Wharf Life, Nov 23-Dec 7, 2022

KIDS | Festive Family Knees Up

For

Support Through Art

Editorial email info@wharf-life.com call 07765 076 300

Advertising email jess.maddison@wharf-life.com call 07944 000 144

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ash back

Street food specialist Kerb has launched a social enterprise to help create and support the next generation of traders through its Inkerbator programme. Find its food weekly at West India Quay on Wednesdays and Thursdays kerbfood.com

Dunn

who is overseeing its new scheme

Welcome to the 77th issue of Wharf Life. This paper is about renewal and celebration. That might be new developments in software, a new town centre for Canada Water or a fresh, forward-looking fashion district at Fish Island. Or it could just be a party at Feels Like June and drinks at The Cocktail Club...

Pianist and performer extrodinaire Tom Carradine presents a good old cockney knees up with a festive twist for all the family. Expect to sing. Dec 10, 11am, 2pm, FREE, museumo ondon.org.uk

ART | UK

Ukraine:

Following a successful pop-up in April, UK For Ukraine returns to Canary Wharf with more than 200 works on sale to help the embattled country. Until Feb 28, from 9am, free to visit, canarywharf.com

GIG | Abba Mania NYE

Dancing Queen or Super Trouper, Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is the place for you as 2022 draws to a close and 2023 arrives with this Abba tribute. Dec 31, 6pm, from £169 (with show), boisdale.co.uk

Where? Museum Of London Docklands West India Quay Where? Jubilee Place Canary Wharf

Where? Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Square

Far in the future but as diaries are beginning to ll up, here’s a reminder that Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights festival is set to return to the estate from January 18-28. Expect 20 installations all completely free to visit plus street food canarywharf.com

need to know 22 decade of black-hearted form as Greenwich Theatre’s pantomime evil-doer and this year he’s written the show...

23

More Italian food as Zia Lucia opens its doors on the Isle Of Dogs

24

subscribe to our newsletter and get Wharf Life content in your inbox each week for free C h r is t m a s DINE-IN Offers

Free Bottle Of House Wine - when booking table for four or more Free Glass Of House Wine - when booking table for two Free Soft Drink - for child when booking table for two or more

Open daily 5pm-11.30pm (excluding Dec 25) C M Y CM

Special Takeaway Offer - spend £40 or more when ordering takeaway and get a bottle of house wine, beer or soft drink for FREE Cannot be used with any other offer Choose Starter, Main, Side, Sundries from CHRISTMAS MENU Adult - £24.95 Child under 12 - £16.95 A La Carte Menu also available 38 Salter Street, Docklands, London, E14 8BH - Next to Westferry DLR Station www.spicemerchants.com info@spicemerchants.com Full terms and conditions available online

Spice merchant logo.pdf 1 06/06/2019 16:55

TEL: 020 7987 8779 scan this code to see our menu and book online

resapp

noun, fake, from Scots

The sudden reappearance of a contact on a messaging app after a signi cant absence, typically counted in the years. There then follows an intense conversation where you both realise why you hadn’t been in touch

nubivagant

adjective, real, from Latin

This somewhat ugly word refers to wandering in the clouds or moving through the air, a little like the point where a plane pops out through them and a whole majestic vista unfolds on every single side

GIG - Boney M

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf, Cabot Square Dec 8, 9.30pm, from £59 (show only) boisdale.co.uk

Maizie Williams from the band’s original line up leads this iteration of the group for a celebration of the global superstars’ classic tracks. Daddy Cool,Rasputin and Rivers Of Babylon will all be on the set list alongside Brown Girl In The Ring, an ear worm that famously helped climber Joe Simpson survive a tortuous trip down a mountain, chronicled in his book Touching The Void. The band’s songs still shake up dance oors across the globe making good on its mission to deliver “a world of fun for everyone” thanks to more than 150million record sales. Expect big moves and even bigger heels...

Find more Wharf Life Hacks to make your time on the estate even sweeter - Page 21

move fast

a place to plan your festive celebrationss

Notable o ers include 70% o selected items at Godiva in Jubilee Place, a free class for new clients at Barry’s Bootcamp in Crossrail Place, 50% o some lines at The Kooples in Canada Place and 50% o accessories and 30% o everything else at Levi’s, also in Canada Place. Eats-wise, M is o ering various discounts on steak and a free welcome glass of bubbles, Iberica is o ering a free platter of Spanish croquettas for groups of four or more dining and Farmer J is o ering a Fieldtray and Matcha Cookie for £8.75. Apologies to all reading this after these discounts expire – make sure you sign up to our weekly newsletter to avoid missing out in future...

Go to canarywharf.com

Scan this code for full details of the Black Friday o ers

Canary Wharf’s Black Friday Shopping Event is set to take place from November 24-27 with shops, restaurants and bars o ering discounts galore.

xmas cheer

The festive season comes but once a year and who can resist celebrating somewhere new? Wood Wharf venue Feels Like June, is welcoming drinkers and diners for its rst Christmas over on Water Street, complete with a festive menu to enjoy throughout the season. This is available with reservations only and is priced at £59 for three courses.

Dishes include starters of pumpkin bisque with sourdough or smoked salmon with rye bread, mains of baked cod with charred cauli ower or three bird roast with all the trimmings and desserts of chocolate tart with macadamia nuts or caramelised pineapple with mango sorbet.

Taking its inspiration from California, Feels Like June is open all day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a selection of drinks and cocktails from its bar. It’s also possible to hire the venue for up to 130 people (seated inside) and 80 on its terrace. Canapé menus start at £25 per person Go to feelslikejune.com for more details

Scan this code for more details or to make a booking

subscribe to our newsletter and get Wharf Life content in your inbox each week for free

by Jon

All in all, 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for Chris Ezekiel and Creative Virtual – the company he founded on the Isle Of Dogs in November 2003.

In 12 months time, he and his colleagues will be celebrating its 20th birthday.

But before that happens, there’s the small matter of becoming a father for the second time and – business-wise – the firm is set for a major release of its V-Person software, named Gluon.

The software is the platform that has allowed Creative Virtual to grow into a global concern, from its base next to Canary Wharf at Cannon Workshops.

From there, housed in the honey brick of the Grade II listed former cooperage beside West India Quay, Chris and his team compete with the likes of Microsoft, IBM and Google in the field of conver sational artificial intelligence (AI).

Together, they have built a business with global reach, servicing clients across the world including the likes of HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group – one of the firm’s first clients and still a customer today.

In 2022, Creative Virtual has operations in the UK, the US, Europe, Australia, Singapore and in India. It’s a Docklands business trading with the world.

“We’re still independent, which is a bit unusual for a tech company in the fast-paced world of AI,” said Chris. “I always started it for the long-term, and over the years we’ve had quite a few offers to purchase the company, which I continue to refuse.

