One of the key elements of Wharf Wellness is bringing people together to share experiences, knowledge and skills.
Dr Pippa Wood is a Canary Wharf-based personal trainer at Third Space and a practising psychologist – one of a number of experts set to take part in a panel discussion as part of the festival at 6pm on June 23, 2026 at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.
Entitled Wellness Or Performance? Are We Driving Ourselves Into Exhaustion? the public event will consider changing attitudes to exercise and activity.
The other panellists will be Poppy Delbridge, founder of Rapid Tapping, Ross Gilbert, managing director of Sea Lanes, Zanna Van Dijk a content creator and author of Strong and host Adrienne Adhami of the Power Hour Podcast.
“Earlier on in my career, people would come to me with more aesthetic-focused goals – they wanted to get leaner and build more muscle,” said Pippa.
“Now, what I’m seeing with the majority of my PT clients is that they want to train for longevity, general health and wellbeing.
“They might be looking to address lower back pain, knee pain or low energy levels.
“They’re mindful of what may occur in the future, so they’re looking at exercise from a preventative standpoint – it’s a welcome change.”
Pippa grew up in Leeds and dabbled in dancing but “wasn’t very sporty”.
She started going to the gym as a teenager and found she really enjoyed it, experimenting with different classes and feeling good.
She’d also train with her rugby-playing dad every Saturday.
Third Space’s two clubs in Canary Wharf offer a wide range of facilities and classes at all levels of intensity – image by Third Space
discovering the gym
She said: “He was born in Australia and has always been active, so I followed that model and eventually got there.
“Exercise became a really big part of my life – it was energising and left me feeling ready to study.”
After qualifying as a trainer, studying psychology in London and completing her PhD in resilience and mental wellbeing in Leeds, she relocated to Australia.
Taking in Sydney and the Gold Coast “over five or six years” she engaged in further clinical training as a psychologist and worked in private practice before moving back to the UK.
In London she’s reinvigorated her role as a trainer alongside her work in mental health, separately but with each discipline informing the other.
“As a psychologist, I often see people in a clinical setting for treatment of anxiety and depression,” she said.
“When people incorporate more movement in their lives, the therapeutic benefits are very evident, especially when they set themselves relevant and achievable goals.
“From a physiological perspective, even 15 minutes of activity can do so much for the brain.
“It pumps more oxygenated blood, delivering dopamine, serotonin and endorphins to make us feel great.
“My background in psychology and my PhD have been super helpful in my career, whether it’s treating clients or on the gym floor.
“What I found in the research is that training harder isn’t always better, from a mental health perspective.
“Training smarter and being in tune with your body is key.
“We found more significant improvements in mental health with low to moderate exercise.
“Setting yourself goals and running a marathon and achieving that can be beneficial too, but a hard regime and a structured approach isn’t always beneficial for the way you feel.”
For Wharf Wellness, Third Space is teaming up with Friday Night Lates to offer special evening classes on June 24 – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
pursuing fitness through enjoyment
“The whole ethos of Third Space is it’s about training for life,” added Pippa.
“That includes the social aspect as well as enjoying the exercise.
“It’s good to do things because we want to, not because we feel we have to.
“That really is super important.
“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to work at Third Space.
“My partner had brought me over to Canary Wharf and I just fell in love with the place.
“At the two clubs, people will experience very warm and welcoming spaces that offer a wide variety of classes to meet an incredible range of needs.
“The advice I give people is to keep an open mind and try different things to see what you like.
“Enjoying yourself is vital and it will help give you the confidence to navigate the equipment on gym floor.
“The feel is supportive – we’re all part of the same community working towards the same goal.”
key details: Wharf Wellness
Wellness Or Performance? Are We Driving Ourselves Into Exhaustion? is set to take place on June 23, 2026, at 6pm at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.
A festival of health is set to nurture the minds and bodies of workers, residents and visitors to Canary Wharf.
Wharf Wellness returns to the estate in June with a packed programme designed to showcase the breadth and depth of what’s on offer locally.
