Wharf Life, Aug 23-Sept 6, 2023

Where? Canada Square Park Canary Wharf

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Welcome to the 95th issue of Wharf Life. This paper is about getting out and discovering things, whether it’s the 48th oor of One Canada Square on a sponsored stair climb, the plethora of activities at Wharf Wellness, contemporary shows at Dancing City or simply role playing at the sublime Phantom Peak

PLAY | AFK Beach Volleyball

After a break of four years, Action For Kids is returning to Canary Wharf with two full-size beach volleyball courts. Expect a corporate tournament and more... Sept 4-28, times vary, £12.50pp, canarywharf.com

Where?

Museum Of London

Docklands

West India Quay

KIDS | Quiet Afternoons For Families

Aimed at children with autism spectrum conditions, these sessions from 3pm o er a calm, relaxed way to discover the museum’s collections. Mondays Sept 4-Dec 18 , free, museumo ondon.org.uk

Where?

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Square

GIG

The son of blues legend Muddy Waters brings classic tracks and songs from his latest album Portrait to Boisdale, sounding strikingly like his father. Sept 19, 9.30pm, from £29 (show only), boisdale.co.uk

Randox Health

| Mud Morgan eld

How Phantom Peak transports visitors to a very strange town indeed

Why Mudchute Kitchen provides a welcoming space for all

Why Stratford Padel Club is set to expand to meet rising demand for the sport in London, building on a foundation of community and passion for the rapidly growing sport

Canary Wharf - West India Quay

on the radar

need to know

Billed as a space where “emotions can become wisdom” Wood Wharf’s Union Square is set to host Mandala Lab from September 16-November 25. The interactive installation, created with Buddhism in mind, is designed to appeal to all senses canarywharf.com

25

Jewellery store Pandora has opened a agship store in Canary Wharf’s Canada Place. Expect a much more expansive shopping space packed with all kinds of charms – sparkling gold, silver and cubic zirconia – as the brand stretches out in its new space pandora.net

Prepare for classic ships to ll St Katherine Docks’ main basin

14

Dancing City is set to return to Canary Wharf on September 9-10 with a couple of earlier performances on 6-7 to whet Wharfers’ appetites for a weekend of action

doing the deals

get more for less on and around the Wharf

£12

Enjoy three dishes for £12 on weekdays from noon-3pm as Mallow in Wood Wharf unveils its express lunch menu. Expect big things from its plant-based kitchen mallowlondon.com

33

2-4-1

Download the Canary Wharf app to access a range of o ers including 2-4-1 on Innis & Gunn lager at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf, TuesThurs, 5pm-7pm canarywharf.com

Art In The Docks is hosting a show by artist John Lord

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LADIES CUTS FROM £75 MENS CUTS FROM £50 + AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

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webslight

noun, fake, from Old Saxon A website for a business that o ers less than comprehensive information about the company’s actual o ering, prices and contact details, arguably rendering its whole existence completely pointless. Common in 2023

epeolatry

MICRO REVIEW

Ham + Cheese Bun

Buns From Home Canada Place, £4 bunsfromhome.com

Known more for its signature cinnamon buns than its savoury o erings, we decided to go o -piste. Don’t be fooled, its bechamel-laced ham and gruyere o ering might look small but there’s a rich density to them that drips value from the £4 price tag. One is ideal for a lunch bite of 300 or so calories and this is de nitely a case of taste making up for presentation. They look like half the money but taste like double.

hot list

rumours tips and rankings

NEW STUFF

We don’t know exactly when yet, but Subway will soon be opening its doors in Canary Wharf, so stay tuned for opening o ers in the pipeline...

OUR PICKS

If you do nothing else on the Wharf this fortnight, try these

1. An oldie, but a goodie, go for inappropriate Monday night drinks at Humble Grape and drink bottles from its wine shop at o -licence prices – humblegrape.co.uk

2. Try out the two-course lunch menu at blockbuster arrival Fish Game for £16 – shgamerestaurant.co.uk

3. Blast some digital clay pigeons from your very own peg at Clays overlooking North Dock – clays.bar

game review Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Nintendo – at Platform, Crossrail Place

Health conditions can change your future and your capacity to make decisions but creating a Lasting Power of Attorney ensures you control who makes decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so.

can

>> I’m Ryu, muscular hero of the Street Fighter series with a penchant for chucking reballs of chi. My opponent, Princess Peach of course...

Super Smash Bros Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch is almost everything I hate in a computer game. Needlessly frenetic, a complete mish mash of characters thrown together in a meaningless way to senselessly batter each other in a series of completely unbelievable environments.

It’s brightly coloured, candy avoured im am, with no depth, no obvious substance and only confusion where striking aesthetic sensibility should be. And yet, despite the silliness (which isn’t silly enough to be charming), this

cacophonous hotchpotch turns out to be oddly playable. One minute we’re on a pirate ship whacking seven bells of rum out of each other, the next doomed to balance on a giant dragon’s head while it tries to consume us mid-duel. Victory is achieved by expelling one’s opponent from the screen, but frankly none of it really makes any sense. It’s brilliance lies in the slickness of its controls and the pure button-rich frenzy of its action. This probably explains why it’s the biggest selling ghting game of all time.

Jon Massey

>> For bookings or more information about Platform in Crossrail Place, go to experienceplatform.co.uk

Walk around West India Docks today and, despite a few preserved cranes, mooring points and the odd plaque, it’s relatively easy to forget that every honeyed brick in their construction has witnessed the passage of a history that profoundly affected the lives of people across the globe for the better part of two centuries.

In 2023, their waters are busy with BBQ and hot tub boats, families on little electric launches having picnics and open water swimmers with fluorescent tow floats.

The quays themselves have mostly been overtaken by the concrete overhangs of Canary Wharf.

It’s wonderful that these bustling, lively scenes exist, but it’s equally important to tell the

stories of what came before, in some cases so we can acknowledge the horrors of the past and reflect on how we might ensure such things are avoided in future.

Fortunately we have the Museum Of London Docklands to do just that – its staff working hard to ensure its displays are relevant, engaging and unflinching as they work to unlock the past for visitors.

My way into its latest free, temporary exhibition – Indo + Caribbean: The Creation Of A Culture – for example, is this image to the left – taken in West India Docks when the SS Chenab paid London a visit in 1928.

It’s part of the museum’s collection and looks, at first glance, to be a fairly innocuous picture. But this vessel was originally built for James Nourse Ltd in 1911 to transport indentured labourers from India to other British colonies after slavery was abolished.

“This image was taken a little after indenture ended, in 1917, continued on Page 6

history here Museum Of London Docklands

The SS Chenab, moored at West India Docks – a ship built to transport indentured labourers from India to other British colonies

get two cocktails per person & 90 minutes of video gaming in your own private booth

from Page 5

but we also found the company’s log book with the details of all the journeys that its ships made and we have that on show, open on the page for the Chenab,” said Shereen Lafhaj, the exhibition’s curator. “That’s really interesting because it gives an indication of how the journeys were viewed and how the indentured labourers were treated. It’s all numbers and there are references to half people, who would have been children.

“We make the point that this exhibition is to do with the British Caribbean, although the topic of indenture is a much wider story. India was sending indentured labourers all over the world. Before the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act, the work being done on plantations in the British Caribbean to produce things like sugar, rubber and cocoa was being done by enslaved Africans.

