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inside issue 122
Art In The Docks - The East London Group
Royal Albert Hall - CRA French Bar And Cafe
The Eleventh Hour - Sudoku - The PA Show Autumn
Newbie - Crosswords - Wharf Life Hacks - Wahaca
Stone Jets - Short Story Stations
PARTY SEASON GUIDE 2024
celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness Why the pursuit of ennui can be a route to taking action
Where?
Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Jubilee Place Canary Wharf
READ | Penguin Books’ Black Writers Collection
Visit the Short Story Stations to read exctracts from the works of black authors such as James Baldwin and Chigozie Obioma, curated for Black History Month. Until Oct 31, daily, free, canarywharf.com
Where?
London Museum
Docklands West India Quay
TALK | Words, Actions And Deeds
Discover the stories and voices of people of African heritage who were central to England’s campaigns to abolish slavery. One of a series of talks in October. Oct 5, 19, 20, 27, 12.30pm, free, londonmuseum.org.uk
GIG | Rebecca Ferguson
Where?
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
The singer returns to Canary Wharf with a set of chart-topping hits such as Shoulder To Shoulder and Teach Me How To Be Loved Oct 17, 9.30pm, from £45, boisdale.co.uk
sites. With more than 350 every week, it’s an unrivalled o er thirdspace.london
Welcome to issue 122 of Wharf Life. This issue really lives up to the publication’s name, celebrating new creatures and plants at Eden Dock, new arrivals and growing kids at Newbie and all the vibrancy of the festive season as adults gear up for some much-needed relaxation in party season...
Roll up, roll up, our Party Season Guide is set to ll you full of ideas for the forthcoming festive season, whether it’s Magazine London, Viola’s Room, London Museum or many, many more... 15
How Ballymore is marking 100 years of Lyle
27 46
on the radar
Construction has started on Canary Wharf Group and Kadans Science Partner’s One North Quay development. The 23-storey buillding is designed by architect KPF to house a science campus including laboratories in around 60% of its space canarywharf.com
With Eden Dock officially launched in Canary Wharf, a new coffee shop has conveniently sprung up at YY London right next door in Reuters Plaza. Check out Hagen for a speedy espresso or a more contemplative hazelnut latte while exploring the boardwalks thehagenproject.com need to know
56
How Art In The Docks is considering braids as a creative artform
48
We stop in for a perfectly made latte and a chinwag with Dan Bull, the man behind The Lockdown Room at London City Island and The Eleventh Hour on the Isle Of Dogs
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
£20
Enjoy a two-course set menu at Gallio in Cabot Place for £20. Offer runs Sunday-Tuesday from 11.30am until close and until 7pm on Fridays. Dessert is £5 extra. gallio.uk
50%
54
Enjoying sparkling hospitality to the sounds of Chineke! Orchestra
subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
Get half price food at Kricket in Frobisher Passage on Mondays. Deal is accessed via the Canary Wharf App, downloaded from its site or via Google canarywharf.com
subscribe to our FREE Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
write me
words you don’t know you need
adjective, fake, from Old English
A feeling of contentment that justice has – at least for the time being – fallen on the side of the wronged party. Every effort should be made to conceal the identity of real people if you’re making things up about them. True story...
adjective, real, from Latin
Relating to, or associated with, lakes. Ok, a dock isn’t exactly a lake, but the human-made body of water certainly shares some characteristics with such natural formations, so we can point at Eden Dock and say it’s lacustrine...
SAIL AWAY
Origami Kayaking Eden Dock (Middle Dock) - Page 8 canarywharf.com
Canary Wharf Group has teamed up with Oru Kayak and Dragon Boat Events to bring Wharfers a fresh floating experience. Participants will unbox, unfold and clip their craft together (complete with LED lights inside) before taking to the water. Sessions will last 30 minutes and are available on Oct 8, 9, 15 and 16 with various time slots from 5pm. Tickets cost £16.96 per person
diary dates, listings and ideas to make your Canary Wharf sweeter..
SPOTTED Stone Jets Boisdale Of Canary Wharf boisdale.co.uk
The recent Boisdale Music Awards, hosted by Jools Holland and YolanDa Brown at the Cabot Place venue, featured a typically stellar mix of performances. The likes of jungalist General Levy, soul singer Roachford and Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals all took to the stage before Kathy Sledge (of Sister Sledge) brought the house down with We Are Family.
But, amid the established names and legends, as is always the case at this annual event, there was celebration too for less wellknown artists and emerging acts. Acts to note down included blues man Connor Selby and sultry jazz singer Emma Smith. But perhaps the greatest revelation came in the form of the Stone Jets. Originally a duo, singer and bassist Given Nhanyane and guitarist Manfred Klose had achieved a measure of success in their native South Africa before relocating to the UK in search of wider fame.
In London they recruited frenchman Adrein Latgé at an open mic in Hackney and have continued to gig religiously – including becoming one of Sofar Sounds’ most frequent collaborators. At Boisdale, they brought the house down with Given’s joyful, delicate and piercing performance, after being named Yamaha One To Watch at the awards.
“We perform feelgood soul,” said Manfred. “Sometimes we make ballads, sometimes we play upbeat music, but if we’re able to make your day better with our music then we’ve done our job. Winning this award validates what we’re doing and people are starting to recognise it.
Given added: “It also means we’re not shooting in the dark, that we’re aiming to connect with people and this gives us more fuel to do that. Every moment we try to lead the audience into a place were we all congregate together. It’s as if we’re saying: ‘Let’s all be thirsty so we can go to the watering hole together and talk about things’.”
Adrein said: “Very quickly when we started playing together it was apparent that we weren’t aiming for loudness or showing off what we could do. Instead it’s about serving the song.”
l Stone Jets’ next gig is at The Old Queen’s Head in Islington on November 21. Doors 8pm, tickets £18 via stonejets.com
REVIEW
Wahaca Canary Wharf Park Pavilion, Canada Square wahaca.co.uk
With so many new arrivals in Canary Wharf, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the gems. Fortunately a recent refurbishment of Wahaca at Canary Wharf’s Park Pavilion provided an excuse for a visit.
The Mexican restaurant may be a chain, but somehow it’s managed to maintain a level of quality that so often eludes businesses that try to operate successfully across multiple sites.
The venue’s new look might be considered more grown-up than the gaudy, colourful street food vibe of its original incarnation. Gone are the painted oil barrels, the harsh seating and the brightly coloured chain mural adorning the window.
These have been replaced by more comfortable upholstery in leather and tastefully patterned fabrics.
The ceilings have been whitewashed and walls now come in magazine-friendly tones of dark blue and terracotta. On one wall a carefully stylised leaping leopard vaults a palm tree. It’s all a bit muted in contrast to the rough and ready aesthetic that made it a hit on opening.
This is no longer some random shack cooking delicious food illegally in a back room in Canary Wharf. It’s a proper restaurant with decent tables and re nement.
That’s a shame. But what saves the experience is the food. We
opt for a Discovery menu of “favourites” which at £50 for two people is almost indecenltly good value. Not only are the tacos, quesadillas and tostadas plentiful, they’ve lost none of the powerful avours that have made this chain a success.
My mocktail – a Pentire Margarita for £6.50 – is exemplary. There’s no need for alcohol because the ripping blend of faux spirit, lime, agave juice and fresh jalapeno is more than zingy enough.
That the chairs and tables are less interesting to look at detracts not one bit from the morsels served up. Bloody Maria Prawns are a special highlight, served steeped in spicy liquor and dressed with generous slices of avocado.
All-in all, Wahaca remains a sweet deal. The price is right, it still feels a bit of a nd tucked away on the rst oor and, most importantly of all, the churros (£6.75) are all crisp, oily and gorgeous when bathed in a deep pot of chocolate. Go for the fabulous avours.
★★★✩✩
Go to wahaca.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Wahaca
this year
how Eden Dock’s boardwalks and habitats help reset Canary Wharf’s relationship to the natural world
by Jon Massey
Eden Dock is a project with multiple layers, both literal and philosophical. Wharfers will doubtless soon festoon its golden-lit benches. It will become a meeting place for passengers pouring out of the Jubilee line station, a spot for a coffee, lunch or simply to read a book during a break.
Visitors to the estate both during the day and at night will be drawn in by its rich foliage and subtly illuminated boardwalks. At face value, it is a physical extension of the Canary Wharf estate – a new amenity. Many will use it as such, probably not thinking too much more about it. That’s absolutely fine – it’s one of the project’s aims.
But to view it as just a new park a would be to miss much
of the detailed thinking and ambition behind its creation and, crucially, the statement of intent it represents.
Sure, it’s a pretty place to sit, a decent backdrop for a few selfies. But it’s about much more than floating planters and smart wooden benches.
Canary Wharf Group has worked in partnership with ecological heavyweight the Eden Project in Cornwall to create “an urban oasis” with the stated aim
of boosting flora and fauna on the estate. It’s also intended to foster greater connection between us humans and the rest of the animals and organisms we share it with.