Taking in sports, fitness, recovery, beauty and nutrition, the festival offers Wharfers the chance to engage with the likes of Third Space, Barry’s, Arc, Padium and many more.
Early booking is advised and, to help you plan your diaries, we’re listing the more than 20 events and pop-ups already announced in full.
Padium will be hosting both social and beginner events as part of Wharf Wellness – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
the 2026 wharf wellness programme
Roof Garden Pilates – £25
THE ISLAND STUDIO, June 3, 8am, Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Join the Wood Wharf-based studio for a pop-up class in the leafy surroundings of the Crossrail station’s rooftop park for a chance to move, stretch and reset. Suitable for all levels.
Win A Mini Facial – Pop-Up
WEATHER + PALETTE, June 3-4, Canada Place
Visit this pop-up and play for a chance to win a range of prizes including a Mini Facial, 20% off facial treatments, samples and more from the Jubilee Place store.
Run Club – FREE
TRIBE LONDON CANARY WHARF, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 6pm, 15 Water Street
Taking place every Thursday in June during Wharf Wellness, Tribe London Canary Wharf will be hosting a free Run Club. The guided 5k leaves from the hotel’s main reception with finishers receiving a protein bar and vitamin drink to help them refuel. Places can be booked in person at the hotel or via DM on Instagram to @tribe_londoncanarywharf
After Dark – £20
ARC, June 5, 7pm, Crossrail Place
Promising a “more social, high-energy” way to experience contrast therapy through music, this session allows participants to move between the heat of the sauna and the chill of its cold plunges at their own rhythm in a community atmosphere.
Big Club Social – £20
PADIUM, June 6, 20, 9am, Bank Street Park
Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where players take on a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses. There are two dates to choose from over the month.
Reformer Taster Sessions – FREE
FREEDOM CLINICS, June 8-12, 9am, Canada Place
Treat yourself to a free Reformer Pilates class, open to all levels. Those booking should select One Pilates Class Pass and then enter code WHARFWELLNESS when reserving to reduce the cost to £0 for the 9am sessions. These will likely sell out fast.
Intro To Padel – £20
PADIUM, June 8, 22, 5pm, Bank Street Park
These early evening classes have been designed for first-timers with the aim of helping participants learn all the fundamental rules, techniques and strategies to allow them to play padel tennis. All equipment is provided.
Atis Moves Run Club – £6.50
ATIS, June 9, 6.15pm, Canada Place
Enjoy a 5k around Canary Wharf followed by a bowl from the salad chain. Runners should arrive in their kit with filled bottles ready for a 6.30pm start. Spaces are limited so book early.
Swing Social – FREE
PITCH WHARF, June 10, 6pm-9pm, 30 Churchill Place
Sip low and no alcohol drinks and indulge in a bit of active wellness at the golf simulator venue. Those attending can expect Nearest The Pin challenges, pro-led swing clinics and plenty of virtual holes. Admission is free, but online registration is required.
A Moment Of Hygge – FREE
SØSTRENE GRENE X OLE & STEEN, June 9, 10, 11, Jubilee Place
Søstrene Grene and Ole & Steen are set to collaborate on a series of bookable one-hour workshops where participants can create personalised memory jars, paint and decorate flower pots or design and embellish candles. Each session includes Danish refreshments and pastries.
In2Sports at Wood Wharf will be running Let’s Get Moving events – image supplied by Canary Wharf
scroll down for more Wharf Wellness highlights
Mat Pilates – £5
THIRD SPACE, June 10, 17, 24, 7.30am, Eden Dock
Join these intimate morning classes to explore the discipline in a slower format with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture. What a way to start the day. Book early.
Health Optimisation – Pop-Up
LE CHALET CRYO, June 10, 11, Canada Place
Find out about whole-body Cryotherapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and get the chance to win a free session.
Let’s Get Moving – FREE
IN2SPORTS, June 12, 19, noon-4.30pm, 40 Harbord Square
These community-focused events are aimed at promoting active and connected lifestyles with participants getting access to a range of sports during each session. Tickets need to be booked online.