“After 1833, planters in the British Caribbean were asking where their cheap labour could come from and India was seen as the perfect solution. It was in the British Empire, there was already an Indian indenture system going on in Mauritius at the time, and so they used that as a template. Basically, labourers would commit to working for a set number of years – usually three to five on plantations. In return they would be promised accommodation, a basic wage and so on, but it’s very obvious that most of the indentured labourers did not know what they were signing up for.

“All that was required was a thumb print. We have an example of one of these contracts as part of the exhibition. It was back-breaking work, with children over 10 and women also participating on the plantations doing activities like spreading manure or cutting sugar cane – gruelling tasks.”

The display, which is free to visit and located on the museum’s top floor, offers an introduction to the topic of indenture, people’s experience of travelling to the Caribbean and what they found when they got there.

Date in November when Indo + Caribbean: The Creation Of A Culture is set to close to visitors at the museum

“Indenture was a very mixed picture and it’s a complex area but we do know most people did not understand what they were getting into,” said Shereen. “In our audio section you have clips of stories of people getting on board or even trying to escape from the depots they were kept in before embarking. It was also a huge cultural shock because India had a caste system and that was completely ignored. This caused problems for people returning to India after their indenture as they became the victims of negative stereotypes.”

There’s also a section on Indo Caribbean Londoners, recording the experiences of those who came to the UK on ships such as the Empire Windrush, but slipped through the net of recognition, with no category on the census to record their presence.

“We have three wonderful partners who are Londoners and they’ve recorded a great song for us where they talk about identity, London and their families,” said Shereen. “We thought it was really important to tell some of these stories too.”

Go to museumoflondon.org.uk

Jon Massey

Canary Wharf - West India Quay

Above, part of the exhibition space at Museum Of London Docklands

Left, the exhibition’s curator Shereen Lafhaj

Scan

It’s very obvious most of the indentured labourers didn’t know what they were signing up for. All that was required was a thumb print

Shereen Lafhaj, Museum Of London

Padium

Third Space Yoga, Crossrail Place Roof Garden

48

Floors of One Canada Square that participants in the challenge will climb via a total of 1,031 steps on Sunday, November 19

how Wharfers conquering the Santa Stair Climb will be helping food reach Londoners in need

by Jon Massey

What links green Father Christmas hats, One Canada Square and the distribution of unwanted food to people in need? The answer is the Santa Stair Climb in Canary Wharf on Sunday, November 19, and anyone can take part.

As part of its ongoing partnership with Canary Wharf Group, food rescue charity The Felix Project is challenging people to a sponsored walk up a total of 1,031 steps at One Canada Square to reach the tower’s 48th floor.

With early-bird registration just launched, there are 1,000 places up for grabs at £25 per person, with each individual given a fundraising target of £300.

Participants receive a personalised green shirt and Santa’s hat to wear during the challenge, with ascents expected to take just over half an hour on average.

“I’ve been training for it, but I’m not sure I’ll be doing it that fast,” said Tanya Mitchell, director of income generation and marketing at The Felix Project.

“But I will complete it, even if it takes me an hour. We’ll have staggered start times between 10am and 2.30pm with 100 people in each wave so the stairwell doesn’t get too busy.

“Participants are asked to arrive an hour beforehand and we’ll be running activities in the lobby with a warm-up and an MC overseeing things. We’ve also been gifted the use of the 48th floor for the day, which has the most outstanding views over the London skyline from near the top of the third tallest building in the UK. They really are exceptional and this is a rare chance to see them. We’re hoping to raise as much money as possible, but we’ve set ourselves a target of £300,000 for this first event. That would equate to us being able to make and distribute 870,000 meals to Londoners.”

For those who don’t know, The Felix Project is the largest charity of its kind in the capital, collecting food that would otherwise be wasted and redistributing it via a network of organisations to those

Participants will take an average of 31 minutes to climb the 1,031 steps, that’s 33 steps a minute

taking

on the

Those completing the Santa Stair Climb will be rewarded with views from the 48th floor of One Canada Square

The Felix Project is inviting 1,000 people to take part

in need. Right now it’s estimated that there are 1.2million people in London living with food insecurity or in food poverty – about 20%,” said Tanya. “Through our own research with YouGov, we looked at people on low incomes earning an average salary of £20,000 and it’s shocking that one in 10 of them has only £2.95 a day to spend on food.

“We work with more than 500 food suppliers, rescuing produce from farm gates, grocers and the hospitality industry to supply really good, nutritious, fresh meals. We operate through four depots in London, taking that food in hour-by-hour, day-by-day, six days a week, 12 hours a day to help serve the needs of more than 1,000 charities and organisations in the capital. What that £300,000 would mean is that we’ll be able to pick up thousands of tons of food, take it into a depot, sort it and then immediately get it out to hundreds of organisations where it will be given to people in need of a good meal. Here in Tower Hamlets – one of the most deprived boroughs in the country – we work with 90 organisations through out Poplar depot.”

The Santa Stair Climb is the flagship event in The Felix Project’s long-term partnership with Canary Wharf Group, which was announced earlier this year.

“We started off by launching The Green Scheme, which means we’ve been able to go out to the retailers and hospitality businesses on the estate to collect food that would otherwise be wasted, from them,” said Tanya. “An army of volunteers takes it from those businesses to community organisations to distribute five days a week.

“It’s a pivotal relationship for us because while we want to fight hunger in London, we also want to fight food waste and there is complete sympatico between us and Canary Wharf in its commitment to sustainability and its aim to reach net zero by 2030. We’re part of that solution.

“The Santa Stair Climb is a first for Felix and CWG – it’s exciting and exhilarating to be planning an event for 1,000 people and we want it to be a hero event for London.Originally, in the 1800s, Santa’s costume was green so we’re re-appropriating that for the event. I can’t wait to see 1,000 people all in green climbing those stairs and we really want to thank CWG and everyone involved for giving us this exclusive opportunity. The 48th floor isn’t normally open to the public, so this is a very special event.

“The 1,000 slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and I’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone who is considering entering – it’s going

to be a fabulous event, a really magical day.”

Those keen to take part can go to santastairclimb.com for more information or scan the QR code at the bottom of this page.

For those unable to participate, there are many other ways to get involved with The Felix Project, which last year delivered some 29million meals to those in need and is expecting to distribute 30million this year.

People working in Canary Wharf or those living locally can still volunteer for the Green Scheme. Roles include drivers, co-drivers and walkers to collect food from businesses on the estate and deliver them to community organisations.

Volunteers are also needed at The Felix Project’s Poplar kitchen and warehouse to prepare ingredients, portion and package meals for onward delivery.

Tanya said: “Last year we had 18,000 people step up to the plate to help us in our efforts to defeat food waste and hunger in London.

“We are an organisation that’s powered by volunteers and we are so grateful to them because demand for our services is rising.

“We anticipate that we will rescue 13,000 tonnes of food this year, but the UK wastes 3million tonnes – only 7%-8% is currently rescued, so we can always do more. Just before the pandemic, The Felix Project was distributing around six million meals a year. Now it’s five times as many. The other change is that now key workers are accessing the community organisations we supply like food banks and community pantries. It’s a big problem.

“Ultimately it is our mission not to exist and we are part of conversations with organisations that are working with the government to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty.”