“I’m just enjoying it and we’re competing in that area we’re operating in – conversational AI is all the rage now.

“For me, it’s about working with incredible people who are passionate about innovation, creativity and technology – some things are more important than money.

“We don’t have investors so what we do isn’t linked to their short term goals. While Elon Musk has recently bought Twitter, I reflected the other day

Image by Matt Grayson – find more of his work at graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

Chris’ passion for physics is reflected in the names of Creative Virtual’s software releases with Gluon set

to replace Neutrino next year

the key to

how Creative Virtual’s Gluon release is set to take chatbot technology to the next level

Massey

that he could not buy Creative Virtual. It’s great to have that independence.”

The company’s position comes through its success developing and implementing chatbots for clients.

These might be used by a firm’s customers, employees or its customer services personnel as a resource to assist clients.

With almost 20 years in business and numerous accolades – among them a Queen’s Award For Industry in 2017 – Chris said the company continued to prioritise innovation, investing its profits to grow.

“It was always the dream to become a global company,” he said. “But you don’t often get a chance to step back and consider what you’ve built.

“We pride ourselves on having a really quirky, passionate team – a really eclectic mix of individuals. It also allows us to be adaptable and to work in markets all around the world.

“Travelling to these different locations really brings it home and having the fantastic customers we do really helps.

“Being able to explore creativity and innovation with those companies and partners has been

amazing over the years. It’s what keeps us going.”

That ongoing drive has resulted in Gluon, which Chris said would be the foundation of Creative Virtual’s work for many years to come. It’s aptly named after an elementary particle that holds quarks together to form subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons – the basis for atoms and ultimately everything in the universe. It’s also a reflection of the Creative Virtual founder and CEO’s love of physics.

“I have a picture of Richard Feynman above my desk with his quote that you should not fool yourself and that you’re also the easiest person to fool,” said Chris.

“That’s something I always

focus on because it’s really important to keep things in perspective, to keep them real.

“With Gluon we’re very excited because, while we do small software releases every month or so and major ones roughly every 12 months, this is the kind that only comes along once every four years.”

Gluon as software bears some similarities to gluon particles in that they both connect elements to create something of greater complexity and function.

“First of all, the new software allows us to integrate our system with lots of other systems at a large enterprise,” said Chris.

“That might include CRM systems and data management systems, for example.

“There’s a lot of buzz around AI and we’ve seen chatbots that use machine learning as a black box without any control over the responses the system is giving.

“We’ve always taken a different path, combining AI with humans overseeing the system, and Gluon will make that easier.

“The way we’re combining those two elements is unique in the industry and Gluon makes it super easy for organisations to continued on Page 8

Creative Virtual’s Gluon release for its V-Person technology is all about connecting systems to provide customers and employees with an enhanced experience

We pride ourselves on having a really quirky, passionate team – a really eclectic mix of individuals. It allows us to be adaptable

Chris Ezekiel, Creative Virtual

use. The way it’s configured and the reports that come out of it make it really efficient and also controllable.

“There’s also a lot of interest in something called the ‘Composable Enterprise’ which is all about plugging systems together. Gluon fits perfectly into that to become a key piece of the jigsaw.

“We intend to launch in the early part of next year. We already have a test version available and have done 50 demonstrations so far.

“The feedback has been incred ible. We sell direct to customers, but we also work through some partners in the world and everybody’s been unanimous in their positive responses. It’s a great way to develop, because the feedback is very specific.

“Taking our time is very important, because we’ve been able to listen to what people are saying while we are developing the software.

“We can be more flexible with our customers because we don’t have pressure from investors.

“It’s funny for me on a personal level, because people wondered whether having a 16-month-old now and another on the way in February would change my view about the company and whether it would be time to sell – but it hasn’t one little bit.

“I am often asked how difficult it is to separate the business from my personal life, but my view is that you should give up doing that because it stresses you out.

“If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve got to build it into your life – it is your life and you have to find a way to do that.

“Having a supportive group of people around you, both inside work and outside, and having some hobbies and interests is essential. I snowboard and watch West Ham to relax.

“But at the end of the day busi ness is business, you shouldn’t take it too seriously. That might sound odd from someone who has to pay all the bills and make sure the people who work for me can pay their bills – but knowing there are more important things in the world keeps me level-headed.

“It’s a balance and as long as you can say overall you’re happy with that balance, then you’re in a good place. That’s why I can’t imagine retiring.”

Go to creativevirtual.com for more information

Scan this code for more about Creative Virtual’s Gluon release

Demonstrations of Creative Virtual’s Gluon already carried out as it hones its product ready for general release in 2023

Creative Virtual has engineered its software to fit in with the Composable Enterprise where systems are plugged into each other to increase their overall capabilities

by Jon Massey

The lights dangling over the bar at The Cocktail Club in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square tell a story all of their own that dates back to the brand’s creation in a Covent Garden basement in 2008.

There’s something of the showman about founder JJ Goodman and almost the first thing he does when I turn up for our interview is to energetically swing each pendant by its metal shade out into the bar above the heads of customers.

“We had similar lights at Covent Garden and one night we swung them and the place went off,” he said. “It’s been a thing ever since.”

That’s why you’ll see staff throwing the light fittings around at the Canary Wharf branch. While the company JJ founded is now part of emerging hospitality giant Nightcap PLC – which also owns The Adventure Bar Group and Barrio Familia – this simple anarchic act is a reminder that there’s personality woven through the links of the chain.

Bartenders get to pick the music and each branch gets a bespoke interior, the Wharf’s being heavy on stained glass, graffiti and low lighting.

The drinks it serves combine theatre with precision – a mixture aimed at pleasing both serious drinkers and those up for a heady party. Old favourites – Mojitos and Espresso Martinis, for example – cost £9.75, while more complex creations are about £13. These include the likes of the Truffletini – a blend of rum, coffee liqueur, tonka bean syrup and espresso with a chocolate truffle sat on the side of the glass.

It’s a menu that in many ways encompasses JJ’s history as a bartender.

When you create a space with such high energy and fuel it with enough booze, you’re going to make new memories

“I’ve been a barman since I was about 16 in my old home town of Worcester,” he said. “I made my first cocktails when I was 17 – it was a Grasshopper.

“There was a shitty little manual on the back of the bar where I worked so I decided to learn to make a few drinks. If someone wanted something interesting, I’d make a drink full of sugar and covered in umbrellas and that was good fun. Then I got into the Flair world – spinning bottles, all of that. I started entering and winning competitions.”

But JJ was serious too. Moving to London he immersed himself in the bar industry, going on to win the Cocktail World Cup in 2008.