First-Timer Class – FREE
BARRY’S, June 13, 3pm, Crossrail Place
Experience the delights and challenges of the red room with a session exclusively open to first-timers. Expect high-energy interval training making full use of the treadmills and gym equipment.
No experience is needed for this session, which will feature the brand’s signature combo of pumping beats, positive vibes and supportive coaching.
Outdoor Class – £15
BARRY’S, June 16, noon, Canada Square Park
Enjoy a special pop-up class in the sunshine with Barry’s trainers who promise to get you moving and sweating with a full body workout in the open air. Expect to burn up to 1,000 calories with plenty of upbeat encouragement.
Wellness Week – £10
SPACE NK, June 21-27, Cabot Place
Book a slot and pop into the beauty store for a 15-minute makeover. Refresh your look and get plenty of advice from the brand’s beauty advisors. The £10 is redeemable against purchases.
Wharf Wellness – Pop-Up
YUMMZY, June 25, Canada Place
Enjoy complimentary tastings and exclusive offers as the vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free eatery brings its products to the heart of the Wharf.
Contrast + Journalling – £20
ARC, June 28, Crossrail Place
With timings yet to be announced, this slower session features guided contrast therapy in the venue’s sauna and ice baths as well as breathwork and journalling to help participants reconnect with what they’re processing and what might need to shift. Bookings open May 28.
Friday Night Lights is set to team up with Third Space – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
check out these Wharf Wellness highlights
Friday Night Lights x Third Space
FRIDAY NIGHT LATES + THIRD SPACE, June 24, from 6pm, Canada Square Park
Canada Square Park is set to be transformed into a space for outdoor fitness on June 24. From 6pm-9pm, Friday Night Lights and Third Space will be running a programme of classes aimed at everyone from seasoned gym-goers to complete beginners.
First up is Yoga at 6pm, with participants guided to move from one pose to another in tune with their breath. At 7pm it’s Pilates on the mat with trainers on hand to ensure proper posture and solid alignment.
Finally, at 8pm, it’s Bodyweight HIIT, featuring a mixture of plyometric, multidimensional, sport-based exercises to help develop stability, muscular endurance and overall fitness.
Each class costs £5 and bookings are open now. Friday Night Lights is also the organisation behind popular 5k event Run The Wharf, which returns to the estate in September.
Former Olympic swimmer Katy Sexton will be hosting two sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
Swim With An Olympian
SEA LANES CANARY WHARF, June 25, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, Eden Dock
Olympic swimmer and former world champion, Katy Sexton, will be on hand to deliver two guided open water coaching sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf in Eden Dock on June 25.
Running at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, the sessions will see swimmers work on “pacing, positioning and efficiency in a relaxed, supportive environment” guided by lane coaches.
Designed for swimmers looking to build confidence and refine their technique in open water, the structured sessions are an opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s most accomplished swimmers. Tickets for the classes cost £15 and must be pre-booked online.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is a new floating lido, sauna and events complex that’s set to open in June in Eden Dock. Founder memberships are now available for £75 per month over a year. Individual swim sessions will cost £10.
This year, in addition to a selection of free activities, the festival will also feature an extended range of paid-for classes offering Wharfers the chance to experience discounted sessions from top brands.
“Wharf Wellness is a celebration of the health and wellbeing brands we have in Canary Wharf,” said Poppy Price, retail events and partnerships executive at Canary Wharf Group.
“This is the third time we’re hosting it – we held four-day events in 2023 and 2024 to showcase our diverse offering.
“It’s really grown in popularity and classes were selling out very quickly, so this year we wanted to extend it to a whole month, working with our partners for a longer period of time.
“We wanted to ensure as many people as possible could come here as we know there’s a real appetite for these kinds of events and activities.
“Workers can take a break from their desks for a taster session at Padium or Pilates with Third Space trainers at Eden Dock.
Canary Wharf Group’s Poppy Price – image by Jon Massey
“For our residents it’s an opportunity to try different things that are on their doorstep.
