styles, all delivered by a friendly, professional and creative team. Appointments can be booked online.
Cafe Seek
Already a firm favourite with Wharfers, Pinky Chan and Emily Leung’s Japanese bakery blends French patisserie techniques with Asian flavours to enormously popular effect. The busy cafe serves up sweet and savoury treats, while the kitchen team work to produce more next door. Go early in the day…
Supershakes
Serving up shakes packed with nourishing, healthy ingredients, Daniel Bull’s cafe and takeaway space was inspired by his own approach to nutrition while studying for an MBA. Alongside the core offering, expect cold-pressed juices and brunch (for when your mind wants a croissant).
Omnifix
Founded by fashion designer Asya Ter-Hovakimyan, this brand offers a range of repair and alteration services to keep Wharfers’ clothes looking and feeling their best. The company’s approach is rooted in a deep respect for making and craftsmanship, with real pride in attention to detail.
Wayne Hairdresser Salon
Opened by Wayne Zukauskas, the first business to launch at 8 Harbord Square offers a full complement of services for men and women as well as haircuts for children. With a catchline of “elevate your look”, the team at this salon offers cuts and styling with 10% off for new customers on their first visit.
Read more: Whole Foods Market opens its doors in Canary Wharf
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