Wharf Life, May 3-17, 2023

Chris Ezekiel on the rise of the robots as AI and AR get into all areas of our lives

Page 8

into Mudchute, like...

how The Bakineer is donning his Spidey suit to sell blondies, brownies and more from a red trailer at Mudchute Park And Farm

Pages 26-27

inside issue 87

Water Aid - The Silk District

Blacklock - Baldr - Mr Pretzels

Krafty Braumeister - Sudoku

Urban Village Festival - Crossword

Munich Cricket Club - Festival14

IGLA Championships

Alms Gate - Forecast

David Lefebvre Sell

celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness

Contact Erica John-Marie to arrange a free consultation. Call 020 7205 2783

Image by Jon Massey

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Where? Everyman Crossrail Place

FILM | Casino

Part of Everyman’s throwback season, Martin Scorsese’s mob classic sees Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci roll the dice on life. May 21, 8pm, £16.50, everymancinema.com

Where?

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf

Cabot Square

GIG | East 17

Original member Terry Coldwell is joined by Joe Livermore and Robbie Craig to interpret the east Londoners’ famed back catalogue. May 18, 9.30pm, from £19 (show only), boisdale.co.uk

Where? Museum Of London Docklands West India Quay

SEE | Indo + Caribbean: The Creation Of A Culture

This new display explores the underrepresented history of indenture in the British Caribbean as British planters sought an alternative to slave labour. May 19-Nov 19, daily, free, museumo ondon.org.uk

Welcome to the 87th issue of Wharf Life. B is for Blacklock, Braumeister, Baldr, Bakineer, bratwurst and boats – all of which can be found in the pages of this publication. It’s a testament to this part of London that a single letter can be representative of food, tness, charity and enduring enterprise

hot list

rumours tips and rankings

NEW STUFF

There’s a whole bunch of stu coming up through early summer at Canary Wharf kicking o with Cairo Rose Belly Dance Studio performing on May 20 at 2pm in Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Then there are free family tness sessions coming from June 3 in Canada Square, free movie nights from June 6 and free live music from buskers in Jubilee Park from June 7. Find full listings online canarywharf.com

OUR PICKS

If you do nothing else in Canary Wharf this fortnight, consider indulging in the below:

1. Head down to Wharf Kitchen where Thunderbird is rubbing up against Rainbo and The Vurger Co. A bit of an undiscovered gem –canarywharf.com

2. Launched this week in partnership with Hine, the Boisdale Of Canary Wharf terrace is o cially open for summer bookings – boisdale.co.uk

3. Start thinking about the Museum Of London Docklands’ 20th anniversary celebrations on June 20 at West India Quay – museumo ondon.org

As marketing tie-ins go, this one’s a curious beast. While James Bond is often to be found swigging shaken drinks in glamorous bars, it’s a struggle to call to mind a time when he stops pursuing baddies long enough to indulge in a luxurious chocolate or two. That doesn’t make it an automatic Dr No for this collection of dry martini- avour tru es from Charbonnel Et Walker – available at its Cabot Place branch for a mere £18. After all, who could resist the potential to pro er them to a crush saying “From .... with love” or “Have one, you only live twice”? Just so long as you remember not to refer to them as Chocco Thunderballs. Go to charbonnel.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about the 007 Tru es

Something di erent, something new. One Touch Collective, under the auspices of co-founder Cory Saunders, is shaking up the retail picture in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place with collaborative, innovative thinking @onetouchcollective on Insta

Scan here to read our interview with Cory and his collaboraters Exhibit 69 and Hypezeus

on the radar

need to know

Thunderbird Fried Chicken has returned to Canary Wharf, opening a new branch at Wharf Kitchen in Jubilee Place.

Formerly a concession in now defunct Giant Robot, the latest launch takes the brand to eight permanent locations including one at The O2 thunderbirdckn.co.uk

How Urban Village Fete is set to return to Greenwich Peninsula

Wood Wharf Health Centre has opened in Canary Wharf’s Harbord Square and is now registering NHS patients. Part of the Hurley Group, it is a liated to the Island Medical Centre on the Isle Of Dogs, which was rated Good by the Care Quality Commission islandmedical.co.uk

Discover the German beers created by Uli Schiefelbein, the Krafty Braumeister, and sold every Saturday at Wapping Docklands Market, 10am-4pm, in Brussels Wharf

WHEN’S YOUR EVENT?

The Gun’s riverside garden is opening for the summer – ready to welcome guests, events and parties in time for the warmer weather

Guests can expect exceptional views across the River Thames towards Greenwich, at a pub which was often frequented by Lord Nelson himself

Canary Wharf - West India Quay

doing the deals

get more for less on and around the Wharf

£32

Celebrate the coronation with Charlie’s Cheeky Coronita at Wahaca in Park Pavilion from May 6-8. Beer plus margarita in a jug for four with a cheap plastic hat. Peak royalty wahaca.co.uk

28

How Baldr creates a safe space for all who want to exercise in Deptford

£45

Head to The Ivy In The Park in Canada Square on Friday evenings for its set menu with two courses plus half a bottle of Champagne per diner for £45 or three for £55 ivycollection.com

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indulging in a taste of

trying Mr Pretzels and the Munich Cricket Club’s offerings

by Jon Massey

Inspired by the beers of the Krafty Braumeister (see Page 24), we decided to find some ermanic flavours on the Wharf, sampling the delights of newly opened Mr Pretzels and the Munich Cricket Club.

It would be easy to disparage the place as simply an Oktoberfest theme bar with its lederhosen and dirndl-clad aiting sta , lue and white harlequins and plentiful steins.

But that would be to

belie what is a decent o ering at a reasona le price ust over the ater from Canary Wharf. There’s something a little bit wonderful to be found between its striped poles. Its rough and ready wooden benches and long tables feel authentically German as does eating and drinking outside under the massive um rellas on its terrace. A bratwurst with sauerkraut and potato salad will set you back £13.50, as will a two-pint stein of Paulaner Munich (although the house beer is £1 cheaper).

The food is warming,

hearty stu and the eer is chilled and crisp. It’s about as close as you can get in the UK to the no frills feeling of eating and drinking outdoors in Germany itself.

Just solid, dependable dishes and uncomplicated liquid refreshment.

Couple that with an impressive list of special

o ers sausage and a pint for £10 on Tuesdays, two-for-one on schnitzel on Wednesdays, for e ample and the becomes a must.

Also running at its anary harf venue (there are sister branches in Tower Hill and Victoria) is pringfest a series of live music nights featuring an “eccentric accordionist” from 7pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. Expect a fe sing a long favourites, people shouting “Prost” and much clinking of steins.