“For visitors, it’s a chance to discover a different side to Canary Wharf and to see what else is here.
“It’s about showing people they can really make a day here, participating in our programme of wellness activities, then making use of the offers our retailers are running throughout June.”
Retailers across the neighbourhood will also be participating in Wharf Wellness with June offers and experiences available from the likes of Aesop, Malin+Goetz, Jo Malone, Pure, Feels Like June and Get A Drip.
Pure is offering a 20% discount for the whole of June to customers mentioning Wharf Wellness at the till – image by Pure
Wharf Wellness, going deeper…
Poppy added: “We know wellness goes beyond fitness. It’s your mental health, self-care and the chance to spend some time with nature too.
“Canary Wharf offers all that. We’re really excited to be working with Arc Community on a series of talks during June.
“Arc is a contrast therapy space where people can engage in meditation, communal saunas and ice cold plunge baths.
“For Wharf Wellness the venue will be hosting three expert-led sessions in the beautiful lounge space they have.
“It’s a chance to both see Arc and also learn something. There’s one on hormonal optimisation, which is an area that’s growing.
“There’s another one on sleep too, which is a huge trend. We’re all so busy it’s about finding time to relax and take time out.”
Scroll down to find full listings for Wharf Wellness’ month-long programme and booking links.
Padium in Bank Street Park is set to run social events and introductory sessions in June as part of Wharf Wellness – image by Padium
a chance to win
In celebration of Wharf Wellness, Canary Wharf Group is also running a competition for one person to win a £500 gift card to spend on health and wellbeing on the Wharf.
Jun 2-8, daily, times vary, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £49
The challenge – join Freedom Clinics for seven days of Pilates (or at least 3x a week) and experience the transformation this form of exercise delivers.
Every participant is entered into a draw to win a 10-class pack
Jun 2, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35
This workshop provides multiple tools to optimise mental, physical, and emotional performance in our chronic burnout culture.
Through intention setting, education on the science of peak performance and self-assessment activities, you’ll gain actionable insights to enhance your performance sustainably.
Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where you’ll play a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses.
After the games, unwind and connect over delicious pizza in Padium’s mezzanine area.
Barry’s in Crossrail Place will be hosting two charity classes for Wharf Wellness – image by Matt Grayson
United We Barry’s Charity Class
Jun 14, 3pm-4pm, Barry’s, Crossrail Place Level -2, donations
Experience Barry’s legendary workout while supporting a worthy cause.
This special charity class offers the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself in their signature Red Room while contributing to their partner charity.
All proceeds go to United We Barry’s partner charity.
Docklands Sinfonia String Quartet are set to delight with a programme of classical chill-out, helping audiences relax to their favourite melodies. No booking required.
The free Sweat By BXR session – set to take place at Crossrail Place Roof Garden as part of Wharf Wellness – is now full.
But don’t let that put you off investigating what the brand has to offer.
The pay-as-you-train studio, located in Crossrail Place itself, is currently offering free sessions to those new to its offering – so anyone who wants to can try one out.
Sweat is a sister business to BXR – a boxing focused gym that takes fighter training as its jumping off point for fitness.
The Canary Wharf facility offers cardio workouts in its VersaClimber studio, strength and conditioning sessions and boxing-inspired exercise as well as Pilates-based classes.
“It’s one of the world’s first elite boxing concept gyms,” said Gareth Thoo, a trainer at both BXR and Sweat By BXR, who regularly runs sessions at the Canary Wharf facility and is set to take charge of the Wharf Wellness workout.
“The great thing about Sweat By BXR is you have three things to really focus on – cardiovascular exercise, skills-based boxing training and strength and conditioning.
“While most of our clients are not looking to become professional fighters, they are being coached by people who have fought in the ring and know what it takes to get there.
“The training techniques are very practical but they’re also accessible to everyone.
“The classes are open to all levels and people with lots of experience, or none, will get something from them.”
Sweat By BXR offers boxing-inspired classes and VersaClimber sessions for cardio
Originally from Australia, Gareth knows his stuff.