That was the same year he and business partner James Hopkins featured on and won BBC’s The Restaurant and opened the Covent Garden Cocktail Club.

The TV show connected the pair to chef Raymond Blanc and Dragon’s Den investor Sarah Willingham, who became the founder and CEO of Nightcap in 2021 – now The Cocktail Club’s parent company.

“We’ve got 18 branches now alongside the other brands and I think we’ve stumbled on a really nice home for ourselves at Canary Wharf,” said JJ. “In due course we’d love to bring the rest of Nightcap’s crew to the party.

“The area has evolved so much and so quickly in the last couple of years. In terms of hospitality, you now have the top operators in the country and arguably Europe, here.

“We’ve found a brilliantly engaged audience, and if you’re really passionate about what you do, you want to be in the mix, shoulder to shoulder with the best guys out there.

“I’m excited for everyone in Canary Wharf to come, check us out and let their hair down. There’s a lot of madness going on in the world, and I promise we’re a fabulous little escape for them, as many times a week as they fancy it.

“We stand out from everybody else on the high street – there are plenty of places where you can go and have a quiet drink with your mates or that after-work catch-up with someone you haven’t seen for a time. We’re never going to compete with that.

“When you create a space with such high energy and fuel it with enough booze, you’re going to make new memories. People will leave their inhibitions at the door.

£12

hours making the happy

Cost of two trademark cocktails at The Cocktail Club in Cabot Square during happy hour, which runs from opening until 7pm Monday-Sunday

JJ Goodman, The Cocktail Club

Images by Matt Grayson – find more of his work at graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

how The Cocktail Club serves up classics with a twist amid plenty of mayhem at its new Canary Wharf bar

The Cocktail Club features classic drinks, swinging lights and graffiti in its interior

“So I feel like you should be able to come in here in whatever you want to wear, with whoever you want to come in with. We’ve got a really broad demographic as well – it’s a place where you can have a giggle, have some fun, and that’s encouraged by our staff.”

It’s also encouraged by the menu which starts with familiar drinks and delivers a twist.

“We wrote it post-lockdown,” said JJ. “We looked at our top six classic best-selling cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and the Martini, and we chose to take each of those on a journey.

“So, we’ve got the house classic, then we’ve got the top shelf, where we experiment with more premium brands, and then we’ve got the theatre section, which we championed in the years before Instagram.

“If you love a Mojito, you can go on a journey of discovery, with fabulous variations on something that you know and love and trust.

“I think trust is really important when you’re charging people £10-£14 a drink – you really have to deliver something great.

“So what we chose to do is present the menu in such a way that people can feel comfortable travelling through a few varia tions on something they already love.”

Like every business, The Cock tail Club faces staffing pressures and is addressing that through education.

“We launched the Nightcap Bar Academy this year at a facility in Camden with another one on the way in Shoreditch,” said JJ.

“The idea is that we can take people with limited experience and show them the way we like to work.

“Lots of young people have missed out on being exposed to nightlife due to the pandemic and I really feel for them. What we can do is educate them on the style of service we give so they can see a career in this industry.

“Being behind the bar is my happy place and I really miss it loads. But we strive for very high standards and I’m a bit rusty so I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself, although I’d love it.”

That said, JJ can’t suppress his anarchic edge completely, slap ping lampshades and ordering shots for everyone behind the bar, all the while keeping a careful eye on the quality of the drinks going out. This is carefully choreo graphed wildness and it’s great. Go to thecocktailclub.com for more information

Scan this code to find out more about The Cocktail Club

Founder and director of The Cocktail Club JJ Goodman has brought the brand to Canary Wharf

A bartender works on a drink at the Cabot Square venue

greener by Sophie Goddard

Since the easing of the lockdown restrictions in 2021, we have seen increasing numbers of people returning to Canary Wharf.

Between office workers, residents and visitors, up to 200,000 people come to the estate every day and that means a lot of rubbish gets deposited into our bins. You may have seen “Zero Waste to Landfill” written on those bins. But what does that really mean?

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I couldn’t help but feel a little bombarded by sustainability news.

Every newspaper on the train had a sustainability headline, adverts all over the station were referencing some sort of sustainable product, and I even overheard a conversation about COP27 while I stood on the platform.

Following COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, it is hard to escape the coverage and the doomsday headlines – “We are in the fight of our lives, and we are losing” stated one UN leader. But what was COP27? Why 27? And what actually happens at these meetings?

Back in 1992, as the world emerged from the Cold War, there was a desire for global development and cooperation.

This is when the environment – and specifically climate change – began to take root as international concerns.

A couple of years later, in 1995, the United Nations recognised this appetite and set up a conference for world leaders focused on climate change.

They named it the Conference Of Parties or COP for short. It was agreed that the meeting would happen annually and a number would be added to track this, so COP27 this year was the 27th event.

The aim of the conference is to use the global focus to work together to tackle climate change. There are many varied opinions on the value of such conferences but there have been some key outcomes over the years.

At COP3 in Kyoto, it was agreed that developed countries would take on more of a responsibility than undeveloped countries. During COP21 in Paris, countries agreed to act to keep global warming to well below 2ºC in a treaty known as the Paris Agreement.

COP26 last year unveiled the Glasgow Climate Pact, a new global agenda on climate change for the next decade.

It’s been a difficult year as we headed into COP27 – world record temperatures, fires, floods and escalating natural disasters have made the danger more apparent than ever.

It’s never been clearer that we need global action. So as these world leaders met to discuss, debate and learn about the climate crisis, they had three areas of focus – reducing emissions, helping countries prepare and deal with climate change, and supporting developing countries.

Here at Canary Wharf, we have focused on the sustainability agenda for a great deal of time and have adapted our actions in accordance, ahead of the outcomes of these conferences.

While there are many areas where I hope

focusing

to see progress because of COP27, I can’t help but feel hope in the clear momentum that we’ve seen in the sustainability space. We have certainly seen the interest in agenda accelerate over the last couple of years.

I’m optimistic that the momentum from Sharm El-Sheikh and COP27 will continue to

here at Canary Wharf and beyond.

Go to canarywharf.com or breakingtheplastichabit.co.uk

Scan this code for more information on sustainability in Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf

Global climate meetings since the fist Conference Of Parties or COP in 1995

Canary Wharf has been focused on the sustainability of its developments for many years as it continues to expand

Sophie Goddard is director of sustainability at Canary Wharf Group and can be contacted via sustainability@canarywharf.com

getting

help drive our progress

I’m optimistic that the momentum from Sharm El-Sheikh and COP27 will continue to help drive our progress here at Canary Wharf

Sophie Goddard, Canary Wharf Group

diary dates and ideas to make your Canary Wharf life sweeter... sip

and sup

testing out a new menu at Humble Grape

carrying the

Humble Grape has launched a seasonal menu across its six sites, including its Canary Wharf branch in Mackenzie Walk, so I had to try it out. Based on sustainable produce from independent suppliers, the dishes are designed to use as much of each ingredient as possible to minimise waste and includes vegan options.