For more details go to munichcricketclub.co.uk

Bratwurst with sauerkraut and potato salad at the Munich Cricket Club - scan code for more details

the starter Pizza at Mr Pretzels

We decided to kick things o in a moment of hubris with a £6.45 pizza-topped pretzel from new Wharf arrival Mr Pretzels in Canada Place. The soft, hot dough base topped with cheese and pepperoni has little to do with Germany, but makes a solid snack between two or a lling meal for one.

back once again for a festival of culture

by Jon Massey

We’re excited about the return of Festival14 – ve days of mostly free activities and entertainment – that’s set to sweep across the Canary Wharf estate from July 26-30.

While the full line-up is still being nalised, acts including Soul II Soul, Craig Charles, Norman Jay, Ronnie Scotts Jazz Orchestra, Wayne Snow and Nubiyan Twist are all set to appear in headline slots on the main stage.

There will also be outdoor theatre at Westferry Circus, performances curated by The Space arts centre at Crossrail Roof Garden and live music from buskers in Jubilee Park.

A Line Art will be running workshops for kids, there will be a Family Rave to look

forward to and The Fandangoe Kid is also back this year with a new project dubbed The Fandangoe Mini Disco – a dance pod hosting a series of talks and workshops curated by The Loss Project.

Building on the sell-out success of last year’s comedy gigs, Montgomery Square is set to host a dedicated tent of mirth that is set to host a line up of big name stand-ups from the world of TV alongside some up and coming comedians.

Topping it all o will be a collection of pop-up street food traders to keep the crowds fed and watered alongside the estate’s formidable collection of hospitality venues. Go to canary wharf.com

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JUBILEE PLACE

CANARY WHARF

LONDON, E14 5NY

020 7719 1828

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Festival14 is set to take over Canary Wharf from July 26-30

by Jon Massey

With so much water in this part of London, its easy to imagine it as a universally available resource. Canary Wharf and the Isle Of Dogs are embraced by the lazy meander of the Thames.

Then there are the vast pools of the docks themselves and canals that connect them, which carve up the landscape.

The stuff is everywhere and – as evidenced by Love Open Water’s project in Middle Dock last year – easily clean enough to swim in, even if glugging down huge quantities is probably unwise.

Everywhere there are shiny new apartments with rainfall showers, designer toilets and taps pumping the stuff up 50 floors so we can live in towers. It’s literally available on tap.

So it’s easy to forget that about one in 10 people globally live without access to clean water close to their homes.

This basic human right is unavailable to some 771million people globally, with the battle simply to slake their thirst and stay alive a terrible brake on almost all aspects of their existence, be it education, work, health – the list is endless.

The mission of WaterAid is simple. Within a generation, the charity is working tirelessly to make sure everyone in the world has sustainable access to both clean water and decent toilets – the integrity of the former, dependent on the latter.

Founded in 1981, it has helped more than 28million people get clean water and 29million people get decent toilets, helping lower the percentage of those without access from one in eight, to one in 10.

“I got involved with the charity because my family is from Bangladesh and I’ve seen firsthand what a lack of hygiene and clean water can do,” said Aminur Rahman, supporter care advisor at WaterAid.

“In Bangladesh it’s very common for under fives to die from lack of clean water.

“Children tend to go to local ponds with dirty water to drink. I’ve had personal experience of that with a relative.

“I’ve been to Bangladesh a few times, so for me this cause is

Boat Race

something personal that’s close to my heart.”

“You can’t really argue with what we’re trying to do,” added Fiona Lavery, the charity’s change and employee experience director.

“We work in 27 different countries around the world, predominantly in Africa and south-east Asia, including Mali, Bangladesh, Madagascar and Colombia.

“Each one is different, which makes the challenge a complex one. It can be about a lack of infrastructure in rural or urban areas – or it might be that there are marginalised people who can’t get at it because of the situation they’re living in.

“It can be about taps and toilets, but water is also a political issue and a cultural one. As an organisation, we only employ local people to deliver our projects and that’s the right approach because it is community led.

“We empower people to have access to solutions, rather than flying in, giving them something and then going away again. That would not be sustainable.”

In order to do this work, WaterAid needs a constant flow of funds and recently announced the return of its Canary Wharf Dragon Boat Race. Teams of between 11 and 17 will do battle on the waters of West India South Dock on July 6 from 11.30am to 6.30pm.

In addition to an entry fee of £350, teams are set a fundraising target of £1,500 and challenged to exceed it.

On the day, each team will race at least three times in a series of heats, with the fastest three teams taking part in a grand final.

Prizes will be handed out for the three fastest boats, bestdressed team and, of course, most successful fundraisers.

The event also includes lunch and a post-race reception with a welcome drink.

“The events fundraising team at WaterAid wanted to create a water-themed event in Canary Wharf since we moved to the area in 2020,” said Corinne Stone, the charity’s senior community and events officer who is organising the race.

“As dragon boat racing is becoming one of the most popular corporate sports in the UK today, we thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to use the water on the docks and engage with our corporate neighbours in Canary

Teams will take part in at least three heats with a grand final for the fastest three teams

100Number of people that could be supplied with clean water with £1,500 – the amount each team is challenged to raise

how teams of rowers can help raise funds for WaterAid at the charity’s Canary Wharf Dragon

the power of the dragons

Wharf whilst raising vital funds for our cause.

“Last year was a huge success and I’m so excited to welcome even more teams for 2023 for what is a fun, competitive and great team building experience.”

Sponsored by Canary Wharf Group, the event raised £26,000 for WaterAid last year with 15 teams competing and aims to exceed that in 2023.

“It’s the perfect setting for the community to get involved,” said Aminur. “It’s a competitive challenge but it’s also fun and we’re raising awareness at the same time.

“It’s not just about financial support either because just having that visibility can lead to people doing things like petitioning their MP or local authority to highlight this issue.”

“We took part last year and it was brilliant,” added Fiona. “It was harder than I expected and got highly competitive, but I would say that, for any organisation that wants a proper teambuilding day, this is perfect.

“You have everyone in the boat and you have to learn to think together.

“We had people from across the organisation in the boat – some I’d never met in 11 years of working at WaterAid – it’s fantastic for people who want to do more than sit in an office.

“What people expect from an employer has changed – they want companies and other organisations to care about the world we all live in.

“Events like this offer them a way to demonstrate that they do and for their employees to get out and do something beyond the day-job.

“There are so many challenges that remain worldwide and we need this help to work to mitigate things like climate change.”

Registration for the event is now open, with teams encouraged to try to raise more than 50% of their target by June 8.

