Summer Socials Archives

Electric craft offer the chance to grill and chill on the dock, sailing from Skuna’s West India Quay base

Captain cook: Groups use an onboard grill to prepare food on West India Quay - image by Skuna — Captain cook: Groups use an onboard grill to prepare food on West India Quay – image by Skuna

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SUMMER SOCIALS

Making memories are what summer socials are all about.

As the mercury climbs, the great outdoors provides an ideal change of scene from the office or the home – a backdrop to shared experiences.

For those seeking something just that little bit different, Skuna’s BBQ Boats are all set for 2025’s summer months.

Based at West India Quay, these self-drive electric craft come with built-in BBQs offering Wharfers “an unforgettable way to eat, drink and spend time with others”.

BBQ Boats hold up to 10 people, with cruises lasting 100 minutes

BBQ Boats offer 100-minute cruises

The experience begins with a quick briefing before guests take the helm for 100 minutes of cooking and relaxing on the tranquil waters of North Dock.

Each boat holds up to 10 people, who can either bring their own food to grill or pre-order from Skuna’s freshly prepared food packages.

Drinks can be purchased from the on-site bar, which also sells captains hats for those who want to take a turn at the tiller.

“Our BBQ Boats offer the perfect dining on the water experience for summer,” said Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson, founder of Skuna.

“They are great for team bonding experience as you cook and sail yourself around the beautiful docks of Canary Wharf.

“This is a world away from the ordinary BBQ in the park or back garden – it’s summer dining, but not as you know it – and a bucket list activity to enjoy with friends and colleagues alike.”

The craft are a popular option for summer parties in Canary Wharf

key details: Skuna BBQ Boats

Skuna’s BBQ Boats are available during the summer months from their home on West India Quay.

Prices and details of the various food packages available can all be found on Skuna’s website, as well as booking links for its Sauna Boat and Hot Tub Boat experiences – also based in Canary Wharf.

Find out more about cooking on the water here

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The Canary Wharf floating restaurant offers terrace spaces at both its bar and restaurant with multiple options for event organisers

One of Hawksmoor Wood Wharf's terraces — One of Hawksmoor Wood Wharf’s terraces

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SUMMER SOCIALS

The early season sunshine has already started making an appearance across Canary Wharf, with pleasant evenings tempting workers, residents and visitors to the area outside.

The time of summer socials is almost upon us, with the smart and the organised already beginning to consult diaries, form plans and make bookings.

With whole businesses, teams and small groups of colleagues all looking to capitalise on the clement weather ahead, it’s best to secure key dates early, especially at the estate’s top spots.

Having arrived in the vanguard of the area’s regeneration Hawksmoor Wood Wharf quickly established itself in the upper echelons of the estate’s hospitality scene.

The venue boasts an extensive restaurant on the top deck of its floating pavilion and a spacious 120-seat bar on its lower level.

Both have terraces for guests to enjoy dining or refreshment in the open air.

Wood Wharf is the brand’s largest venue and, moored at the head of Water Street, acts as a gateway to a part of the estate that’s become well known for drinking and dining in recent years.

Oysters at Hawksmoor — Oysters with bone marrow at Hawksmoor

just ‘a little unexpected’

Hawksmoor says: “Our Wood Wharf venue isn’t about reinventing the wheel.

“It’s about doing things properly: sustainable food, an award-winning cocktail menu and genuine service – all delivered in a space that feels considered, open, and just a little unexpected.”

Those planning seasonal events can look forward to a solid offering menu-wise.

Hawksmoor has long specialised in “dictionary-thick steaks”, chicken dishes and seafood such as lobster, monkfish, hake and Dover sole.

The cooking is big, bold and honed by the team over many years to reflect the quality of the sustainably sourced ingredients.

Crowd-pleasing sides such as Tunworth mash, macaroni cheese and beef dripping fries sit happily on a menu next to starters such as potted beef and bacon, smoked salmon with Guinness bread, roasted scallops and oysters.

>> Hawksmoor Wood Wharf boasts a 20-seat dining room for guests or businesses hosting private gatherings.

Named for Isle Of Dogs publican, singer and actress, Queenie Watts, the space features a large gold and wood table that can easily be filled with the restaurant’s classic dishes, sharing-style.

Hawksmoor offers plenty of options for groups to share, especially in its private dining room

the bar at Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

The bar lends itself especially well to events, with a capacity of 250 indoors or 330 when combined with its terrace.

It’s fully equipped for presentations and groups of 34+ can take a semi-private space with a dedicated waiting team and sommelier to ensure guests are effectively refreshed.

To make planning easy, Hawksmoor offers both a canapé menu, with bites inspired by the flavours on its main menu as well as bowl food options for those seeking something more substantial.

Bite-size desserts can also be arranged to send guests away with a sweet taste in their mouths.

The Queenie Watts private dining room at Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

key details: Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is located on a floating pontoon beside Water Street and is open from 11.45am-11pm, Monday-Thursday, 11.45am-11.30pm Friday and Saturday and 11.30am-8.30pm on Sundays.

At weekends, the venue offers extensive traditional roast options.

Event enquiries can be made online for all of the venue’s spaces or via email to woodwharf@thehawksmoor.com.

Find out more about the venue here

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