Especially good was a starter of Crispy Cauli ower (£9.50) with lime aioli and its spicy chilli ketchup and a main of Pink Shallot Tarte Tatin (£16) – heavy on the onion avour but pronounced a show stopper by my companion. Another main of Blackened Aubergine (£17) came with con t tomato and crispy buckwheat to create a broad, satisfying dish. Equally, a starter of Slow-Cooked Halloumi (£8) with tomato ragu presented a refreshing take on one of my favourite cheeses.

For me, a dessert of rich and luxurious Chocolate Fondant (£7.50) was the overall winner. With wine front and centre at the venue, this was a reminder that there’s more to Humble Grape than its bottles although sta , of course, know exactly what to recommend with each dish.

Go to humblegrape.co.uk

Jess Maddison

Scan this code for more about Humble Grape

by Jon Massey

The Boisdale Cigar Smoker Of The Year Dinner must be something of a headache for the Cabot Square restaurant’s owner Ranald Macdonald.

As the date rolls round each year, the question must be how to top previous events. Sponsored by Vina Carmen wines the next iteration is set to kick o at 6pm on December 5, but what exactly will happen remains a mystery until the night itself.

Sure, the evening will include a performance by The De nitive Rat Pack, dinner, DJs on the terrace until late and an awards presentation. But who

will be there and what will they say?

Previous winners have included Jeremy Irons who attended the black tie a air clad in an aged blue work jacket and a silk scarf, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Baroness Trumpington, Jonathan Ross and Dolph

Lundgren. Then there was the year Kelsey Grammer won and Charlie Sheen delivered a speech expressing his clear disappointment at only coming runner-up. But that’s the beauty of Boisdale – anything could happen, but the comforting wreath of fragrant cigar smoke and the taste of whisky are ever present to smooth things over.

Tickets start at £225 with VIP packages on o er for £475. Complimentary cigars are included.

Go to boisdale.co.uk

Scan this code for more info or to book

Blackened Aubergine at Humble Grape

how the Boisdale Cigar Smoker Of The Year Dinner is a crucible for the unexpected...

Dolph Lungren enjoys some fresh air after his win

All smiles - Kelsey Grammer and Charlie Sheen share a moment as winner and runner-up at a previous Cigar Smoker Of The Year dinner. Inset, Jeremy Irons

£10.90

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

Where? Troxy Limehouse

GIG | Cirque Du Soul X NYE

Promising London’s “biggest, baddest and most colourful rave” the Limehouse venue is set to be transformed into a jungle playground as 2022 ends. Dec 31, 9pm-4am, from £30.90, troxy.co.uk

Where? Tower Of London Tower Hill

XMAS | Christmas At The Tower

For 2022 the Tower is set to be lled with festive displays forming a seasonal trail throughout. Don’t forget, Tower Hamlets residents can visit for £1. Nov 23-Jan 3, daily, from £29.90 (adults), hrp.org.uk

Where? Tobacco Dock Wapping

CELEBRATE | Mixed Party Nights

The Wapping venue is hosting a series of Christmas parties from £59.50+VAT per person as seasonal celebration gets into gear. More details online. Dec 1-15, various dates and prices, tobaccodocklondon.com

what’s all this?

An impromptu review of Da Nonna in Wapping.

why so?

Well, while this beautiful cafe – which bills itself as serving Italian soul food – isn’t new, it’s the ideal place to stumble upon after watching some Festival Of Brexit nonsense at the Tower Of London when your Wapping pub crawl has come to an end and you need a bite to eat.

what’s on o er?

Simple, well executed pasta dishes, red wine and sta who are happy to keep the kitchen open late for polite, ravenous walk-ins.

what did you have?

The paccheri all’arrabbiata for £10.90 and the raviolini al tartufo for £17. Both dishes are exactly the right size, a good bite without being overwhelming.

how did it taste?

The paccheri consists of wide, al dente tubes that are similar to thick ribbons and come submerged in a hot tomato and chilli sauce that’s almost fruity on the tongue. In contrast, despite the intensity of the tru e, the raviolini is much more subtle and arrives dusted with a salty frosting of Parmesan.

what was the place like?

Author Piers Torday has adapted a classic to come up with The Wind In The Willows Wilton’s as this year’s festive show at the crumbling music hall. Expect the animals to have moved up the Thames a bit as they ght for Toad Hall wiltons.org.uk

Scan this code to read our interview with Piers and nd out all about the show at wharf-life.com

live

Da Nonna in Wapping serves up paccheri, above left, and raviolini, above right

The overall feeling was one of relaxed conviviality. A homely house and a refuge from the chill air of a Wapping street in the run-up to winter.

what else is on o er?

Da Nonna also serves sharing platters, buschette, a selection of starters such as gnocchi, parmigiana and caprese salad as well as beers, wines and soft drinks. We tried a bottle of the

simple and punchy Italian dishes to try

Corvina IGT Scaia for £31.95, which turned out to be a friendly red with a big heart.

how do I get there?

Da Nonna is located in Garnet Street in Wapping a short walk from Shadwell station which o ers connections to both the DLR and Overground services. It’s also walking distance from

Scan this code to nd out more about Da Nonna

Tower Hill, provided you stop at either the Dickens Inn, The Town Of Ramsgate or the Captain Kidd.

why make the trip?

Sometimes it’s just about the atmosphere. Da Nonna is a friendly, unfussy sort of a place. The sta o er swift, e cient service and there isn’t even a hint of table turning or hassle. Plus the bill comes in a charming purse, which somehow improves the experience of paying it.

Go to danonna.uk

Jon Massey

ash back

The price of a bowl of paccheri all’arrabbiata at Da Nonna in Wapping

by Jon Massey

It’s a dark and stormy afternoon. Heavy droplets batter the manicured gardens outside South Quay Plaza as clouds blot out almost all of the sun’s rays.

Then, round a corner, a golden box appears – bright warm light glowing from dozens of elements. This is Zia Lucia, the latest branch of a small pizza chain, which recently opened on the Isle Of Dogs. Inside, it’s cosy. Flames, just visible in the red-tiled dome of the pizza oven, flicker. As the wind and rain beat against its windows, my companion and I order starters and mains.

First up are a supple, creamy buffalo mozzarella with basil (£5) and mortadella with foccacia (£8.50). Despite being billed as an appetiser, the latter turns out to be effectively a pizza’s worth of dough topped with finely sliced discs of sausage draped on top.

It’s good, solid food doused in olive oil, but too much even for two starving people. As an appetiser, the two together would easily do for three or even four.