Go to thefelixproject.org for more information about the charity

Director of income generation and marketing at The Felix Project, Tanya Mitchell says she’s determined to complete the challenge

We’re hoping to raise as much money as possible, but we’ve set ourselves a target of £300,000 for this rst event

Tanya Mitchell, The Felix Project

4

Days that Wharf Wellness activities and discounts will take over the Canary Wharf estate in September

choose a path

Wharf Wellness, Sept 27-30

While the final programme is set to be released in September, we can reveal some dates and times to whet the wellness appetite and get pencils scribbling in diaries...

>> WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Yoga + Mocktails

5.45pm, Crossrail Roof Garden

Europe’s largest luxury health club, Third Space, will host a Yoga session amid the lush vegetation of the roof garden followed by a refreshing mocktail at nearby Pergola On The Wharf.

Sound Journey

6pm, Mandala Lab, Union Square

Head over to Wood Wharf and discover the Rubin Museum’s interactive installation for a sonic adventure inspired by the principles of Buddhism. Mandala Lab will also be hosting sessions on Sept 29 and 30, both at 6pm.

>> THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Dip + Sip

7.45am, Love Open Water, Middle Dock

Beginners are welcome at this morning open water swimming session at the heart of Canary Wharf. Afterwards, participants are invited for a smoothie or juice at Caravan.

The Red Room

Time TBC, Barry’s, Crossrail Place

Try out a class in Barry’s iconic red room fitness studio, mixing cardio with resistance training to torch calories fast. Barry’s will also be hosting a session on Sept 30, time TBC.

Summer Roll Making

12.30pm, Mallow, Wood Wharf

Visit the plant-based restaurant for a 50-minute session with participants learning to make summer rolls for their lunch. A great way to discover what Mallow has to offer.

>> FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Boxing Class

8am, Sweat By BXR, Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Start the day with a serious, boxing-inspired workout amongst the greenery from this bespoke studio, then refuel with breakfast from Fresh Fitness Food.

Intro To Padel

2pm, Padium, Bank Street

Learn to play padel tennis at newly opened club Padium with this hour and a half-long session covering rules, scoring, techniques and strategies. Participants will also get a salad from nearby Urban Greens.

Makeup Masterclass

5.30pm, Bobbi Brown, Location TBC

Zeroing in on self care, this session is aimed at those looking for tips and techniques to perfect their look.

>> SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Kids + Parents Yoga

2.30pm, Wee Movers, Crossrail Place Roof Garden

This hour-long session is aimed at family wellness, with kids and their parents invited for a child-friendly exploration of movement and wellbeing.

how Wharf Wellness is set to highlight and celebrate wellbeing, fitness and health across the whole estate

by Jon Massey

We’ve had the blockbuster nights of Festival14 with the likes of Craig Charles and Soul II Soul rocking Canada Square Park. There have been the tense dramatic screenings of the Lionesses’ triumphs and noble defeat in the World Cup Final. There’s about to be the spectacle of Dancing City (more of that on Page 14).

But just when you thought things might be settling down, another festival packed with activities arrives on the horizon. There’s an air of serene calm about this one, however – an antidote, perhaps, to some of the summer’s frenetic buzz.

Wharf Wellness is set to take over the Canary Wharf estate from September 27-30 with a four-day programme of taster sessions and experiences as well as discounts and offers.

While the full roster of events is still being finalised, Canary

Wharf Group has shared some early details so everyone can begin to get organised.

Broadly speaking, Wharf Wellness can be divided relatively neatly in two. The first is a programme of experiences run by local firms and organisations based on the estate, designed to showcase what they offer with taster workouts and workshops.

The second is a series of discounts and offers from lifestyle and hospitality businesses on the Wharf that will run throughout the festival’s four-day duration.

Canary Wharf Group retail marketing manager, Claire Slater, said: “It’s a celebration of health and wellbeing across the estate. Wharf Wellness brings together the best in fitness, healthy eating and healthcare to reflect the diversity of what’s on offer in Canary Wharf, giving workers, visitors and local residents the opportunity to experience it.

“We decided to create it because of the breadth of what’s here, which we really want to shout about.

“Ultimately, we want to give people a bit of ‘me time’ while they’re on the Wharf and also to promote our green spaces and waterways – to let people know how much there is here to get involved with and how they can do that.”

The full programme of events

is still being finalised with more announcements expected in the coming weeks, but some of the estate’s biggest names are already involved including Third Space, Barry’s and Sweat By BXR.

“We hope there will be an element of surprise for some people participating,” said Claire. “For example, Third Space will be hosting a Yoga session at Crossrail Place Roof Garden with a mocktail afterwards at Pergola On The Wharf.

“Some people have yet to discover that space, so having the classes up there will really add to the delight we hope people taking part will feel. Personally, I think it’s just a really lovely place to be.”

The majority of activities on offer will be free to attend with bookings set to open mid September.

Access to all classes will be via the Canary Wharf app, which can be downloaded via the QR code on this page for Android or Apple devices.

A series of discounts, offers and events will also be available exclusively via the app featuring the likes of Randox Health, Space NK, Farmer J, Atis, Pure, Le continued on Page 12

Canary Wharf Group retail marketing manager Claire Slater

from

Page 10

Chalet Cryo, Aesop and BlooBloom, details of which will be announced in due course.

“With most sessions free, Wharf Wellness means you don’t need to have a gym membership to experience an amazing class from the brands taking part,” said Claire.

“There will also be open water swimming in Middle Dock with Love Open Water – a really inclusive session designed for beginners to explore in a safe space.

“We’re also very excited about Padium, the new padel tennis club, which is opening its doors at Bank Street at the end of the month.

“They will be offering a session to introduce people to the sport and the facility, which comes with a salad from Urban Greens too.”

Other attractions include plant-based summer roll making in a lunchtime session with a chef at recent Wood Wharf arrival Mallow and a makeup masterclass from Bobbi Brown.

“That’s part of our focus on self-care,” said Claire. “It’s on the Friday evening, which is perfect for anyone who is set to go out afterwards.

“Then, alongside sessions from Barry’s and Union Square installation Mandala Lab on Saturday, we’re also working to provide something for families with a company called Wee Movers.

“They will be putting on a session of Yoga for kids and their parents at Crossrail Place Roof Garden.”

With more still in the pipeline, Wharf Life will continue to update readers as new announcements are made, including the date when bookings will go live. Until then, stay tuned to Canary Wharf’s website for updates Go to canarywharf.com

Minutes of summer roll making set to take place at Mallow on Wood Wharf as part of Wharf Wellness on September 28

Wharf Wellness is a celebration of health and wellbeing across the estate. It reflects the diversity of what’s on offer in Canary Wharf

Claire Slater, Canary Wharf Group

Many of the classes will take place at Crossrail Place Roof Garden, including a Yoga session by Third Space

Barry’s and Sweat By BXR will also be running tasters for Wharf Wellness

how Dancing City performers are set to whirl and gyrate across Canary Wharf for GDIF 2023

by Jon Massey

The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF) is set to run from August 25-September 10 with free performances taking place all over east and south-east London.

It’s a firm fixture in the calendar and celebrates its 28th season this year with founder and artistic director Bradley Hemmings, as ever, at the helm. Having previewed the wider event in our last issue, our focus now turns to GDIF’s return to Canary Wharf with its regular Dancing City pop-up on the weekend of September 9-10.

The death of the Queen saw the event cancelled at the last minute in 2022, however, some of the scheduled acts that were set to perform are on the bill again this time around

This year also marks a limited return to contemporary dance performance during the working week, with recent festivals preferring to stick to weekend dates.

