Explore Canary Wharf 2024 by Luxury London Media

EXPLORE

Canary Wharf

A place for nature & people

From quiet reflections to wow moments. Make every moment unmissable.

Welcome

Over the last 50 years we have seen global wildlife populations fall by 69%; in such a short period of time, this is a scary figure. Over the same period, we have also seen a change in the way people live, work and spend their time, with more than 50% of the world’s population now living in urban spaces. However, these spaces haven’t typically worked for nature. At Canary Wharf we are taking action to change this and, as we continue to create extraordinary environments, find a way for nature and people to live in harmony.

This is not an easy task and it is potentially unchartered territory. To strengthen our approach, we wanted to partner with experts who would challenge us, with an extraordinary track record and world-renowned knowledge in this field. It could only be the Eden Project.

In one of my first conversations with the Eden Project, they mentioned both their Mediterranean and rainforest biomes (areas containing species that would live in those places), but what about an urban biome? Could Canary Wharf be that place? Two years on, we find ourselves at the launch of Eden Dock: a project truly focused on connecting people with the water and with nature. Eden Dock is an integral new area of our vibrant neighbourhood, and we hope it will enhance the lives of all who live, work and visit us here.

Eden Dock builds on three decades of exploring ways to integrate the principles of sustainability. It is also just one part of our wider holistic approach; we aim to transform our public spaces to create a dynamic ecosystem and set an example of best practice and innovation in a dense urban environment, educating ourselves and our communities. Our ambition is to use our neighbourhood as a living test bed to discover how urban spaces can help to tackle biodiversity loss, pioneering places where nature and people thrive.

Read on to find out about all the exciting events coming up across Canary Wharf this autumn. I hope that everyone who lives here, works here or visits us enjoys the many benefits we offer, such as access to water and green spaces, great restaurants, spacious shopping malls, lively waterside bars and a wide range of fun social activities like padel and GoBoat.

Whether you’re a local resident, worker or visitor to Canary Wharf, we hope you enjoy exploring our ever-greener neighbourhood.

Sophie Goddard Director of ESG, Canary Wharf Group

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Inside the transformation of Middle Dock into a waterfront oasis for nature and people in the heart of Canary Wharf

Walkable City

Explore and enjoy our vibrant neighbourhood on foot; find everything you need within a 15-minute walk

The Future of Workspaces

Why is Canary Wharf a great place to work? One of our advocates, Kadans Science Partner’s James Sheppard, shares his thoughts A –

Z of Sustainability

A snapshot of the green achievements and aims of Canary Wharf Group, from Ambition to Zero Waste

The Agenda

The community events, activities and initiatives – many of which are free to attend – taking place in Canary Wharf this autumn

Taste The World

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Eden Dock Welcome to

Dock

Inside the transformation of Middle Dock into a waterfront oasis in the heart of Canary Wharf

An urban oasis

Did you know that, between 1990 and 2015, the world’s urban footprint increased an average of 2.5 times and that, by 2050, two-thirds of the global population is expected to live in cities? But, between 1970 and 2020, wildlife populations fell by 69%. How can city populations continue to grow while we simultaneously tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss?

While not a question with easy answers, it is one Canary Wharf Group (CWG) CEO Shobi Khan intends to meet head on: “Cities need to be part of the solution. We have chosen to lead by example”. In 2020, the year after Shobi took the reins, CWG began to implement significant changes. “Thus Wharf 3.0 was born. We made a dedicated commitment to ‘green’ our neighbourhood.”

To gain insight into the potential of this greening process, CWG called on the Eden Project, the charity best known for its regeneration work and the transformation of a Cornish china clay pit into a globally renowned destination. They formed a groundbreaking partnership in 2022 and have since embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance biodiversity in Canary Wharf. “Our role is to challenge and provoke,” explains Sir Tim Smit, the Eden Project’s Executive Vice Chair and Co-founder. “We want CWG to think differently about its spaces, with the aim of establishing the Wharf as a global example of best practice and innovation in a dense urban environment, demonstrating the harmonious co-existence of nature, industry and commerce.”

Visitors to Canary Wharf already enjoy 16.5 acres of gardens, parks and waterside walkways, more than 800 species of plants and trees, and 5km of boardwalks. In harnessing the power of its community and well-planned development, CWG aims to create a ‘walkable city’ with positive impact. Thus, in partnership with the experts at the Eden Project, the developer is excited to launch the next major milestone in the greening of Canary Wharf: Eden Dock.

Step out of the Jubilee line Tube station and you may have to remind yourself that you are, in fact, in a city – greenery surrounds you and the water is full of life. Award-winning architecture firm Howells was tasked with bringing Eden Dock to life, transforming the spaces between buildings into a network of parks, waterside access spots, performance spaces, bridges and boardwalks. “We consider the wellbeing of the individuals and communities that will use the spaces, as well as helping to ensure that this project realises its ambitions for urban environments,” states Howells partner David Henderson.

The space formerly known as Middle Dock has now been transformed into a water-adjacent haven of interconnected pontoons and aquatic islands. Its new name, inspired by the charity, reflects the Eden Project’s mission to improve humanity’s connection with nature and, as such, Eden Dock is beautiful, replete with verdant planting, and the gentle

sound of lapping water is never far away. The benefits of proximity to greenery and water are well-documented; according to a study published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, people who spend two to three hours a week in nature are about 20% more likely to report high overall satisfaction than those who spend no time outdoors. Those benefits feel tangible from the boardwalks of Eden Dock. The space is invigorating – a natural sanctuary in the centre of Canary Wharf, home to new habitats designed to attract ever more diverse wildlife.

Creating a sustainable sanctuary in the middle of a city is uniquely challenging, concedes Sir Tim, with location-specific issues like water salinity and soil quality. “That’s been interesting – trying to design nature in, and work within a functioning, operating environment where there are boundaries around what is possible, rather than starting with a blank slate. There are so many things in the urban space that need to be considered.”