“Typically, real estate companies take projects forward and work out the leasing income as a measure of success,” said Sophie Goddard, director of environment, social and governance at Canary Wharf Group. But that isn’t the case with Eden Dock, which is like no other project in Canary Wharf.
“Success will be judged on whether people are connecting with the space. We’re hitting a biodiversity net gain of 55%, which is phenomenal and we’re improving air quality but we want people to come here and use this space.”
Eden Dock is now officially open to the public. Comprising a series of gardens and waterside spaces, the waters of Middle Dock have further been transformed by the presence of 20 living figures made from flowering shrub ligustrum – a lush art installation entitled Nature Rising that will become part of the estate’s permanent public sculpture collection and help to draw attention to the continued on Page 10
Gain exclusive access to sold-out shows and enjoy fine dining hospitality with a Private Box Partnership at the Royal Albert Hall.
People live on the Canary Wharf estate, with many more living in residential developments around it on the Isle Of Dogs and in Poplar 3,500
from Page 8
new walkways, seating areas and bridges.
Three years in the making, its launch on the estate is being supported by a programme of events including night kayaking (from Oct 2, see Page 6) dockside Yoga with Third Space (9am on October 10), the arrival of Square Mile Farm’s hydroponic agriculture at Jubilee Place (open until November 1) and a Glow In The Dark Flower Shop from Bompass And Parr, which is set to open on World Mental Health Day (October 10, also in Jubilee Place).
However, for the Eden Project’s co-founder, Sir Tim Smit, the project is part of a wider message about how we view all of life in the context of the places we inhabit.
“One way of looking at what’s happening in the dock is to see it as a body coming to life,” he said. “We want to create a sense that the more bugs there are, the healthier the area is likely to be
“I think we’ve got to look at Canary Wharf as an incredibly powerful, moral story of people wanting to create a place, where they’ve established a habitat to
live and now want to start sharing that with other things to make us all healthier.
“What is happening in cities, which is very interesting, is that there are so many different niches where creatures can develop.
“For example, in Canary Wharf, you will find these under each window ledge, beneath every rock or stone and every different material that’s been used.
“There is already greater biodiversity in the suburbs and the centre of our cities than there is in the average field in Britain, which has been nuked with pesticides and nitrates.
“One of the really exciting things I would wish to champion with the team at Canary Wharf would be a grown-up look at who is sharing this place with us and how we can encourage the maximum amount of life to thrive here.
“The estate is a great location in which to ground the lightning of innovation around enhancing biodiversity.
“It is also our belief that the varied surfaces, textures and environments found at Eden Dock will encourage a greater diversity of life than much of the open farmland in this country. Moreover, the
As we’re evolving Canary Wharf, we need to look at what we believe will have value in the future
Sophie Goddard, Canary Wharf Group
attention to life and beauty, plus the softer edges that characterise the natural worlds, will directly influence the happiness and sense of belonging of all who work, live and visit the estate.”
That focus on wellbeing and mental health has provided vital impetus as Canary Wharf continues to change and grow.
“As we’re evolving the estate, we need to look to what we believe will have value in the future, said Sophie.
“This is the first of many projects and it is ultimately about creating paths at multiple levels, whether that’s on rooftops or at the ground level, with all these interconnecting spaces to allow green space to flow through
Canary Wharf. We had 67million people visit the estate last year and we have 3,500 living here, but we need to constantly be asking: ‘Do they feel they belong? Are we having a positive influence on their wellbeing?
“Projects like this are an example of how we’re trying to not just attract a greater number of people here, but also to have a beneficial effect on our residents, workers, visitors and neighbours.”
Tim added: “If the brief is to create a sense of life and livelihood, the colour, vibrancy and shape of everything that’s required needs to suggest life to the people who live and work here. Eden Dock is very much a valid first step towards doing that.
“It’s beautiful. You can see from the way the planting has been done that, very soon, it’s going to have soft lines everywhere –people are going to want to have picnics there – and that’s something you can build on.
“Nature is pretty cool at doing the biodiversity thing, it’s been doing it a long time. It’s important to realise we are all part of nature – it’s not a third party that we interact with. When I talk to children, I talk about opening up
their guts, which always gets their interest.
“I ask them whether they are aware that there are around 3trillion things living inside them and that our bodies are the most brilliant hosts.
“It’s really important to remember we are a part of nature, not apart from it.
“And nature is so resilient. As we go, we need to proceed, not by planting trees along walkways, but doing a little bit here, a little bit there and then watching what
happens. We really need to think about the environment we live in and the spaces where we gather.”
The suggestion is that spending time surrounded by living things is not just a desirable way to spend some time, but perhaps a more primal need that is as vital to our mental health as the oxygen we rely on plants and trees to create for us.
As Tim puts it, Canary Wharf going “punk rogue” on ecology at the heart of the estate generates excitement for the future and exhilaration in the present. You can feel it now, for free at Eden Dock.
key details
Eden Dock can be found right outside the main exit of Canary Wharf’s Jubilee line station. The area is completely free to visit. Full details of the project and the activities in celebration of its launch can be found online.
Go to canarywharf.com for more information
Scan this code for more about the Eden Dock project
Stores Newbie is opening in the UK this autumn including the Canary Wharf branch on the lower level of Cabot Place
how Newbie has become the first store on the Canary Wharf estate solely selling products for children
by Jon Massey
Newbie has spotted a niche. The Swedish lifestyle brand, which sells clothes and products for babies and kids aged 0-8, recently opened a new store in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place as it expands its presence in the UK.
Founded in 2010, when a child-focused company would likely have avoided the estate with extreme prejudice, its growth comes at a time of change for the malls.
The arrival of Flip Out – the first attraction solely aimed at children in Canary Wharf – has already met with success and with schools and an increasing population of young families living locally both on and near the estate, Newbie’s opening makes sense.
“There’s a huge gap in the market and we’re seeing a huge change in the area,” said Tallulah Hug, store manager at Newbie in Canary Wharf.
“It’s become a more residential area and there are a lot of international visitors to the estate as well, so it’s a lovely opportunity for us to open in east London and explore the market here.
“Newbie is a timeless brand focussed on classic pieces in muted colours. For girls, we do a lot of florals and, for the boys, we do animal prints.
“We want kids to have fun with fashion, too. What we do is aimed at inspiring the next generation to get involved and to be creative –to explore for themselves.
“We’re also here to make everyone feel special, and we want everyone who comes into the stores to have a really fantastic experience. We’re here for their child’s first Chistmas outfit, their first coming home outfit or simply something that will be loved and cherished time and time again.”
While online the brand also sells gifts, homeware and womenswear (including matching outfits to its kids’ range), the Canary Wharf store is dedicated exclusively to clothes for babies and children as
well as toys. It’s a range intended to appeal both to parents and those shopping for gifts.
“Our range for babies is the most popular, because our products are so beautiful,” said Heidi Pathiaki, UK country manager for Newbie. “We have an artistic department in Sweden and it’s the best gift you can give parents who are expecting.
“Our designs are sustainable too. They’re designed to be passed on and will look as beautiful as the day they were made. That’s why we’ve introduced our pre-loved range where customers can get a discount off a new product when they trade in pieces that have been outgrown.
“Then we sell those at our Northcote Road store and that can be an affordable option, especially for new families.”
Tallulah added: “Our pieces really are made to last. They use really high quality fabrics, with garments made from 100% organic cotton, for example. Our new wool range is made to the highest quality, with true craftsmanship too.
“Wash after wash, the colour won’t fade and the stitching doesn’t come loose, so the garments are built to last, to be passed down. In a society where fast fashion is at hand, we don’t want to create something which continued on Page 14
Newbie is a timeless brand focussed on classic pieces in muted colours. We want kids to have fun with fashion
Tallulah Hug, Newbie
from Page 14
can’t be used again after a couple of months.”
While the store’s muted colours and carefully arranged shelves are clearly aimed at adult shoppers, make no mistake – Newbie enthusiastically welcomes younger customers too.
“You’ll certainly see children running around in this store,” said Heidi. “We sell teddy bears and bunny rabbits, but we don’t mind kids coming in and having a chit-chat with them .
“We also have a colouring table so the children can be occupied with the drawings in sight while their parent focuses on what they’re interested in buying.”
As for the future, Newbie is already set to open further stores in Brent Cross and Guildford over the autumn, having been buoyed by the response from British consumers to its first six stores.
“We’re doing both online and in-store shopping,” said Heidi, whose career in retail has seen her work for brands such as Mamas And Papas and Clark’s. “Of course people buy online – it’s easy and fast – but customers also enjoy coming out, and touching and feeling the products.
“We’re constantly talking about how we can expand and we will be putting womenswear into our stores in due course. We’re also looking at putting homeware into our Bluewater store.”
Until then, Wharfers can look forward to the more immediate launch of Newbie’s collection, launching in time for Christmas over the coming weeks.
key details
Newbie is located in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place mall on the lower level. The store is open from 10am-8pm on weekdays, from 10am-7pm on Saturdays and from noon-6pm on Sundays. Go to newbiestore.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about
Starting price per person for festive packages at Market Halls in Canary Wharf
how space and size mean Market Halls stands ready to flex for festive celebrations
by Jon Massey
Market Halls, the popular street food spot opposite the western exit of the Elizabeth Line station, is promising to batten down the hatches and cosy things up for the winter months.
what’s going on?