Consequently Wharfers will get their first local taste of GDIF on September 6-7 with Pan~ // Catwalk. The show may sound like one of Grimes and Elon Musk’s children, but is actually a theatrical dance fashion show promising to challenge “the urge to label or judge others based on how they appear, revealing instead a mind-opening celebration of fluidity and self-expression”.

Performances will take place in Canada Place close to HSBC in the mall at 1.30pm and 4pm on both the weekday and weekend dates. Audiences can expect multiple, extravagant costume changes over the 40-minute shows.

“We’re really keen to offer the workforce at Canary Wharf a taster of Dancing City,” said Bradley. “We’d often done that in the past, but the pandemic and one thing and another had got in the way, so it will be really brilliant to bring it back.

“The whole dynamic of Canary Wharf at lunchtime and early evening is buzzy and lovely, so I think it will work really well there.

making magical

Bouncing Narratives will take place at Canary Riverside at 1.10pm and 5.10pm with some people able to watch from inside its shipping container stage

“It’s an exciting piece and it’s got a real connection to its setting in the mall with a backdrop of retailers and this brilliantly choreographed fashion show where the two performers go through a heavily synchronised series of scores of costume changes in the course of the performance – it should be really fun.”

Including Pan~ // Catwalk, the weekend dates will see Canary Wharf host 12 contemporary dance acts in locations including Columbus Courtyard, Westferry Circus, Wren Landing and Water Street on Wood Wharf.

“Because of the death of the Queen, we were unable to proceed with any events on our final weekend last year,” said Bradley.

“So we’re coming back with a fantastic programme this year featuring some of the artists who would have performed in 2022. continued on Page 23

Contemporary dance acts will perform in Canary Wharf as Dancing City returns as part of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Pan~ // Catwalk is set to be performed over four days in Canary Wharf as part of GDIF 2023

from Page 14

“That includes Joe Powell-Main who will become the first disabled dancer to perform with The Royal Ballet in emotionally charged duet Sleepwalker in Columbus Courtyard.

“That will be a real highlight among the really varied programme for the festival as a whole.

“Personally I’m really excited to see Bouncing Narratives. It’s going to be down at Canary Riverside in a shipping container, so some of the audience can actually get inside it and others will watch from the steps that lead down to the Thames.

“The roof of the container is made as a trampoline, so the performance takes place with people underneath it and that will be very special.

“Among the other wonderful shows will be Arcade at Water Street, which takes the form of a series of games that people are invited to take part in.

“There’s also a fantastic piece from two young dancers in their teens called 4 Minutes, which speaks directly to the lived experiences of young people.

“Both 16-year-olds get four minutes each at Wren Landing to report back on life through dance in a joyful duet.”

These shows are very much the tip of the iceberg, however with the Wharf also hosting Moon, a duet based around a table and two chairs at Wood Wharf’s Harbour Quay Gardens, Tread, an explosive stunt performance featuring a constantly running treadmill at Crossrail Place and You & Me, a piece telling the story of a same sex relationship through the traditions of kathak dance and cello and tabla music at Westferry Circus.

Wharf Life’s top pick for 2023, however has to be Valse à Newton – a giant Newton’s Cradle that comes complete with acrobats and dancers all set to swing in Montgomery Square. A blend of physics, daring, gravity, time and space, it should really be something to see

For full listings, times and locations go to festival.org

All Dancing City performances at GDIF are free to attend with audiences able to see all of them over the two-day run

Personally I’m really excited to see Bouncing Narratives. The roof of the container is made as a trampoline and that will be very special Bradley Hemmings, GDIF

GDIF founder and artistic director Bradley Hemmings says this year’s programme for Dancing City features many wonderful and exciting performances

Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with Joe Powell-Main who spoke to us last year before the Queen’s death saw Dancing City cancelled

Joe Powell-Main and The Royal Ballet are set to present Sleepwalker at Dancing City this year

Scan this code for full details of GDIF’s Dancing City at Canary Wharf

virtual viewpoint

by Chris Ezekiel

As we go about our busy lives, it’s easy to miss or take for granted the wonderful, caring and selfless acts people do for one another. During one of the recent days of industrial action by senior doctors, I was on the receiving end of one.

I was attending an ophthalmologist appointment with my mum, who suffers from macular degeneration, at the Royal London Hospital. Her treatment requires regular checks and sometimes injections into her eyes in order to control the condition.

As you will imagine, this is not a procedure she looks forward to. But she knows that it is saving her sight.

Arriving for the appointment, I was really pleased to see consultant Maria Tsironi as she always takes very good care of my mum, who promptly asked her why she wasn’t on strike.

Ms Tsironi explained that, although she supported the strikes, she couldn’t bring herself to skip her regular clinic as she feared that something bad might happen to one or more of her patients.

Macular degeneration, for example, requires regular monitoring and treatment, without which a patient’s eyesight can be severely damaged, sometimes resulting in blindness.

This act of caring and sense of responsibility from Ms Tsironi to the patients in her care was touching and humbling.

With our 24-hour news channels and the deluge of unmoderated social media – much of which is focused on negative events, it’s easy to miss the good things that happen around us and in the world generally.

I have been recounting this episode to others, and the responses show genuine warmth and appreciation for unsung heroes like Ms Tsironi.

We can all play our part in ensuring these acts of kindness get the recognition they deserve, providing some balance to all the negative news.

Let’s be grateful and thankful that the NHS has people like her.

Follow

Chris says we should all recognise acts of kindness by others

Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at West India Quay’s Cannon Workshops

@creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on Twitter

It’s easy to miss or take for granted the wonderful, caring and selfless acts people do for one another

Chris Ezekiel, Creative Virtual

our eyes

Of the Dunkirk Little Ships, which ferried retreating soldiers o the French town’s beaches and back to Britain during the Second World War will be on display

A otilla of historic ships will be moored at St Katherine Docks’ central basin from September 9-10

how the St Katherine Docks Classic Boat Festival is set invite visitors to view multiple historic craft

by Jon Massey

St Katherine Docks is set to welcome dozens of historic ships for a free public showcase over two days. The marina’s Classic Boat Festival will feature more than 40 vessels moored in its central basin with visitors able to inspect them on September 9 and 10. Running 11am-6pm on the Saturday and 11am-5pm on the Sunday, there will be live music, food, nautical goods for sale and kids’ activities.

The stars of the show, however will be the boats, including 19 of the Dunkirk Little Ships, Swallows And

Amazons author Arthur Ransome’s favourite yacht the, Nancy Blackett, and a 120-year-old Thames sailing barge, Gladys.

Also on display will be 20-metre Royal Navy fast inshore patrol boat HMS Dasher.

Her commanding o cer, Lieutenant Henry Edwards, said: “The Royal Navy Coastal Forces Squadron has a close relationship with London and with some of the classic boats at the festival. In particular, the Dunkirk Little Ships are our coastal forebears, and it is an honour to be on show alongside them.

“My ship’s company and I are looking forward to meeting the public and

demonstrating what the Royal Navy Coastal Forces are all about.”

Also on show will be round-the-world sailor Alec Rose’s yacht Lively Lady and working vessels such as the tugs Kent and Barking and former Port Of London Authority agship the Havengore, which also acted as Winston Churchill’s funeral barge. There will also be a series of talks and activities such as paddleboarding. Go to skdocks.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about the show

Wapping - Limehouse - Shadwell

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

Half Moon Theatre Limehouse

KIDS | First Light

This 15-minute show aimed at babies aged 0-18 months is inspired by research into the expanding vision of children from birth. Selling fast... Sept 21-22, multiple times, £7, halfmoon.org.uk

Where?