As such, Eden Dock has an important role to play beyond enhancing the neighbourhood for nature and people. With the insight gained from this project, the Eden Project will be able to inspire and inform its wider programme for increasing biodiversity, applying knowledge from this work to projects around the world.

Visit Eden Dock, an urban oasis sprinkled with Eden Project magic, to experience a glimpse into the future of sustainable cities.

An evidence-backed strategy to ensure Eden Dock would positively impact the local environment (and environment at large) was vital. Surveys by sustainability consultant Greengage showed Eden Dock stood to deliver an increase in ecological value. Advice included using trees to create a shaded canopy, reducing the urban heat island effect by approximately 10%. Trees are nature’s air purifiers so the dock’s ‘floating forests’ are expected to improve air quality, as well as increasing carbon storage potential and helping manage rainwater. Greengage suggested adding aquatic plants to create a better environment for species such as the endangered European eel – these plants also clean the water, allowing for swimming and other water-based activities. CWG has introduced artificial reefs for fish, and bird and bat boxes on land too; Eden Dock is a thriving ecosystem and a lifeline for wildlife.

“The biodiversity crisis is at the heart of the planetary emergency and the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Urban spaces have a hugely important role to play in nature recovery,” concludes Sir Tim. “Some of the most biodiverse places on the planet are our suburbs and urban heartlands, which often show far greater diversity than large swathes of farmland... I think the Canary Wharf project is going to allow people to see the city through a different lens. It’s an inspiring and brave vision that Shobi has put forward with Wharf 3.0, and that’s why we’re here: we want to help the people trying to implement positive change.”

This is only the start of CWG’s plan to carve out natural spaces in the heart of London; for now, you can visit Eden Dock, an urban oasis sprinkled with Eden Project magic, to experience a glimpse into the future of sustainable cities.

For more information about the Eden Project, visit edenproject.com

Walkable City

Explore and enjoy our vibrant neighbourhood on foot; you’ll find everything you need within a 15-minute walk

Welcome to the walkable city of Canary Wharf, a thriving community where it takes no more than 15 minutes on foot or by bike to get to all daily urban necessities. The ‘15-minute city’ concept, first used by Professor Carlos Moreno at COP21 in 2015, is based on research into how city dwellers’ use of time could be improved. Moreno believes that by making our lives as localised as possible, we reduce travel time between home, work, schools and places used for healthcare services, retail and entertainment, with benefits both for the environment and for making the most of our daily lives.

This idea gained momentum during the pandemic, which changed our lives and shifted our priorities. Many of us started to realise that, in shrinking our world down to our nearby surroundings, we opened up our lives to so much more, right on our doorsteps. Knight Frank’s London Report 2022 explored our evolving relationship with urban life and the increasing interest in ‘walkable’ neighbourhoods; it ranked Canary Wharf as one of the city’s top four areas in its Walkability Index.

The report revealed that nearly two-thirds of London respondents felt that being close to amenities was more important to them than it was prior to 2020; places like Canary Wharf, which promote healthy, active lifestyles and provide a dynamic mix of living, working and leisure activities, are becoming increasingly attractive. Because wellbeing, connection and convenience, central to the 15-minute city, have been designed into the very foundations of Canary Wharf – from breakfast and coffee options, workspaces, shopping and amenities to the docks, green spaces and transport network – people are empowered to improve the quality of their lives.

The dynamic, community-driven neighbourhood ticked all the Walkability Index’s boxes, and this is far from a happy accident: every decision made has the bigger picture in mind. Are there enough healthcare providers to service the area? Do locals have equally easy access to supermarkets and great restaurants? Is the community supporting those in need? Can people access plenty of opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing? Yes, yes, yes and yes. The breadth of stores and services is wide: Canary Wharf is home to more than 80 restaurants, cafés and bars and over 120 shops both high street and independent, within its five malls. Interspersed throughout are useful amenities like dry cleaners, nail salons, post offices, supermarkets, doctors’ surgeries, health and wellbeing clinics, dentists, opticians and pharmacies.

As for arts and culture – another criteria used to rank the most walkable areas of London – in Canary Wharf, you’ll find a place where culture is considered to have the power to transform a neighbourhood.

Close-knit urban areas facilitate not only walking but also closer business relationships, and attract skilled professionals.

Culture makes a place inviting. It sparks curiosity, starts conversations and knits a community together. That’s why there’s a varied year-round programme of arts and events on offer, many of them free for the local community and suitable for all ages.

In fact, a community spirit is felt throughout walkable neighbourhoods, where outreach, engagement and education are of great importance. A partnership with the Felix Project reduces waste in Canary Wharf and ensures food is redistributed to those most in need of it. There’s a community grant programme, open to all not-for-profit organisations operating in and benefitting the residents of Tower Hamlets, while Circle Collective in Jubilee Place is a social enterprise with a purpose; every sale of skate and streetwear helps young people into work.

Accommodation in this neighbourhood offers something for everyone, from hundreds of high-quality, affordable apartments to striking for-sale and for-rent buildings. Residents in One Park Drive, 10 Park Drive and 8 Harbord Square can call these remarkable buildings home. The stylish, serviced Vertus to-rent apartment buildings – each with their own distinctive feel and access to the Vertus+ app for exclusive perks and events – include 8 Water Street, 10 George Street and Newfoundland. If you’re staying the night, opt for TRIBE hotel to rest and recharge, or a sleek Vertus Edit ‘aparthotel’ studio (book now for February 2025).

For those who also work in the area, there’s the OoO Society on offer, which hosts informative events, classes and workshops exclusively for the office community, while Wharf Connect is a programme curated specifically for young professionals.