Canary Wharf Group event manager Camilla McGregor said: “We are delighted to welcome back WaterAid’s Dragon Boat Race to Canary Wharf.

“Following a successful partnership last year, we are overjoyed to see the event increase in popularity with many teams already signed up for this year’s event, helping to raise much needed funds for this fantastic charity.”

Go to waterwaid.org for more information about the event or the charity

Scan

Teams of 11-to-17 people will compete on the waters of West India South Dock on July 6 to help raise money for WaterAid and for the glory of being crowned champions at the charity’s annual Dragon Boat Race

A number of prizes will be awarded on the day for the fastest boats on the water. There will also be recognition for the most successful fundraisers and the best dressed team up for grabs

Participants celebrate at the 2022 event. Right, WaterAid’s Fiona Lavery and Aminur Rahman are looking forward to this year’s race

virtual viewpoint

by Chris Ezekiel

Robots will eventually be everywhere in society, but how many roles will they take from humans?

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and robotics will no doubt accelerate the number of jobs that machines will take over from humans. Robots are already assisting surgeons and, eventually, all surgical procedures will be performed by autonomous robots.

This makes sense. Robots don’t get tired or have shaky hands after too much caffeine. Today, robots can even give you a haircut. But it seems people are much more reluctant to let robots near their hair than their pancreas.

Robots will be everywhere, serving you coffee or a beer and, equipped with AI, they will even be talking about the weather or football as they do it. Robots will cut the costs of basic services such as health screening and education as well as many high end lifestyle services such as personal concierges or tuition, making them much more affordable.

With an ageing population and the subsequent strains on healthcare and social services, robots will take care of the nursing needs of the elderly. Manual jobs currently done by electricians, plumbers, scaffolders, decorators, and chefs will all be performed by robots.

They will bring great efficiencies and consistency and productivity as robots don’t oversleep or get the wiring wrong. Autonomous driving cars are already with us and the same will happen with air and sea travel. Conflict has become a battle of technology, and cyber warfare is now being fought every day.

AI is already writing essays, poems and creating artwork. The challenge will be for marketers, authors, and artists to become ever more creative to differentiate themselves from the products of the algorithms.

Robots won’t only be in a physical form. AR will allow us to superimpose our own view and dreams onto the real world. Virtual friends, and even virtual partners, will make the 1985 film, Weird Science, where two teen misfits design their ideal woman on a computer, a reality.

The contact centre will be a small team of humans dealing with complicated cases where hard to replicate human characteristics such as empathy and creativity are paramount.

There will come a time when the only human jobs left will be the Machine Police (gatekeepers of the AI algorithms), bar staff (pubs where robots will be banned will become popular, like the way vinyl record shops of yesteryear are making a comeback) and hairdressers, of course.

by Jon Massey

When you go to a great restaurant, it can be very expensive,” said Gordon Ker, founder of Blacklock, a small chain of four chophouses that’s set to open its fifth in Canary Wharf this month. “But we want to give our guests a positive shock when the bill arrives. We want them to be asking: ‘Is that right? What’s been missed off? When can we do this again?’.”

Check Blacklock’s menu and it’s serving up skinny chops for a fiver each, steaks for £18 or less and a burger for £12 with sides on offer for £4 a go. That’s in contrast to, say, Manhattan Grill – just over the waters of West India North Dock – where sides are £6, steaks start at £32 and a burger is £17.

It’s not like-for-like, of course. One is a restaurant in a five-star hotel serving American beef, while the other takes its inspiration from the workaday chop houses of old. I suspect, however, that Gordon would be willing to pit the Cornish, grass-fed meats Blacklock serves against anything imported from across the pond.

It’s also his brand’s approach to the produce that, in part, explains the lower prices.

“We’re certainly not buying cheap meat, it’s expensive stuff that we serve,” he said. “But we try and be sensible about how we source and utilise the animals.

“The first thing to say is we buy the whole animal, and we use as much of it as we can. That way there’s no waste for the farmer so we get a better price.

“A steakhouse might buy prime cuts, but then the farmer has to shift the rest of the meat.

“Supply and demand means if everyone wants the same cuts, then the price for those goes up further.

“We get a fixed price for the whole animal, which is cheaper, and then we get inventive with the menu – selling cuts people might not be familiar with.

“For example, we sell a sixth rib eye, which is a little further down from the prime ribs – but that’s £18 in contrast to a typical rib eye for £30.

Scan this code for more information about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on Twitter

“Then we do a starter – Pig’s Head On Toast, where we cook down the whole head and then pull the meat apart, braise it,

spice it, and serve it on bread with gravy. Our message on sustainability is also that people should be eating better meat less often.

“Our meat comes from Philip Warren in Cornwall and is regeneratively farmed to help improve the soil. The animals live a comparatively long and happy life and the farmers aim to keep out of things as much as possible. There are no antibiotics or growth additives or negative things like that.

“Our margin on food is less than what standard restaurant economics tell you to make it. But that’s part of our commitment to providing exceptional value for money.”

Gordon is not a man afraid to go his own way. After studying law at UCL, he embarked on a career as a solicitor and found himself an associate at Londonbased firm Olswang, dealing with hospitality and leisure firms.

But despite the regular income and reliable prospects, he found the law unfulfilling and started formulating plans to escape it.

Having got to know Hawksmoor founders, Will Beckett and Huw Gott, as clients, when private equity firm Graphite Capital bought a majority stake in their business, he told them he intended to launch his own restaurant. Describing it as “a terrible idea” they did their best to discourage him.

They said I had a stable job, that running restaurants was really hard and wondered why I would want to do it given I knew nothing about it,” said Gordon. “That made a lot of sense at the time, but I was persistent and I think they took pity on me.”

So, when Gordon quit his job, he went first to work at Hawksmoor for 10 months to learn how a restaurant worked while simultaneously scouring the capital for a suitable space to try out his ideas.

While Will and Huw helped him out with some early investors and remain shareholders in Blacklock today, it took Gordon a while to find a landlord willing to take a punt on a business with no track record.

Nevertheless, against the odds, Gordon opened his first site in a Soho basement formerly used as a brothel. He and his team overcame water leaks and a lack of

4Branches of Blacklock currently trading in London, with a fifth soon to launch in Canary Wharf

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

how Blacklock aims to create a haven under the railway tracks by looking after its staff first and Wharfers second

It’s about culture. I passionately think people do great things when they are motivated and invested

Gordon Ker, Blacklock

making the

both gas and electricity to launch the first restaurant “as cheaply as possible”.