Troxy Limehouse

EVENT | Buttmitzvha: Happy Jew Year London’s queer Jewish party returns for a joyful celebration of the year 5784 complete with apple and honey, Auld Lang Stein and Jewels Holland. Sept 9, 9pm, £25.70, troxy.co.uk

Where?

Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping

COMEDY | Rhys James

Following a nationwide tour, the stand-up presents his latest show Spilt Milk in east London, which will also be lmed on the night. Sept 12, 6.30pm, from £12, wiltons.org.uk

lime light

Ever wondered how great reality would be if it was similar to being on stage? I Wish My Life Were A Musical – running at Wilton’s Music Hall from Aug 29-Sept 9 – addresses exactly that question. Tickets start at £15.50 wiltons.org.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about the show or to book tickets for one of the performances

want more? @wharfwhispers

by Jon Massey

The contented form of Hulk the Siberian husky is a more or less constant presence on the brown-tiled floor of Mudchute Kitchen. For him, it’s a place to take it easy, which at the grand old age of 13 (around 82 in human years), is doubtless welcome.

He’s a popular fixture – so much so that he’s now often to be found slumbering beneath a hi-vis notice politely asking visitors to leave him to his muchneeded rest.

While interviewing Greta Dzidziguri – who owns both the cafe and Hulk – it quickly becomes apparent why. A steady stream of children shyly (and some less so) arrive to pet him as he trails around after us, keen to share in any potential limelight.

While placid and stoic despite the attentions of small fingers, it’s easy to see how such repeated intrusions might become a little irritating for even the most laid-back old gentleman – hence the notice. It comes across more as a recognition of the central part he plays in this welcoming place – definitely Mudchute Kitchen’s spirit animal – than a restrictive warning.

“He gets more attention than I do,” said Greta. “When people come here, they go to see him first then say hello to me. Of course he’s not going to bite, but it’s important that people – especially the children – ask first before saying hello.”

It’s perhaps a testament to the welcoming atmosphere Greta has fostered at Mudchute Kitchen that Hulk feels so comfortable and visitors feel so obviously welcome. The cafe operates as an independent business at one corner of Mudchute Park And Farm’s main courtyard and exists in symbiosis with its activities.

Visitors to the 32-acre site at the heart of the Isle Of Dogs need refreshment and Greta and her team are only too happy to provide that, offering hot drinks, slushies, ice cream and cakes alongside an all-day menu of breakfasts and wholesome specials.

There’s seating indoors and out, with the establishment a popular focal point for people to gather with kids, especially at weekends where toys dominate the central space encircled by cafe tables

to the venue’s rear. It’s a simple but effective recipe that has always drawn a loyal local audience and has seen growth since the pandemic.

“The lockdowns were tough – I was often working on my own and we could only do takeaways,” said Greta, who has been running the business for nearly a decade.

“But people came back because the park is such a beautiful place to come and it’s perfect for the kids – everyone gets to know each other.

“The cafe is about community. Everyone is welcome here. We have some regulars who come and order the same thing every time – we’ll see them in the queue and won’t even need to ask what they want.

“When I first started we had a team

of three or four, but we’ve had to grow because we have many more customers now. We serve good quality food that’s all home made and our portions are really big, so I think this is why people keep coming back. People are happy to wait for the food because of that quality and the atmosphere – we have a lovely relationship with our customers and we really care about them.

“My aim is to serve a menu that makes everyone happy – we offer cooked breakfasts and then we also have specials that we chalk up on our blackboard. These are dishes I create and we then see if they are popular. Some stay for a long time such as chicken soup, for example.”

Born in Lithuania, Greta travelled the world working as a chef with stints in South Africa, Sweden, Italy and Ireland. She currently lives in Bermondsey, commuting over to the Island with Hulk to run the cafe.

“I feel there’s a lot more potential here and we’d like to do more,” she said. “We’ve grown through word of mouth and I’d love to get involved with a food charity or perhaps offer something specifically targeted at older residents where people can socialise.

“I’d also like to do something for children such as art classes with drawing and painting in the future.”

Mudchute Kitchen is open from 10am3pm Tuesday-Friday and from 10am-5pm at weekends.

Go to mudchute.org for more information about Mudchute Park And Farm

Scan this code to nd out more about Mudchute Kitchen

how Mudchute Kitchen serves up a home made menu designed to please all-comers

Above, Greta’s Siberian husky Hulk is often to be found underneath the tables having a snooze at Mudchute Kitchen, below

We serve good quality food that’s all home made and our portions are really big, so I think this is why people keep coming back

Greta Dzidziguri, Mudchute Kitchen

Acres Mudchute Park And Farm extends over, with Mudchute Kitchen providing refreshment for those who visit to explore its attractions

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | Void

Antonia Kleopa highlights the need for mental health awareness through the tale of a passionate London artist in the clutches of anxiety. Sept 19-23, times vary, £15, space.org.uk

Where? Poplar Union Isle Of Dogs

KIDS | Sadler’s Wells Family Freestyle

Children aged 2-4 and their carers are invited to an hour-long dance workshop facilitated by the dance theatre as it expands into east London. Sept 15, 10am, free, poplarunion.com

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | The Pigeon And The Mouse Punchdrunk alumni Tony Bordonaro and Ingrid Kapteyn perform the tale of two lovers sheltering from nuclear disaster in an abandoned church. Aug 29-Sept 2, times vary, £15, space.org.uk

ash back

Yoga and Pilates instructor Suzan Altay a lump in her breast one morning, which turned out to be cancer despite six monthly screening for decades – now she wants women to self-check as much as possible learnyogalondon.com

Scan this code to read our interview with Isle Of Dogs resident Suzan online at wharf-life.com

want more? @wharfwhispers

Greta Dzidziguri runs Mudchute Kitchen on the Isle Of Dogs

by Jon Massey

...we’re on the trail of a missing package, but something sinister is going on. There’s blackmail, a robotic AI doctor that’s scathing about our putrid human bodies, a curious undertaker, odd business cards, a disgusted scientist and TVs that play sinister messages when tuned to the right channel. Oh, and there’s something just not quite right about that mayor...

Welcome to the strange, uncanny world of Phantom Peak. The comic book adjectives seem appropriate for an immersive experience that aims to place those attending right in the middle of a larger than life narrative.

Located a short walk from Canada Water station inside and outside a disused industrial building, the venue promises a fully realised steampunk town complete with canals, waterfalls and residents to interact with. But things don’t stand still. The place may have opened a little over a year ago, but it’s just launched its fifth season – the latest chapter in a complex, involved saga designed to keep people coming back for more.

Each time it resets, there are fresh characters to meet, new mysteries to solve and adventures to go on – an approach that for co-founder Nick Moran is akin to another medium altogether.

“When you come to Phantom Peak, you’re essentially coming to a real-life, open world, roleplaying video game,” he said. “It’s up to you whether you walk to the hills and carry on walking or spend your time crafting minerals – you can do what you like.

“It’s all about player agency, creating a world where people can explore and experience many different things.

“You can do all the events that the townsfolk run all day, or you can follow the trails and the stories. It’s not like immersive theatre where you don’t know what you’re doing – you’re guided through the experiences.”

