Wood Wharf Archives - Wharf Life

May 7, 2025May 7, 2025

Wharf Wellness returns to Canary Wharf for the whole of June 2025

Festival of health and wellbeing features classes, workshops, taster sessions, music and more

Wharf Wellness is returning to Canary Wharf for the whole of June - image by Canary Wharf Group — Wharf Wellness is returning to Canary Wharf for the whole of June – image by Canary Wharf Group

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Sip mocktails, sweat in the UK’s largest sauna, thwack padel balls, dive into the dock, bend, flex, run and jump – Wharf Wellness is returning.

Canary Wharf’s festival of health and wellbeing is back and for 2025, there will be events running throughout the whole month of June.

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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Find out full details, including terms and conditions, here

Third Space will be running an outdoor HIIT workout at Union Square - image by Third Space — Third Space will be running an outdoor HIIT workout at Union Square – image by Third Space

what’s on at Wharf Wellness

The core of the Wharf Wellness offering is the wide range of activities, classes and workshops on offer in June.

Bookings are now open, which can be made via the links below.

Feels Like Zero Mocktail Terrace

Jun 2-26, daily, noon-9pm, Feels Like June, 15 Water Steet, Wood Wharf, £15

Elevate your wellness with Feels Like June’s exclusive mocktail offer – only available on the venue’s terrace.

For the whole of June, guests can enjoy two mocktails alfresco for £15.

Find out more here

Pilates For 7 Day

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

Book via this link and select pass: Wharf Wellness Pass

Arc Community Workshop: Peak State

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.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Padium: Big Club Social

Jun 3, 7pm-8.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

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 Padel’s mezzanine area.

Book via this link

Alfresco Arts: Music

Jun 4, 12.30pm-2pm, Jubilee Park, free

The Hot Club Of Jupiter – Docklands Sinfonia Jazz will play interplanetary gypsy jazz and hot swing at this free concert. No booking required.

Find the full Alfresco Arts: Music programme here

Lunchtime Resets

Jun 9-15, daily, 1pm-1.45pm, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £50

Try a 45-minute Pilates session at 1pm each day and get a discount if you sign up for a class pack on the same day.

Book via this link and select Wharf Wellness Lunch Reset – code WHARFWELLNESS25

Intro To Padel

Jun 10, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

Begin your padel journey with this introduction session.

Perfect for first-timers, this class covers all the fundamental techniques and rules you need to start playing with confidence.

Book via this link

Arc Community Workshop: Sleep Optimisation

Jun 10, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

Unlock the secrets to restorative sleep and enhanced resilience.

This workshop provides applicable tools, knowledge and core practices to optimise your sleep quality.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Pilates With Third Space

Jun 11, 7.30am-8.30am, Eden Dock, £5

Join Third Space for a bodyweight mat Pilates class on Eden Dock.

Mat Pilates is a slower-paced class that emphasises precise instruction, with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture improvement.

All proceeds go to the Magic Breakfast Charity

Book now via this link

HIIT class with Third Space

Jun 12, 6pm-7pm, Union Square, Wood Wharf, £5

Ignite your evening with a high-octane HIIT session in the heart of Canary Wharf.

This 45-minute bodyweight workout will push your limits and boost your fitness, all while supporting a great cause.

Book via this link

Padium: Big Club Social 2

Jun 14, noon-1.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Barry's in Crossrail Place will be hosting two charity classes for Wharf Wellness - image by Matt Grayson — 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.

Pilates, Performance And A Perfect Sip

Jun 16-20, daily, times vary, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £50

Try this small group Pilates session followed by refreshing Exalt Juices to help you refuel and recover.

Book via this link using code WHARFWELLNESS25

Intro To Padel 2

Jun 17, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Pilates With Third Space 2

Jun 18, 7.30am-8.30am, Eden Dock, £5

See description above – all proceeds go to the Magic Breakfast Charity.

Book via this link

Alfresco Arts: Music

Jun 18, 12.30pm-2pm, Eden Dock, free

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.

Find the full Alfresco Arts: Music programme here

United We Barry’s Charity Class 2

Jun 22, 3-4pm, Barry’s, Crossrail Place Level -2, donations

See description above – all proceeds go to United We Barry’s partner charity.

Arc Community in Crossrail Place will host a series of three talks in June - image by Arc Community — Arc Community in Crossrail Place will host a series of three talks in June – image by Arc Community

Arc Community Workshop: Hormonal Optimisation

Jun 24, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

Discover the keys to hormonal health through lifestyle changes, somatic movement and self-awareness.

This workshop blends research based education with practical, embodied exercises.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Padium: Big Club Social 3

Jun 24, 7pm-8.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Intro to Padel 3

Jun 26, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Open Water Swimming

Ongoing from Jun 5, daily, times vary, Eden Dock

Our popular Open Water Swimming will be returning to Canary Wharf this summer.

In partnership with Love Open Water, residents, visitors and workers are invited to take a dip in the beautiful clear waters of Eden Dock.

Find out more here

Short Story Stations

Ongoing, daily, Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Place Level -2, free

Take time out to print out a free short story from Canary Wharf’s two vending machines.

Presented in partnership with Penguin, Wharfers can get a proper screen break by reading an extract from the publishers’ catalogue.

Find out more here

Pride In Wellness

Jun 26-29, times vary, Throughout Canary Wharf

Get ready for London’s first dedicated wellness event for the queer community, coming to Canary Wharf this June.

Pride in Wellness will be a primarily free event featuring talks, taster sessions, wellness experiences, and workshops.

The full programme is set to be announced later this month.

You can find more details here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

May 3, 2025May 3, 2025

Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is all set for summer socials in 2025

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

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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April 18, 2025April 18, 2025

Whale On The Wharf bursts out of dock on Water Street corner

StudioKCA installation made from ocean plastic waste carries an environmental message as it captures the attention of Canary Wharf visitors

Whale On The Wharf by StudioKCA is located on Water Street in Wood Wharf, next to Dishoom and Marceline - image by Jon Massey — Whale On The Wharf by StudioKCA is located on Water Street in Wood Wharf, next to Dishoom and Marceline – image by Jon Massey

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Just ask Jonah, whales are messengers.

The largest creatures on Earth have inspired countless works of art and fiction, often used to draw attention to matters of importance.

In the Hebrew scriptures, Jonah finds redemption in the belly of a great sea creature, having turned back to a righteous path.

There’s Moby Dick and Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan too, but we needn’t get bogged down with revenge, obsession and highfalutin social philosophy.

More recently, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home saw Captain Kirk and crew forced to time travel back to 1986 on the silver screen to pick up a pair of humpback whales, thereby averting ecological disaster after an alien probe comes seeking the ocean giants, only to find them extinct in 2286.