Having trained in mixed martial arts as a youngster, a passion for boxing saw him compete as an amateur and a pro for six years.
But, following a number of injuries, he decided to use the knowledge he’d already gained to become a personal trainer and combines that with working for BXR and Sweat.
After four years working in the fitness industry in Manchester, he’s now brought his skills and expertise to London.
“There are many benefits to the training on offer here – building strength and making changes to your body composition, for example.
“Then there’s cardiovascular and the boost to your mental health too.
“For people who have desk jobs and spend a lot of time sitting down, the workouts can help counteract the effects of a long day in the office.
“Then with the skills sessions, it’s also nice to be learning something while you’re training.
“These will always start with basic footwork – how to stand and how to move around, which are such important parts of boxing.
“Then they cover techniques like basic punches – straight punches, hooks and how to implement those in combinations, while working the bag effectively, as a boxer would strike it, hard, fast and very precise.
“People might feel, especially if it’s their first time boxing, that a boxing gym could be an intimidating environment.
“But it’s our job as coaches to make sure everyone feels really welcome.
“Clients might not know initially what their goals are so we structure the classes in a way where we teach the basics very often as everyone needs to know them.
“Whether you’ve been coming for two months or two years, we’ll be drilling those in, but there will also always be new things to learn.”
In addition to boxing skills, Sweat is known for its VersaClimber sessions – a machine that mimics the motion of rock climbing and can be used in time to music.
“Those are tough classes,” said Gareth.
“Two minutes into my first one and my legs were burning, but it’s a really great session, a trademark. Climb To The Beat is fantastic.”
Music is something Gareth also relishes bringing into his sessions, putting together bespoke playlists for his workouts.
“It’s about creating a high-energy vibe when I’m picking the tracks,” he said.
“Music is such a massive part of my classes.
The VersaClimber is a piece of equipment that mimics the action of climbing
“For me there will always be a bit of hip-hop and some bassy house. In any of my classes, you can pretty much guarantee there will be something from the Notorious BIG and Kendrick Lamar.
“Another favourite is an Australian DJ and music producer called Fisher, who people may have heard of.”
In addition to the obvious attraction of the soundtrack, Gareth said the key reason to train at Sweat was the breadth of the offering.
“This isn’t just running on a treadmill and punching a bag – there are so many class concepts and you can do something different every day of the week,” he said.
“There’s a real option to mix it up, with a cardiovascular workout one day, a boxing session the next and then maybe a strength class.
“Then, on top of that, you can incorporate sessions where you learn some serious skills and that’s really what makes it a great place to train.”
Wharfers interested in having a go can download the BXR app and book a free class using the discount code CLASSONUS – terms and conditions apply.
Introductory VersaClimber classes and SweatBox sessions cost £30 for three and £40 for four respectively.
Sweat is located on Level -2 at Crossrail Place in Canary Wharf.
Wharf Wellness is set to take place across the Canary Wharf estate
FIND AN OFFER
While many classes for Wharf Wellness are now booked up, the festival is also a celebration of stores and retailers on the Canary Wharf estate with the a number of businesses running offers across the four-day event from Sept 27-30, 2023. Here’s our pick…
>>Randox Health
Get 15% off all health checks at the Cabot Place clinic booked during the duration of the festival with code WHARFWELLNESS.
>> Stretch Inc
Enjoy 20% off any assisted stretch at the Canada Place facility over the four days. Just mention WHARFWELLNESS when making an appointment.
>>Pure
Recently reopened at Cabot Place, the restaurant will be offering 50% off its new Nourish Bowl range. Those with a reusable cup can also get £1 off barista-made drinks.
>>Kiehl’s
The Jubilee Place store will be offering 20% off all products as well as 25% off a £100+ spend. Offer runs Sept 22-Oct 1.
>>Farmer J
The lunchtime favourite will be offering 20% off click and collect orders on the Wharf with code FJAUTUMN20.
>>Urban Greens
Have promo code WW20 ready at the till when you visit the Bank Street store and you’ll get 20% off salads.