The setting is Phantom Peak, a cultish sort of town in the grip

Ticket price for entry to Phantom Peak’s summer season at Canada Water – get 20% o with code WHARF20

Phantom Peak co-founder Nick Moran has created a detailed town lled with stories, depth and platypuses in an abandoned warehouse at Canada Water

how Phantom Peak o ers its visitors a starring role in a town soaked in intrigue and mystery

Image by Jon Massey

Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey

a realm to

of corporate entity Jonaco, which rebuilt the place after a suspicious blimp accident, founded and controlled by the buff, messianic figure of onas.

Visitors are encouraged to download an app and answer uestions to find a uest to follow – although everyone is equally free just to wander around chatting to the townsfolk, playing games and indulging in the street food and beverages on offer from the various outlets. It’s extensive, expansive and – because of the myriad paths on offer – filled with eager pu le-solvers hunting solutions, intrigue and adventure. Oh, and there’s a platypus hooking game in honour of the town’s peculiar mascot.

and explore

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where? Deptford High Street Deptford

SHOP | Deptford Market

Discover a wide variety of goods including fresh sh, fruit, vegetables, haberdashery, clothing, ornaments and bric-a-brac. So many bargains to be found. Weds, Fri, Sat, 9am-5.30pm, lewisham.gov.uk

Where? APT Studios Deptford

ART | APT Now

came here,” said Nick.

“This place was an abandoned warehouse and a car park when we came here,” said Nick. “We’ve transformed it and it’s impossible to do everything at Phantom Peak on a single visit.

“Each time –whether you come with your friends or your family – it will be different, with new stories and trails to explore.

“Then, each season, we create a new chapter in the life of the town – some characters may have gone, others will remain, but there will always be something new and it allows us to move forward or backwards in time with the narrative. “

That’s an aspect Nick and the team take extremely seriously. Following a degree in classics he trained in writing for the stage and screen before working to create live experiences around

newly published books. This led to a job as creative director of Time – a pair of escape room-style games that welcomed thousands of competitors through their doors. He then performed the same role for The Game Is Now, an immersive experience – o cially tied into TV series Sherlock – which he co-wrote with Mark Gatiss and teven Moffat. The pu le, which features Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott, continues to run in west London.

of play – man-made canals, platypuses, a huge muscular impresario named Jonas.

“From there the stories write themselves – but we take it seriously. It’s like making a TV show. There’s a writers’ room where we think about the characters and how we can make the narratives resonate with people.

Visit the gallery Thursday-Sunday as the resident artists present their best work in a joint show at the Creekside venue. Painting, sculpture and much more. Sept 7-24, noon-5pm, free, aptstudios.org

Where? Matchstick Piehouse Deptford

same role for

But, having teamed up with set-building expert Glen Hughes, Nick wanted to create something that went beyond the medium of escaping from a room.

“We decided we wanted to do something that would combine all the things we liked about immersive experiences – gamification, storytelling, open world, choice and being able to sit and relax too,” said Nick. “Escape rooms are all about high engagement, high throughput and pushing people from one thing to the next.

“Phantom Peak isn’t like that. It’s about being as engaged as you want to be. It’s all about stories – less a fundamentally passive theatre experience than a place where you can take on a role.

“We wanted it to be a world

“It’s novelistic – a place that has real depth, where there’s lots to explore but also lots to do. It’s like the platypus itself, the mascot of the town. It’s neither one thing nor another – not quite a mammal, not quite a bird. But it’s the symbol of the place and the townsfolk love it. Some of the actors we have working here have been with us since we opened and they’ve really grown with the town. They are as much a part of the place as anything in the stories and it’s been a real pleasure to see it develop that way.”

Nick and Glen are currently raising funds to expand Phantom Peak globally.

● Tickets for Phantom Peak start at £19, with experiences lasting up to four and a half hours. Use code WHARF20 for 0 off. hows take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Go to phantompeak.com for more

Scan

GIG | Charlie Marshall

The Australian singer-songwriter is joined by fellow troubadours Caroline No and Diamond Family Archive at this south-east London gig. Sept 14, 7.30pm, £TBC, matchsticktheatre.com

book fast

There’s still just about time to get involved with Sharkbait ‘N’ Swim’s Summer Of 69 Bank Holiday Bonanza on August 27. The restaurant is taking bookings for two sittings at 3pm and 5.30pm for six courses and six wines – £69 sharkbaitandswim.com

Scan this code to nd out more about the event or to make a booking

want more? @wharfwhispers

Each time you come with your friends or family it will be di erent, Then, each season, we create a new chapter in the life of the town

Nick Moran, Phantom Peak

Phantom Peak comes with its own network of canals, stores, bars and plenty of stories lurking in its dark waters

take a breath

by David Lefebvre Sell

Shows make up Greenwich Comedy Festival, although two have already sold out

ready for the

While wizarding and witchcraft may not pay the bills, should we really give up on them entirely?

So, what do you want to be when you grow up? I’ve always wanted to be a wizard, just like Gandalf. Go ahead and call me a nerd, I am. My question for you is: “What did you want to be before the world told you it was impossible?”. That sort of yearning doesn’t easily go away.

I once had a conversation with a client about this, he came to me wanting to talk about his career path and how to nd satisfaction. I asked him the same question and at rst he went through the usual socially acceptable options, but when I pressed him, he said: “Oh, a swashbuckler”.

Now, it might be easy to ridicule that desire, but that is precisely the problem. Our early dreams of becoming something usually have very little to do with practical employment. The thing you love won’t necessarily make you money, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue it.

This is a point totally lost on certain politicians who want to funnel all British children into maths, as if that’s the only meaningful skill.

how Greenwich Comedy Festival is set to fill the grounds of the National Maritime Museum with peels of merriment

by Jon Massey

Greenwich Comedy Festival is set to return to the National Maritime Museum next month with ve days of stand-up from some of the biggest names in the business. The event will celebrate its 15th season with a line-up of eight shows – two of which have already sold out – spread across September 13-17.

Following open air gigs post pandemic, audiences will once again be under canvas as the festival’s big top returns – a welcome move for those in fear of the British summer weather. Street food, bar and toilet facilities will remain outdoors, however.

David Lefebvre Sell

Of course the fact is we all need money to live in this world – all the more so lately. So, either you do what you love and hopefully make enough money doing it, or you do what you need to for a living, and hopefully have enough money and free time to live in your time o .

If your heart’s desire is to be an actor, that’s a di cult career but it’s also fairly straightforward. But what if you’ve always wanted to be a swash buckler? You might nd that you’re drawn to high risk, short term work and tend to get bored and self destructive when things get too comfortable.

And if you’ve always wanted to be a wizard, I can personally recom mend a career as a psychotherapist. Don’t wear robes though, that kind of thing tends to put o prospective clients.

David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf

Follow @davetheyogi on Twitter and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB

Scan this code for information about David’s work as a transpersonal counsellor and psychotherapist

The line-up features 23 male performers (57.5%) and 17 female comedians (42.5%), with no headline slots for the women this year, despite some big names appearing. Tickets for the following shows are still available:

● Wednesday, Sept 13, 6pm

This show will be headlined by Ed Gamble, of O Menu fame – with support from Maisie Adam,Kyrah Gray, Sean Mcloughlin and host Chloe Petts.

● Friday, Sept 15, 6pm

Tiny plastic keyboard player David O’Doherty tops a bill to end the week with support from Jamali Maddix, Daniel Foxx, Lou Sanders and host Jen Brister

● Saturday, Sept 16, noon

High energy barnstormer Russell Kane headlines with smooth support from Reginald D Hunter, Morgan Rees, Shaparak Khorsandi and host Stephen K Amos.