Regular walking has been proven to have many health benefits and, as Knight Frank reports, “close-knit urban areas also facilitate closer business relationships, attract skilled professionals, and enjoy higher GDP per capita as a result”. In Canary Wharf, having all urban necessities within a 15-minute walk, amid green and blue spaces to further improve wellbeing, is the bedrock of the whole neighbourhood. The ambition? To enhance this corner of London, for all current and future inhabitants.

FIT AND WELL

Make the most of six health clubs in Canary Wharf, including Third Space, or head to Padium to play padel. June to October, swimmers can enjoy sessions in Eden Dock and runners can use 5km of waterside boardwalks year-round.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

There’s something for everyone, at all times of day, whether you’re after the best coffee in town, a fun brunch with friends, healthy bites to eat on the go, relaxed drinks or a special, first-class meal. Choose from more than 80 hotspots.

WHARF DISTRICTS

The carefully-planned tapestry of Canary Wharf features five spacious, interconnected malls, each of which has its own distinct character. Interspersed are open spaces, waterfront restaurants, verdant parks and gardens, as well as easy access to the docks and waterside walks.

FUN AND GAMES

Head to Flip Out, THE CUBE and In2Sports to add an element of competitive fun to your wellbeing routine. Up the ante at Capital Karts and Fairgame or relax in the plush surrounds of Everyman Cinema.

Illustration by Harry Haysom

The Future of Workspaces

Canary Wharf is home to innovative companies in sectors ranging from media and tech to education, government and finance. Over the next three years, it is also set to become a hub for London’s health and life sciences community

One North Quay and its expansive terrace, with views of the River Thames and London beyond. CGI. Indicative only

Q&A James Sheppard

International Head of Asset Management at Kadans Science Partner

In partnership with Kadans Science Partner, Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is developing One North Quay, which, on its completion in 2028, will be Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced commercial health and life sciences building. This is what James Sheppard – Head of Asset Management at Kadans and a Canary Wharf advocate – has to say about working life in Canary Wharf.

What do you appreciate most about working in Canary Wharf?

For me, it’s the buzz. That’s so important. You come out of the Tube station in Canary Wharf and there are thousands of people around; there’s an energy and excitement about the place. You go to lots of cities and come out of the main train station and it’s still a bit dead – but not here. Plus you’ve got everything you could possibly need –Canary Wharf is like a small city. It’s exceptionally well-connected, nationally and internationally, which is absolutely critical for the tenants we work with. They’re part of a community, but also part of something bigger.

How do you use your office space?

I find myself here three days a week as a minimum. I really like the variety of spaces that you can work in. Sometimes you need a desk to sit at and do more formal work. At other times, you just want to sit in a café, grab a coffee and make a phone call. The variety of spaces here –formal, informal, flexible – is staggering.

How do Kadans’ ESG goals align with those of CWG? Sustainability is front and centre of our business and of our tenants’ businesses. That said, it’s exceptionally difficult in life sciences because our buildings are, operationally, very intensive and built very differently to a lot of other office schemes. CWG, with its history and market-leading expertise in sustainability, has taught us a whole host of things about what we can be doing better and where we can be pushing things forward using technology, driving a new approach to sustainability in life science buildings.

Why is Canary Wharf the right place for Kadans?

For the same reason that it’s the right location for the UK science community; it’s hyper-connected, has a highly qualified talent pool, and it’s a fun and exciting place to be. London, home to world-class universities and research groups, has long been at the global forefront of science, so the depth of talent that exists around London as a whole and within walking distance of Canary Wharf is truly exceptional. Canary Wharf’s ecosystem is exceptional too, and second to none. The tongue-in-cheek phrase I often use is that scientists are people too! They like nice restaurants, nice bars, nice hotels – things that Canary Wharf has in abundance. The people who work for biotech and pharma companies don’t always want to be located on a science park in the middle of nowhere; they appreciate those things as well.

One North Quay CGI. Indicative only

Buildings for life

Canary Wharf has a growing life science community and is establishing itself as something of a go-to for the sector, which has grown exponentially in London in recent years, driven by a large, highly skilled working population and proximity to four globally renowned science universities. This has in turn created a demand for wet lab real estate – a demand that Canary Wharf is satisfying.

One North Quay, a 23-storey vertical campus located north of Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place, will form the heart of a new world-class life sciences ecosystem. The building, by architect KPF, will comprise 823,000 sq ft of gross internal area, as well as manufacturing space.

One North Quay tenants can occupy anything from one bench in the co-working lab to 500,000 sq ft across multiple floors. Tenants will benefit from 20,250 sq ft of amenity space throughout the building, including a ground floor restaurant, conference and meeting suites on level 1, plus meeting rooms, breakout spaces and a restaurant with a spectacular terrace and city views on level 23. It will be one of the UK’s most sustainably designed commercial labs, offering real scaleability and supporting cross-discipline collaboration in Canary Wharf.

One North Quay will sit within the North Quay masterplan, a wider life science development capable of delivering 3.5 million sq ft of laboratory space, including significant chemistry and high-containment facilities.

The benefits of connecting employees to nature at work extend beyond sustainability and include positive effects on their wellbeing and how they perform their jobs.

The 3.8 hectare mixed-use development will consist of a stack of ‘neighbourhoods’ with interconnecting communal spaces, providing flexibility for a range of uses, which could include residential, retail, community, leisure, hotel, co-living and student.

As exemplified by the plans for North Quay, modern workspaces must be flexible, connected and have the ability to scale – this is exactly what Canary Wharf offers. Spaces range from ‘shell and core’ offices, which provide a blank canvas, to fully-fitted, furnished and managed workspaces, and everything in between; whether you’re in need of hot desks or a headquarters, the Wharf can accommodate you.

The London Innovation Centre, based at 20 Water Street, is set up so employees can work flexibly across 122,000 sq ft of space which includes open floorplans, balconies and terraces on every level. Occupants can take an individual lab bench or their own dedicated lab, all of which have access to shared facilities. Level39 in One Canada Square is a diverse network of entrepreneurs, pioneering everyday wealth, health and security. Its flexible co-working, private office space and ecosystem activities provide its 180 member companies with access to the growth opportunities they need to develop into world-leading businesses.