>>Le Chalet Cryo
The Canada Place facility will be offering more than 40% off its Cryo and Hyperbaric Therapy starter packs with code WHARFWELLNESS.
>>Atis
Challenging even the might of Farmer J as the Wharf’s most popular lunch, this salad-focused mini-chain is offering a fifth off bowls with code WHARFWELLNESS.
>>Weather And Palette
Head over to the Jubilee Place store for 10% off all skincare products and treatments for the duration of Wharf Wellness.
>>Malmin Dental
The private clinic on South Colonnade will be offering 10% off Invisalign treatments purchased during the festival.
>>Rituals
The Jubilee Place store has 25% off selected products for Wharf Wellness. The offer is valid on a maximum of three items.
>>Get A Drip
Last but not least, the Cabot Place clinic is offering free Vitamin D testing to visitors.
- 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
Wharf Wellness is set to arrive across the estate with free classes, taster sessions, talks and discounts over four days.
Taking place from Wednesday, September 27, to Saturday, September 30, 2023, the festival will feature a multitude of Canary Wharf-based brands including Third Space, Feels Like June, Mallow, Nuffield Health, Bobbi Brown, Randox Health, Love Open Water and recently launched padel tennis club Padium.
Ahead of the event, however, we’ve decided to focus on Barry’s, which will be running three taster sessions – one outside on the sand of the pop-up beach volleyball courts in Canada Square Park and the other two in its Red Room studio on the lower level of Crossrail Place.
Zoe Rogers is the instructor tasked with leading the outdoor session. Originally from Essex, she discovered the Red Room having moved to London to go to drama school.
“I’d been involved in fitness one way or another since my teens,” she said.
“I actually started out selling gym memberships through cold calling – it was absolutely horrendous.
“I heard about Barry’s on the grapevine and this thing they do called ‘Hell Week’ – seven classes in seven days.
“Living in London, I couldn’t afford to go very often as a student, but I could afford to do Hell Week every single time it was on.
“So, I’d be at drama school, save up my pennies and go and do those seven sessions.
“I remember my first class so vividly – it was with a trainer called Alex Castro and it was phenomenal.”
Zoe will lead a session for Barry’s in Canada Square for Wharf Wellness – image Matt Grayson
Zoe ended up taking a job front-of-house at Barry’s in Canary Wharf, while continuing to pursue a career as an actor.
She then decided to train as an instructor – a role she’s now been doing for two years.
Splitting her time mostly between Soho and the Wharf, she’s also taught classes on the main stage at Pacha in Ibiza.
From noon on September 28, Zoe will be in command of a 50-minute class for 60 on the sand in Canada Square Park (with mats to protect participants).
“We’ll have big speakers – participants will hear me out loud and the music will be pumping,” she said.
“We’ll have long resistance bands and mini bands to work the glutes and the legs and I’ll be running a total body workout – we’ll hit absolutely everything.
“The great thing about Barry’s is it gives you a fantastic structured workout that you know is going to do the job every time.
“The product is flawless and with the tunes, the atmosphere is fantastic, it’s almost like being in a club when you’re in the Red Room.
“Then there’s the community, which is very important to people who have just moved to London or to the area.
“That develops organically and it’s something I’m personally really grateful for, as I’ve made some great friends.
“No-one can really define what they mean when people talk about ‘The Barry’s Feeling’ but there’s this buzz that just makes you want to come back for more.
Zoe became an instructor after working front-of-house at Barry’s – image Matt Grayson
“It’s magical, everyone feels it at the end of a class and that sense of community is beautiful.
“You don’t have to think – we do the work and you can just rock up and put in the time.”
Fellow Canary Wharf instructor Craig Waters will be running the Barry’s session at 9am in the venue’s red-lit studio for Wharf Wellness.
Originally from Nebraska, he found his way to Barry’s through Yoga, Pilates and cycling classes before training with the brand.
He said: “It will be the classic Barry’s experience.
“Every day we have a different focus, so you can get all your muscle groups taken care of over the course of a week.
“For Wharf Wellness, I’ll be teaching a chest, back and
abs-focused class.