As the nights become longer and the air chillier, the Canary Wharf venue is set to undergo a “Christmas transformation”.
what does that mean?
From November, the expansive space on the lower floors of Cargo will be hosting live music, DJs, carol singing (complete with opportunities to belt out a few tunes) and serving up warming cocktails to help Wharfers battle those winter chills.
anything else?
Naturally – the on-site street food traders will be getting in on the act with a series of seasonal twists on Xmas classics.
for example?
There’s the Baby Cheesus Blanket Burger from Butchies – buttermilk fried chicken tenders, house pickles, stuffing,
hip to be square. Take a look at what recently opened venue, The Cube, has to o er this party season - P18
useful stu need to know
● Market Halls is open daily from 11am. Closing times vary, but it shuts at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays
● A wide range of spaces are available for parties of di ering sizes. The maximum capacity for a group is 150
● Festive dishes will be available from November with prices from £4.99. Party package prices at the venue start at £38 per person
berry sauce, topped o with a pig in a blanket. It’s impossible to imagine a more festive garnish.
Then there’s the Santa inspired sushi from Inamo Sukoshi with salmon, nori, cucumber, kimchi sauce, rice, carrot and sesame seeds.
And for dessert, why not indulge in a White Chocolate Polar Bear Cheesecake or a mince pie from Whipped? Prices for festive dishes range from £4.99 to £15.
what are the options?
Market Halls promises “something for everyone” and has come up with a series of
Market Halls o ers a range of exible spaces with two bars on its lower oor and multiple street food traders taking care of the cuisine
party packages ranging from
The Party Starter to The Full Shebang. That might be just a Christmas dish and cocktail, or free- owing festive drinks with crackers and party hats. Prices start at £38 per person.
anything else?
Thanks to its size, Market Halls is extremely exible with various private areas for party planners to consider or wholevenue hire available.
That means it can accommodate everything from casual seasonal catch-ups with colleagues or friends to large parties with a maximum capacity of 150. Those making bookings for more than 50 people should email events@markethalls.co.uk for more information
key details
Market Halls is located at Cargo Canary Wharf on 25 North Colonnade and can also be easily accessed from the estate’s Elizabeth Line station.
The venue is open from 11am daily. Closing times vary, topping out at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays. Go to markethalls.co.uk
Scan this code for more about booking events at Market Halls
Get 10% off group bookings of 20+ at The Cube when making a reservation before October 31. Use code WHARFLIFE1010 when you book your party 10%
Players take on seven challenges individually or in pairs
Will you beat The Cube?
how
by Jon Massey
LLooking to give your festive celebration an extra dimension? Then The Cube – recently opened at Wood Wharf – promises to supply a powerful blend of physical and mental challenges to test your guests.
what’s all this?
Based on the TV show, this live-action version enables players to try seemingly simple games, all of which take place within the confines of a sealed glass box.
and it’s new?
That’s right, The Cube opened its Canary Wharf branch this summer in Charter Street. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday and features 21 cubes set across three floors.
so what happens?
Teams of four take on seven games that have all been part of the original TV show, designed to test the physical and mental agility of their players.
Participants can expect their balance, speed, judgement and steadiness to be challenged as they take part in single or two-player tasks to win points in the hope of beating The Cube.
That’s only achieved by completing seven games without losing a life and winning 10,000 points.
is there more to the venue?
There certainly is – The Cube in Canary Wharf is a full service entertainment venue with bars and multiple options for food.
Toni Loco serves up pizzas –think Margheritas, Pepperoni and BBQ Chicken – alongside a sweet selection of desserts.
Meanwhile, The Butcher handles burgers, sides, shakes and a wide choice of small plates such as Spicy Beef Skewers, Bang Bang Cauliflower and a Greek Salad as well as sharing platters.
and the drinks?
The Cube comes with plenty of ice cold beverages, thanks to a total of six mixologist-led bars. These serve up an extensive drinks menu including a cocktail list that offers a twist on wellknown classics.
Expect to find the likes of the Raspberry Mojito, the Vanillatini and the Kiwi Cosmo. Most wines
useful stu need to know
● The Cube is open from 12.30pm-10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from the same time until 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays, from 11.30am to 11pm on Saturdays and from 11.30am-9pm Sundays
● Whole venue hire is available for parties of up to 440
● Prices to play The Cube start at £57.50pp. Party packages start at £79.50pp
are available by the glass as well as the bottle.
what about parties?
The good news is The Cube is enormously flexible when it comes to seasonal celebrations and groups do not need to divide into multiples of four.
The venue offers everything from VIP rooms with private cubes – as well as bar and toilet facilities – to larger exclusive spaces.
The Cube is also available for venue takeover, where a single client hires the whole space for up to 440 guests.
how does it work?
Hosts are available at The Cube to answer this exact question. This service offers players greater relaxation in the knowledge that there’s an expert present to sort pretty much everything (bar completing the games on your behalf, of course).
Hosts handle check-in, drinks and food orders, orientation and even present the winning (and losing) teams with their prizes. Having someone on-hand can take the pressure off at crucial moments.
and these exclusive spaces?
That’s right. In a little more detail, the VIP Area is completely separate from the rest of the venue. It has a capacity of between four and 30 people and features three cubes to play the seven games. This area features private catering, toilet facilities and a private bar.
The Perspective Bar is a segregated area within the venue with seven cubes to play games in. It
has a capacity of between 50 and 100 people and has a private bar and catering.
The Summit Bar is also segregated with a capacity of 34 seated or 26 standing and has its own private drinks and catering. Players access cubes alongside general admissions.
Finally, the Replay Bar is a semi-segregated area with a capacity of 34 seated or 16 standing. This too has its own private bar and catering. As before, players access the games in the communal areas.
how do I nd out more?
The best way to make an enquiry about booking for a larger group is via the form on The Cube’s website. Discounts are available for group bookings of 16 people or more. Use code WHARFLIFE1010 when booking for 20+ before October 31 and get 10% off. Go to bookthecube.com for more information or to make a reservation
Scan this code for more about hosting events at The Cube
Reserve a party on a Monday or Tuesday in December before October 15 and Sticks’n’Sushi will provide a free glass of bubbles for all guests attending – hurry, these dates typically get booked up fast
how parties at Sticks’n’Sushi come with verve, sophistication and vibrancy as standard
by Jon Massey
Sticks’n’Sushi has long been a favourite of Wharfers. The Danish-Japanese restaurant, located beside the Elizabeth Line station in Crossrail Place, has years of experience in serving up expertly made sushi and perfectly seared sticks from the grill.
tell me more about the space Scandanavian style meets Japan at this restaurant, with wall art by Mie Olise Kjægaard and a private section adorned with traditional Japanese kimonos.
what’s the capacity?
The whole venue is available for exclusive hire and can accommodate parties of between 130 and 160 guests. The Kimono Room holds up to 26 seated. Tables for a festive feast can, of course, be booked in the restaurant.
for groups?
Yes, for 2024, Sticks’n’Sushi is offering group menus from £40 or £65 per person, carefully tailored to parties of any size. Canape, drinks receptions, team building sessions and masterclasses are also available.
what’s on the menu?
There are some new limited edition dishes available this year such as Chicks’n’Blankets – chicken meatballs and bacon with miso herb butter, Wagyu Temaki – seared Kyushu wagyu beef, sushi rice, tsume soy and crisp nori.
and to drink?
Signature cocktails like Shiso Ha, with tequila, shiso leaves, and elderflower, or the festive Matcha Eggnog, featuring rum, matcha, gingerbread syrup and cream, will all be available. There’s also a curated list of wines, spirits, Japanese teas, and an extensive sake menu. continued on Page 22
Sticks’n’Sushi offers a wealth of festive treats including cocktails such as the Shiso Ha or the Matcha Eggnog
from Page 20
How do I get there?
Sticks’n’Sushi is located a few seconds walk from the western exit of Canary Wharf’s Elizabeth Line station. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Tube and the DLR and close to roads for those who prefer to do their travelling in taxis.
any extra incentives?
We all like a deal and Sticks’n’Sushi is no exception. This year it’s o ering all those who book Monday or Tuesday dates in December before October 15 a free glass of bubbles for all guests. Speed is advised as these get reserved quickly.
Group menus at Sticks’n’Sushi in Canary Wharf are available for £40pp or £65pp
just one more thing
If you’re unable to attend the Canary Wharf venue or one of the restaurant’s other branches, the business o ers a catering service supplying platters and pop-ups that can come to you.
key details
Sticks’n’Sushi is open from noon every day. Bookings can be made online, while groups can email the team via contact@sticksnsushi.com to arrange an event. Go to sticksnsushi.com
Scan this code for more about Christmas at Sticks’n’Sushi
With a multitude of spaces and performances, Boisdale Of Canary Wharf has the festive season sorted - P24
Maximum capacity for a standing reception at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf. The venue can accommodate 250 guests seated
Elvis will be back in the building for New Year’s Eve to help welcome 2025
how Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is beginning to look a lot like Christmas with plenty of parties in the diary
by Jon Massey
Dean Martin may, famously, have done his drinking in the evening time when he was in Las Vegas, but Boisdale Of Canary Wharf has a wealth of options for the festive season this year that go far beyond a few whiskies at dusk.