Canary Wharf is built for modern work and modern life, too, so wellbeing in the workspace is paramount. Offices are situated alongside amenities, services, shops and restaurants, as well as open and waterside spaces, which research has shown to have a positive impact on stress. The Harvard Business Review reported findings that indicated the benefits of connecting employees to nature at work extend beyond sustainability, and include positive effects on employees’ wellbeing and how they perform their jobs.

Convenient, comfortable and cutting-edge, Canary Wharf workspaces are helping to build London’s industrial future. Watch this space.

Visit canarywharf.com/offices for more information on its workspaces.

ONE CANADA SQUARE20 WATER STREET FORTY BANK STREET

This iconic building is always evolving to meet the needs of its customers, home to the highest available office terrace in London on Level47, and a diverse network of entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and scale-ups on Level39.

This distinctive 13-level building, with its two 50m terraces, is home to the remarkable London Innovation Centre: this encompasses 50,000 sq ft of fully-fitted Containment Level 2 wet labs and office accommodation.

With incredible views of the docks, river and beyond, and a sleek, smart interior, Forty Bank Street is creative, cultured and connected. The MadeFor service allows companies to move into a fully-fitted, managed workspace.

A-Z of Sustainability

For Director of ESG Sophie Goddard and her team, a desire to bring the community together and enhance lives is at the heart of every decision. These are some of the things being done to create extraordinary environments for both nature and people

Biodiversity Net Gain

As a developer, we have a key role to play in introducing biodiversity into our urban areas. Canary Wharf is a historic brownfield site, meaning that, prior to the development of today’s Wharf, no ‘natural’ ecosystems had existed here since the 13th century, making it the ideal location for enhancing biodiversity.

Ambition

For the past three decades, we’ve been exploring ways to help make Canary Wharf as sustainable as possible. As we continue to transform into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, we are committed to turning sustainability ambition into impactful action, from delivering our Science-Based Targets to forging a partnership with the Eden Project to create a place for nature and people.

Climate Action

In February 2023, we launched our Ambition into Action Sustainability Summit to convene our supply chain and encourage the transition towards net zero. Since hosting the summit, we have supported our supply chain, including SMEs, with free training and roundtables to help them work towards net zero and to support the transition.

Driving Circularity

Circularity is about keeping resources in use for as long as possible and making sure they deliver the highest value they can. Examples of circularity here include donations of surplus furniture to local charities and initiatives like Love Not Landfill, Tech Take-back and the Swap Station.

Green Spaces

Dotted throughout the iconic buildings in Canary Wharf are a remarkable 16.5 acres of parks and green spaces. The tree, art and fountain-filled Jubilee Park has been recognised with a Green Flag award and we are a finalist in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom UK 2024 competition.

Energy Efficiency

We have purchased 100% of our electricity from renewable sources since 2012.

is FSC certified, meaning that it is sourced from sustainably managed forests. We certify our buildings against a standard to support this.

Habitat

Bats. Sparrows. Eels. Swans. Even grey seals. You might not expect these to find a home in Canary Wharf but they do. Creating and preserving natural habitats within the urban environment is all part of a plan to create healthy ecosystems and amenities – a place where biodiversity and leisure meet.

Innovation

As we continue to develop Wood Wharf, North Quay and beyond, reducing the carbon footprint of concrete is key to our zero-emission goal. We’re testing less cement-heavy concrete mixes and sharing our findings to help the industry move forward.

Knowledge Sharing

Supporting education in our community is incredibly important. Empowering young people through knowledge sharing allows them to build the skills they need to reach their full potential. This not only means providing financial support for educational programmes but also sharing the knowledge of our staff through community volunteering programmes.

Jobs & Skills

As a thriving business, leisure and residential district, we recognise the importance of enhancing the prosperity of the wider community, so we help local people access opportunities for skills and development programmes, as well as organising work placements in Canary Wharf.

Recycling

Recycle Week 2023 shone a spotlight on Missed Capture items that can be recycled. We revamped our waste signs and showcased successful stories to inspire change in everyday habits. We partnered with many of our retailers, too, highlighting their recycling initiatives. This year’s Recycle Week theme (14-20 October) is Rescue Me, focusing on rescuing reusable items from the rubbish bin.

Social Value

We work in partnership with the community to support local initiatives and programmes that create social value around three key themes: Education, Skills & Employment and Wellbeing & Biodiversity. The total social and local economic value contributed by CWG in 2023 was nearly £176m (up from £99.31m in 2022).

Living

Londoners care about how the buildings in which they live operate, and understand they will benefit from a considered approach to design, location and amenities. All homes for sale in Canary Wharf, as well as rental properties from Vertus, are close to green spaces and waterside boardwalks; their architecture makes the most of daylight, proximity to the water and local nature.

Monitoring

Advanced technology and monitoring are central to enhancing our sustainability efforts. We utilise cutting-edge software like Demand Logic, which provides real-time insights into building performance. This technology helps identify areas for improvement by analysing thousands of data points in buildings such as One Canada Square.

Transport

People can easily get to and from Canary Wharf on public transport; it’s served by the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line, Docklands Light Railway and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. There are plenty of pedestrian and cycle routes too, and 24/7 electric charging points. Even some of our waste is transported by water to reduce emissions.

Urban Regeneration

In 1988 construction of Canary Wharf (as we now know it) began. CWG has reinvigorated a neglected, underused area of London with significant infrastructure and architecturally striking buildings – the most successful urban regeneration project in London.

Open Water Swimming

Outdoor swimming in Eden Dock, from June to October, is run by Love Open Water, supported by NOWCA, which is the UK’s largest network of safe open water venues. The team ensures that the water quality is regularly tested and it has consistently exceeded the minimum requirements for bathing standards.