That’s almost as far-fetched as everyone running around with hand-held communication devices and tablet computers…

Recently unveiled on Water Street, Whale On The Wharf, then, belongs to that proud tradition of leveraging the largest animal on the planet as a lodestone for attention and it’s exactly what StudioKCA’s intallation does.

Leaping from the waters of the dock close to Marceline and Dishoom, the 12-metre high sculpture successfully breaches the consciousness of passers-by.

StudioKCA have also created similar pieces in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and in Bruges, Belgium.

The whale's skin is made from plastic waste reclaimed from the ocean - image by Jon Massey — The whale’s skin is made from plastic waste reclaimed from the ocean – image by Jon Massey

the story Whale On The Wharf tells

“We’re telling the story of how we live, what we use, where it ends up and what we should do about it,” said Jason Klimoski, who along with his wife Lesley Chang run the Brooklyn-based art and design studio that created the piece.

“It’s about the 150million tonnes of plastic in the ocean and the 8million we add to that each year.

“A lot of that is hidden, so bringing some of it here hopefully helps people visualise it.

“The plastic used in Whale On The Wharf comes from the Pacific and the Atlantic. We worked with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to collect about five tonnes of plastic.

“We cleaned it, organised it by how long it had been in the water, sorted it by colour and cleaned it piece by piece.

“We chose to make a whale because, pound-for-pound, the plastic in the ocean weighs more than the total of all the whales on the planet.

“We thought it would be the perfect metaphor to help people understand the scale of the problem.”

The sculpture is supported on a recylced steel frame and concrete foundations made with biochar from spent coffee grounds collected from Canary Wharf - image by Jon Massey — The sculpture is supported on a recylced steel frame and concrete foundations made with biochar from spent coffee grounds collected from Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey

a sustainable foundation for Whale On The Wharf

While the leaping creature is the public-facing portion of the work, Whale On The Wharf is also a creation of significant depth.

Canary Wharf Group’s commission is about a lot more than adding to its extensive public art collection.

Wharfers sipping coffee on the estate and then discarding their cups in its waste bins have contributed to its construction.

The sculpture sits on a foundation of concrete made with biochar, a material that replaces sand in the mix and is made from those discarded grounds.

This also prevents CO2 being released when the coffee breaks down and reduces demand for the extraction of traditional raw resources from the Earth.

“We understand the power that art holds,” said Sophie Goddard, director of environment, social and governance at Canary Wharf Group.

“It can provoke emotion and it can create change.

“With this project we’ve really pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved.

“We thought about how we can take the principles of the circular economy and push those forward.

“We’ve locked up spent coffee in the foundation and we’ve been able to do that through the efforts of our in-house waste management team.

“They hand-sort the rubbish that goes into our bins and their work means we’ve sent no waste to landfill since 2009.”

Whale On The Wharf is free to visit and stands 12 metres tall - image by Jon Massey — Whale On The Wharf is free to visit and stands 12 metres tall – image by Jon Massey

a strong steel core

On top of the concrete, Whale On The Wharf is supported by a braced steel structure made from recovered and reused steel to further reduce its environmental impact.

Jason said: “Inside the sculpture there’s a steel spine that supports the structure and aluminium armature to make the shape of the whale.

“Onto that we attached each of the pieces of plastic using steel ties and screws.

“We really want people to see the things they use every day, to recognise them and then wonder what happens to them. How did the things that make up this sculpture get here? What was their journey?

“There’s a car bumper, a kid’s toilet. It’s really the items that relate to children I find both funny and sad.

“Hopefully there’ll be a conversation at home after, especially with the kids, about how we use plastic and what we do with it afterwards.

“When we were building it, we were focussed on the scale of the issue, not necessarily on the thing itself.

“We have a son and so we have to think about the stuff we buy him and what will happen to it.”

Now Canary Wharf has both a head-turning artwork and also a constant reminder of the consequences of unbridled consumption on our planet.

As well as its role in drawing attention to environmental issues, the installation is a significant addition to the estate’s sculpture collection – the largest publicly accessible collection of outdoor works in the UK.

“The whales is a landmark, it’s visually stunning and it really stops people in their tracks,” said Lowri Harries, associate curator of public art at Canary Wharf Group.

“That’s exactly what we want. Since our initial call with Jason, the installation has involved pretty much every part of our business.

“Construction, development, sustainability, marketing and communications as well as all the external contractors that have worked on the project.

“It’s taken a village to make this happen and we’re really thankful to everyone involved.”

An Ode To Never Fitting In, 2024, by Ashley Cluer is seen at Refuse in Broadwick Studio - image by Jon Massey — An Ode To Never Fitting In, 2024, by Ashley Cluer is seen at Refuse in Broadwick Studio – image by Jon Massey

opening up Refuse

Coinciding with the launch of Whale On The Wharf, Canary Wharf Group is also hosting Refuse, an exhibition of works by artists Poojan Gupta and Ashley Cluer who both work with reclaimed materials.

Visitors can expect to see a selection of sculptures including a vast chain made from medicine blister packs and vibrant lime green shapes made from cement, newspaper and recycled wood.

Free to access, the exhibition is on display at Broadwick Studio.

Perhaps when prompted by all these signs, we might take more notice of the way we’re living as a species and even avoid alien annihilation in the future.

PS, at Wharf Life we’re calling the Whale Bruce. You didn’t hear it from us…

key details: Whale On The Wharf

Whale On The Wharf is located on the corner of Water Street and Park Drive in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf. The installation is free to visit.

Refuse is in place until April 26, 2025, and is open from 10am-6pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Broadwick Studio on the corner of Water Street and Charter Street in Wood Wharf.

Find out more about the sculpture here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

March 23, 2025

The Flower Club prepares launch at Wood Wharf’s Harbord Square

Selling cut flowers, plants and gifts, the Canary Wharf shop will also offer workshops and guidance

Florist and founder of The Flower Club, Julia Knyazevich - image by Jon Massey — Florist and founder of The Flower Club, Julia Knyazevich – image by Jon Massey

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“My grandma told me recently that she wasn’t surprised I was starting this business, because I grew up with flowers all around me,” said Julia Knyazevich.

“As a child I lived with her in a little village in the mountains in Ukraine.

“She had a big garden where she’d plant lots of different flowers and I loved it.”

A major change in Julia’s life came at the age of 16 when, speaking no English, she travelled across the sea to join her mother in the UK.

Adapting to her new environment, she studied fashion buying and worked with major brands such as Dior and Tommy Hilfiger before embarking on a career with luxury lifestyle management company Quintessentially.

Now she’s decided to transform a passion into a business.

“After the pandemic, I spent time travelling, including a long period in Thailand,” said the West India Quay resident.

“I also studied floristry. It’s a discipline that’s always developing, with new trends constantly emerging and I had the idea to start a business.

“While travelling, I’d organised a big birthday party for my husband in Italy – I was looking for a company to help with that, but I couldn’t find one so I decided to do it myself.