Unlike any other establishment on the estate, the restaurant, bar, gig venue and cigar lounge presents a compelling, singular solution to party planners and casual diners alike.
in the evening time
The Definitive Rat Pack form the backbone of the seasonal offering with Stephen Triffit, Mark Adams and George Daniel London slipping into their tuxedos to bring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr back to life. With evening performances
kicking off on November 28 and dates right up until December 28, audiences can expect the likes of White Christmas, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Let It Snow while drinking or dining.
Reservations are taken from 5.30pm with live music and two course dinner packages starting at £99 per person.
Dishes on the Christmas Show
Time Menu include starters such as mini haggis with neeps and tatties, pressed terrine of pheasant or beetroot carpaccio with goats’ cheese and mains such as turkey wrapped in parma ham with all the trimmings, dry-aged fillet steak and lentil and mushroom wellington.
an indulgent lunch
For those who prefer to do their seasonal eating earlier in the day, Stephen will be performing for the venue’s Sinatra Christmas Lunches, with dates booking from December 3-21. Guests can expect swinging classics with reserva-
tions from noon. Live music from 12.30pm-3pm plus a two course lunch starts at £59 per person.
diary dates
In addition to the regular Rat Pack shows, Boisdale has also scheduled a selection of evening Christmas celebrations, all available with dinner.
Boney M – known for Mary’s Boy Child, amongst many others – kick things off on December 5 with a festive special that also features Mi-Soul DJs. Prices start at £129 per person.
Then Heatwave Christmas Special promises a night of disco and boogie on December 12, with classics such as The Groove Line and Always And Forever certain to feature. Prices start at £119.
welcome 2025
Rounding off the venue’s festive offering will be Boisdale’s NYE Party: One Night In Vegas, Featuring Ben Thompson. While 2024 leaves the building, Elvis
will, undoubtedly enter it – the return of The King including performances of Suspicious Minds, Love Me Tender, A Little Less Conversation and many, many more. Packages including a threecourse dinner start at £169.
beyond the diary
Anyone who has visited the Cabot Place venue can be in little doubt that Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is a party specialist.
Playing host to events that have attracted the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlie Sheen, Whoopi Goldberg, Kelsey Grammer, Hugh Laurie, Jeremy Irons and so very many more. Its patron of music since day one has been Jools Holland, with its annual music awards once again attracting a potent cross section of jazz, soul and blues artists alongside performances from the likes of Tony Christie and Kathy Sledge.
Arranged over two floors, it boasts a wealth of spaces for groups of almost any size (up to 250 at maximum capacity for a sit-down dinner or 500 standing).
Facilities include private rooms, a cigar tasting lounge, a heated terrace and Europe’s largest whisky bar.
Above, Boisdale is well known for its blockbuster events on the
with performances from musical legends and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Private dining can be easily arranged for groups of up to 40 seated (or 60 standing), with a wide range of dining and canapé options.
The drinks options are similarly extensive including Boisdale’s own wines, a wealth of vintages from Europe and further afield and easily the largest collection of spirits in east London. Fortunately, Boisdale’s bar staff also have the training to turn those into some of the finest cocktails available in the capital.
key details
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is open Tuesday-Sunday with a packed calendar of performances and events.
For those hunting Christmas gifts, the venue offers a range of vouchers redeemable at both its Canary Wharf and Belgravia restaurants
Go to boisdale.co.uk for more information
Scan this code for more about events
Per Person cost of the Festive Standard Package at London Museum Docklands
The venue o ers a range of options including formal sit-down dining
Scan for more about events at London Museum Docklands
by Jon Massey
We’re really proud of what we’ve put together for this year’s Christmas parties,” said Raffaela Pozzi, assistant head of hospitality (sales and marketing) at London Museum. “Our Docklands site is so incredibly unique and we’ve designed a selection of packages that will showcase its history and charm, while giving guests an exclusive and immersive museum experience.
“It’s all about making sure guests have a fantastic time in a setting that’s as special as the occasion.”
Recently rebranded, London Museum Docklands, the West India Quay institution is once more throwing open its doors for the festive season with a wide selection of options for party planners to consider.
Housed in a Grade I listed
warehouse beside the docks, the venue has teamed up with catering partner Bovingdons to offer a range of creative packages.
Upon arrival, guests will enter through Muscovado Hall where original pine columns adorned with twinkling lights and a magnificent Christmas tree will set the scene for an evening of festivities.
First on the agenda will be out-of-hours access to the museum’s galleries where those attending can get a taste of London’s rich Docklands history before moving into the main reception space. Options here include a full sit-down diner, food
the
The museum o ers multiple historic spaces for hire
stations or a standing reception-style event.
Actors can be hired to mingle with guests throughout the evening for a more immersive atmosphere, bringing the past to life for guests.
Festive packages at London Museum Docklands include full event support, drink and catering options, and state-of-the-art AV facilities.
Clients can choose between the Riverside Room, which boasts its own entrance, a private terrace, and one hour of access to the second-floor galleries, or the Wilberforce Room, which includes access to the No. 1 Warehouse Gallery, showcasing the history of the capital’s bustling docks and warehouses.
To make things easy for organisers, the museum is offering the Festive Standard Package priced from £81per head and the continued on Page 35
useful stu need to know
● London Museum is located on West India Quay within easy walking distance of multiple stations
● A range of packages are available, starting at £81 per person for events
● After-hours access to the museum’s galleries can be arranged as part of a client’s event. Actors can also be hired to help bring the area’s history to life at the Grade I listed venue
from Page 26
Festive Luxury Package from £93. Both are priced per person and exclude VAT, with minimum numbers applying for bookings.
London Museum Docklands is also offering a specific Christmas Reception Package this year, which can be added to any daytime booking from £44 per person. From 5pm-7pm, guests can enjoy Prosecco, house wine, beer, and soft drinks, with the option to add on canapes or bowl food, during their visit.
The venue is flexible in its approach and offers a distinctive setting for a wide range of events including corporate gatherings and private celebrations.
Its galleries explore the rich history of London’s docks and the River Thames, from the city’s earliest days to its rise as a global trading powerhouse.
Through a series of galleries, visitors can discover the stories of London’s dockworkers, the impact of the sugar trade, and the city’s enduring connection to the water. With Canary Wharf as a backdrop, it remains a perfect blend of past and present.
London Museum Docklands is located within easy walking distance of all the estate’s stations as well as West India and Westferry DLR stops.
key details
To enquire about booking a party at London Museum Docklands, call the team on 020 7814 5789 or email any queries to venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk Go to londonmuseum.org.uk for more information or to make a booking
Scan for more about events
The museum’s spaces can be con gured in multiple ways to suit a wide selection of needs
The museum’s spaces all feature period features such as wooden beams and columns
Starting price for tickets to see Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale in Woolwich. Punchdrunk is also o ering a range of hospitality options at its on-site bar, The Prop Store £28.50
how Viola’s Room by Punchdrunk is getting a seasonal twist to enjoy over the festive season
by Jon Massey
Immersive theatre pioneer Punchdrunk has come up with a special festive edition of its latest show – Viola’s Room – in Woolwich. Written by Booker Prize-shortlisted author Daisy Johnson, with narration by Helena Bonham Carter, the show reimagines Barry Pain’s classic gothic mystery The Moon-Slave for a new audience.
so what’s di erent for Xmas?
Between November 20 and December 23, performances will be given a special seasonal twist, complete with festive music under the title Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale.
so what happens?
Described by Punchdrunk as “an audio-driven journey through a moonlit fever dream set across a festive soundscape” – audiences explore a labyrinthine installation barefoot and wearing headphones as the unseen narrator reveals a story of innocence lost and obsession unleashed.
and for the party?
Punchdrunk’s on-site bar – The Prop Store – serves a range of cocktails, champagne, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. In keeping with the 1990s themes of the Viola’s Room experience, there is also a selection of nostalgic board games available to enjoy with any pre-booked hospitality packages.
are group bookings available? Certainly. A range of hospitality packages are available with various options involving The Prop Store. All enquiries should be sent via email to hospitality@punchdrunk.com
anything else?