That’s because Zia Lucia is all about dough. As we dine, staff tend to giant balls of the stuff, which spends 48 hours developing before it’s ready to be baked either as an accompaniment to the mortadella or as the base of a pizza.

Emerging chains such as Pizza Pilgrims, Homeslice, Rudy’s and Franco Manca all have their own takes but, like Zia Lucia, they’re all on a similar quest to grab market share from the giant players in the sector simply by offering a superior product.

Dough that’s left to mature is typically lighter in texture and on the stomach, and feels more authentic – somewhat akin to the real deal found on the streets of Naples.

My main arrives and, while perhaps challenging for Neapolitan purists, the spicy burrata pizza (£13.95) is nevertheless a punchy, fiery thing coated in salami, mozzarella and a rich tomato sauce.

The heat, it turns out, is nicely tamed by the ball of creamy cheese although it’s all a bit much after the immense proportion of the starter.

My companion pronounces her arianna sbagliata (also £13.95) “amazing,” thanks to the powerful blend of mozzarella,

potent portion

gorgonzola, fresh sausage, honey and truffle oil spread liberally over its surface.

We also opt for sauces – garlic and blue cheese – to help deal with the crusts – for just under £2 each. These help somewhat and we make valiant inroads, but about halfway through each pizza we’re forced to admit defeat.

There’s just too much and takeaway boxes are swiftly procured to hide our shame.

The restaurant’s interior is clearly built for quick turnarounds – diners sit on plywood seats at wooden tables – it’s comfortable

Scan this code to nd out more about Zia Lucia on the Island

enough for a quick feed and, despite its triple height ceiling manages to feel intimate and welcoming.

It’s pretty much empty when we visit, but the service is swift and efficient with the obligatory smile.

Located a little off the beaten track – tucked away in the South Quay Plaza cluster – it nevertheless has a view of South Dock and feels a little decadent, especially with figures wrapped up in dark coats hurrying past in the rain.

The most important lesson was really one of quantity. Zia Lucia does a pizza of sufficient quality to mix it with the best of them.

Price wise, its pizzas start at £7.95, making it very competitive, although you’ll need to pay £10.50 for one with cheese. Just make sure you bring a second stomach. Go to zialucia.com

do,

go,

to

Where?

Where? Poplar Union Poplar

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

what’s on things to

places to

people

see

ash black Bedding into its home in Blackwall, the University Of The West Of Scotland’s London Campus is reaching out to businesses and local organisations with collaboration and work placements very much in mind uwslondon.ac.uk

Scan this code to read our interview with UWS London Campus director Lucie Pollard at wharf-life.com

MUSIC | London Docklands Singers Join the local choir for its Christmas Carol Concert including traditional and less familiar works plus mulled wine and mince pies. Proceeds go to Crisis. Dec 12, 8pm, £6, space.org.uk

BUY | Pam’s Table Top Sale Buy or sell homeware and second-hand goods at this pop-up plus mulled wine and mince pies. Free to visit, table fees go to the Spacelift campaign. Dec 11, 9am-3pm, £10 per table, space.org.uk

EXPERIENCE | Gong Bath

ReNurture promises to immerse people in the healing vibrations of its gongs and guide them into a dreamlike state. An antidote to Slade. Dec 14, 7pm-9pm, £10, poplarunion.com

The Space Isle Of Dogs

how newly opened Zia Lucia serves up quality and quantity on the Island

flicker. As the wind and

Zia Lucia’s Isle Of Dogs branch sits at the bottom of South Quay Plaza

Left, Zia Lucia’s mortadella and foccacia and below, the restaurant’s interior and a spicy burrata pizza

Lefebvre Sell

If your holiday looks like this, more power to you, but remember that it doesn’t have to

It’s a bit of a cliché to point out that the holiday season can be di cult for people. Personally, I blame Christmas adverts. A bunch of shiny, happy people exemplifying the meaning of Christmas through rampant consumerism, horrible jumpers and pastry. Actually, forget the last one, pastry is life.

My point is, we are fed an image of what this time of year should be and we mourn more what we have not. As Dickens said, “It is a time, of all others, when want is keenly felt, and abundance rejoices”.

But don’t worry, I’m not going to be a downer for the whole article. If your Christmas and NYE look like an M&S advert, that’s great – more power to you. But, if it doesn’t, maybe you don’t have to buy into the image that you’re being sold. Give yourself permission to celebrate, or not, in your own way.

If you feel anxious or depressed, try to locate what the causes might be. For some, social anxiety is more di cult because of the pres sure to meet in large groups at this time.

For others, it’s the plunge back into old family dynamics that you could really live without. Whatever your stressors are, try to take a step back from them and remind yourself that you have the right to practice self care.

So how do you do that? Unfortunately, no-one else can tell you. I just looked on Instagram and there are 67million uses of #selfcare and half of those will make you want to slam your head in a door.

Some people meditate and write in a journal, some get a pedicure and others stay up watching horror movies until 3am. Make yourself a holiday survival plan. Take walks, spend time by yourself and don’t get into politics with your uncle. You’re allowed to have your own relationship with the holidays and that includes saying no to horrible jumpers.

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

sheri

I plot the

take a breath by David

David Lefebvre Sell psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf

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

Anthony Spargo has written Greenwich Theatre’s 2022 panto, Robin Hood, and will also appear as the villainous Sheri Of Nottingham

how serial villain Anthony Spargo has written his first panto as Greenwich Theatre gears up for a merry festive season

by Jon Massey

My interview with actor and playwright and author and star of this year’s Greenwich Theatre panto begins with farce. I dial the number I think I’ve been given. There’s no reply. Eventually following an answerphone message a woman answers.

“Is this Anthony?” No, it’s Jane. I suppress an urge to shout “Oh no it isn’t”, and accept I’ve got the number wrong. Time is short, I’m on a deadline. Flustered, I check my handwriting and discover a four should be a nine. I can’t get through on this number either.

Then my phone rings. It’s Jane. Oh yes it is he’s confused and baffled by the number of missed calls and we exchange embarrassed pleasantries. eanwhile my phone fields another call.

This time it is Anthony, now available and ready to chat. I hardly know who’s who and certainly not whether my contact with Jane is behind me or if there’s more to come.

Fortunately this all turns out to be excellent preparation for an interview about a show that’s full of top notch deception and cunning.

“One of the central themes in Robin Hood is disguise,” said Anthony, not Jane. “Pretty much everyone is pretending to be someone who they’re not at some point. Robin gets to wear three or four disguises over the course of the panto.

“You can imagine the over-the-top, ridiculous costumes we have, including for some of the band – but we don’t want to reveal too much at this stage.”