Nature Positive

We see nature as fundamental for our society, and equally important for our business operations. That’s why we have set ourselves the challenge of finding ways to support nature in the urban environment of Canary Wharf, through our developments and on our existing land. Our ambition is to make the Wharf a place where nature and people can thrive together.

Quality

We have ambitious targets when it comes to the standards of air, water and construction. Air quality in Canary Wharf is improving thanks to continuous monitoring, great airflow and proximity to water.

People

The success of our sustainably focused initiatives depends on the engagement of local people and strong partnerships. For example, working in collaboration with the Eden Project, the Felix Project and local councils helps us to further enhance our neighbourhood, reduce food waste, encourage volunteering and boost youth employment.

Volunteering

In 2023, we entered into a partnership with the Felix Project, a fantastic charity that tackles food poverty by distributing surplus food to local schools and via community groups around the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The Canary Wharf ‘Green Scheme’ is central to the partnership, ensuring leftover food from our retailers is collected by volunteers and distributed through the Felix Project network.

Wellbeing

Being close to both outdoor space and water has great benefits when it comes to our physical and mental wellbeing; in Canary Wharf there are 5km of waterside boardwalks as well as 16.5 acres of park and gardens and a wealth of opportunities to keep fit and well.

Excellent Architecture

The unique, distinctive Crossrail Place Roof Garden was designed by the renowned Foster + Partners. We have partnered with award-winning architects for some of our residential buildings too: Herzog & de Meuron was chosen as the architect for One Park Drive, and Horden Cherry Lee Architects for Newfoundland.

Youth Empowerment

For several years, we’ve partnered with The Switch to support employability education in Tower Hamlets. In 2022, 30 of our employees volunteered in local schools with The Switch, in activities ranging from workshops to mock interviews to virtual work experience programmes.

Zero Waste

We have sent zero waste to landfill in managed areas since 2009 and are looking closely at construction waste. Our Operational Waste Strategy, published in 2021, was designed to support the transition to a circular economy, continuing the work we have been doing to reduce waste and maintain zero waste to landfill.

The Agenda

Welcome to your curated guide to culture in Canary Wharf – fill your diary with activities, events and exhibitions happening throughout autumn and winter

Make the most of Eden Dock

With Eden Dock now open, the first thing on your Canary Wharf agenda should be going to see it, along with Nature Rising, a series of 21 sculptures that trail from the dock to Jubilee Park. These remarkable structures are shrouded in greenery and look as if they are emerging from the ground or water, symbolising the connection between nature and people.

There is also a fantastic programme of events around the launch of Eden Dock: if you’re a fan of photography, head to the lobby of One Canada Square to view the winning images from the Nature Framed competition, which tasked entrants with capturing the greenery and wildlife in the neighbourhood. The best photos will be featured throughout October in this free exhibition.

Eden Dock has been designed for calm moments and the community – there are few better places, therefore, to practice yoga than on one of the floating platforms here. Book a mat, via the Canary Wharf app, to join one of a series of vinyasa yoga sessions hosted by Third Space and lululemon in October, one of which falls on World Mental Health Day (10 October). Mark the occasion by joining in and prioritising your health and wellbeing.

Throughout October, adventurous visitors can swim in Eden Dock between 5 and 8pm. Operated by Love Open Water, the night sessions will allow attendees to swim in the quality-tested water while the lights of Canary Wharf and illuminated sculptures twinkle around them. These swims are expected to be popular, so sign up in advance via the ACTiO NOWCA app or visit loveopenwater.co.uk.

Wharf Farm, an indoor micro-farm, will be in Jubilee Place until 1 November. In collaboration with Square Mile Farms, the farm is using vertical systems to grow produce. There will also be a programme of bookable and drop-in events held here, from pesto- and cocktail-making workshops using Wharf Farm’s herbs to cooking demonstrations with Canary Wharf chefs and school programmes promoting food education. Excess produce will be donated to the Felix Project, the charitable organisation that redistributes surplus food to local charities.

NATURE FRAMED EXHIBITION

Until 1 November

One Canada Square

VINYASA YOGA SESSIONS

Throughout October Eden Dock

NIGHT SWIMS

Throughout October 5-8pm Eden Dock

WHARF FARM

Until 1 November Jubilee Place

Retail therapy

With more than 120 stores across five malls, you’ll find everything you could possibly need at Canary Wharf, from menswear and womenswear to accessories, jewellery, beauty, and health and wellbeing services.

For conscious consumers of skincare, there’s a wealth of choices: Rituals products combine the best of nature and advanced science in their development, while Aesop’s are vegan; MALIN+GOETZ uses sustainably sourced ingredients for its formulas, Kiehl’s runs a Recycle and Be Rewarded scheme and L’Occitane reduces packaging waste with refillable products. Space NK is a veritable emporium of everything beauty, make-up and skincare related.

When it comes to fashion, those keen to shop sustainably should make a beeline for Paul Smith;

its stylish Sun Logo-branded products are made with a minimum of 50% low-impact materials and its Repair, Restore, Refresh service will reinvigorate your well-loved favourites from the brand. Social enterprise Circle Collective, which sells skate and streetwear, trains its young staff and supports them in finding permanent work, while GANT and Monica Vinader guarantee lifetime repairs to their timeless jeans and jewellery respectivelly. Find perennially chic buys at Levi’s, Coach and COS, or stock up on high-performance athleisurewear at lululemon, ASICS and Castore, now open in Jubilee Place.

Once you’re kitted out, book a world-class spin session at Barry’s or head to the high-spec, high-tech gyms at Third Space and Ultimate Performance. Take your health and wellness seriously with an appointment at Le Chalet Cryo, Get A Drip or Therapie Clinic

Discover Canary Wharf’s unique public art

Canary Wharf’s art collection is completely free to visit – no tickets or time slots necessary – because of a belief that art should be for everyone: from its inception, the collection has been built in the open for the public to enjoy. Today, the 100-plus pieces, which consist of a mixture of standalone sculptures and painted murals, represent the UK’s largest free-to-visit outdoor exhibition.