If Christmas is just too long to wait, Punchdrunk will also be hosting special Halloween performances from October 31 to November 2. At selected
The run of Viola’s Room in Woolwich has been extended with a special festive twist to delight audiences in November and December
Audiences listen to Helena Bonham Carter’s narration while exploring Punchdrunk’s labyrinthine set
time slots, visitors will receive with their ticket a bespoke cocktail and exclusive access to The Prop Store bar where you’ll be able to make your own 1990s-themed friendship bracelet as well as playing those board games...
key details
Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale will be welcoming guests from November 20 to December 23. Tickets start at £28.50
Punchdrunk is located at Woolwich Works in Woolwich, a minute’s walk from the Elizabeth Line station, making it ideal for Wharfers who like exploring beyond the estate. Go to punchdrunk.com for more information
Scan this code for more about Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale
Enjoy an Asian take on the festive season with Ping Pong’s dishes at its St
Price of a festive set menu at Ping Pong, which operates branches at Bow Bells House, Soho, Southbank, St Christopher’s Place and St Katharine Docks in east London
Ping Pong has created a feast of festive dishes for this year’s party season
by Jon Massey
Whether it’s lunch gatherings or larger parties, Ping Pong stands ready to cater for groups of all kinds as party season arrives. The restaurant group, which operates across five sites in the capital including east London’s St Katharine Docks, has officially unveiled its festive offering.
From November 12, right through to January, Ping Pong will offer a selection of festive dishes and delights.
One highlight from the menu is Soft Shell Crab – a whole crab lightly dusted in potato flour and seasoned with Sichuan spices, served on a bed of shredded carrots and crispy glass noodles with a sweet chilli sauce.
Then there’s Butternut Squash And Goji Berry Dumpling – dumplings filled with sautéed butternut squash, root vegetables and vibrant goji berries, wrapped in a bright red translucent pastry. Finally, there’s Wagyu Beef On Crispy Rice – flamed meat marinated in a signature ebara yakiniku dressing and served on crispy rice cakes.
For those in search of a feast, Ping Pong will be serving up a festive set menu at £40 per person. For that, diners receive:
● Nibbles - Prawn crackers (GF)
● Crispy - Two wagyu beef crispy rice cakes, crispy duck spring roll, vegetable spring roll and prawn toast
● Steamed - Two har gau, chicken and truffle gyoza, two butternut squash and goji berry dumplings and vegetable sticky rice.
● Dessert - A delicious matcha and yuzu finger cake.
The group has also come up with a potent selection of seasonal cocktails, with the Emperors Festive Fizz taking
marking the
centre stage. This blend of Vivir Blanco and Añejo Tequila is topped with ginger beer and a hint of Angostura bitters before being garnished with fresh ginger and a festive beetroot powder rim. Guests can take advantage of cocktail trees and drink packages, including 10 cocktails for £70, 5 bottles of house wine for £95, and 10 bottles of Asahi beer for £48.
For those who do not celebrate Christmas or prefer the classics, set menus starting at £25 are available for groups of eight or more, with a special halal set menu also on offer.
key details
Festive menus will be available at Ping Pong branches at Bow Bells House, Soho, Southbank, St Christopher’s Place and St Katharine Docks from November 12 through to January. Go to pingpongdimsum.com
Discover what Feels Like June is o ering for the coming festive season - P40
1 CROSSRAIL PLACE, E14 5AR
be
by Jon Massey
Located on the ground floor of the Tribe London Canary Wharf hotel on Wood Wharf’s Water Street, bar and restaurant Feels Like June is billing itself as the perfect place to celebrate the festive season this year.
what’s the space like?
Bright, naturally lit, cosy and stylish, the venue has its own dedicated entrance, welcoming desk, and open kitchen.
The restaurant promises “an intimate yet vibrant setting for your Christmas celebrations”. There’s also a heated outdoor terrace – also available for hire – which can accommodate up to 150 guests.
tell me more Feels Like June has firmly established itself in Canary Wharf on Wood Wharf’s Water Street as an all-day restaurant and cafe that takes its theme from the sunny vibes of California. Parties of all sizes are welcome and the venue can be hired exclusively for big groups by arrangement.
what’s Christmassy in Cali?
The restaurant will be serving up a special festive menu from November 13 to December 25. Priced at £52 per person it features seasonal dishes such as cod croquettes, stuffed
useful stuff need to know
l Feels Like June is open from 7am till late every day of the week
l Whole venue hire is available for parties of up to 220 people (standing). Seated, it can accommodate up to 150. The restaurant’s terrace can take 100 seated or up to 150 standing
l The main festive menu costs £52 per person and will be served from November 13 until Christmas Day
turkey breast and a pecan and walnut pie. It will also be serving a selection of festive cocktails.
anything extra?
As party experts, well used to running events in conjunction to the hotel and on its own, the venue offers a menu of easy to book add-ons.
From DJs and live music to cocktail masterclasses and fashion portraits, Feels Like June offers a wide range of options to help plan an unforgettable party. A photobooth is also available with instant digital printing to provide guests with memories they can take away.
Feels Like June’s canapés and finger food menu costs £32 per person and includes dishes such as mini burgers, chicken skewers and crostini. Desserts such as brownies and seasonal fruit can be added for £5 per guest.
How do I get there?
Feels Like June is located a few minutes’ walk from the eastern exit of Canary Wharf’s Jubilee line station. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Elizabeth Line and the DLR and on a road for those who prefer to do their travelling in taxis.
Can I stay over?
Obviously. In Tribe, Feels Like June boasts the only hotel actually on the Canary Wharf estate. Just make sure you book ahead to ensure a room. It’s the only venue locally to provide guests with the option of checking in and getting ready on-site, ahead of a party and then staying in the building after. Guests can even stay for a lovely breakfast there in the morning.
How do I book
Festive options at Feels Like June can cater for tables of two right up to exclusive hire of the whole venue. Smaller parties can book online or by email to hello@feelslikejune.co.uk
Larger parties should email sales.canarywharf@ mytribehotel.com to enquire about availability. Go to feelslikejune.com for more information or to book
Hop on board a City Cruises sailing this festive season for celebrations at lunchtime or on Christmas Day itself - P42
Starting price per person for City Cruises Lunch Parties over the festive season. A wide range of options are available
how City Cruises has lined up plenty of parties, lunches and dinners for Christmas and New Year’s Eve
by Jon Massey
There’s something about the Thames.
The river has always been the focal point of London, the reason for its existence and a grand thoroughfare through its very centre. So, as party season arrives, why not take to the water to celebrate this year?
City Cruises is offering a wide range of options from November 28 to help people do just that. For starters, the company is offering lunch parties from Westminster Pier, with guests boarding at 12.30pm for a 1pm-4pm trip.
Tickets start at £70 and include a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a traditional three-course lunch, live music and a full bar on board as well as daytime river views.
Evening Christmas Dinner
Party cruises board at 6pm from Tower Millennium Pier, with four hours on the water from 6.30pm.
Tickets, starting at £95, include a traditional three-course dinner, DJ entertainment and dancing, half a bottle of wine per guest and night-time views of London. Discounts are available on both packages for parties of 20 or more.
private functions
Alternatively, for those organising larger celebrations, City Cruises offers exclusive hire of MV Westminster (up to 60 guests), Millenium Of London (up to 140) and Erasmus (up to 300 over three decks).
Party planners can opt for a Christmas Formal Dinner Cruise –starting at £125 per person – with Champagne to welcome guests on board, a three-course dinner,
celebrate and
City Cruises is offering festive trips from November 28 onwards
DJ entertainment and drinks for the table. There’s also the option for a less formal Christmas Buffet Cruise, from £135, with guests enjoying unlimited wines, beers and soft drinks while dancing to tracks from a DJ.
Both options include boat hire for up to four hours and festive decorations on the vessels.
the big day
City Cruises is set to host a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on December 25, with prices starting at £159.
Tickets include a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a four-course traditional Christmas lunch with festive trimmings followed by tea or coffee as well as seasonal entertainment and carols. The trip will board at 11.30am from Westminster Pier, returning at 3.15pm.
welcoming 2025
To round out the year, City Cruises is offering a range of options on New Year’s Eve, all including the opportunity to watch the London fireworks from the water.
The company’s Galaxy Cruise
includes three hours on the water, live entertainment and canapes, with Champagne on arrival and at midnight. Its Celestial Cruise is half an hour longer and features a hamper packed with refreshments.
For those who prefer a more formal option, there are Dinner and Gala Dinner cruises, offering everything from a three-course dinner to a five-course e travaganza, complete with paired wines and cheese.
Naturally, plenty of Champagne will be flowing and all options include a full bar for guests to enjoy. Prices for New Year’s Eve cruises start at £317 per person.
key details
City Cruises is offering Christmas lunch and dinner cruises from November 28. Sailings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are also available.
For more information or full booking details go to cityexperiences.com
this
for
Located on West India Quay, London Museum Docklands o ers a range of options for your festive party, with a capacity of up to 1,500 guests for drinks receptions or 240 guests for dinner. Prices start from £81+VAT per person for the Festive Standard Package (minimum numbers apply).
Contact us by email: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk, call: 020 7814 5789 or go to londonmuseum.org.uk/commercial/venue-hire/ for more details
2,000
Maximum capacity of Urban Funfair at Magazine London for a standing reception.
The venue can handle 600 for seated dining
Overlooking the Thames, Magazine London’s massive capacity make it ideal for huge events and shared celebrations at Christmas
by Jon Massey
There’s only one venue that combines views across the Thames to Canary Wharf with the thrills of the funfair. But rather than present a single proposition to festive revellers, Smart Parties’ at Magazine London on Greenwich Peninsula is o ering two.