A veteran panto villain – having spent 11 years on the Greenwich stage soaking up the boos and hisses of exercised audiences – Anthony has taken on a bigger role in 2022. his is the first year he’s both written and appeared in the theatre’s festive production – taking on the mantle from Andrew Pollard who has left the team after a celebrated

For me, the louder they boo, the better I’m doing my job. I’m really looking forward to it – all we need now is the audience, the nal cast member

Anthony Spargo, Greenwich Theatre

15-year run as writer and dame. While Anthony said he would undoubtedly miss acting opposite his old friend, audiences could expect the new show to be a descendant of their decade-long collaboration.

t’s the same but different, said Anthony. y main influence is, of course, 10 years of Greenwich pantos and I’ll miss Andy on stage. We remain really good friends and have a great chemistry it’s rare to find someone you can bounce off but he’d done 15 years here and that’s a long time.

“Writing and producing a panto really lasts a whole year. I started writing this one in March and had a draft by July – nice and early so the theatre could get on with designing and building the set and all the rest of it.

“Now the theatre’s artistic director, James Haddrell, is already talking to me about what we’re going to do next year and we haven’t even started the 2022 run yet.”

Anthony is set to play the dastardly heriff f ottingham alongside David Breeds as Robin and Amy Bastani as Maid Marian.

Martin Johnson will return to panto in Greenwich as Friar Tuck, while long-serving musical director Steve Marwick is also back to handle the songs. Dame duties will be the responsibility of Phil Sealey.

“I’ve worked with Phil in the past and he’s also damed before, up and down the country,” said Anthony.

“He’s great – I think audiences will take to him because he’s such a warm person. He’s larger than life and he’s going to be amazing.

“We have a fantastic cast this year, we’re getting on like a house on fire. There are some great singers and

we’re really gelling. As for the show itself, it’s quite anarchic.

“What I’ve always liked about the pantos here is that they build and build until the climax at the end, which is often utterly ridiculous, overblown and as silly as panto should be.

“There’s a little bit of everything. Some comedy, some music, puppetry and a bit of magic. We’ve gone for a late medieval, ‘hey nonny-nonny’ vibe.

“Personally I love playing the villain. It’s the best part, you can get away with murder.

“I’ve always played my villains slightly unhinged, which allows you to have fun with the part and muck about – there’s a lot of eyebrow acting.”

Having discovered acting at school as a teenager before going to drama school, Anthony developed his writing in tandem, starting with sketches and skits and going on to take shows to Edinburgh and write more immersive pieces for Les Enfants Terribles.

ith politics and current affairs fluid, the e act content of the show will remain in development until the curtain goes up, but its universal themes of greed, taxes and money –as well as people coming together to help each other – are already set in stone.

“Dare I say it, I think I enjoy the writing more than the acting these days,” said Anthony. “There’s something really special and exciting about creating a show from scratch.

“But when the audience is clapping and laughing it feels fantastic to be on stage. It’s a feeling like no other. There’s great warmth and joy when you’ve been able to make something that people are able to lose themselves in.

“People can come to the theatre, forget about what’s happening in the wider world, let go and have fun for a couple of hours. For me, the louder they boo, the better I’m doing my job. I’m really looking forward to it – I can’t wait to get going – and all we need now is the audience, the final cast member, to do that.”

● Robin Hood runs at Greenwich Theatre from November 24 until January 8 with plenty of matinees and evening performances scheduled. Tickets cost £31. Go to greenwichtheatre.org.uk for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about Robin Hood or to book tickets

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

Where?

ash back

Find out all about Lorenzo Garrido’s Greenwich Photo Tours where the photographer takes small groups on lensbased tours of the area he grew up in to boost their image-capturing skills greenwichphototours.com

Scan this code to read our interview with Lorenzo online at wharf-life.com and for full details of the tours he runs

COMEDY | Mo Gilligan + Friends

BRIT Awards host and double BAFTA winner Mo Gilligan returns a year to the day of his debut. He’ll be joined by Richard Blackwood and other guests. Dec 8, 6.30pm, from £25, theo2.co.uk

COMEDY | In Progress: Mamoun Elagab The Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year winner will share his un ltered, idiosyncratic and unorthodox world view. Dec 17, 8pm, £7, woolwich.works

THEATRE | A Christmas Carol After sold out shows in 2019, European Arts Company returns with John O’Connor recreating Dickens’ famous performance of his ghost story. Dec 12-19, 7.30pm, £16, greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Where? The O2 Arena Greenwich Peninsula Where? Beanfeast Woolwich Works

Greenwich Theatre Greenwich

Martin Johnson also returns to Greenwich as Friar Tuck, one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men

by Jon Massey

Before we begin our walk across the 53 acres that British Land (BL) is regenerating on Rotherhithe peninsula, Roger Madelin indulges in a raspberry croissant at Canada Water Cafe (only £2.70 for those who fancy a treat).

The place is packed. Local residents are meeting, chatting and working at tables. It’s the kind of image developers like to mock up on computers to show the thriving neighbourhoods their schemes will hopefully create.

It’s also cause for Roger to reflect on the fact that L has a very rare opportunity at Canada Water – a project it describes as a chance to build London’s first new town centre in 50 years” at the heart of a mature, expectant community.

Carpeted with mostly suburban housing in the first flush of Docklands regeneration, the area is already home to residents, increasingly attracted by its close proximity to both the central London and Canary Wharf, thanks to the Jubilee line, but also to east and south London via the Overground. Roger tells me it’s within 45 minutes of more places in the capital than anywhere else.

As joint head of Canada Water at BL, there’s a glint in his eye as he talks about the firm’s ambi tions for the area. Having spent 29 years at developer Argent overseeing the projects across the country such as Brindleyplace in Birmingham and the rebirth of King’s Cross in north London, there’s a sense that he couldn’t quite resist this one.

“BL noticed I was leaving Argent and asked if I wanted to come and run Canada Water,” he said. At first was sceptical, I didn’t want to do a residential development, which is what I thought it would be.

King’s Cross is great – I think this will be bigger, better and greener from a public space point of view

“But then I came down here and realised it would be an opportu nity to build a new town centre – what an extraordinary privilege.

“Then you get to ask what that is and I think it’s about health, environment and sustainability. Everyone in the world should regard urban places as very important and I think both Canada Water and Canary Wharf can be exemplars for how to reposition areas as urban centres.”

While Canary Wharf continues its transition from pure business district to a place that’s home to companies, residential housing and a potent blend of leisure and hospitality attractions, Canada ater is still in the first chapter of its journey.

Concrete cores are rising on the first of its new buildings, which will include a new leisure centre for the area and social housing on the site’s eastern periphery.

ut these first structures are very much the vanguard in what will be a transformation of a plot that includes the whole of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, the old Harmsworth Quay Printworks and connects Southwark Park with Greenland Dock and Russia Dock Woodland.