● Saturday, Sept 16, 3pm

Unproblematic Father Ted alumnus

Ardal O’Hanlon takes the top slot with support from Rachel Parris, Sikisa and Troy Hawke plus host Josh Jones.

● Saturday, Sept 16, 7.45pm

This bill will be topped by glumfaced funnyman and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue chairman Jack Dee with smooth support from Rhys James, Dan Tiernan, Amy Gledhill and host Thanyia Moore

● Sunday, Sept 17, 3pm

The irrepressible Simon Amstell headlines the early show on the nal day with support from Nina Conti, Tadiwa Mahlunge, Sindhu Vee and host Jayde Adams

● Tickets for all shows remaining cost £26 per person. All performances start 30 minutes after the gates open with intervals between

acts when refreshments can be purchased.

Wharfers will have to wait until next year to catch the likes of Stewart Lee, Fern Brady, Ray Badran, Phil Wang, Sam Campbell, Sophie Duker and Kiri PritchardMcLean as their shows on Sept 14 and at 6.15pm on Sept 17 have both sold out.

Alternatively head to Woolwich Works for local sets by Tim Key and Ivo Graham on Sept 9 (see right). For more details about Greenwich Comedy Festival, full listings and to make ticket bookings go to greenwichcomedyfestival.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about the festival or to book

Our early dreams of becoming something usually have very little to do with practical employment

Sindhu Vee is set to perform on September 17 at the festival

Greenwich - Peninsula - Woolwich

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

The O2 Arena Peninsula

GIG | Busted

Turn the clock back with the boyish pop rockers reborn and support in the form of Hanson and The Tyne. It’s not even the year 3000, yet. Sept 10, 27, Oct 10, 6pm, from £37, theo2.co.uk

Where?

Fireworks Factory Woolwich Works

COMEDY | Suzi Ru ell, Ivo Graham + Tim Key Suited and booted stand-up Suzi is set to headline this trio of heavy hitters with further nights of amusement set for Sept 13 and 16 in due course. Sept 9, 7.30pm, £26.50, woolwich.works

Where? Greenwich Theatre Greenwich

STAGE | Crimes On Centre Court

Take your seat as the farcical wonders of Whomledun play out before your very eyes. Expect mirth, murder, mayhem and plenty of new balls, please. Sept 13, 2.30pm, 7.30pm, £20, greenwichtheatre.org.uk

ash back

It’s that time of year again – the superb Greenwich + Docklands International Festival between August 25 and September 10 with the vast majority of performances free to attend. See online for details festival.org

Alternatively scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with artistic director and founder Bradley Hemmings

want more? @wharfwhispers

While the festival will once again take place at the National Maritime Museum it will be held in a big top tent rather than in the open air – a change back to its pre-pandemic format

Chloe Petts, above, is set to host the show on September 13. Simon Amstell, top right, and David O’Doherty will headline on September 15 and 17 respectively

nd our advertisers’ messages here

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PUBLIC NOTICE

LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LONDON LOCAL AUTHORITIES ACT 1991

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL TREATMENTS LICENCE

Notice is given that: Dominic Sauls has applied to the London Borough Of Tower Hamlets for a special treatments licence for Sauna and Steam Room.

Licence(s) for the premises:

The Collective, 20 Crossharbour Plaza, London, E14 9YF

Anyone wishing to oppose the application must give notice in writing to David Tolley, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards, Environmental Health And Trading Standards, Place Directorate, 4th Floor Tower Hamlets Town Hall 160 Whitechapel Road London E1 1BJ WITHIN THREE WEEKS specifying the grounds of opposition.

Persons objecting to the grant of a licence must be prepared to attend in person at a hearing before a committee of the council.

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Days John Lord’s exhibition will be on show at Art In The Docks in Royal Albert Wharf – it’s free to see

exploring

how Arrivals And Departures aims to take viewers on a journey through the works of artist John Lord

by Jon Massey

Royal Albert Wharf

collective Art In The Docks is set to host a solo show by multi disciplinary artist John Lord. Arrivals

And Departures is billed as a creative odyssey of reclaimed materials and human stories and is set to appear in the organisation’s exhibition space from September 11-24. Open Thursday-Sunday from noon-5pm, John’s collection of works aims to take viewers on a journey that explores “the essence

of human mobility” while celebrating the spirit of the Royal Docks.

His pieces make use of reclaimed household paint and salvaged items – some from east London charity the Forest Recycling Project, among other sources – and also draw on his background as an apprentice blacksmith.

An open day and artist tour is set to take place on September 16 with visitors able to explore the work in the company of the artist.

There will also be a community drawing workshop on September 17 from 1pm-4pm with all ages invited to partic-

ipate and connect in their creativity. The exhibition and activities are free to attend.

Art In The Docks is a collective of artists based at Royal Albert Wharf that, in partnership with Bow Arts and Notting Hill Genesis, operates a project space at the east London development. Go to artinthedocks.com or follow @lord9851 on Insta for more information

Scan this code for more about the exhibition

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

Royal Docks Watersports Royal Albert Dock

WATCH | Dock2Dock Swim

Watch hundreds of competitors take to the water to swim between 1.5k and 15k as this regular event returns. Some may be in for up to six hours. Sept 9, from 8.15am, free, royaldocks.london

Where?

Excel Royal Victoria Dock

EVENT | The Jewellery Show

This trade event is for all those working in or around the jewellery trade, whether it’s setting gems or selling them in person or online.

Sept 20-21, 9am, registration, thejewelleryshow.co.uk

Where? Royal Wharf Park Silvertown

EVENT | Royal Wharf Summer Fete

Balloons will be modelled, faces painted and jumbo garden games played at this annual celebration of the season. Expect street food and drink too. Sept 16, 10am-6pm, free, royaldocks.london

club beats

Enigma is set to celebrate its fth birthday as the techno night returns to Fold in Canning Town for an 11pm-6am bonanza of deck spinning and sonic entertainment. Expect 7XINS and Annechoic to perform ra.co

Scan this code to learn more about Enigma or to book tickets, which start at £8 if you’re really quick

want more? @wharfwhispers

Detail from Twin by John Lord – one of the works in Arrivals And Departures

how Stratford Padel Club is set to expand to serve its community of players in this rapidly growing sport

by Jon Massey

The idea for Stratford Padel Club came when the venue Javier Fernandez Aguirre and Anka Mandelson had been playing at closed down. With its owners unable to find a suitable site to continue, Javier decided to have a go himself, enlisting the help of Anka, initially as an investor.

“Luckily we found a location on Stratford High Street and, having initially tried to get plans for a sports centre going, he decided to see if he could open a padel club,” said Anka, who now acts as co-owner and runs the business with Javier.

“He raised the money pretty quickly but we took a massive risk because we didn’t know if we would get planning permission and that took two years. But we got approval and, in a record amount of time, we got the building in September and had to open in December.

“We launched on December 8 with three courts and a tournament for 30 players – we had no idea who would come, but it was an adventure. We were capital positive by the following April and reached capacity very quickly.

“The day we filled our peak time slots, we made 100 in profit and we thought the business would work. It meant incredible hours of working for us, but the risk paid off and, ust before lockdown, we’d decided to add more courts because we couldn’t cope with the demand.”

Covid was a tough time for the club. With no government support, Javier and Anka put money back into the business to keep it going and players started a funding campaign that ended up raising £25,000 to help keep it running.