“I really enjoyed the process of finding all the decorations and flowers for the long tables and creating the event.

“My husband suggested I should start my own business, so I have.”

The Flower Club is set to open this spring in Canary Wharf - image by The Flower Club — The Flower Club is set to open this spring in Canary Wharf – image by The Flower Club

a clutch of independent businesses

The Flower Club is one of a clutch of independent businesses that are opening at 8 Harbord Square over the coming weeks.

Wayne Hairdresser Salon opened its doors this month, with nail bar Awe London also coming soon.

Julia’s venture will sell fresh cut flowers and decorative items as well as some plants.

Her brand is inspired not only by the flowers in her grandma’s garden, but also by one of her favourite places in London.

“I absolutely love Petersham Nurseries in Richmond,” said Julia, who moved to the Canary Wharf area in May.

“When I visit the nurseries, I never want to leave. It’s not for everyone because some people prefer classic bouquets to the more unusual arrangements and installations they create.

“For The Flower Club – a name inspired by Thai cafe The Coffee Club I used to visit while living there – my preference is to use a technique that involves positioning flowers in a bouquet to reflect the way they grow in the wild.

“The aim is to create something that looks natural rather than artificial and it’s better for the flowers because they last longer.

“When I do arrangements I like mixing flowers with fruit or vegetables. It might sound crazy to some people, but it’s something different.

“I also get a lot of inspiration from the Cotswolds. I love visiting the area every few months and looking in the flower shops.

“My aim for Canary Wharf is to bring something similar here.”

Julia has been inspired by her grandmother's garden and the work of Petersham Nurseries - image by The Flower Club — Julia has been inspired by her grandmother’s garden and the work of Petersham Nurseries – image by The Flower Club

building a dream with The Flower Club

Julia is starting small – working with one other florist and freelancers – but dreaming big.

Ultimately, her idea is to foster a community around her business by hosting workshops under the umbrella of The Flower Club.

“I know this is just opening one little shop, but I have made a business plan,” said Julia.

“I know it’s a big dream, but I’m working hard on the branding. We’re starting slowly, but I want to build that community and eventually teach other florists.

“I have an unusual style of floristry and I’d love to set up a franchise model, not just in the UK but in other countries too.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s been a journey getting to this point, but we’re almost there.

“Starting your own business lets you feel a kind of freedom compared with working for a company, but you also have to work on all aspects of the operation.

“It’s stressful because you feel like you want to control everything, but to be successful you need to do that work and be aware of every part of the business.”

One of the key drivers for The Flower Club is a mission to lessen the environmental impact of floristry.

“I try to source flowers direct from growers,” said Julia.

“There’s a wonderful farm in Surrey that I’m planning to work with this spring and summer and there’s another in Cornwall – it’s a long way, but they specialise in wild flowers, which I love.

“It’s better from a sustainability perspective to buy from UK growers because the flowers don’t travel so far and they don’t have to use chemicals to keep them fresh.

“It’s hard to say no to plastic wrapping completely, but The Flower Club is trying to minimise its use. I mainly use craft and tissue papers and biodegradeable products for my bouquets.

“For example, I use string to tie the stems together that’s made from natural materials.

“All of the bags we use in the shop will be paper too and the interior will be mostly decorated with wood and reclaimed furniture.

“It’s a small workspace, but it’s enough and it’s better to start from the ground up rather than take big risks.

“I’ve planned the layout and have made it as comfortable as possible both for workers and our customers.

“Having studied floristry, I know how to use the space professionally and it should be sufficient for our needs.

“I also want to use social media to educate people who want to know more about sourcing and also caring for flowers.

“It’s important to know how to treat the arrangements and all of my orders will have cards on how to properly care for the flowers.”

Prospective customers can find out more online - image by The Flower Club — Prospective customers can find out more online – image by The Flower Club

opening The Flower Club at 8 Harbord Square

While the 8 Harbord Square shop will sell fresh cut flowers and gifts, there will be two further strands to Julia’s business that emerge when she’s up and running.

“I’ll be hosting workshops for people to participate in, especially around events in the calendar,” she said.

“That might be wreath making at Christmas, for example, or creating Easter displays.

“We’ll also have a service for events, which I have a lot of experience doing.

“Clients who want something special for their tables will be able to order flower arrangements, but also tableware and decorations.

“We will be here to explore ideas and designs to make things really special.

“There are lots of options – I’m a big fan of Murano glass, for example – and we can work in private homes, private dining rooms or in restaurants depending on a client’s needs.”

key details: The Flower Club

The Flower Club is set to open soon on the ground floor of 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf.

Visit the business’ website for updates or follow @theflowerclub_ldn on Insta.

Find out more about the shop here

This article is sponsored by Canary Wharf Group

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

Awe London set to open luxury nail salon at 8 Harbord Square

Kamden Monplaisir is set to bring her business to Canary Wharf, the realisation of a dream to launch a branch of her beauty brand on the estate

Awe London founder Kamden Monplaisir - image Jon Massey — Awe London founder Kamden Monplaisir – image Jon Massey

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“When I was a lot younger, I had an obsession with Canary Wharf,” said Kamden Monplaisir.

“Aged nine, my mum brought me to the estate, because she’d noticed I had a major interest in numbers, money and counting – maths was always my strongest subject in school.

“I was inspired by the suits and the culture – it felt like a different world when you stepped into it.

“As a child, I’d never seen anything like it.

“Later, I only applied for jobs I could get here”

Kamden, who grew up not far away in Bow, founded creative nail bar business Awe London in 2019.

Soon she’s set to expand her operation to 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf as one of a cohort of independent business launching in its commercial units over the coming weeks and months.

“When I was starting out, I used to work at Aquascutum in Canary Wharf, but the company went into administration,” she said.

“That’s when I moved on to Burberry.

I have a degree in international finance and I was working for their corporate finance division.

“After pursuing that for about five years, I decided I wanted to start my own business – The Esther Academy – an organisation working with young women to support, inspire and nurture them in their future endeavours.

“That continued until the pandemic hit and business died down. I already had other things going on creativity-wise and I started Awe London in 2019.

“I’m also a mum and about to be again, which is a big pride and joy of mine and just as important as my entrepreneurial life.”

The business Kamden’s running now was born out of need – a desire to offer a better service than what she’d experienced.

Nail art by Awe London - image by Awe London / @awelondon on Insta — Nail art by Awe London – image by Awe London / @awelondon on Insta

founding the brand

“I’ve always been obsessed with getting my nails done,” she said.

“But I felt disappointed by the salons I was going to compared with my expectations.

“I’d visited businesses in the West End – the prices were three times as much, but it was a different atmosphere and I wondered why that couldn’t be available in other places.