“With the planning permission we have, we can create a new urban centre,” said Roger. “We have the ability to fle from 3million sq ft of commercial space to 4million – likewise we can build a minimum of 2,000 homes or a maximum of just under 4,000.

“Similarly, we can build up to 1million sq ft of retail and leisure space – we may not do that, but it will be a substantial amount. With the current shopping centre and leisure park, the area has about 350,000sq ft.

“As an overview, we’ll have about 35 new buildings, 20 acres of new public space and a 3.5-acre park. Many of our buildings will be five storeys high to protect the view of St Paul’s from Greenwich, so this will be on a human scale and I think that will attract people. The development I was involved with at King’s Cross has more people going there at weekends than to work during the week.

“There are dozens of places around London that are teeming with people on Saturday and Sunday. It’s great for people that live in them, but we also want people living outside to come here and enjoy themselves.”

That attitude has doubtless been

4,000

Above, how British Land’s plans for The Printworks will see the original building form the basis for its scheme

Right, how the rst structures to be built by BL will look from Canada Water station

Just under 4,000 homes could be built on the 53-acre site depending on how much of the possible 4million sq ft of commercial space is deemed necessary

how British Land’s Canada Water project is taking tangible shape with a plan to retain The Printworks

Roger Madelin, British Land

An artist’s impression of British Land’s proposed new walkway over Canada Water

Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey

tigations – drilling, digging and studying we’re pretty confident it was built a lot better than we even hoped, so we have applied for planning permission to keep it and extend it.

“If that’s successful, we’ll aim to be opening it by the end of 2025 – an amazing cultural venue to complement the others in the city.

“We already know the acoustics are extraordinary, whether it’s an electronic music event or a BBC Prom, both of which have been hosted there.”

This article is, naturally, far too short to do justice to the extent and depth of BL’s Canada Water project. Even a brief walk to its borders reveals the sheer scale of the project, with plans for a new pedestrian bridge across Canada Water itself, which will also include work to boost wetland habitats and see the water level pumped up.

a bridge to the

bolstered by the success of event and music venue Printworks, which has seen Harmsworth Quay’s immense press halls regularly fill with revellers en oying some of the very best electronic music in London.

While originally conceived as a temporary use for the vast building in partnership with Broadwick Live, the plan is now to preserve the venue as part of the overall scheme, enclosing and enlarging the existing building and creating a park next to it.

“I credit my wife entirely for the decision to explore retaining the whole building,” said Roger. “She and I walked round here in the summer of 2015 and she immediately saw the amazing opportunity it presented and asked what we were going to do with it.

“I said the assumption was that we would knock it down because it looked a bit harsh but she said we shouldn’t because nothing like it would get built again.

“Today, of course, you’d start with that assumption because of all the embodied carbon in the building. That was a little in my mind at the time, but not as much as today, when the view is where possible you don’t touch existing buildings.

“So, after three years of inves-

Already there’s been space made for charitable endeavours, work to help boost startups and a facelift for Surrey Quays Shopping Centre itself, including wallball courts and a new climbing wall. Then there’s investment in a modular building for TEDILondon – a new higher education enterprise co-funded by King’s College London, Arizona State University and UNSW Sydney and focused on engineering – that was erected in only six weeks.

While some of these are temporary benefits, they significantly add to the buzz of the area and provide a flavour of L’s direction of travel as the wider project continues to unfold.

“If we could do something here with applied engineering higher education, that would excite me,” said Roger. “How we deal with the world always involves engineers sorting stuff out and think, in the UK, the sector has had a bad rap in the past.

“The other things I think are crucial is what we do with the new high street, which will be along Deal Porters Way – what it means to build a space like that now and how we create the public spaces and routes to the amazing parks, docks and woods that are already here.

“We want to make it so that if you have nothing on your agenda for the weekend and you want to stay in London, then you’ll just go to Canada Water and all the amazing stuff that’s there. ing’s Cross is great – I think this will be bigger, better and greener from a public space point of view.”

Go to canadawater.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about BL’s Canada Water plans

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

Where?

Indulge in a festive cabaret pantomime as JM Barrie’s classic is reimagined, complete with fairycum-dame Tinker Bell and original songs.

Dec 15-17, times vary, donations, theshipwright.co.uk

Where?

Where?

Dec 16, 8pm, from £27.50, canadawatertheatre.org.uk

still time

There’s still time to book tickets for Hiver’s Christmas Parties set to run at its taproom on December 8, 9, 14 and 16. Tickets cost £10 and include a drink on arrival, live music and as much dancing as you can take madeofengland.co.uk

Scan this code for more information or to book a seat at Hiver’s Bermondsey taproom for Christmas

want more? @whar ifelive

STAGE | Peter Pan

CLUB | Bugged Out

The Chemical Brothers headline this night with a three-hour DJ set plus Erol Alkan, Emerald, Raw Silk and Fall Forward. Block Rockin’ Beats all round.

GIG | Christmas Recital

Jack Gonzalez-Harding, pictured, takes on harpsichord duties with Daniel Swani on the ute for this concert of works by Ucellini, Castello and Fontana. Dec 18, 7.30pm, donations, sands lms.co.uk

The Shipwright Deptford

Printworks Canada Water

Sands Films Studio Rotherhithe

British Land’s Roger Madelin is joint head of its Canada Water project to transform 53 acres of south-east London

nd our advertisers’ messages here

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PUBLIC NOTICES

LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003 - NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Notice is hereby given that: 4 Food London Ltd t/a Ca’puccino has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003

Premises: 4 Food London Ltd t/a Ca’puccino Unit R:S:130/135 West Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QT

Licensable activities and timings are: The Sale of alcohol for consumption on and o the premises from Monday to Saturday 7.00 to 23.30 and Sunday 10.00 to 23.00

Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BG or email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Tel: 020 7364 5008

Representations must be received no later than 12/12/2022

The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address. It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne)

LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003 - NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Notice is hereby given that: The Shell French Seafood Restaurant Ltd has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003

Premises: Ground Floor and Basement, 3 Discovery Dock East, South Quay Square, London, E14 9RU

Licensable activities and timings are: The premises is a French seafood restaurant serving fresh seafoods and alcohol. The restaurant provides around 35 covers and all alcohol will be consumed on the premises. Monday to Saturday 11.00 to 00.00 and Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BG or email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Tel: 020 7364 5008

Representations must be received no later than 21/12/2022

The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address. It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne)

Wharf Life is published by Massey Maddison Limited and printed by Ili e Print Cambridge. Copyright Massey Maddison Limited 2021 In regard to advertising material submitted by third parties and printed in Wharf Life, each individual advertiser is solely responsible for the content of such material Massey Maddison Limited accepts no responsibility for the content of advertising material, including, without limitation, any error, omission or inaccuracy therein

by Jon Massey

The London edition of RuPaul’s Drag Con is set to arrive at Excel in Royal Docks from Janaury 6-8.