“It’s an upper body workout using different types of rows, dumbbells, both heavy and lighter weights, as well as resistance bands to cycle through those muscle groups.
“Then, as a way to give your arms a bit of a break, we have core-focused abdominal exercises.
“Classes are typically spent half doing interval-based runs on the treadmills and half doing exercises on the studio floor.
“That means you get the best of both – it really is the best workout in the world.
“You can start off either on the floor or on the treadmill and then go back and forth.
“While running, your instructor will give you options for your speed with different patterns on incline and velocity.
“These can be tailored to an individual’s needs or preferences, which means everybody can participate.
“For people who are new, it’s about getting used to the instructions as there’s lots of activity in the room.
“It’s a nightclub vibe, the lights go low and the music goes loud, with every instructor allowed to select the tracks they like to bring their personality through.
“You might have someone who plays techno and drum and bass or, like me, who prefers fun pop remixes so people can lose themselves.
“I sing along in almost every class – it’s about enjoying the moment.”
Craig said that while Barry’s workouts were tough, people at any level of fitness could benefit from them.
He said: “The workouts are hard, so I always tell people doing it for the first time to pace themselves and go at a rate that works for them – to enjoy it as much as they can.
“People feed off each other’s energy, which is why group fitness, for me, is the best way to train.
“Personally, I get more out of a session when someone has put it together – it’s also a great way to hang out and meet people too.
Craig will lead a session in Barry’s Red Room studio at Crossrail Place – image Matt Grayson
“My main thing is that I don’t ever want someone to come out of a class feeling defeated. We celebrate whatever happened.
“It’s always the case that what you did was amazing.”
A third Barry’s class will take place on the Saturday, with times set to be confirmed this week.
Throughout Wharf Wellness, brands such as Atis, Pure, Farmer J, Urban Greens, Le Chalet Cryo, Rituals and Space NK will be offering a series of special offers and discounts.
Full details of all these, other events and how to book classes will be available exclusively on the Canary Wharf App from Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
- 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
We’ve had the blockbuster nights of Festival14 with the likes of Craig Charles and Soul II Soul rocking Canada Square Park.
There have been the tense dramatic screenings of the Lionesses’ triumphs and noble defeat in the World Cup Final.
There’s about to be the spectacle of Dancing City.
But just when you thought things might be settling down, another festival packed with activities arrives on the horizon.
There’s an air of serene calm about this one, however – an antidote, perhaps, to some of the summer’s frenetic buzz.
Wharf Wellness is set to take over the Canary Wharf estate from September 27-30, 2023, with a four-day programme of taster sessions and experiences as well as discounts and offers.
While the full roster of events is still being finalised, Canary Wharf Group has shared some early details so everyone can begin to get organised.
Broadly speaking, Wharf Wellness can be divided relatively neatly in two.
The first is a programme of experiences run by local firms and organisations based on the estate, designed to showcase what they offer with taster workouts and workshops.
The second is a series of discounts and offers from lifestyle and hospitality businesses on the Wharf that will run throughout the festival’s four-day duration.
Canary Wharf Group retail marketing manager, Claire Slater, said: “It’s a celebration of health and wellbeing across the estate.
“Wharf Wellness brings together the best in fitness, healthy eating and healthcare to reflect the diversity of what’s on offer in Canary Wharf, giving workers, visitors and local residents the opportunity to experience it.
“We decided to create it because of the breadth of what’s here, which we really want to shout about.
Canary Wharf Group retail marketing manager Claire Slater
“Ultimately, we want to give people a bit of ‘me time’ while they’re on the Wharf and also to promote our green spaces and waterways – to let people know how much there is here to get involved with and how they can do that.”
The full programme of events is still being finalised with more announcements expected in the coming weeks, but some of the estate’s biggest names are already involved including Third Space, Barry’s and Sweat By BXR.
“We hope there will be an element of surprise for some people participating,” said Claire.
“For example, Third Space will be hosting a Yoga session at Crossrail Place Roof Garden with a mocktail afterwards at Pergola On The Wharf.