“When you go to a spa, you want to experience that ‘wow’ moment, but many nails salons in the UK were just about getting in and getting out – I wanted to change that.

“Our first branch was in South Woodford and we were there for about four years.

“It was a beautiful community to work in as a residential area.

“Then my ambitious side set me wondering how I was going to grow this business more, which had been quite difficult in such a small area.

“We were popular on social media and I noticed that a lot of my clients were coming from London for our services, so I packed up and moved to Shoreditch.

“It was a tough decision because I knew we’d lose some clients but it was a great move and many of our customers travel in to see us there.

“The new location gave us more exposure and we were able to cater for tourists, commuters and residents.

“There was a much bigger footfall and more of a lively vibe and we’ve achieved what we wanted to, which is amazing.”

As thoughts of further expansion emerged, the stars aligned to bring Kamden’s twin obsessions – Canary Wharf and creative nails – together.

It made the decision to say yes to Canary Wharf Group’s team an easy one.

“I was contacted by them while they were looking out for small east London businesses that might be interested in a second location,” she said.

“It came at the perfect time.

“I’d built the team and the infrastructure and I had just started thinking about growth and that suggestion really tapped into my love for the Wharf.

“When I was considering areas, Canary Wharf had always seemed like a dream – when I walked through the malls, I always thought it would be great to be here.

“Then, this new opportunity at 8 Harbord Square made that a bit more attainable so I pursued the opportunity and around seven months later we had the keys.”

8 Harbord Square is set to be home to a collection of independent businesses including Awe London – image by Jon Massey

the difference at Awe London

For Kamden and her team, success is all built on the customers experience – the key reason her clients keep coming back to indulge in Awe London’s extensive range of services.

“It’s about the care you get from our people,” said Kamden.

“If you come to us we’ll always aim to brighten up your day.

“At Canary Wharf, clients will come to Awe London, feel relaxed and enjoy lovely beverages – getting your nails done should never feel like a chore.

“Some customers get a treatment because they need to look their best for an event or to maintain their appearance, but here we also want them to enjoy the process.

“It is a luxury and we want people to feel they are having a good time while they are with us.

“One of the things I’ve fallen in love with about Canary Wharf as it has changed is the community aspect to the estate.

“There are opportunities to network and to meet loads of people. We’re offering a service, of course, but we also want to build our client base.

“In our businesses, we have the opportunity to build a rapport with our customers and learn about their lives.

“In some cases we see them going from their first job, the next step in their career, marriage, a new house and beyond.

“That’s really lovely.

“I’m so excited for the future and what can come from this opening.

“The exposure we got from Shoreditch was good, but this will be a new level of opportunity for us.

“This kind of project to support small businesses is unusual.

“It’s tough for small companies to break through but being in an area alongside big brands and having the chance is great and I’m so grateful for it.

“We’re really looking forward to opening.”

While Awe London’s Canary Wharf branch will be an extension of Kamden’s brand, she said the new nail salon had been designed to have its own personality to reflect the area it would be operating in.

“I like each salon to look like and represent a bit of the place it’s in, so none of them are exactly the same,” she said.

“You’ll know it’s an Awe London salon, but I wanted the contemporary feel of Harbord Square to be present when people walk in.

“I saw the brickwork, the appearance of the apartments upstairs and thought: ‘this is me – modern, contemporary, with an industrial feel, but also with a bit of plush velvet, beautiful smells, flowers and the feminine touch.”

looking to the future

As for further expansion, Kamden has big plans and a model she feels is ready to grow.

“There can be a bit of apprehension when you expand – we’ll have double the number of staff with this opening, but I’m not afraid,” she said.

“We’ve built really strong infrastructure in the business and I’m excited to work with new people.

“Running businesses isn’t how I thought it would be at all.

“I hoped I’d become rich, go on holiday every other month – all glitz and glamour.

“I didn’t understand the magnitude of it or the hard work you need to do.

“But I’ve got a great support system in place, a great family and I’m a woman of faith.

“That all helps manage the stress.

“I take time out for myself – you have to believe in balance if you don’t want it to completely take over your life.

“If I could go back with some advice I’d tell myself to relax – to remember that I was built to do this and that I can get over any hurdle that comes my way and to have faith that the plans I’ve made will work out.

“In the future, I’d love to expand Awe London globally and partner up with people all over the world. You have to have passion to grow a boutique nail salon.

key details: Awe London

Awe London offers a wide range of manicure and pedicure services.

Follow the brand’s Instagram @awelondon or check its website for Canary Wharf opening details.

Canary Wharf Group is supporting a number of independent east London businesses to open in the commercial units at 8 Harbord Square on Wood Wharf.

Also confirmed are salon Wayne Hairdresser and florist and plant shop The Flower Club.

Discover more about the 8 Harbord Square project here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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February 5, 2025February 5, 2025

8 Harbord Square prepares to welcome businesses to Wood Wharf

Canary Wharf building will see independent companies given space and support as neighbourhood opens up to visitors and residents

Canary Wharf Group senior retail leasing surveyor, George Chapman

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Look to the east.

Over the coming weeks and months, Harbord Square – recently connected to the rest of Wood Wharf by the opening of the snowdrop-laced gardens and benches of Union Square – will be welcoming an influx of independent businesses for Wharfers to discover.

“We knew that with this link in place, people would be able to walk down to the area from Canary Wharf and through Wood Wharf, so we’ve been looking at how we could make it a real destination,” said George Chapman, senior retail leasing surveyor at Canary Wharf Group.

“With 10 retail units, we thought we’d start with 8 Harbord Square which, I must admit, is my favourite building over there with its fully open-plan apartments.

“It’s just stunning.”

However, rather than simply open up those spaces to all-comers, George and the team decided to take a different approach.

8 Harbord Square, right, is set to be home to 10 businesses on its lower levels

an expansion of cool: 8 Harbord Square

“Wood Wharf is already really cool – you have the likes of coffee shop 640East, Dishoom, Mallow and many more,” he said.

“With 8 Harbord Square, we wanted to create a community vibe.

“There’s so much talent in Tower Hamlets, just outside Canary Wharf – we thought it would be great to bring some of that in.

“In the past, local operators might have wanted to open a business on the estate but may have been unsure how to do it.

“The larger units can seem daunting, so we’ve simplified the leases with these to get the best local companies in and help build the neighbourhood.

“We’ve partnered with Tower Hamlets and gone out to local residents and businesses and have a number of tenants lined up – we wanted best-in-class operators, with a nail bar, a hair salon, a flower shop and a juice bar coming.

“We’ve helped the operators who need it apply for alcohol licences to make the process as smooth as possible.

“I can’t wait for all the tenants to move in and start trading.”

Canary Wharf Group has worked hard to attract independent businesses to the building

a new dimension at 8 Harbord Square

The arrivals will certainly bring a new dimension to Harbord Square.