Having expanded to five courts, and very much recovered from the ravages of the pandemic, the club is once again battling demand and has applied to build a further four courts to accommodate all the people who want to play. Anka puts its success down to the approach she and Javier have always taken.

“Our belief is that our club has to be a community,” she said. “We treat everybody as though this is their second home. We know every player’s name and we have built a team here that shares that

approach. Whether people are regular players, coming for an event or ust trying out the sport, they are part of this community.

“We didn’t embark on this venture for the money – it’s a reflection of our values, our personalities and what we believe in. We want to make sure that anybody can come and play at this club – that checkout workers can rub shoulders with bankers on our courts.

“The UK is a nation of chronically ill people, and I think padel tennis can help solve this problem. It’s accessible and delivers physical and mental engagement for individual players, families and older people – it’s definitely something you can pick up later in life.

“We have players here aged up to 78, who are coming on a regular basis and it’s important that councils and landowners understand what padel tennis can do. I fear that the sport may be moving to exclusive price points that won’t address these areas.

“The reason it has become so popular in Spain is because it was played in the poorer parts of the cities at courts made of concrete on industrial estates – not with fancy glass. We will always be a club that remains accessible.”

Padel, for those who don’t know, is a game for four people played on a smaller court than tennis with hard walls that come into the action when balls bounce off them. The scoring is the same as in tennis.

Court pricing at Stratford Padel Club starts at £16 per player for 0 minutes at off-peak times, rising to £19 at peak times for non members. There are cheaper options for two and three-hour sessions. Various membership packages are also available, which reduce the fees further.

Children aged three and a half and over are also welcome and coaching sessions for adults and kids at all levels are available.

“We don’t want anyone to feel like they have had wasted time or wasted their money, so we’ve created a £10 starter package that everyone begins with,” said Anka, who accidentally discovered padel while trying in vain to find a court to play a tennis match on.

“With that package, you get a coaching session for 30 minutes, a player rating from the coach and then a free membership for 30 days. The rating is your point of entry into matches, tournaments

£10

Cost of a starter package at Stratford Padel Club, which includes a 30-minute coaching session and gives players a rating so they can play others at a similar level

Stratford Padel Club is located just o Stratford High Street

and lessons. Regardless of your level, we want to make sure that you’re going to have a positive experience at the club – the people you play with will be plus or minus five points from your rating.

“If you come as a beginner, you know that you’re not going to play with advanced players, that lessons will be customised for your level, that tournaments are going to be appropriately challenging – so it’s never going to be a daunting experience and you’re not going to be out of your depth.

“It will also give you a road map of what you need to do to improve. We know people play more if they feel they are getting better. We have a very detailed matrix on our app – we’ve put a lot of time into it to help people do that. The 30 days also give players time to see if they like the club, whether they want to embrace the community and if everything feels right.”

The club, which hosts the largest padel tournaments in the country and is partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association – the governing body for the sport in the UK – and boasts a beer garden, equipment shop plus changing and shower facilities. It also offers table tennis and gym facilities to complement its core offering.

Its more than 11,000 registered players represent a complete spectrum from total beginners to those playing the sport at the highest elite levels.

It is located within easy walking distance of both Stratford station and Pudding Mill Lane DLR and is also accessible directly from Canary Wharf via the D8 bus.

As for the future, things look bright. There’s the mooted expansion at the Stratford site, which has a lease until 2025, while Javier and Anka are eyeing fresh openings in other parts of London. Watch this space. For more information or to make a booking, go to stratfordpadelclub.org

Scan this code to nd out more about Stratford Padel Club

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

Copper Box

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

EVENT | Call Of Duty World Series Of Warzone

See 20 of the very best COD trios compete for a global crown in Stratford – attendance details are distributed via Activision’s newsletter. Sept 16, newsletter sign-up, worldseriesofwarzone.com

Where?

Cart And Horses

Stratford

GIG | Temtris

The Aussie metallers are set to bring their energetic show to the UK with support from American guitarist Mike Campese and the UK’s King Kraken. Sept 16, 7.30pm, £11, cartandhorses.london

Where?

Theatre Royal Stratford East Stratford

STAGE | Beautiful Thing

Raphael Akuwudike and Joshua Asaré play lovers Ste and Jamie in this 30th-anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey’s iconic, coming-out and coming-of-age story. Sept 8-Oct 7, times vary, from £10, stratfordeast.com

move fast

West eld Stratford City is hosting The Summer Social until August 28 – a series of free events and attractions aimed at entertaining and diverting visitors to the shopping centre in late summer west eld.com

Scan this code for full listings and details of The Summer Social at West eld

want more? @wharfwhispers

Regardless of your level, we want to make sure that you’re going to have a positive experience at the club

Anka Mandelson, Stratford Padel Club

Left, the club boasts an outdoor beer garden where players can socialise before and after matches

Stratford Padel Club co-owner Anka Mandelson

Stratford Padel Club co-owner Javier Fernandez Aguirre

Sudoku

Take a break from that phone

How to play

To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

More to play

You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca

Notes

crossword

Cryptic Quick

Down

1. Person to break up the bread? (5)

2. In hock to a poem, we hear? (3)

3. Change the runt? (4)

4. Shortening an Essex village, perhaps? (9)

5. Is that poisonous bottom stolen? (7)

8. Is Hades the place for dark glasses? (6)

11. Sounds like this crossing is our governor (9)

13. Snow casts us loose? (6)

14. Confused the copies? Cheer up! (7)

16. Just the suit to join! (5)

18. Sounds like you can see why NY is big (4)

20. Mistaken hesitancy, we hear (3)

beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy

TAKE ON THE SANTA STAIR CLIMB CHALLENGE

Take on the Santa Stair climb this November in Canary Wharf to help feed Londoners in need. Tackle all 48 floors and 1031 steps of the iconic One Canada Square and be rewarded with unique access to unbeatable views across London at the end of the challenge. Together, we can raise enough to deliver 870,000 meals for Londoners in need.

For more information scan here

THE SANTA STAIR CLIMB CHALLENGE

In partnership with The Felix Project

When/What

• When: Sunday 19th November 2023.

• Where: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf.

• What: Santa themed charity stair climb.

• Why: Help The Felix Project deliver 870,000 meals for Londoners in need this winter.

• How: Choose a time and sign up on our website. Registration costs £30 or £25 early bird offer. We will provide fundraising support and your green Santa outfit.

Scan the QR code to find out more

Good Food for Good Causes

In the UK 4.7 million adults struggle to afford to eat every day and in London alone 400,000 children go to bed daily without a proper evening meal. This challenge is experienced here, on our doorstep in Tower Hamlets. At the same time over 3 million tonnes of surplus food is wasted every year. If we could close this loop, everyone could be fed with the environmental impact minimised. To tackle these issues, Canary Wharf Group has partnered with The Felix Project, London’s largest food redistribution charity, rescuing and redistributing good food to over 1,000 charities across our capital city, including in the borough of Tower Hamlets.

Through this partnership we are also creating volunteering opportunities, so you too can be directly involved with this meaningful contribution to our local community.

Here are some of the ways you can take part:

• The Canary Wharf Green Scheme, which involves volunteering as a driver, co-driver, or walker, at the end of the day to collect and deliver surplus food to the community organisations.

• Volunteer at The Felix Project, which could be in their Poplar kitchen or warehouse where you will help prepare ingredients, portion and package meals.

• Raise money through our One Canada Square Santa Stair Climb taking place in November (See front cover for details).