Having grown from those early days to locations in the City, Shoreditch and Covent Garden, the brand retains a charming bootstrap ethos. Cutlery, with the exception of the knives, is second hand, as is the crockery. The aim is to create a familial atmosphere, with food doled out at the table –a haven of comfort, not ceremony.

Blacklock’s Canary Wharf branch is located in Frobisher Passage and is expected to open on May 15 – although reservations are already being taken. It’s located in a space under the DLR tracks that once served as the estate’s security and pass issue office. Inside, it’s a cosy space with frosted windows that seems deliberately conceived as a refuge.

There are glossy dark walls, wry signage and plenty of dark wood furniture.

“It’s important for us to be in buildings that have character,” said Gordon. “We want to transport people to a place that’s full of heritage but also very relaxed, vintage with a natural feel.

“Everything’s reclaimed – the tables, the chairs, all the wood, the crockery, the forks, the spoons and the glassware. It all has that special, nostalgic feel.

“With the trains going overhead it has a speakeasy, New York vibe – people can enjoy the gentle, comforting rumble. We want it to be the kind of place where you come for lunch which, after a few Old Fashioneds, becomes dinner.”

The Canary Wharf branch will also feature a bar menu. Blacklocks typically offer cocktails from £7.50 and alcohol-free mixed drinks from £4.

Staffing is perhaps the final piece of the jigsaw at Blacklock, with Hawksmoor’s reputation as a great place to work clearly finding resonance in Gordon’s approach to running his own restaurants.

“The first thing I say to people at their induction is that most restaurants will tell you to put the customers first – to make them happy,” he said. “Of course they are important, but they are number two in our business because it’s our people who are important.

“For us, opening new locations is about building careers for people so they can take that next step. That creates the opportunity for people to grow within the company and gives people purpose. It’s about culture. I passionately think people do great things when they are motivated and invested. That’s what we are seeking to create.”

Go to theblacklock.com for more

A selection of food available at Blacklock, which is set to open a branch in Frobisher Passage on May 15

Blacklock founder Gordon Ker

Blacklock dishes are often served to share

The Canary Wharf branch will feature a new bar menu

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

Where? Fold Canning Town

CLUB | Cartulis Bank Holiday Weekend

This all-nighter promises a line-up of John Talabot, LFT, Magico, Unai Trotti, Junki Inoue and Vass for 11 hours of electro and techno beats. May 27, 11.59pm-11am, £25, ra.co

Where?

Excel Royal Victoria Dock

EVENT | MCM Comic Con

Expect the DLR and Elizabeth Line to be awash with cosplayers as the fandoms converge at Excel for another blockbuster event of meets and greets. May 26-28, daily, from £17.50, mcmcomiccon.com

Where? Social Convention Canning Town

Price of admission to the event, which can also be streamed online for free on the day

Royal Docks - Canning Town

EVENT | Sauti Za Mashariki

Billed as Sounds Of The East, this is an afternoon of East African music and food. Tickets are free via Instagram and dishes can be pre-ordered. May 28, 3.30pm-8.30pm, free entry, socialconvention.org

ash back

Zero waste venue The Greenhouse Theatre is set to pop up in Royal Docks’s Thames Barrier Park from May 11-Jun 4 to host Sea Change artworks amongst other happenings as part of the At The Docks arts programme royaldocks.london

Scan this code to read our interview with Greenhouse co-founder and artistic director Oli Savage

want more? @wharfwhispers

how Forecast 2023 is set to explore storytelling as writers, artists and commentators come together at City Hall

by Jon Massey

Forecast 2023 sounds like a barrage of buzzwords. Its o cial description invites international audiences to a hybrid symposium on May 19 both in-person and live-streamed as participants explore new forms of storytelling in response to the future of Planet Earth.

But look under the bonnet and it’s clear there’s some signi cant horsepower in the engine. Commissioned by the Royal Docks Team and University College London, a line-up of writers, artists and cultural commentators has been assembled to investigate how di erent narratives can have an impact on navigating global challenges.

Speakers will include Storyland author Amy Je s, and artists Julie Freeman, Samson Kambalu, Melanie Manchot, Raqs Media Collective and Gavin Turk. Scientists Prof Mark Maslin and Prof Priti Parikh from UCL will also take part as well as journalist Aaron Bastani.

The event, which is curated by Invisible Dust, is set to run from 10am-6pm. In the weeks following the symposium, there will also be a series of online panel discussions featuring the likes of artist Jeremy Deller, the Open Data Institute and Mosaic Rooms. Go to invisibledust.com

Scan this code to nd out more about Forecast or book tickets

The Forecast 2023 symposium is set to take place at City Hall on May 19 from 10am-6pm

Author of Storyland, Amy Je s is set to take part in Forecast in Royal Docks

Di erent events will be held over the course of the championships

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

Where?

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stratford

EVENT | The Great Willy Waddle

Don a penis suit and run around the park to help raise money for male cancer charity Orchid. Participants will tackle a 2k course in costume. Over 16s. May 18, 6.30pm, £25, orchid-cancer.org.uk

Where?

Cart And Horses

Stratford

GIG | Ironed Maiden + Bu alo Fish

There will be plenty of swimming events to take part in alongside the Pink Flamingo

how the IGLA Masters Championships is set to host 900+ athletes competing in multiple disciplines in E20

by Jon Massey

The London Aquatics Centre is set to host more than 900 competitors as the International Gay And Lesbian Aquatics LGBTQIA+ Masters Championships arrives in Stratford.

The event, which is scheduled to take place from June 25-30, will feature athletes across six water-based disciplines with people travelling from across the globe to take part. Founded in 1987, the event aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ and supporters to participate in aquatic sport as well as fostering a sense of community.

Water polo is among ve World Aquatics regulated disciplines to feature

Athletes can compete in five World Aquatics regulated disciplines – swimming, water polo, diving, open water swimming and artistic swimming.

The championships are also home to IGLA signature event, The Pink Flamingo – billed as a flurry of art, drag, performance and pride.

Anyone is free to compete in any of the events, irrespective of experience. Fees vary. Register by May 14. Go to london2023.org

Scan this code to nd out more about the IGLA’s event

Hear a Dorset tribute band with all the creases attened at the birthplace of Iron Maiden in Stratford plus special guests Bu alo Fish. Riotous. May 20, 7.30pm, from £9, cartandhorses.london

Where? Theatre Royal Stratford East Stratford

COMEDY | Live At Stratford East

Thanyia Moore, pictured, hosts an evening of stand-up headlined by Mawaan Rizwan – a comedian on a high with a BBC sitcom in the works called Juice May 27, 7.30pm, from £10, stratfordeast.com

ash back

Stratford Picturehouse is hosting its ReDiscover season on various dates with showings of screen gems and curiosities for £8 running until May 28. Find full listings, including The Lobster, online picturehouses.com

Scan this to nd out more about the season or to book tickets for a screening

want more? @wharfwhispers

how the Krafty Braumeister delivers refreshment to the thirsty at Wapping Docklands Market

by Jon Massey

The tale of the Krafty Braumeister starts not in east London, but some distance away. In fact the brewery, which sells its beer at Wapping Docklands Market every Saturday from 10am-4pm at Brussels Wharf, has its origins in Iraq and the desire for better refreshment.