“The area is already home to a GP surgery, a convenience store, a vet and a multi-purpose sports hall, but the new street level offering will broaden its appeal and include places for Wharfers to hang out.

It’s also a part of Wood Wharf that’s set to see much residential change both in the short and medium term, with aparthotel Vertus Edit’s launch earlier this month offering extended flexible stays.

More rental homes to the south of the square are coming in the not so distant future.

With units ranging in size from 235sq ft to 786sq ft on five-year leases, the new commercial tenants at 8 Harbord Square will benefit from Canary Wharf Group’s ongoing support as more and more people visit and discover the area.

Union Square's opening now allows Wharfers to easily walk to 8 Harbord Square — Union Square’s opening now allows Wharfers to easily walk to 8 Harbord Square

scouring the borough

For George, it’s about creating a buzz to delight those living and staying locally.

To that end, the team scoured social media and hit the streets locally to find top operators that would be suitable for the project.

“There’s times where I’ve simply gone out for a coffee and found a place, then had a conversation about bringing a business to the estate,” he said.

“We’ve also had direct approaches.

“This is the first time we’ve done this as a business, but I’m of the view that if it’s successful, then we’d look to roll it out in other locations.

“I’d like to walk down to 8 Harbord Square in two years’ time and see the tenants happily trading in a place where everyone knows each other, that has a bit of an old East End feel to it and people look out for one another.

“That would be perfect.

“As other buildings welcome residents around 8 Harbord Square, there will be even more people coming to this part of the Wharf.

“If I was staying in a studio at Vertus Edit, I’d love that just downstairs there’s a buzzy salon and a juice bar with a running club.

“These amenities will help people meet each other and make for an area visitors and residents really love.

“It’s what we want – a place for the community with people walking their dogs and taking their kids to the park.

“The tenants at 8 Harbord Square will all be a part of that.”

the pull of the Wharf

The mission to bring talent into Canary Wharf – with many not realising what opportunities the area might hold for them – isn’t dissimilar to George’s own story.

While he couldn’t see its towers directly growing up in west London, they nevertheless exerted an irresistible pull.

“I’ve been working here for nearly eight years, having started as a finance apprentice at Canary Wharf Group’s tech community, Level39,” he said.

“I did my professional qualifications there and, after about two years, joined the accountancy department.

“Then an opportunity came up to move across to the investment team and from there I was working on the retail side of the business a lot.

“I got the chance to work alongside the retail team and I thought it was something I’d love to do, so I’ve now been there about three years.

“Growing up, I was always seeing Canary Wharf in the news and I remember thinking I’d love to work among the towers one day – there was a real excitement around it.

“I had my interview for the apprenticeship and then phoned my dad who’s a black cab driver.

“He told me to go to one of the bars on the estate and soak up the energy.

“It was on a Thursday and I did exactly that. That’s when I knew I’d really like to work in Canary Wharf.

“It’s been worth crossing the line from west to east London and it’s still definitely where I want to be.

“Numbers and accountancy are very important – fine in moderation – but I get a real kick out of meeting people on a day-to-day basis in my current role. It’s a lot more personal.

“It’s such a privilege to get to know people, to find out why they get up in the morning and what makes them tick. You don’t get that same buzz from a spreadsheet.”

Full details of the businesses opening up at 8 Harbord Square will be released in due course.

However, we can reveal they will include nail specialist Awe London, hair salon Wayne Hairdresser and flower and plant retailer The Flower Club.

There will also be a hospitality offering, or two. Watch these spaces

key details: 8 Harbord Square

You’ll be able to find out more about 8 Harbord Square and the businesses that will soon call it home online.
Looking to stay locally? Vertus Edit opened this month with prices starting at £133 per night for a Little studio accommodating up to two people.
The largest, Roomy apartments, start at £183 for up to two guests.
Vertus also offers apartments for rent across Canary Wharf.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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January 23, 2025January 23, 2025

Vertus Edit aparthotel to offer flexible studios in Canary Wharf

With rooms and facilities spread across two buildings in Wood Wharf we find our that’s what with general manager Isabel Landaeter

The aparthotel offers studios for flexible stays in Canary Wharf — Aparthotel Vertus Edit offers studios for flexible stays in Canary Wharf

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Where and how we want to live and work, is a debate that will continue to play a potent part in public discourse for years to come.

But one thing is certain. It’s areas that offer the greatest flexibility – real range – that will thrive.

Smart, then that Vertus, Canary Wharf Group’s build-to-rent subsidiary, has unveiled a new product on the east London estate.

Launching in February, 2025, Vertus Edit will run as an aparthotel across two newly-finished brick-faced buildings on Wood Wharf.

Quite where hotels stop and aparthotels start is itself a matter for lengthy debate – and not one that’s necessary to explore here.

Suffice to say, Vertus Edit’s 378 studios and its extensive guest facilities offer those seeking brief or medium-term stays on the Wharf a fresh option designed to satisfy a wide range of needs.

“That’s why this isn’t just a hotel,” said Isabel Landaeta, general manager of aparthotels at Vertus.

“Guests get a bit more space and a fully functional kitchen – they can stay a couple of nights or for a longer period.

“We’ve got a co-working space, lounges, a gym, meeting rooms and outdoor roof terraces – there’s a lot of space for people to explore across the two buildings outside of their studios.

“You have all the amenities you need including a 24-hour reception service and weekly housekeeping.

“Vertus has already made a name for itself in the neighbourhood with a reputation for service, so for Vertus Edit, it was about adapting that for people with different needs – those wanting a shorter stay or more flexibility.

“For example, someone might not want to sign a lease on a rental apartment, but they might want to live here for six months.”

Vertus' Isabel Landaeter — Vertus’ Isabel Landaeter

Vertus Edit: a home-from-home

Vertus Edit offers four studio sizes for guests, the Little, Cosy, Comfy and Roomy, ranging from 200sq ft to 301sq ft in size.

All come fully furnished with an en-suite bathroom, towels, toiletries, a kitchen equipped with cookware, utensils, crockery, glassware and cutlery, a TV and super fast Wi-fi.

While no room service is available, there is a 24-hour self-service pantry for guests to access as well as Canary Wharf’s myriad hospitality and shopping options a few minutes’ walk from West Lane via Union Square.

Vertus Edit will obviously cater for people visiting the area for business, perhaps on secondment at a London office from overseas or in town to seal a deal, but it’s been structured as more than that.

“We’re aiming to appeal to people who might not have considered staying in Canary Wharf before,” said Isabel.

“Of course we’ll be accommodating corporate clients and offering discounts for longer stays, but we will also be there for people visiting for conferences at Excel, gigs at The O2, those coming to see ABBA Voyage or Mamma Mia The Party and even people running the London Marathon.

“This isn’t just about Monday-to-Friday. We think we’ll appeal to people taking a longer period of time to visit London as tourists because of our transport links.”