Its Urban Funfair concept can be enjoyed exclusively by large organisations looking to throw a big bash with an iconic backdrop. But, on four dates in the run up to Christmas, its delights can also be sampled as a shared party.
For this year’s festive season, Magazine will feature two spaces. One will be dedicated to dining, with views towards the towers across the water. Here, in-house caterer Moving Venue will serve a threecourse menu.
The other boasts a carousel-themed central bar, a dance oor and a “whimsical playground” complete with carnival attractions, bunting, festoon lighting and dodgems.
Guests at the shared events will arrive from 6.30pm for a decadent drinks reception complete with canapés amid the rides.
They will then sit down for dinner at 8pm, before the DJ starts their set at 10pm and the action moves back to the dance oor, with festivities continuing past midnight.
Tickets include use of tables throughout the night, so groups can use them as a base during the whole party.
A full complement of upgrades are also available, including table drinks packages from £100, beer buckets and ne cheeses (both from £50) or after dinner drinks chests from £110. Unlimited drinks wristbands start at £48 per person. All prices exclude VAT.
Private drinks receptions in roped o areas featuring sparkling wine and canapés are also available from £14 per
person. Exclusive hire for larger companies o ers maximum exibility at Magazine, with clients able to tailor events to their individual requirements.
Options include hire of the venue from 6.30pm until 1am, use of the indoor funfair, sparkling drinks receptions on arrival, bowl food or sit-down dining and unlimited drinks packages.
The venue can provide a wide range of upgrades including facilities for live music, casino tables (either for free or with proceeds going to charity), pre-dinner entertainment or acts during service and interactive food stations.
However, these are the tip of the festive iceberg and Smart Parties encourages clients to collaborate creatively with the aim of creating truly memorable programmes and spectacles within Magazine.
The venue is ideally located for public transport with river boat, Tube and bus stops all within easy walking distance on Greenwich Peninsula.
key details
Shared parties at Magazine London’s Urban Funfair are set to take place on December 6, 7, 14 and 18. Prices start at £120 per person excluding VAT.
Exclusive venue hire is also available for up to 600 seated or 2,000 standing with a multitude of catering and entertainment options.
Call 020 3868 4302 or email christmas@smartgroupltd.co.uk for more information, to book or to discuss options.
Go to smartparties.co.uk for details of events at Magazine London or at other locations across the capital with Smart Group
Scan this code for more about shared parties at Urban Funfair
Smart Parties’ Urban Funfair features dodgems and a carousel-themed bar
useful stu need to know
● Smart Parties’ Urban Funfair at Magazine London can be enjoyed either as a shared party or via exclusive hire
● The venue can handle up to 600 seated to dine or up to 2,000 for a standing reception
● Prices for the shared events start at £120 per person plus VAT
● Smart Parties o ers a wealth of exible options for businesses looking to create unique events
Magazine London is located just across the river from Canary Wharf
Exhibitors will showcase their services and products at The PA Show Autumn at Old Billingsgate in Tower Hill
The event is a chance for PAs, EAs, VAs and o ce managers to meet suppliers face-to-face
The Key Skills Theatre will be running CPD-accredited sessions throughout the day
The PA Show Autumn provides lots of opportunities to connect with like-minded peers
how The PA Show Autumn is set to bring a wealth of exhibitors, activities and skills sessions back to the vaults of Old Billingsgate
by Jon Massey
Since its launch in Canary Wharf in 2022, The PA Show Autumn – a boutique, one-day edition based on the attractions of the flagship show at E cel in Royal Docks – has grown and grown.
Returning to Old Billingsgate at Tower Hill on October 15, this year’s event will be focused on skills and connection as more than 0 e hibitors showcase their services at the brickvaulted venue.
“Having access to such a wide variety of suppliers makes The A Show an invaluable resource for e ecutive support professionals,” said Lisa Farnfield, sales event director.
“It’s an e cient way to source new suppliers and get inspired by innovative solutions that can make your work easier.”
E hibitors taking part in the autumn show – which is sponsored by SWR Business Direct – include the likes of Addison Lee, Leonardo Hotels, Leeds Castle and The View From The Shard. Suppliers local to east London include Fairgame in Canary Wharf and p At The O2 on Greenwich eninsula.
Catering for personal and e ecutive assistants as well as virtual assistants and o ce managers, the event is a chance to meet brands face-to-face as well as to network with peers in similar roles.
“The networking opportunities at The A Show are truly invaluable,” said Charlotte Fewlass, marketing event director.
“It’s a chance to connect with
The event is an e cient way to source new suppliers and get inspired by innovative solutions that can make your work easier
peers, e change ideas, and build relationships that can support your career for years to come.”
The show will be operating its A assport feature, with visitors collecting stamps from suppliers for a goody bag and the chance to win prizes.
A variety of activities will also be running throughout the day including speed networking and the chance to have professional headshots taken.
Beyond the e hibition floor, the ey Skills Theatre will be offering a series of CPD-accredited sessions for those keen to hone their professional abilities.
“The educational content at The PA Show Autumn 2024 is truly remarkable,” said Charlotte. “We have carefully curated sessions on everything from leveraging AI for social media to mastering leadership skills, ensuring that every assistant leaves with actionable knowledge they can apply in their role.”
To attend, visitors need to upgrade to a delegate pass by booking one or more of the theatre sessions. They will also then receive a bento bo breakfast or lunch from Sands Catering. Those booking two sessions will have the option to attend a third at no e tra cost.
The ey Skills Theatre programme includes Skills To Differentiate Yourself And Progress Your Career by career e pert oanna Gaudoin, Communicate With Impact with Lindsay Taylor, Using AI To Supercharge Your Social Media with Kati Noakes and Transform Your Admin Workflow with Lauren Bradley.
key details
The A Show Autumn is organised by Mash Media and will take place at Old Billingsgate at Tower Hill on October 15 from am-5pm. Free passes to the show are available for As, EAs, As and o ce managers or those in similar roles.
Following registration, ey Skills Theatre sessions should be booked in advance and cost 5 each. Those booking two, can get a third for free.
The A Show at E cel is set to take place from February 2 -27 at the Royal Docks venue, with more than 100 e hibitors.
Go to thepashow.com for more information and booking details
Scan this code to nd out more about The PA
learn, laugh and
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | shortstraw.
Permanent Creeps present the punky rapper, who prefers lowercase letters and prominent punctuation. Support comes from Retropxxsy. Oct 22, 7pm, £8, thegeorgetavern.london
Where?
Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
|
The National
on
as reimagined by Rhum And Clay. Expect talented youngsters and an alien invasion, naturally. Oct 16-26, times vary, from £12.50, wiltons.org.uk
GIG| Woosung
The lead vocalist and singer of South Korean indie rockers The Rose arrives in London for a solo show complete with a host of VIP ticket options. Oct 30, 7pm, from £51.80, troxy.co.uk Where? The George Tavern Whitechapel Where? Troxy Limehouse
Troxy is set to welcome Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo on October 13. The o shoot of the main Gipsy Kings project promises much amenco-style thrashing of guitars. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £47.23 troxy.co.uk Scan this code to nd out more about Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo at Troxy in Limehouse
5Types of Espresso Martini will be on the new cocktail menu at The Eleventh Hour
how the owner of The Eleventh Hour learned to never give up and to strive to achieve the impossible
by Laura En eld
He is the kind of guy who runs a spontaneous marathon on New Year’s Day and goes on to clock 3hrs15 for the London event. The kind of guy who sold sweets in the playground aged 13 to make money and, by 17, was the top salesman in a car dealership.
The guy who can lead a failing coffee shop business through the pandemic and emerge with venues The Eleventh Hour on the Isle Of Dogs and The Lockdown Room at London City Island.
“I remember my sister went on a ski trip with school and I said ‘Can I take the cash option?’ and bought DJ gear with it,”said Daniel Bull on his first move as a teen entrepreneur. “I was into my music and saw the business opportunity, because what else can you do at that age? So I put an advert in the ellow ages and off I went.”
This seemingly innate entrepreneurial drive has always been matched by an attitude of never giving up – which emerged when he wrote off his first car after two weeks.
“I thought I would never get insured again so I emailed a few car dealerships and said I would work for commission only,” said the Isle Of Dogs resident. “I was back in a car within a week. At 17 I was a top salesman and within two years I was managing the dealership.”
It was also this mindset that saw him land a spot on an MBA course aged 26 with almost no formal qualifications.
“So many business schools turned me down because I didn’t have an undergraduate degree but I managed to get a fairly decent GMAT score and ended up going to Cass, which is now Bayes Business School,” he said.
“I was the only person without an undergraduate degree, but they liked that because they were trying to diversify the class and not just have a cohort full of investment bankers.”
It was while studying that he crossed paths with floundering company The Espresso Room. It opened one of London’s first speciality coffee shops in 200 on Great Ormond Street but by 201 the owners were considering cutting and running.
Daniel picked up the baton as
part of his final project and ended up taking it over.