Each artwork is created by a highly respected artist, and each tells a unique story. There’s Shine Your Colours, a 2021 installation by Tine Bech, where audiences can peer through tinted panels to see the world in a kaleidoscope of colour, and

tunnel decorated with geometric shapes that play with perspective as you walk through it. Don’t miss Canary Wharf’s contribution to this year’s London Mural Festival: beautiful representations of local communities and neighbourhoods by artists Zoe Power, Venessa Scott and Josephine Hicks located in Bellmouth Passage. You’ll find intriguing works like this all over Canary Wharf – whether you’re seeking them out for a selfie, admiring them in passing or discovering them on the Children’s Art Trail, a map-guided walk that takes in 12 pieces that will capture childrens’ imaginations.

Eden Dock is also home to some exciting new artworks, including Emma Louise Moore’s Miss, which is skilfully carved from Carrara marble and adopts a milky translucency when the sun hits it.

Read the work of Black writers on your lunch break

To mark Black History Month, Canary Wharf partner Penguin Books is taking over the Short Story Stations installed in Jubilee Place and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. These free literature dispensers will be filled with both fiction and non-fiction from an exciting array of Black authors.

These stories and extracts have been specially curated by Penguin Books to shine a light on

the often under-represented voices of the Black community. Pop down to either of the two locations and lose yourself in this one-of-a-kind free literature collection. You might just find a new favourite author, or a fresh new perspective.

SHORT STORY STATIONS

Throughout October Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Place

Captivated By Colour (2020) by Camille Walala, a

Paul Smith Miss, Emma Louise Moore

MALIN+GOETZ

Make it a family affair

You won’t be stuck for ways to entertain the kids in Canary Wharf, which is full of family-friendly activities. Flip Out – the ultimate indoor play centre which boasts attractions like Laser Quest, interactive football, slides, Crazy Karts, bumper cars and more – is every child’s dream. As is the ethereal Illusionaries, an immersive art experience of light shows and soundscapes which makes for an amazing spectacle.

The perfect family day out, the longest-running skate experience in London is returning this year. Ice Rink Canary Wharf transforms Canada Square Park into a magical winter wonderland where you can twirl, glide or slide around the central podium to live music. A transparent roof, illuminated by beautiful shimmering lights, protects skaters from inclement weather.

If the weather does happen to be on your side, celebrate by exploring Canary Wharf’s waterways with GoBoat, a self-driving experience where you and up to seven others can float around the Docklands without a guide. When winter really kicks in, sink into the trademark plush seating at Everyman Canary Wharf and enjoy a film.

If you had something a little more educational in mind, visit the free-to-enter London Museum in the Docklands, which covers 400 years of local history. The Idea Store, meanwhile, is a fantastic resource of library and learning services.

It can be difficult to satisfy everyone at one restaurant but with the breadth of the offering here, it might just be a complaint-free experience. There’s Neapolitan-style pizza at Franco Manca and equally authentic pasta at Zizzi Shake Shack serves burgers, hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries (what child could resist?!). Find Asian soul food at Wagamama, which also does mini meals for little ones, and Mexican goodness at Wahaca

For high-quality children’s clothes, it has to be Zara, John Lewis & Partners or The White Company, plus organic baby and kidswear at Swedish lifestyle brand Newbie. And kids always love the fun variety of eclectic items at Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Engage in some healthy competition

There’s nothing like an element of competition to make a day or night out with friends memorable.

Capital Karts, home to the UK’s fastest indoor go-karting track, is the perfect place to get your adrenaline fix. Clays, meanwhile, is an interactive clay target-shooting experience that brings the British countryside to the heart of the city.

Padel has taken the world by storm – see what all the fuss is about at Padium, the indoor padel club where you can play on courts of exceptional quality.

Or maybe shuffleboard is more your thing? In which case book a table at Electric Shuffle, an institution that has revolutionised the game, making it into a social experience with cocktails, snacks and a highoctane atmosphere. For fun and games also fuelled by food and drink, revisit the old-school fairground entertainment of your youth at Fairgame, where you can play Roll-A-Ball Derby and Shoot the Clown with a modern twist.

Do you have what it takes to beat THE CUBE? Teams of two take on tasks designed to test your physical and mental skills. If your skills are more suited to music, video or podcast production, book a high-spec recording studio at Qube East

Padium Electric Shuffle

Hawksmoor Wood Wharf and GoBoat

Flip Out

Check out the dazzling Winter Lights

One of the biggest events in the Canary Wharf calendar is returning in January: now in its ninth edition, this hugely popular festival sees the Wharf illuminated by a temporary collection of remarkable light art installations. The free spectacle showcases some of the most innovative artists working in light art today. All you need to do is download the Winter Lights map (available from the Canary Wharf website and app nearer the time), which will guide you around the artworks for a sparkling winter walk.

As well as bringing new temporary pieces to Canary Wharf, the festival will showcase some of the existing permanent collection, such as The Clew, made from 100 circles of red light that create sunset-like reflections on the water; bit.fall, which produces an ever-changing cascade of words, taken from a live feed from online news outlets; and Elantica ‘The Boulder’, which uses discarded circuit boards to mimic a natural rock formation. Read on to find out what inspired its artists, Tom and Lien Dekyvere.

Your piece, Elantica ‘The Boulder’, is made entirely of recycled circuit boards. What message are you trying to convey with this? The waste skin of the sculpture represents the replacement of natural and organic matter by fabricated materials. How far do we go with the digital replacement of more traditional versions of our lifestyle? The message is that question, without being for or against the concept.

How did you create the artwork? Where did you source all those circuit boards?

We created the artwork in our studio, where all of the parts have been assembled to the steel frame with polycarbonate plate material as the canvas for each front. The boards come from an e-waste belt, where they recycle all of the Flemish region’s used electronics. It’s huge!