Vertus Edit is dog friendly with puppy packs costing £50 available to guests

flexible and local

To that end, Vertus Edit reflects the current reality of Canary Wharf – an estate that each day taps deeper into east London and the areas that surround it, increasingly blending its existing aesthetic with local flavours.

Each room features artwork from East London Printmakers – about 1,200 handmade prints in total by 10 artists. Guests can even purchase works from the collective if they wish.

Key toiletries in the studios have been sourced locally too, from Kankan, a business founded by women in Hackney that’s laser-focused on sustainability and minimising its negative impact on the environment.

“That’s something we’re really serious about,’ said Isabel. “For our towel service, we’re using Oxwash, established by Dr Kyle Grant-Talbot.

“He’s a former NASA and SpaceX engineer who has created a laundry process that saves water and carbon and prevents almost all microplastics entering the environment.”

In edition to its green credentials, Vertus Edit’s spaces are intended for broad appeal.

Much use is made of texture, colour and luxuriant wallpapers in the communal areas, with lush furnishings and vibrant art adorning the spaces.

Meeting rooms will be available for hire to both guests and other individuals and organisations, with a truly open and flexible approach to the facilities on offer.

It’s all part of creating a malleable, functional addition to the estate.

The red brick edifice of 3 West Lane, one of two Vertus Edit buildings at Wood Wharf

the next logical step

“The evolution of why people live and stay in Canary Wharf started with private residential homes and Vertus’ rental offerings,” said Isabel.

“Vertus Edit is the logical next step – if you’re looking for greater flexibility, then this would be the product for you.

“We expect there to be some overlap, naturally, as people come for a couple of months and then decide to rent an apartment.

“It works the other way too. For people living in Canary Wharf’s towers, this acts as an extension of their homes when, for example, a relative wants to stay locally for a couple of weeks or longer.

“If you’re renting a studio flat, for instance, this provides the space to accommodate them and residents know they can trust the service because it’s from Vertus.

“We also have plans to run events for guests who are staying here and we’ll be on hand to tell them all about Canary Wharf and east London.

“Those staying for a few months may well become friends with the team and other inhabitants, but we want the feel to be about the neighbourhood rather than forced community.

“Personally I’m most excited about people on the estate getting to understand what an aparthotel is and what it feels like.

“In addition to what we’re offering, we also have 12 commercial spaces on the ground floor between our two buildings and I think the businesses that take these will add so much to the neighbourhood along with what’s coming on the ground floor of 8 Harbord Square.

“Since Union Square opened, I’ve been really surprised by how many people are already walking past us.

“I’ve also been lucky enough to see some of the plans for what’s going to open here and it’s going to be really exciting.”

Vertus Edit studios feature artwork from East London Printmakers

ket details: Vertus Edit

Vertus Edit is open from February 2025 with prices starting at £117.14 per night for a Little studio accommodating up to two people.

The largest Roomy apartments start at £160.12 per night, also for up to two guests.

Find out more about the aparthotel here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

September 19, 2024September 19, 2024

Third Space expands group exercise offering in Canary Wharf

Senior group exercise manager Vicki Antoniou on why taking a class is a great way to train

Third Space Canary Wharf group exercise manager Vicki Antoniou, a woman sat in a hot yoga studio smiling at the camera — Third Space Canary Wharf group exercise manager Vicki Antoniou – image James Perrin

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“Don’t fear the unknown”.

That’s the message from Vicki Antoniou, senior group exercise manager for Third Space’s two Canary Wharf clubs.

“If people are walking past The Yard – our crossfit inspired training space at the Canada Square club – and there’s a class on it can look like everyone knows what they’re doing,” she said.

“Or they hear a spin session getting underway, it can sound really overwhelming.

“But it’s vital people understand that our classes operate for all levels of fitness – everyone taking part went for the first time at some point.”

We’re sat in Third Space Wood Wharf for our interview.

While the brand’s second site on the estate is in a separate location to the Canada Square club, it essentially acts as a massive extension to the existing facilities as local membership includes access to both.

That means there’s a second pool to swim in and an extra gym floor to train on.

But it also adds something wholly fresh in terms of group exercise – Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates studios.

This, alongside installing equipment for the latter at the original Canary Wharf site, has allowed the club to extend its already extensive timetable of classes, with more than 300 available every week.

Organising and managing that operation across two sites is no small task, but it’s one Vicki clearly relishes.

The Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs offer more than 300 classes each week – image shows members engaged in a Formula 3 class at Canary Wharf using weights and rowing machines — The Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs offer more than 300 classes each week

the benefits of group exercise

“We get more than 30,000 attendances at classes each month,” she said.

“Around half of the people coming to Wood Wharf are going to a group class, with Canary Wharf a little under that.

“I get really excited about the benefits of working out with other people. We know that once members try a class, they keep coming back.

“The hard part is just getting into the studio. Once you’re there, we’ll look after you.

“If you’re a bit hesitant, get there 15 minutes early and tell the instructor and they will make sure you’re comfortable.

“Everyone’s on their own journey.

“I’m big on inclusivity, so our instructors are trained to make sure everyone who comes into a class has the best possible experience and does what suits their mood for that day.

“We’re also happy to give members a tour of the studios when not in use if they’re feeling unsure.

“We can also advise what classes are best to start with, such as Fundamental Reformer for Pilates or Yin Yoga.”

Vicki’s own journey into the fitness industry began with group exercise, after friends invited her to be part of a film so they could gain Les Mills Bodypump certification.

Having “never picked up a weight in her life” before – a legacy of hating exercise at school – she was hooked and began going to classes.

Later she trained as an instructor and began teaching classes herself. At that time, fitness was more of a side hustle while Vicki worked in banking at Barclays on the Wharf and then in the City.

The arrival of her son saw her spending more time teaching fitness classes, which fitted around his school commitments, before heading back into the corporate world – this time in telecoms.

With her son grown, she “dipped her toe into nutrition”, setting up a company to offer workshops to businesses and organisations.

Third Space Wood Wharf boasts a large Hot Yoga studio

teaching at Third Space

“Around 2017, a friend of mine had started teaching at Third Space and I went to do a class with him,” said Vicki.

“It was fantastic and I thought I’d really like to teach there.

“I auditioned and began working as an instructor in 2018, first with one, then two and three classes a week. Eventually it was 10.

“At that point, I knew I wanted to manage, mentor and lead other instructors and so I applied for the group exercise manager at the Tower Bridge club and got the job.

“At first, despite my experience, I was petrified, but the support network was amazing.

“If you’ve done the job yourself, it puts you in a good position to manage others and I try to lead as I like to be led.

“Transparency and a lot of communication are essential.

“I’m a bit maternal and nurturing and really want to bring people into the fold.

“If you feel confident and that you belong, you’re going to lead classes as your authentic self.