“I was working for the European Union over there as a rule of law expert, having worked for the German police,” said Uli Schiefelbein, founder and head brewer at the Krafty Braumeister.

“We were over there training Iraqi police and prison governors in the rule of law – mainly criminal law – and I worked there for seven years. Now, I love beer – I can remember my grandfather taking me to a pu for the first time hen as

“But the beer we could get in Baghdad was absolute crap. It was often kept out on the runway in containers in 40ºC heat – beer from big lager brands brewing under licence in Turkey, so it was not nice to start with.

“At that time we were living in rented accommodation at the British Embassy, here e also rented o ces o, a fe of us decided to try brewing our own. Everyone was very keen on getting etter eer, so soon people flying in ere bringing hops and malt in their suitcases. ur first attempt as a total failure The problem was the fermentation, because the weather was just so hot. We had no clue about brewing but we figured a fe things out, got the hang of it and everybody liked the beer.

“From that experience, I thought that when I retired I would try to make a business out of it. The second thing that happened in Baghdad was I met my wife there and she is British.

“We had to decide whether to live in Germany or the UK, but she said she was tired of learning new languages, so I didn’t have a choice. That’s why we live in u ol , hich love ecause it s a wonderful place – very quiet and rural – and that’s where this little brewery has been going now since April 2018.”

The couple moved to the UK in 2013, with Uli retiring in 2017 and immediately

embarking on a series of professional brewing courses to take his hobby to the next level.

“Because I’m German, I thought I needed to do some German-style beers – that was my niche – and that’s what we did,” he said. “All the beers we brew are natural – we don’t add any sugar or artificial flavours

“I couldn’t really do American IPAs and the British brewers are much better than me at brewing their ales, so I stuck to what I knew.”

Perhaps appropriately for a former rule of law expert, Uli brews strictly in line with the Reinheitsgebot – a candidate for the oldest, still enforced food regulation in the world. Also known as the German Purity Law, it was implemented by Duke ilhelm of avaria in and states that only barley, hops and water can be used to produce beer.

his as su se uently modified to include a fourth ingredient, yeast, after its role in the fermentation process was discovered and has governed brewing in all of ermany since after it as gradually adopted by other states in the country.

So while Uli brews his beer in Leiston, close to the east coast, the link to the country of his birth is potent and his home town features in his beers too.

“I had to do a beer from my home town of Köln,” he said. “Out Rut And Wiess is a Kölsch-style beer that’s like a hybrid between a pale ale and a lager. A lot of people order it from us because they know it from their time in Germany.

“In Köln, it’s drunk in small glasses and the waiters carry trays of beers. When yours is empty they replace it with a fresh one and will keep doing so until you put your beer mat on top of the glass.

“It’s one of the six beers in our core range. We do two traditional Bavarian wheat beers, one has banana and clove flavours, hich comes from the yeast, a very refreshing summer beer. Both are uite fi y and e ervescent he dar er version is quite complex and has a lot of flavours t has on us several a ards, including a silver medal from the London Beer Competition.

“Then we do two lagers, one called Munich Helles, which has a sweet malt-

taste test

Currywurst And Fries, £9.90

Asked for a pairing recommendation for his beer, Uli had no hesitation in picking out regular Wapping trader The Austrian House. Like the Braumeister, this company makes its products in the UK, with ice-cooled blades to keep the pork in the bratwurst in top condition when it’s being sliced up. Slathered with sauce and curry powder, its currywurst and skin-on fries are a rich fruity delight, best enjoyed with a glug or two of chilled beer...

iness to it, and also a more traditional north German pilsner. As well as the Kölsch-style beer, we do a kind of brown ale inspired by beer from the town of Düsseldorf, which has a taste somewhere between a bitter or a porter.”

Examples of these beers and special editions are available at the market in draft and bottled formats, with Uli making the weekly trip down to London.

“For our business model, Wapping is a good way to sell directly to customers,” he said. “For a small brewery like mine, it s di cult to do distri ution e have some shops and some pubs where we sell the beer.

“But this puts us right in front of people – they seem to really like it and it works very well for us. We’re happy to be here – it’s such a nice atmosphere, with the community and people coming every Saturday, meeting their friends, having a drink and some food – I really enjoy it.

hen this mar et as first opened y Will Cutteridge, I knew the location and thought I should be here. Street food and live music is ideal for us and we’ve now been trading here for nearly two years.

“Running a business like this has been more challenging than I thought. I knew I could brew beer that people like, but all the other things that come with running a company – selling your product, merchandising, taxes – whatever is involved, is all so much more than you think.

“Even though I’m retired, I probably work more now. But I enjoy it very much indeed. It’s fantastic when people

Wapping Docklands Market puts us right in front of people – they seem to really like it and it works well for us. It’s such a nice atmosphere coming here every Saturday

Uli Schiefelbein, Krafty Braumeister

come back and tell me how much they enjoy what I have made. That’s why I like being at this market – we’ve found people in the community really enjoy what we’re doing, so it’s a mutual thing.

“One of the reasons we came to ondon in the first place as ecause of the pandemic all the mar ets in u ol were closed but they were open in the city.

“So the only way for us to survive was to come to the capital – where we were allowed to sell glasses of beer – and we’re glad we did.

“As for the future, I should like to continue, grow a little bit and increase the profit if can

“However, it won’t be to a point where it’s too commercial or industrial and we can’t enjoy it any more.

e ant to e a nice si e and e re pretty busy, so I’d like to continue doing this for a few more years. If I get to a point where I’m too tired of doing it, then perhaps I’ll sell it then, if I can.”

Beer from the Krafty Braumeister is also available to order online and at Canada Water Market, soon to be on Saturdays and Sundays in Deal Porters Square near the station. Go to kraftybraumeister.co.uk for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about the Krafty Braumeister or to order some beers

Above, beers on show at the market. Right, pints are pulled

Scan this code to nd out more about Wapping Docklands Market on Insta

Beers in the Krafty Braumeister’s core range, on sale at Wapping Docklands Market on Saturdays and also online

Uli began brewing in Iraq while working for the EU as an expert in the rule of law

Wapping - Limehouse - Shadwell

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

Where?