Why was it so important to you that you used recycled materials?

The main reason is conceptual – as used electrical parts, the materials represent the death of something, or at least the end of its lifespan.

Why is light art an important art form?

Light in general is an enormous factor in art, in both the fabrication and the presentation of the works. Therefore, our work often incorporates light. Shadows, reflection and mirror effects are some ways that Elantica uses light.

The hugely popular, free-to-attend Winter Lights festival sees the Wharf illuminated by a temporary collection of remarkable light art installations.

What do you hope that people think about or feel when they look at Elantica ‘The Boulder’?

We hope that they ask questions about the digitisation of the world, and what a balance that suits both human and robot would look like.

WINTER LIGHTS

21 January - 1 February 2025

Various locations

The Clew, Ottotto Elantica ‘The Boulder’ Tom and Lien Dekyvere

Jubilee Park Ponds, Winter Lights 2023

Taste the World

Canary Wharf’s food scene is one of the best in the capital, with more than 80 restaurants, cafés and bars serving cuisine and drinks from all around the globe

The Americas

Take a trip across the pond by way of Canary Wharf, with restaurants that offer everything from Texas barbecue to Californian cocktails

We start our food journey at the bottom of the American continent, at Argentinian Grill in Wharf Kitchen. If you appreciate the finest steak, you’ll fit in here: beef is sourced from independent farmers across the UK and cooked on an authentic chargrill. Canary Wharf is also home to Gaucho, which opened in London in 1994 and has been a favourite on the dining scene since. Prime cuts of Black Angus beef are, again, the star of the show (although vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of too) but Gaucho also has a global influence; eclectic flavours are enjoyed with river views from the panoramic dining room or leafy terrace.

As you make your culinary way up to Central America, stop by Wahaca at the Park Pavilion for a taste of a colourful Mexican market: think tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, rainbow bowls and churros – and an inviting interior concept with a Latin-themed bar, dining room and terrace. Chipotle also sets the scene for a Mexican feast; its salads, bowls and burritos are made with ingredients from a short, transparent supply chain.

Sticking to the Gulf Coast, where Mexican flavours meet the fast food culture of the States, we find ourselves at Big Easy. This is the home of traditional Texas barbecue, which means meat smoked slowly over white oak and fresh East Coast lobster. The Crossrail Place outpost is the biggest in London, bringing a true Texas vibe with great live music and an al fresco terrace.

There’s nothing that sums up the USA quite like a hamburger, and Patty&Bun does some of the best in town, working with artisan producers to create perfect patties and brilliant buns. Plus you can hire out the restaurant for private events. For flavours of California, head to Feels Like June in Wood Wharf – a restaurant that has summery vibes year-round thanks to Europe-meets-West-Coast dishes, including heirloom tomato bruschetta, chicken Milanese and pulled beef brisket tacos, and vibrant décor.

Foodie hotspots for innovative menus

Feels Like June

Wahaca

Canary Wharf is home to a plethora of East and South Asian dining spots, celebrating cuisines from China and Japan to India. Bombay-style comfort food is the order of the day at Dishoom, which is modelled on the city’s Irani cafés. The restaurant, bar and terrace launched an exciting new menu at the end of September, representing the biggest change since Dishoom’s launch in 2010.

Sample equally fantastic Indian fare at Indi-go Rasoi at Wharf Kitchen, which puts a modern spin on street food in the form of sizzling chaats and juicy kebabs. Also representing first-class Indian cuisine is Kricket, which went from a 20-seat shipping container in Pop Brixton to earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its permanent restaurant in Soho in just two years. The buzzy spot was set up by two university friends, one of whom worked under Vivek Singh at Cinnamon Kitchen. For more street food, this time from the ancient capital city of Xi’an, head to Biang at Wharf Kitchen – an unassuming establishment

Asia

Spanning Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and more, Canary Wharf’s eateries capture many of the vibrant facets and flavours of Asian cuisine

that marries Eastern and Western flavours, drawing on the cultural cross-pollination of the Silk Road; think Chinese burgers and hand-pulled noodles.

If Japanese food is your preference, there’s Ippudo, which captures the culinary sweet spot between the authentic and modern via its ramen, which is created with homemade noodles and paired with dashi broth, umami miso paste and high-quality

proteins. Marugame Udon is also changing the ramen game with its ‘build your own’ approach; diners can mix and match silky udon noodles with crisp tempura, before exploring desserts like chocolate mochi.

Of course, no one could forget that second pillar of Japanese cuisine: sushi, which is the name of the game (literally) at Sticks’n’Sushi in Crossrail Place.

As well as traditional sushi, try the yakitori sticks; meat and vegetable skewers, as well as an array of fish and seafood options, are grilled to order. The robata grill is at the heart of ROKA too, known and loved for its contemporary Japanese robatayaki (and premium sushi), enjoyed with expansive views over the greenery of Canada Square Park.

Moving across the Sea of Japan to Korea (by way of Jubilee Place), discover the flavoursome, colourful world of Korean American chef Judy Joo, who opened Seoul Bird in 2020. It is now the local go-to for double-fried chicken, marinated meats cooked over charcoal, and chicken burgers with fluffy potato buns. For a pan-Asian feast, including spicy Korean-inspired hot pots and the classic katsu, Wagamama can be found in Jubilee Place.

Last but not least, discover the salty, sweet, sour, bitter and spicy tastes of Thailand at iThai in Wharf Kitchen, or the best of Vietnamese cuisine at Pho via its signature aromatic noodle soup.

Enjoy authentic cuisine at local restaurants

Kricket

Dishoom

Pho

Sticks’n’Sushi

They say there’s no place like home, and considering the quality of the British fare in Canary Wharf, never has this rung more true. It doesn’t get more British than Blacklock in Frobisher Passage, which pays homage to the chophouses of the 1960s – honest establishments that served meat on the bone. Unpretentious and cosy with wood-pannelled interiors, Blacklock champions this nostalgic custom.