“It’s vital that we have brand standards and that those are maintained across all our classes so members will always get that high quality experience.

“But I also want the instructors in my team to be themselves, not to put on a persona.

“They should feel free to express their personality and bring something of themselves to the sessions.

“We have thousands of members at Canary Wharf – the demographic is vast – and people really respond to instructors who deliver classes like that.”

Wood Wharf also has a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio

what Third Space Wood Wharf brings

Wood Wharf’s additions to the timetable have proved immensely popular, with Reformer Pilates capturing members’ imaginations to the point where extra equipment has been brought in at the original site too, in order to keep up with demand.

“I think, with Reformer classes, it’s the accessibility of it,” said Vicki.

“The way the equipment and the classes have been designed means everybody can do it. We have Fundamental, Traditional and Dynamic classes, so it doesn’t matter what level of fitness you’re at.

“It’s about coming to try something different and learning a new way to move your body with equipment that doesn’t put pressure on your joints.

“It’s perfect for people who don’t want to jump around in the gym.

“But it complements other exercises too.

“If you incorporate it weekly into your training you’ll really see the benefits in strength and flexibility.

“People often need to be a bit brave to try it, but we’ll always look after them and teach them how to use the equipment and give lots of options for those at different levels.

“Hot Yoga has been very well attended at our other clubs, so we wanted to bring a studio here too.

“Practising in a warm room gives you the ability to move your body in a more fluid and challenging way both from a physical and a mental perspective.

“It can feel as though the heat is lubricating your joints and giving you that extra mobility.”

Members take part in a Lift class at Third Space Canary Wharf - men and women lifting kettlebells while doing lunges — Members take part in a Lift class at Third Space Canary Wharf

key details Third Space

The Wharf membership covers Third Space’s Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs and costs £230 per month.

This grants access to facilities across both sites and includes unlimited group exercise classes including Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates.

Third Space also offers group membership, starting at £279 per month, which allows access to facilities at Third Space’s growing collection of clubs including Soho, Marylebone, Wimbledon, Clapham Junction and Tower Bridge. It currently excludes Mayfair.

Find out more about membership 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

August 7, 2024February 2, 2025

Vertus set to evolve its Canary Wharf offering with short stay plan

We sit down with Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens to find out how he’s grown and softened the residential brand plus what the future holds

Image shows Vertus blocks at Wood Wharf, clad in brick in front of more residential towers — Vertus’ residential rental operation is a key part of the Canary Wharf estate

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Things move fast in Canary Wharf.

Already, in August 2024, it’s hard to remember a time when people weren’t living on the estate – such has been the interweaving of the blossoming residential community with the fabric of the place, a shift in mindset to becoming a truly 24/7 slice of London.

But in 2018 it was all still to come.

That’s when Alastair Mullens took on the role of managing director at a newly minted Canary Wharf Group subsidiary called Vertus, created to handle the estate’s crop of build-to-rent (BTR) properties.

At the time, BTR was still a relatively new concept in the capital and, indeed, the rest of the UK.

But, aiming to ape the success of well-established “multi-family” schemes in the USA and elsewhere, it was already gaining traction among developers who saw the potential advantages in terms of easier financing and steady income streams against the big revenue splashes of private sale.

Image shows Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens, a man in a blue suit and a white shirt with blonde hair — Vertus managing director Alastair Mullens

a mountain to climb

“When I arrived, it was just me and one other member of staff,” said Alastair.

“It looked like a very big mountain to climb.

“But now we have more than 75 people working at Vertus – the team did an amazing job and it’s been a really great journey.”

Specifically, the company has completely filled three buildings on the estate – 10 George Street and 8 Water Street in Wood Wharf and Newfoundland, which sits to the western edge of the estate.

Even within this relatively short space of time, however, there’s been a constant feel of agile evolution.

“Vertus was very much born out of Canary Wharf and initially it felt quite corporate,” said Alastair.

“It was directed at a customer base we thought we were going to attract – the people who worked on the estate, who could afford to rent through us.

“That was very successful and about 70% of the people who moved into the first phase of 10 George Street were those workers.

“Today though, that percentage is around 25% at full occupancy.

“It’s a change that has been driven by two things – the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and the way the pandemic has shifted things.

“People now have more flexibility for work and may not be in the office five days a week.

“They have more of a choice about where they live and many are choosing Canary Wharf, even if they don’t work here.”

a resurgent Canary Wharf

It’s demand that’s perhaps unsurprising.

The estate’s resurgence after Covid has seen a wealth of attractions arrive locally, prompting 67.2million people to visit in 2023.

The latest figures for July show the month was 8.5% up on last year.

Canary Wharf is hot in a way that has nothing to do with the summer weather.

Its decision to embrace competitive socialising, an enhanced hospitality offering and even kids activities, has turned it from an area that was once overlooked to a place Londoners are actively seeking out.

Less formal, less corporate – more fun, more relaxed.

While Vertus’s buildings are currently full, its journey is really only just beginning.

In preparation for what’s to come, it’s softened its branding in line with the Wharf of the mid 2020s and to reflect the greater flexibility it’s about to bring to the market.

Image shows a bed, with an abstract picture on the wall as well as a reading light — The brand is set to launch studios for shorter stays at the start of 2025 under the Vertus Edit brand

softening brand Vertus

“We’ve kept the name with the rebrand but have taken time to understand how our customers see us,” said Alastair.

“We’re not just a corporate landlord they’re renting from to get a good service.

“Words like ‘friendship’ and ‘interaction’ – both with fellow-residents and our team – are what we thrive on.

“The brand now feels more homely, rather than just a company providing places to live.

“Outwardly we’re far softer and we’ve done a lot of work on the tone of our voice so it feels friendlier.

“That’s both in our image and advertising, but also in our communications with residents. We’re delivering the same messages but in a less formal, more direct way.

“This has come from the way we’ve seen residents interact with our team – that they prefer to be addressed by their first names, for example.

“All of this is a shift in mentality – a change in the demographic living with us and, perhaps, the way in which people now feel about being less formal.

“Historically, the Canary Wharf estate has been very corporate.

“Aesthetically it’s been steel, glass and concrete.

“But in recent years it’s softened too – green walls, green lamp posts and our collaboration with the Eden Project in Middle Dock.

“Then there’s the leisure offer, which has made it a more fun environment.

“A good example was when we held The North Face Climb Festival at Wood Wharf recently.

“Our team said residents saw the buzz and were attracted to it.

“Originally we marketed the area as a private estate filled with peace and tranquillity.

“Now we’re selling an environment that’s increasingly lively and fun – somewhere people really want to be.”

Image shows a kitchenette in a Vertus Edit property — Vertus Edit studios come complete with kitchenettes

homes in the pipeline

The good news for those who would also like to live locally is that Vertus is by no means done providing apartments.