“Some people have yet to discover that space, so having the classes up there will really add to the delight we hope people taking part will feel.
“Personally, I think it’s just a really lovely place to be.”
The majority of activities on offer will be free to attend with bookings set to open mid September.
A series of discounts, offers and events will also be available exclusively via the app featuring the likes of Randox Health, Space NK, Farmer J, Atis, Pure, Le Chalet Cryo, Aesop and BlooBloom, details of which will be announced in due course.
Love Open Water will host a session suitable for beginners in Middle Dock
“With most sessions free, Wharf Wellness means you don’t need to have a gym membership to experience an amazing class from the brands taking part,” said Claire.
“There will also be open water swimming in Middle Dock with Love Open Water – a really inclusive session designed for beginners to explore in a safe space.
“We’re also very excited about Padium, the new padel tennis club, which is opening its doors at Bank Street at the end of the month.
“They will be offering a session to introduce people to the sport and the facility, which comes with a salad from Urban Greens too.”
Other attractions include plant-based summer roll making in a lunchtime session with a chef at recent Wood Wharf arrival Mallow and a makeup masterclass from Bobbi Brown.
“That’s part of our focus on self-care,” said Claire.
“It’s on the Friday evening, which is perfect for anyone who is set to go out afterwards.
“Then, alongside sessions from Barry’s and Union Square installation Mandala Lab on Saturday, we’re also working to provide something for families with a company called Wee Movers.
“They will be putting on a session of Yoga for kids and their parents at Crossrail Place Roof Garden.”
With more still in the pipeline, Wharf Life will continue to update readers as new announcements are made, including the date when bookings will go live.
Barry’s at Crossrail Place will be offering sessions in its Red Room studio
CHOOSE YOUR PATH – Wharf Wellness 2023
While the final programme is set to be released in September, we can reveal some dates and times to whet the wellness appetite and get pencils scribbling in diaries…
>> WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Yoga + Mocktails
5.45pm, Crossrail Roof Garden
Europe’s largest luxury health club, Third Space, will host a Yoga session amid the lush vegetation of the roof garden followed by a refreshing mocktail at nearby Pergola On The Wharf.
Sound Journey
6pm, Mandala Lab, Union Square
Head over to Wood Wharf and discover the Rubin Museum’s interactive installation for a sonic adventure inspired by the principles of Buddhism. Mandala Lab will also be hosting sessions on Sept 29 and 30, both at 6pm.
>> THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Dip + Sip
7.45am, Love Open Water, Middle Dock
Beginners are welcome at this morning open water swimming session at the heart of Canary Wharf. Afterwards, participants are invited for a smoothie or juice at Caravan.
The Red Room
Time TBC, Barry’s, Crossrail Place
Try out a class in Barry’s iconic red room fitness studio, mixing cardio with resistance training to torch calories fast. Barry’s will also be hosting a session on Sept 30, time TBC.
Summer Roll Making
12.30pm, Mallow, Wood Wharf
Visit the plant-based restaurant for a 50-minute session with participants learning to make summer rolls for their lunch. A great way to discover what Mallow has to offer.
Sweat By BXR will be hosting a boxing class for Wharf Wellness
>> FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Boxing Class
8am, Sweat By BXR, Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Start the day with a serious, boxing-inspired workout amongst the greenery from this bespoke studio, then refuel with breakfast from Fresh Fitness Food.
Intro To Padel
2pm, Padium, Bank Street
Learn to play padel tennis at newly opened club Padium with this hour and a half-long session covering rules, scoring, techniques and strategies. Participants will also get a salad from nearby Urban Greens.
Makeup Masterclass
5.30pm, Bobbi Brown, Location TBC
Zeroing in on self care, this session is aimed at those looking for tips and techniques to perfect their look.
>> SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Kids + Parents Yoga
2.30pm, Wee Movers, Crossrail Place Roof Garden
This hour-long session is aimed at family wellness, with kids and their parents invited for a child-friendly exploration of movement and wellbeing.
- 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