“There were two investors at the time and they said it was losing money and wanted to know if they should sell it or if it could be turned around? The product was amazing, but behind the scenes, it was a mess,” said Daniel.
“So I did a whole turnaround plan and decided to invest in it. I ended up opening two more shops with them and then the pandemic hit. Three of the four coffee shops had to be closed and most of the staff furloughed.
“We were basically bankrupt, but I decided to take it on fully and to fight to keep it going.”
The Bloomsbury branch had survived and Daniel and his team landed a gig handing out subsidised coffees to NHS workers battling Covid.
“I didn’t really know what I was doing and it was a whirlwind, but we kept busy. I think that’s why we survived,” he said. “A lot of people threw the towel in during that time. I didn’t. I took a 50,000 bounce back loan and worked around the clock to make something happen.
“I kind of wish we’d gone online now like Grind did but I’m not complaining, because we managed to keep half our team.”
Instead of turning to the internet, he focussed on the community in Leamouth where he was living at the time.
His venue at English National Ballet had shut down and so he began offering a grocery delivery service to residents. Through the various restrictions, it evolved into what is now known as The Lockdown Room.
“When everyone realized how bad things were and supermarkets and shops were staying closed, we asked the developer Ballymore if it had an empty space,” he said.
“They threw me the keys for one of their biggest retail units on the island. It was an empty shell with no water, no lights – nothing – and was full of old desks and chairs all covered in dust.
“We put a table out at the front and became a grocery pop-up. A few weeks later we put in a coffee machine and after a month a pint machine and ended up with loads of east London craft beer. Then, around une 2020, we bought a PA system and started doing live music outside and theme nights.
Dan enjoys a co ee in the window of The Eleventh Hour on the ground oor of Wardian on the Isle Of Dogs
“We were building this community as we went along. We got a lot of residents involved and
The pandemic was survival of the ttest and the industry is de nitely a lot tougher now...We’re surviving because we’ve diversi ed
the ground floor of Wardian.
Despite the fact he speaks roughly 12,000 words in our 70 minute interview (that’s almost three words a second) Daniel is not fuelled by free caffeine from his shops. Instead, he starts every day with a glass of water and a ginger shot, followed swiftly by a healthy juice or shake.
These are consumed in his Wardian flat before he descends a few hundred feet to his coffee shop below to check it is all running smoothly. The Eleventh Hour opened last November and, like all Daniel’s venues, has found a niche.
“Before we opened a lot of people didn’t really know each other - no one really spoke to each other in the lobby,” he said.
“Now everyone feels they can talk and get to know each other and it’s amazing the difference it made even within a month. That’s what makes it fun and not feel like work.”
The space was created with interior designer Anna Moller, who also worked on The Lockdown Room and the penthouse at London City Island.
“She’d never done commercial,” said Daniel. “Her background was high end residential stuff, so it has created an interesting mix.
“We wanted it to be a neighbourhood coffee shop – a place that is warm and a home-fromhome, where people just want to hang out. We’re not a big chain where we’re just trying to do them cheap and roll them out. Every venue we open has personality.”
some friends set up a kitchen, and started doing Vietnamese street food and some other friends started doing a bottle cocktail business. It was an interesting time. I would never have thought to open a bar there, but it was definitely a fun project.
“Now we’ve had to diversify and scale it back a little bit, but we’ve also brought in our own Mexican street food concept called Taco Hut and get events with 400 people being booked in.
“We’re not just a standard venue. We’ve sort of found our niche and we get a lot of repeat bookings and repeat customers. So yeah, we’ve learned. It’s the hub of the community there and people are now recognising what we do as a business with all our venues.
“We’re not just the place you go to grab a product and leave. It’s about much more than that.”
Today Daniel has 35 staff and manages his brands and venues under The Bull Group. They include The Barre at the English National Ballet and the Lockdown Room, both on London City Island and The Eleventh Hour on
to enter the health food market with Super Shakes, due to launch on the Isle Of Dogs and as a pop-up at Royal Wharf later this year.
It will be a step away from coffee towards a more health conscious offering – driven by Daniel’s own fitness makeover.
He ran his first marathon on a whim four years ago and now regularly competes in Ironman events, mostly without any training. He also gave up alcohol two years ago.
“I do like the fact of proving the impossible in a way,” he said. “People who train for six months or a year, I’ve got a lot respect for them, because that’s what you’re supposed to do. But part of me likes to give myself even more of a challenge.
“I’m an all or nothing person – I used to get a buzz from partying and drinking and now I get it from this. I have learned not to be like that in business though, to not sacrifice everything for it.
“I know a lot of people who have done that and they’re not happy. For me it is about keeping a balance. I almost burnt out two years ago, because I didn’t have that and was using going out and drinking as stress relief – it was a recipe for disaster.
“But I found that if I keep nutrition, sleep and exercise in check, everything else seems to fall into place and be a bit more manageable.”
Keeping the balance in work is also a constant challenge but one Daniel is more than up for.
The coffee it serves is a house blend made by a roastery in Winchester, but Daniel has also started introducing coffees discovered on his travels around Europe. About 70% of the food menu is made at a central production kitchen, with items such as brownies, cookies, sausage rolls and energy balls made by a longstanding pastry chef and pastries supplied by a local bakery.
Having got the coffee crew rolling in, Daniel is now about to launch a cocktail menu with a party on October 31 to entice in an evening crowd.
“We thought we’d go big for Halloween,” he said. “I think there is demand for this here. Even in Canary Wharf, there’s not many quirky neighbourhood bars.
“We wanted to crack the daytimes first, because the quality can slip if you’re trying to do everything at once. Now that we’ve nailed that, this is like a second phase.”
The cocktail menu will be served Tuesday to Saturday from 3pm to midnight and includes five different espresso martinis and a menu of gourmet bar snacks.
Not content just tackling the evening scene Daniel is also about
“The coffee scene is definitely saturated,” he said. “People’s attitudes have changed, with more supporting local and wanting to know about sustainability and that employers are paying the right wage.
“The pandemic was survival of the fittest and the coffee industry is definitely a lot tougher now. I wouldn’t go into it again because – with increased rents, wages, the cost of coffee, packaging – it’s not an easy win. We’re surviving because we’ve diversified.
“It’s like an Ironman – you just keep fighting. Nothing really fazes me anymore and I’m never short of ideas. If we were sat here twiddling our thumbs, then I’d be worried.”
Key details
The Eleventh Hour is open Mon-Fri from 7.30am-5pm and Sat-Sun 8am-5pm. For more details go to visittheeleventhhour.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about The Eleventh Hour
Of Dogs - Poplar
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Poplar Poetry Evening
Where?
Poplar Union Poplar
Celebrating its rst birthday, this showcase and open mic event will feature Milli-Rose, Shak and Ley Speaks all hosted as usual by Dennis. Speak out... Oct 18, 6.30pm, free, poplarunion.com
Where?
The Space Isle Of Dogs
STAGE | Forgotten In The Land Of Egypt
This play takes in grief, faith and the climate crisis, inspired by the draining of the fens and the environs of Ely. Expect loneliness and a longing for connection. Oct 8-18, times vary, £16, space.org.uk
STAGE | Time And Time Again
Where?
The Space Isle Of Dogs
This show explores the con ict between adapting to a new culture while attempting to hold onto one’s roots and keep those old ties alive. Oct 22-26, times vary, from £10, space.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the special sailings via our piece online at wharf-life.com
how CRA French Bar And Cafe in Deptford became the first UK venue to serve a French West Indies speciality
by Laura En eld
Harvest time is drawing to a close in England and many of us may have dabbled in picking fruit and foraging nature’s bounty. We may even have fermented a few things or made some sloe gin.
But for Faziha Zed and Sam Stewart, the business of finding ripe produce is the backbone of their Deptford bar.
From the outside CRA French Bar And Cafe is a pretty unassuming venue, nestled among a row of shops on Deptford Broadway.
But step inside and you will find the ’s first bar serving homemade rhum arrangé –offering a taste of the e otic in south-east London.
The drink originated in the 18th century in the French West Indies – the parts of France located in the Antilles islands of the Caribbean.
Every drop served up in Deptford is handmade by Faziha based on an old family recipe that she has adapted and refined over the years.
Flavours on offer include pineapple, mango and passionfruit, plum hibiscus, vanilla honey cinnamon, banana, fig and grape, caramelised pear, lychee and summer fruits.
Faziha makes it using freshpressed sugar cane juice from Barbados, which has been slowly infused with fruits, herbs and spices. And finding the different ingredients can be a fickle affair.
“Recently, I made one with elderflower and nettle,” said Faziha, “But you can only pick elderflower in the spring and I only use quality produce. So, if I don’t have enough quantity to last through the winter, I will have to wait until ne t spring to make more.”
The business started – as many do – by happy accident.
“I come from France and have family from Guadeloupe in the French West Indies, and I always used to bring back rhum arrangé when I visited,” said Faziha.
“Every family have their own recipes and think theirs is the best. It is a very old drink but is becoming e tremely fashionable in France now and you will find it in bars and the supermarkets.