Half Moon Theatre Limehouse

the rule of

KIDS | Duz Iz Tak?

This story of the cycle of life is told through insects with a delightful group of friends exploring a constantly changing home. Suitable for 2+. May 20, various times, £7, halfmoon.org.uk

Where?

Troxy Limehouse

GIG | Unknown Mortal Orchestra

The New Zealand psychedelic rockers – now more than a decade in existence – have relocated their Brixton Academy show to Troxy. Lap it up. May 31, 7pm, from £34.85, troxy.co.uk

Where?

Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping

GIG | Camille O’Sullivan: Dreaming

Performing with long-time collaborator Feargal Murray and multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Glasson the singer presents a personal show of potent songs. May 30-Jun 3, 7.30pm, from £13, wiltons.org.uk

move fast

Richard Burton’s nephew – Guy Masterson –brings his long-running, one-man reading of Under Milk Wood to Wilton’s Music Hall from May 9-13, a dramatic interpretation of Dylan Thomas’ text. Tickets start at £14.50 wiltons.org.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about Under Milk Wood at Wilton’s or to book tickets for the show

want more? @wharfwhispers

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

Where? Poplar Union Poplar

by Jon Massey

GIG | Jay Johnson

The musician, songwriter and producer is set to bring his blend of jazz, folk and hip hop to Poplar Union with a performance of his original songs. May 20, 6pm, donations, poplarunion.com

Where?

Poplar Union Poplar

TRY | Soundbath With Guided Self-Re ection

Here’s a way to start the day. Immerse yourself in the frequencies of Himalayan bowls, crystal bowls and gongs in this meditative morning practice. May 20, 9am, donations, poplarunion.com

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

What’s in a name?

Well, for Hash Mastan, quite a lot. He started his business when the pandemic first hit With his mechanical engineering masters on hold at Imperial College London and his role at Hummingbird Bakery furloughed, he started baking at his family home near Island Gardens on the Isle Of Dogs.

Trading under the name of Hash Blondies, he began selling his tray bakes online and building up his business by handing out free samples on South Quay.

“That was the name for about two years,” said Hash. “I chose that name because it was my name and the product I specialised in but it began to cause some confusion.

“Firstly people assumed I only baked blondies, but I do brownies, cookies, cheesecakes and doughnuts as well.

“But I also began to get serious enquiries from people who wanted me to make hash cakes for them. Every second person wanted to know if they contained cannabis. While drug-free blondies and brownies remain my signature products, it was

STAGE | Dream School

Inspired by the ongoing real events of a college cult this thriller is all about who wins and who loses as we “cash in” on trauma from Mrs C’s Collective. May 13-Jun 3, times vary, from £8, space.org.uk

dance there

always the plan to expand and the range is getting larger and larger.”

So the old name was retired in favour of The Bakineer, a blending of baker and engineer – emblematic of Hash’s approach to his craft. That it sounds a bit like a superhero moniker, is just a happy coincidence – but apt given his guerilla marketing techniques.

“I always had a knack for technical subjects, maths, problem solving, things like that,” said Hash. “I got the job at Hummingbird because it was a short walk from the university in South Kensington. I had no previous experience of a commerical bakery, but while I was there, I began to apply my problem-solving skills in engineering to baking. I began suggesting ways to improve recipes or to change processes – the creativity was building up.”

Following exams for his course and before he returned to Hummingbird, this bubbled up into his own side hustle – baking in his family home and selling online.

“I did return to Hummingbird and my university studies, but within a couple of weeks it was already getting overwhelming,” said Hash.

“Word had started to spread and as finding myself dealing ith customer enquiries while I was on shift in the bakery. Then Hash Blon-

Hash is taking over converted horse trailer

Ruby Red at Mudchute Park And Farm from Thursdays to Sundays to sell his range of sweet treats

Hash will also be open on Bank Holidays

dies was featured in the media and it didn’t sit right with Hummingbird. hey classed it as a conflict of interest and asked me to choose between my small business and my job.

“So I chose my small business because I believed I had a great product I could continue to develop. I went part-time at university and went all out for my bakery.”

Tireless is a good word for Hash.

Frequently fuelled by his own bakes, he delivers much of his output on foot even though he’s recently ac uired his first car

But his time in the kitchen is equally relentless as the engineer meets the baker, constantly creating ne recipes and refining old favourites.

“I’ve got more than a hundred flavours no , ut don t ust mish mash random ingredients together – I think very deeply about what the customer will experience – the sweetness, the saltiness and the contrasting textures,” said Hash.

try to introduce a ne flavour each week, but I won’t release something until it’s ready. That’s in contrast to other bakeries, which might do once a month. That way there’s always somthing new to try.

“It’s been nearly three years and I’m still excited to get in the kitchen and design the menu for the coming week.”

In addition to the bakes, Hash’s business is also evolving. Having built a local following online and through partnerships with local institutions like The Space arts centre on Westferry Road, The a ineer is no set to get its first regular physical gig. Hash, now aided in production by his brother Hasib (himself a Hummingbird and Lola’s Cupcake baker), is set to take over Ruby Red at Mudchute Park And Farm on the Isle Of Dogs.

The hatch of the converted horse trailer will be open Thursday-Sunday, from 10am-4pm, serving a rotating range of stal arts and fresh flavours

“Last year there was a dog show at the farm and I came dressed as Spiderman – something I do to promote my business – bringing my brownies and blondies along to sell,” said Hash. “It was four hours, but the bakes sold out in two – I completely underestimated the demand.

“People were very excited that

your friendly neighbourhood

There’s just time to catch Unlocked at The Space, if you’re quick. Four contemporary dancers explore themes around lockdown in Nova Grace Productions’ collaboration with choreographer Karen Hill space.org.uk

want more? @wharfwhispers

how The Bakineer is serving up sweet treats at Mudchute Park And Farm as his Island business continues to evolve

Spirderman was there selling blondies and after that we started thinking about a collaboration with the farm. One of the trustees approached me and asked if I’d like to take on Ruby Red and it was perfect.

“I can’t think of a better organisation to partner with and I really want to find ays for my usiness to help the farm thrive in the future.

“It’s also great because I have a large local customer base, I live just round the corner, where all the bakes are made and it’s the right colour for my logo and the costume. That’s an image that will stay in people’s

minds – Spiderman in a red truck. Wearing the costume started because I loved the movie Spiderman: No Way Home and I began to see the parallels with what I was doing. In the movie, Spiderman delivers pizzas and I deliver my bakes in pizza boxes.