“Two new towers at 50 and 60 Charter Street will see more than 750 Vertus apartments available to rent, with around 300 ready by the end of 2025 and the rest by mid-2026,” said Alastair.

“Then, 40 Charter Street completes at the end of 2027 with more than 550 properties.

“We’ve taken much of what we’ve learnt from our current buildings – how the concierge teams work, rolling out parcel delivery to individual apartments and offering more co-working space – and put this into these towers.

“They will give us another 1,300 BTR apartments in Canary Wharf.

“We’ve also learnt a lot about fostering community and, about a year ago, reimagined our resident engagement programme as Vertus Plus.

“This includes perks such as early access to new restaurant openings and discounts at retailers on the estate as well as an events team that works to arrange experiences for those living in our apartments.

“When you see a group going for dinner after an event, you know they have connected – we can bring people together, but it’s our residents who build the community.

“In order to support that, we are very much encouraging longer tenancies in our buildings.”

Image shows a Vertus Edit studio with a bed and a kitchenette reflected in the mirror — Vertus Edit studios are available to book from February 2025

Vertus Edit, a shorter stay

While the arrival of new properties will doubtless be welcome given the demand for tenancies in Vertus’ existing portfolio, the company is also further evolving its offering to appeal to those with different needs.

Vertus Edit offers 378 studios for more flexible, shorter stays – even for a single night.

“These are completing around the end of this year and will offer people the opportunity to stay in a Vertus product for a number of nights or months,” said Alastair.

“The studios are, on average, 17sq m and have everything a visitor needs.

“They’ve got small kitchenettes, with hobs, combination microwave ovens and enough storage for pots and pans.

“It’s a product that’s fun, colourful and funky.

“We’ve long been getting enquiries about short-term rentals and we are now able to say that there is an option.

“We’re using the equity in the Vertus brand for this because people recognise it and Vertus Edit becomes that place to stay in Canary Wharf.

“Then, if someone enjoys a short-term stay in the area and sees what we have to offer, they may well decide to upgrade.”

next steps

As for the future, with Canary Wharf’s continued growth there’s still much more in the pipeline.

“We are developing North Quay, so the question is how we offer appropriate accommodation for people working in the life sciences space,” said Alastair.

“I’d also like to see a BTR product with reduced amenity.

“We’ve followed the American model and we offer a great product and great service but not everyone wants things like a big lounge, a gym or a cinema room.

“Some people just want to rent a good apartment that’s well managed with high-speed broadband.

“I think if we could do something like that it would be well taken up with people paying a reduced rent for fewer amenities.

“There’s not a lot around like that in the market at the moment.

“This may also allow tenants to save more easily if they want to buy a property in the future.”

key details: Vertus

More information about renting with Vertus and stays with Vertus Edit can be found here.

Single night bookings for the latter start at £100 a night for two people.

Discounts for longer stays are available.

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

June 18, 2024June 18, 2024

The Upper Lofts are unveiled at Canary Wharf’s 8 Harbord Square

Open-plan, top-floor apartments go on sale at New York-inspired Wood Wharf residential building

Image shows the view from a terrace at 8 Harbord Square, overlooking The O2 and Greenwich Peninsula — The Upper Lofts sit on the top floor of 8 Harbord Square

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

The residential properties contained on the lower levels of 8 Harbord Square are a brave, bold statement.

Presented almost completely open-plan (you do get walled off bathrooms), they recall Docklands’ warehouses with more than a nod, stylistically, to the red-brick structures of New York’s Meatpacking District.

But while the flavour is of industrial buildings cleverly converted for residential use, the 11-storey tower is newly built, meaning it comes with none of the hassle or dodgy bodges that can plague refurbishment projects.

Instead, the exposed concrete ceilings, black metal framed windows and cast iron radiators are all carefully thought-through design statements contained within a thoroughly modern structure.

Image shows a space dressed with a green sofa, marble table and various green and blue soft furnishings — The apartments offer a completely open-plan design with industrial details

Capping the whole thing off, developer Canary Wharf Group has now launched a pair of apartments on the building’s top floor.

The Upper Lofts, both priced at £1,950,000, feature internal living space of 1,400sq ft and feature wrap-around terraces of more than 1,000 sq ft.

Properties feature fully-fitted kitchens with stainless steel units and counter tops as well as Siemens appliances.

Bathrooms come with free standing baths, double basins and black-framed, walk-in showers.

Image shows a stainless steel kitchen in one of The Upper Lofts at 8 Harbord Sqaure with a marble table and breakfast bar in the foreground — The 8 Harbord Square homes come with fully fitted stainless steel kitchens

a singular offering at 8 Harbord Square

Canary Wharf Group director of residential sales, Melanie Conway, said: “The expression ‘one-of-a-kind’ is sometimes overused, but in this instance, The Upper Lofts represent ‘two-of-a-kind’ apartments not seen before in London.

“Their positioning within 8 Harbord Square and the wider Canary Wharf estate gives them views of iconic surrounding landmarks, which previously you would only have seen from some of our tallest residential buildings.

“With vast wrap-around terraces and totally open plan living spaces, they have been designed to take advantage of these views and the natural light that floods the spaces, giving residents the most incredible sunrises and sunsets.

“8 Harbord Square marks the final building in our residential portfolio on the estate, meaning it’s the last opportunity to own a piece of the Wharf’s rich history and to be a part of the incredible transformation that has taken place here.”

Image shows chairs and coffee tables in The Upper Lofts show apartment — Residents are free to configure and dress their apartment however they like

an emerging neighbourhood

Part of Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf development, 8 Harbord Square is the final building in Canary Wharf Group’s scheme to feature homes for private sale.

Further residential projects will fall under its wholly-owned subsidiary Vertus, which boasts an extensive portfolio of homes to live in via all-inclusive rental deals.

Wood Wharf itself is rapidly becoming established as an area to visit with restaurants such as Dishoom, Hawksmoor, MMy Wood Wharf, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta and Roe attracting a steady stream of visitors.

Third Space recently opened a new site locally, adding Hot Yoga, Reformer Pilates and a new 20m swimming pool to its Canary Wharf offering, while creative companies such as Qube, Vow Studio and Broadwick also now call the neighbourhood home.

The Cube, a competitive socialising experience is set to open nearby, while Harbord Square itself now boasts a vet, GP surgery, convenience store and a sports hall and gym complex for residents to investigate.

Image shows a terrace at 8 Harbord Square with views of the Canary Wharf skyline in the background — The Upper Lofts feature wrap-around terraces with views over London

key details – 8 Harbord Square

The Upper Lofts at 8 Harbord Square are both priced at £1,950,000.

Other properties in the 82-apartment building start at £770,000 for an 801sq ft home or £990,000 for 1,037sq ft.

Find out more about The Upper Lofts 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