With an enormous pink carpet to strut down and more than 100 queens representing from around the world, the event is set to draw thousands of fans both

in and out of costume and character.

While there are far too many to list individually, con rmed attendees include Ella Vaday, Cheddat Gorgeous, Heidi N Closet, Cheryl Hole, Enorma Jean and Vivaldi (presumably one of the four sea-sons).

RuPaul will be there in person for a DJ set on the main stage alongside a host of exhibitors o ering

Tickets for the event, which runs from 10am daily, start at £60 with various packages available.

Go to rupaulsdragcon.com

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

Where? Good Hotel Royal Victoria Dock

EVENT | Festive Market and Kids Workshop

The Hotel has partnered with Community Shop Newham for a weekend of activities and trade. Workshops 10am-12pm and the market 12- 4pm. Dec 11-12, 10am-4pm, free, royaldocks.london

Where? Numerous Royal Albert Wharf

ART | Shadow Play

After dark, nine studio windows will be lit up with shadow stories featuring everything from moments in Docklands history to a tightrope walking T-Rex. Dec11-25, 4pm, free, artinthedocks.com

Where?

Pump House Square Royal Albert Wharf

EVENT | RAW Christmas Market

Find a host of gifts, art and food on o er, plus free family workshops at this festive event run by Bow Arts and Art In The Docks.

Dec 2, 4pm-9pm, free entry, bowarts.org

London City Airport has welcomed its latest new route with BA City yer o ering connections to Aberdeen until January 22. The hub served 23 destinations in October and is seeing rising passenger numbers londoncityairport.com

Scan this code for more information on LCY destinations

want more? @whar ifelive

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

Where?

Stratford

Picturehouse Stratford

SCREEN | Corsage

This preview of Marie Kreutzer’s new lm follows Empress Elisabeth Of Austria as she is thrown into turmoil as her 40th birthday approaches. Dec 18, 5pm, £7.50, picturehouses.com

Where?

Rule Zero Fish Island

COMEDY | I Love Comedy

Promising cutting edge, un ltered comedy with a yet to be announced line-up, the showcase returns for another blast of amusement in east London. Dec 10, 7pm, from £7.50, rulezero.co.uk

Where? The Yard Theatre

Hackney Wick

NYE | Pecs Year Of The King

This “cabaret club night extravaganza” promises to say farewell to 2022 with a love letter to the Drag King scene. Expect DJs and Tarot readings. Yes, really. Dec 31, 10pm, from £16.50, theyardtheatre.co.uk

what’s going on?

The Trampery Fish Island illage has officially opened its doors, offering around , sq ft of space for innovative and sustainable fashion businesses in ackney ick and ish sland. pread over buildings along the ertford nion anal, its facilities include 4 studios ranging in size from sq ft to , sq ft, affordable studios and 8 desks for fashion tech startups in its co working space. here’s also a , sq ft sustain able manufacturing facility, a venue to host catwalks, sample sales and speeches, meeting rooms, seminar rooms, a lounge for members and a cafe and bar with a canalside terrace.

p to people will be working on site each day with businesses such as etit li, ewritten, ear atter, otte een London and abinna already in residence.

he facility was officially opened this month by deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries ustine imons on behalf of the ayor f London.

how can I nd out more?

The Trampery Fish Island Village offers spaces suitable for one to two people, right up to studios for seven to .

esk membership at he rampery illage all costs per month with studios available from per month starting at per sq ft.

For more information contact partnerships manager Ahmet Emin Hondor via email at fishislandvillage@thetrampery.com or go to thetrampery.com

50,000

Scan this code to read our interview with Henry and nd out more about the charity’s work

they say Deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, Justine Simons, o cially opened The Trampery Fish Island Village on behalf of the Mayor Of London.

She said: “This is a really important moment in the creative life of London. We started talking about this in 2016 and here we are.

“This is a city of makers, doers and dreamers – our city runs on creative energy.

“But forging a creative career in London is not easy. You need grit, determination and perseverance. It also requires space and this facility is a brilliant example of what we can achieve when we work together to deliver it at a ordable rates.”

created by Aitch Group CEO Henry Smith to ght knife crime in Hackney and east London by giving young people support and opportunities in their lives wickers.org.uk

Square foot of space spread over 10 buildings at Fish Island makes up The Trampery facility

Justine unveils a plaque at the campus’ main building to mark the occasion

tools

they say

For Charles Armstrong, CEO of The Trampery, the launch of its Fish Island Village is a signi cant milestone in the social enter prise’s history.

He said: “This is the largest project The Trampery has ever delivered. It’s been very compli cated, so to reach the launch and to celebrate it with all of our partners and friends, was one of the most exciting days of my life.

“There are two speci c things I’m really hoping for from The Trampery Fish Island Village. First is that it becomes a new focal point for sustainable fashion in London and that, over the decades, we can help hundreds and hundreds of young labels to advance inno vative ideas that reduce waste, improve labour conditions and that make the industry better.

“Secondly, I hope this will be an anchor that will enable the creative community in Hackney Wick and Fish Island to grow.

“I think a lot of people feared that after the Olympics, with the property development that followed it, the creative commu nity would die out.

“The Trampery is really deter mined that shouldn’t happen, so to provide our largest ever workspace here, supported by the Mayor Of London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and local people, is really important.

“East London has Europe’s greatest concentration of artists and professionals, so I don’t think there is any limit in demand for the kinds of facili ties we are providing here.

“Our ambitions aren’t limited to this area and, over the coming years, we’ll be opening facilities more widely, but our soul will always be in east London.”

fashion

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Stratford

Deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries Justine Simons and The Trampery CEO Charles Armstrong celebrate the opening of Fish Island Village

how The Trampery Fish Island Village supports creativity in east London

I think a lot of people feared that after the Olympics, with the property development that followed it, the creative community would die out

Charles Armstrong, The Trampery

The Trampery Fish Island Village is spread across 10 buildings and has its HQ beside Hertford Union Canal

Find a ghost in Shakespeare’s island? (8)

Name for a tidal chap? (4)

Personal pen identity is metrical (6)

Claire is upset by her pastry (6)

We hear the absent blood of a monster (6)

urn a gnat to find a tasty Chinese dynasty (4)

Top paint layer keeps you warm (8)

The seasons for ageing hair colour? (4,3,6)

Pierce in the right way to follow cooking instructions (6)

Open door might be a glass container (4)

Sudoku Take a break from that phone

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Notes

Brown’s dog (6)