“So I bought a costume, went out delivering and it caught on. It is dependent on the weather as it can get quite hot, but people tell me it cheers them up when they see me and that’s an added bonus. Some even specifically as me to deliver to them wearing it.”

As for the future, Hash is focused first on esta lishing the usiness at the farm before going on to centralise his production.

“At the moment, everything is baked using commercial equipment at my family home,” he said. “We’re fully inspected by the council and have a five star hygiene rating ut the dream ould e to find somewhere that we can produce the baking and sell the products on a single site.

“I also have lots of new marketing ideas. One of my heroes is Dwayne

Johnson

and he’s inspired my next campaign. I love his work ethic and, every time I feel like I’m hitting a wall, I look at his Instagram page, his tenacity, and think that I’m nowhere near my limit.”

Single slices from The Bakineer typically cost £3.50 and are available to order online or buy in person. Go to thebakineer.com for more information

Web site marketing: Hash regularly dons his Spiderman out t to sell and deliver his bakes, depending on the weather

I’ve got more than a hundred avours now, but I don’t just mish-mash ingredients together, I think very deeply about the customer experience

Hash

Mastan, The Bakineer

Bakineer typically cost £3.50

Scan this code for more about The Bakineer

Red Velvet Kinder Blondie and Roasted Pecan Salted Caramel Brownie from Hash’s latest production – £3.50 each

by Jon Massey

We wanted a name that represented bravery, humility and honesty,” said David Caetano, co-founder of Baldr CrossFit in Deptford’s Childers Street. “It’s named after the Norse god Baldr because I lived in Norway for about four years and my mum is still there.

“Everything Baldr does is good, but he doesn’t brag about it, so it’s representative of what we’re trying to create here.”

The virtuous son of chief deities din and rigg, is a firm favourite in Asgard in contrast to the deceptive Loki and bombastic Thor, often because of his calm sweetness – not perhaps the most obvious allegory for the sweat and grind of a south-east London CrossFit gym. But Baldr’s whole reason for existence is to do things di erently

“Above all, this is an inclusive space,” said David, who founded the gym with his partner Ben Wilson, opening the doors earlier this year. “People come in, see the Progress Pride Flag hanging in the window and feel comfortable. This is a place for everyone.

“I came to London from Portugal at a time where there was still stigma around being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here, there was anything and everything.

“I became comfortable with my sexuality about three years ago but what I’d noticed was that, when you go to gyms, there wasn’t always representation there. Some do have it and, as soon as I’d walk in, I’d feel safe.

“At Baldr, because we’re LGBTQIA+ we’re more outspoken about this and so people are happier being themselves, speaking about their partners and

things like that. I really felt there was a need to create something ithin fitness to change the conversation so we’re not talking in terms of men and women, but about individuals.

“The way we do that is to get away from CrossFit’s weights for men and women and just talk about percentages when we come to the bars and levels of resistance.”

Baldr is located around 10 minutes’ walk from both Deptford and e ross stations and o ers a range of classes for up to 10 people. Alongside its core CrossFit o ering these include eightlifting, gymnastics and Capacity, a barbell-free class designed to improve an individual’s ability to recover from high intensity exercise.

Monthly memberships start at £159 for three classes a week. There are also drop-in packages starting at £20 for a single class as well as small group and one-to-one personal training.

aldr also o ers free trial sessions to new clients so they can get a feel for hat the gym o ers

“CrossFit is all about functional movement,” said David. “Every time you squat, you’re sitting on a couch. The idea is that everything you do in the gym can be transferred to the world outside. What we’re trying to do with our programmes is to hit those functional movements so that hen you re , you can get o a chair without having to roll over or needing someone to help you.

“We constantly vary the sessions across seven areas of exercise so people will never get bored. The idea is an all-round one so members can say they can lift weights, run a mile and do a certain number of pull-ups.

“We keep the group training small, so we have 10 max in a group, and this makes sure that everyone gets attention in the session, and they get a little bit

creating a space to train

of personal training in a group setting too.”

With Ben, who works for Deutsche Bank looking after the business side of operations, it’s an o ering s uarely ithin avid s area of expertise. as al ays into fitness and wanted to be good at everything,” said David. “I originally came to London to study architecture, but sitting in front of a computer all day wasn’t really what I was looking for.

“I started doing CrossFit and then decided to train as a coach – that was about seven years ago. After or ing at my first gym and helping to run it for a few years, I joined Third Space in 2019, working in Canary Wharf.

“The CrossFit gym taught me a lot a out running a small fitness business, while working at Third Space enabled me to look at the bigger picture – the language we use in classes and the impact this can have on members.

“I was also able to take a lead and get involved with developing new coaches and instructors, so that experience was really key for this project. Ben’s background is in usiness, finance and accounting, so he handles that side of things whereas I’m on the product side, looking after coaching, development and what we deliver for our members.

“This is perfect because it means we don’t cross over when we’re working together. We live close by and were aware there was nothing like this in Deptford, so we started looking to see if there was a space up for rent. Then Ben put together a business plan, looking at the area and why Baldr might be needed here – asking what the brand is and what its target audience will be.”

The pair found a space vacated by a fashion manufacturer and set about kitting it out with gym hardware, gender neutral toilets and, of course, the ig pride flag

The dream for Baldr is to expand with gyms in a number

Cost of a drop-in class at Baldr. The gym also o ers free trial sessions so people can try out CrossFit

how Baldr CrossFit in Deptford aims to be an inclusive gym, helping all who join to thrive and feel comfortable

Above all, this is an inclusive space. People come in, see the Progress Pride Flag hanging in the window and feel comfortable

David Caetano, Baldr

of parts of London and perhaps beyond.

David said: “We would like to have several locations so that we can attract people living in di erent areas

“We are aware gyms can be quite intimidating, especially for people not always comfortable with their sexuality, so we like to chat with them and point out it’s their space, their workout and that we’re here to support them.

“We want to make sure that everyone has a good experience in the community and make sure they get that one-to-one experience in a group setting.