It would be remiss not to mention Hawksmoor too at this juncture – another standard-bearer for quality British cuts, including grass-fed, dry-aged beef, as well as south coast seafood. A certified B Corp, Hawksmoor, which resides on a floating pavilion in Wood Wharf, has been awarded the

Great Britain

British cooking is all about homegrown ingredients cooked with time-honoured methods, and that is exactly what you will find in Canary Wharf

maximum rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association for 12 consecutive years, and is consistently committed to supporting regenerative agriculture, sustainable fishing practices and local, seasonal sourcing.

Roe, sister restaurant to the critically acclaimed Fallow in St James’s, is a firm favourite among green-minded diners thanks to a nose-to-tail, root-to-stem ethos. The 5 Park Drive eatery champions rare-breed meats, carefully sourced fish and wild-farmed native grain, which it describes as “underused and underappreciated”.

If you enjoy a show with your dinner and drinks, there’s Boisdale of Canary Wharf, which certainly knows how to put one on. The venue has a gorgeous view of the city skyline, which you’ll notice only if you can drag your eyes away from sparkling live performances by the likes of Shola Ama, Boney M, Grant Nelson, Richard Hadfield and remarkable tribute acts; there’s something to suit all tastes. That goes for the food, too, which has plenty of Scottish flair.

There’s The Ivy In The Park for something refined yet casual. This Canada Square staple offers classic

British dining as well as some dishes with an Asian influence. Everyone already knows and loves The Ivy’s tableside steak tartare with chips, but did you know that it also puts on live music? DJs play in the restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays, while the beautiful private dining room is perfect for a special celebration.

Six by Nico is perfect for an occasion, too; this innovative concept from head chef Nico Simeone offers diners themed menus that rotate every six weeks. Thus we can’t really guarantee British fare at Six by Nico – what you’re served will depend on Simeone – but we can promise you something delicious and creative.

There’s also mallow at Wood Wharf, which is sister restaurant to Mildred’s and home to 100% plant-based food. Dishes are inspired by world cuisines, while being sourced from local businesses chosen for their sustainable credentials. Similarly, to step into MMy Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf’s sustainable community market, is to discover a smorgasbord of global delicacies. Here, you can sit by the river and eat delicious Badiani Gelato or listen to blues at downstairs jazz club The TAM. Or you can simply do some shopping at the grocery store, which stocks a bounty of goods from organic and local producers.

Europe

Transport yourself to the Italian coast, a Spanish city or a Greek island via homemade pasta, authentic tapas and fresh seafood

There are plenty of places where you can enjoy the cuisine of our European neighbours without leaving Canary Wharf. Start your day the Italian way at Café Brera – the espresso is perfectly brewed and the bread made of only five ingredients. Make sure you try the desserts too, which are as authentic as they get.

For pasta, it has to be Emilia’s Crafted Pasta (the clue’s in the name): soul-warming dishes are based around the ethos of freshness and simplicity on which Italian cooking is built. Emilia’s takes a meticulous approach to ingredient sourcing, going local where possible and importing using eco-friendly transportation, and has a 90% reliance on renewable energy.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Italy without pizza, and Canary Wharf has some brilliant options for that: there’s @homepizza, a family joint with 25 years’ worth of experience, where you choose from 73 unique pizzas which are made using homemade yeasts and starters. Or there’s Franco Manca, where the genuine, Neapolitan-style pizzas are made from 20-hour slow-risen sourdough and topped with ingredients such as homemade mozzarella, organic tomato and cured organic chorizo. Zizzi, meanwhile, is a family favourite, with its classic menu of pizza,

which is paired with other regional produce at Obicà Mozzarella Bar

The Med is also known for its seafood, which takes centre stage at Oysteria, the go-to for fantastic fish in Canary Wharf. The menu of fresh catches includes everything from calamari to lobster linguini; close your eyes and you could almost be on the Amalfi Coast. Another prime spot for a Mediterranean feast is Gallio, at the entrance of Atrium Kitchen, which serves a menu of holiday-inspired fare ranging from pittas to pizzas.

Canary Wharf’s culinary offering takes diners to Spain, too, the land of croquetas and carved-to-order jamón ibérico, both of which are available at Ibérica Garbanzos is another Spanish spot – the name means ‘chickpeas’, which is the main ingredient in this kitchen.

For dishes inspired by the coastlines of Greece and Turkey, including the must-try starter, saganaki (barrel-aged feta wrapped in kataifi, drenched in truffle honey and topped with basil), head to Hovarda, a stylish space found on a floating pavilion in Water Street. Caravan is a favourite for its eclectic global cuisine, from sourdough pizza to pandan and rosewater slices. Head here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks among industrial interiors, or on the big outdoor terrace.

Diners can travel across the Channel without a Eurostar ticket at Marceline – a grand Parisian-style brasserie where menus are inspired by classical French cooking. Great wine comes courtesy of Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk: the in-house sommeliers recommend from 450 stocked wines, which are accompanied by small plates and mains. An advocate of conscious consumerism, Humble Grape focuses on sustainable, organic and low-intervention wines.

pasta, risotto, salads, sides and indulgent desserts. And it doesn’t get more Italian than a ball of fresh mozzarella di bufala campana DOP,

Marceline

Hovarda

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

WIN £1,000 GIFT CARD

To celebrate all our neighbourhood has to offer, one lucky person has the chance to win £1,000 to spend in Canary Wharf.

Choose to spend your Gift Card with a number of selected retailers*. Enjoy a meal at one of our must-visit restaurants, like Blacklock, Dishoom, mallow, Roe or ROKA; have some competitive fun at Clays, Electric Shuffle or Fairgame; or perhaps treat yourself with a visit to Townhouse nail salon, Ted’s Grooming or Toni & Guy.