“We are loud and proud, so if you need a space like ours, then we are here for you.” Go to baldrcrossfit.com for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about Baldr CrossFit

Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey

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

Where? Brunel Museum Rotherhithe

EVENT | Midnight Apothecary

This ongoing attraction brings nature together with alcohol, open res and s’mores for one of the most magical evenings in south-east London. Fridays + Saturdays, from £8, themidnightapothecary.co.uk

Where? Brunel Museum Rotherhithe

EVENT | Stay Grounded Workshop

Participants are invited to the museum to discuss and talk about the links between aviation and climate justice as the world continues to warm. May 30, 6pm, £TBC, thebrunelmuseum.com

Where? The Albany Deptford

STAGE | Trinity Laban Presents Amour

The musical theatre BA students present their nal performances in this French show about a clerk who develops the ability to walk through walls. May 19-20, 2.30pm, 7.30pm, £15, thealbany.org.uk

a way to ensure more beverage revenue than a genuine o er, at £8.50 it’s a decent price for a massive doorstep and a hot cup of Joe... mousetail.co

Scan this code to discover more about Mouse Tail Co ee in east and southeast London

want more? @wharfwhispers

David, left, and his partner Ben have opened Baldr in Deptford’s Childers Street

The gym space includes ropes, rings, cardio machines and plenty of weights equipment for CrossFit sessions at all levels

take a breath

by David Lefebvre Sell

by Jon Massey

David says self awareness means being able to recognise when you’re the wanker

We all know a person who seems to blame all their problems on someone else – every calamity is bad luck or the personal attack of some external force. The ip side of that is when someone believes everything is their fault. Although vastly di erent in relationships, what these people have in common is a lack of emotional maturity. This is essentially the ability to regulate and take responsibility for their emotional state through most of the challenges of life.

Let’s take the example of how someone might deal with anger. Some people might act out violently, either against people or things – they are unable to contain their feelings and need to do something physical.

Another person might not become violent but will instead say cruel things that they don’t really mean (maybe) and might later regret.

In both cases there is the tendency to not take responsibility for the outburst because the other person “made them angry”.

The open spaces of Greenwich Peninsula are set once more to welcome the vibrant hues, sights, smells and sounds of Urban Village Fete. Running from 11am until late on Sunday, May 14, the event will feature live performances, DJs, arts, crafts, street food, market traders and workshops with something for visitors of all ages.

Now in its seventh year, the fete is curated by Wayne Hemingway of Hemingway Design and celebrates local businesses and organisations alongside some big names.

Wayne said: “It’s almost a decade since we started to develop the concept of a free multi arts festival for London’s newest urban village.

series of topical debates on the likes of sustainable cities and the promises and perils of AI.

Fitness classes will be hosted by locally based Outrivals gym, while fellow Peninsula-based ceramics expert Made By Manos will be guiding attendees in tile painting.

Further craft sessions will explore origami, collage, Japanese hanging baskets and knitted jewellery.

The fete will also host performances and interactive play sessions from The Merry Maker and Jon Hicks And The Incredibly Clever Canine Circus – the latter ideal for kids and dogs alike.

Continuing the local theme, this year’s makers market will feature products from Deptford clothing business Edy And Bridge alongside traders such as Heza, Scrump and Orris London.

Design District-based Novelic will be hosting a community book swap, complete with author drop-ins as part of the event and near neighbour The Photography Foundation will be shooting free headshots and family portraits at the event too.

Two of the characteristics of emotional maturity are taking responsibility and showing empathy – the ability to acknowledge when we’ve done something wrong, owning our mistakes and also the ability to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. Self awareness means being able to recognise when you’re the wanker. Of course, allowing others to walk all over us is no better. We also need the ability to set boundaries and walk away from harmful relationships.

“We had the simple premise of supersizing the concept of a much loved village fete and placing all its component parts from creative workshops to the music, to the myriad of participatory activities, the bars and street food, all in the hands of the capital’s most creative practitioners.

David Lefebvre Sell

Working on our own maturity begins with the decision to take responsibility, both for our actions as well as our own needs. Start with curiosity. What are you feeling? Why? What do you imagine the other person is feeling? Develop self compassion and self regulation strategies – there might be good reasons why you nd certain emotions di cult. Stop, breathe and re ect before you act.

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

“This year’s line-up is as good as you would get at many big ticket priced events and it’s free and open to everyone. What’s not to like?”

Topping the bill will be DJ r cru ho ill perform a three-hour, back-to-back set with Bradley Zero on the Central Park stage in addition to sets from Zakia and resident DJs.

Further down the Peninsula there will be performances from Tadi the Great, Claudia, Sticky Dub, Nouria Bah and Plumm X Skttrd as Future Bubblers take over the Design District stage indoors at Canteen.

Elsewhere, BBC Radio London’s Robert Elms will be hosting a

Then, inevitably, comes the food with on-site traders at Canteen and pop-ups on the Peninsula all open to visitors. The fete will also be hosting several street food pop-ups including Yorkshire Burrito, Cakehole, Rendang Thank You Ma’am and Hola Guacamole as well as a cocktail bar to assist revellers with the party spirit.

There will also be a classic Routemaster on site – the Afternoon Tea Bus – serving up traditional, vegetarian or vegan tiered delights for £25 created by Brigit’s Bakery.

While Urban Village Fete is free to attend, tickets should be booked online.

Some of the workshops taking place on the day have fees attached and should be booked in advance and space is limited at some activities, which can also be reserved online. Booking early is advised to avoid disappointment – fortune favours the organised. Go to urbanvillagefete.london for full event listings or to reserve tickets

Working on our own maturity begins with the decision to take responsibility, both for our actions as well as our own needs

how Urban Village Fete will deliver a day of free entertainment and spectacle as the free festival returns

This year’s line-up is as good as you would get at many big ticket priced events and it’s free and open to everyone

Wayne Hemingway, Hemingway Design

Years Greenwich Peninsula has been hosting Urban Village Fete for residents and visitors

Mr Scru will co-headline this year’s event

Greenwich - Peninsula - Woolwich

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

Where?

The O2 Arena Peninsula

If the hype is to be believed, this could be Elton John’s nal tour as he brings Farewell Yellow Brick Road to The O2, presumably for the last time. May 30, 6.15pm, from £172.25, theo2.co.uk

Where?

Greenwich Theatre Greenwich

party on the Peninsula

STAGE | For A Brief Moment And Never Again Since Exploring the e ects of incarceration on o enders and their loved ones, this piece takes a look at the negative stigma faced by the families of convicts. May 18-19, 7.30pm, £16, greenwichthreatre.org.uk

Where?

Visitors’ Book Cafe Woolwich Works

This art rock and jazz fusion group have been going for four years and bring forward-thinking music from Leeds to London as veteran giggers. May 25, 6.30pm, £14.50, woolwich.works

ash back

How Outrivals on Greenwich Peninsula, is a gym that puts community at the heart of its small class tness operation thanks to the leadership of entrepreneur Matt Lo and the team on the ground outrivals.com

Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with Matt and to nd out more about memberships at Outrivals

want more? @wharfwhispers

GIG | Elton John

GIG | Yaatri

Urban Village Fete has a long track record of transforming the Peninsula into a place of vibrant activities and movement

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

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

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