“But during lockdown I obviously couldn’t get any, so I had to make it for myself.”
She began in her kitchen in Catford using kilner jars and, when restrictions eased, she took it along to parties and found it was a hit.
“People started to ask us about it and to make orders for some,” said Faziha. “We weren’t sure at first if the nice things they were saying were true, but then we started selling it in some markets such as Greenwich and it sold out very quickly.”
The couple soon realised they wanted more.
“We started talking a lot about opening a bar when we were sitting in the markets,” said Sam.
“They were great, but can be quite limiting with the amount of money you make and they are only at weekends. So we decided we needed a bar in order to continue doing this full time.”
They found a vacant unit in Deptford and renovated it themselves on a shoestring.
Sam, who used to teach at Camberwell College of Arts, handles the day-to-day running of the establishment.
“We wanted to create an intimate space inspired by the small bars of France – a place where people feel welcome and comfortable,” he said.
“Deptford has a very strong community and we feel quite honoured to have been accepted so quickly into it. We get a lot of regulars coming in. And this area has a long history of rum being imported into the docks so it feels very fitting.”
is the price for a handmade bottle of rhum arrangé
At the moment what we’re doing is a success and no one else is doing it... For now we want to continue to enjoy it.
CRA
Customers can enjoy the rhum neat, with a mixer as a cocktail or choose from a menu of Belgian beers, French wines and pastis and a small selection of food.
The moon has long been a source of inspiration for stories and a supposed source of power on the Earth – celebrate our neighbour here with an evening of Lunar tales
In the mornings, there is coffee from Drury and viennoiserie from Boulangerie Jade. For lunch during colder weather, the bar serves homemade vegan soup and a variety of toasties. In the evenings there is a choice of charcuterie, cheese and vegan and seafood platters designed to complement the drinks menu.
Faziha, who was previously a social worker, has kept her day job in SEN education and makes the rhum in the evenings and weekends.
Today, this takes place at a unit in Catford where the varieties of drink are made in vast containers and refined over months of tasting.
“It is a bit like wine from one year to another, you can use the same recipe but it will never come out the same,” said Faziha. “We will test after three months and see if something is missing –maybe it needs more vanilla.”
Exactly what goes into the rhum is a closely guarded secret. Even Sam isn’t permitted access.
“He doesn’t know the recipe and never will – If we get divorced he will still know nothing,” said Faziha.
If she did decide to share the making, because of her day job, the couple would love to employ people with learning di culties. But they are undecided about whether to rock the boat by increasing production.
“There’s the potential to upscale, expand and produce and sell that more, “said Sam. “But to do that we’d need a bigger place.
“At the moment what we’re doing is a success and no-one else is doing it. Opening another bar would be a lot of hard work. So, for now, what we want is to continue to enjoy it.
Faziha added: “We quite like having a small bar. It has its limitations – but do we really want to expand and make more money just for the sake of making more money?
“At the moment we are living our dream, enjoying the moment and following the flow.”
key details
The bar is open Wed 10am4pm, Thurs 10am-11.30pm, Fri 10am-12.30am, Sat 10am-12.30am, Sun 11am-10pm.
The rhum can also be purchased at catfordrhumarrange.co.uk
Scan this code for more about Catford Rhum Arrangé
Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
Where?
Phantom Peak Canada Water
Enjoy immersive adventure Phantom Peak? Like spooky and scary things? Then its latest season could be the perfect mash up to tickle your fancy. Until Nov 10, times and prices vary, phantompeak.com
STAGE | After The Act
Inspired by Thatcher’s Section 28 legislation, this 1980s-inspired musical is all about pride, protest and, well, abseiling lessons. Unapologetically queer. Oct 17-18, 7.30pm, from £10, thealbany.org.uk
Where? The Pen Theatre South Bermondsey Where? The Albany Deptford TRY | Hallowed Peak
COMEDY | And It Was All Yellow
Except it wasn’t. Chris Martin lied and comedian Will Spence is furious to the point where he’s rewritten Coldplay’s hit eight times to correct the record. Oct 26, 7pm, £8.30, thepentheatre.com
How couple Laxmi Gurung and Kiyam Lin have created Hamro Maya in South Bermondsey and are spreading Nepali avours across three markets in east and south-east London hamromaya.com
Scan this code to read our interview with Laxmi and Kiyam on how they’ve started up a business
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The bene t of ennui is that it can spur us into action – we nd a depth to that stillness and to ourselves – but only if we can make it past super cial distractions
David Lefebre Sell
take a breath
by David Lefebvre Sell
When we are teens, the common experience is that our parents – and adults in general, for that matter – just don’t understand us. I wouldn’t admit this to my kids, but it’s kinda true. I just can’t properly remember the discomfort and uncertainty of trying to be cool, I gave up on that a long time ago. Another lost experience is the horror of boredom. God, I miss being bored.
For so many people the most extreme recent example is during the pandemic, remember that? When everyone you knew was either baking sourdough, learning to knit, or getting a dog. What is boredom anyway? The desire for some better distraction – it’s a dissatisfaction with our surroundings.
Apparently, studies have shown that boredom levels rise through childhood and peak in early adulthood, before dropping to almost nothing in your 50s. That sounds right to me. I spend most of my time lately wishing I could do nothing.
But boredom is a subtle thing, sometimes it’s a sign of disconnect with our lives. It can be a close cousin to depression, which may be part of the reason people fear it. Much like depression, some people choose to see it as some kind of personal failing – a lack of curiosity or energy.
Once, when leading a meditation class, I was asked: “Is this going to be boring?”. I didn’t know how to answer this at the time, but now I would ask: “Do you easily get bored with your own company?”. Actually, getting thoroughly bored with your own mind and thoughts is very helpful. All the same old insecurities and self criticisms, all the old justi cations for our personal aws. What are you going to do about it?
The bene t of this ennui is that it can spur us into action, we nd a depth to that stillness and to ourselves, but only if we can make it past super cial distractions. This does not apply to online meetings. They’re just plain soul destroying.
David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf
Follow @davetheyogi on X and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB
Scan this code for information about David’s work as a transpersonal counsellor and psychotherapist
David says getting thoroughly bored with your own mind and thoughts can be very helpful
my sweet
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Dream Theater
Where?
The O2 Peninsula
The progressive music titans bring their 40th anniversary show to the Peninsula with a set of classic tracks and fan favourites intended to please the faithful. Oct 20, 6pm, from £44, theo2.co.uk
Where?
Greenwich
Theatre
Greenwich
STAGE | Sacred Bath
This piece of physical theatre, created by performer Alice Motta, explores body ownership and spirituality via a journey of self re ection. Oct 26, Nov 2, 8pm, £15, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
KIDS | Ugly Duckling
Where? Woolwich Works Woolwich
This family friendly ballet from Let’s All Dance follows the titular character through a period of self discovery and change. Ideal for ages 2-11. Oct 30, 1pm, 3pm, £14 (kids £12), woolwich.works
see it
We love a free exhibition and the National Maritime Museum has put the winning images from the Astronomy Photographer Of The Year competition on show for all to enjoy. There’s no charge for entry rmg.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the exhibition of winners’ images at the National Maritime Museum
how a private box partnership at the Royal Albert Hall feels like sublime indulgence, dining in the auditorium
by Jon Massey
There are some experiences in London that are undeniably special, that will stick in the mind and the memory and generate real warmth whenever recalled. At an events showcase in the Tower Of London some years ago, the organiser told me that whenever I passed the fortress in future, I would remember that evening – the feeling of exclusivity after hours, sipping Champagne amid the crenellations. She was right.
The Royal Albert Hall’s private bo partnerships effortlessly deliver on that frisson of pleasure. They offer the kind of e periences in one of the capital’s most lauded and storied buildings that are so delicious they feel almost subversive.
On arrival, the Victorian venue appears around the brick curves of Kensington – its dusky red and sandy hues a grand Italianate counterpoint to the shining golds of the Albert Memorial across the road. But rather than wait in line, our partnership allows us to skip the snaking queues and simply walk right in – ascending to the second tier where our dedicated waiter is preparing to welcome us.
The aesthetic is appropriately Victorian – dark wood and rich, hardy velvet. The Champagne is on ice and there are already canapés and cold dishes set out ready for service.
The view is spectacular as the auditorium fills up – our bo ’s position pulls off the di cult trick of feeling exclusive while also offering a commanding, intimate view of the stage.
The service is faultless. For hydration, we’re treated to Champagne, wine and mineral water as well as a selection of soft drinks (although these remain unopened).
There’s undoubtedly something wonderful about sipping chilled fizz from a glass as the elliptical arena fills, but it’s really the food that sets the experience apart.
The Pan Asian menu we’re served is both beautifully cooked and generous. There are tom yum tapioca and wonton and lotus root crisps to dip in sweet chilli to warm things up.
This is followed by an exquisite bowl of tuna tartare – really the first hint that we’re in for a treat. Sitting in our seats, eating with
Minimum number of seats for a private box partnership at the Royal Albert Hall 4
coming up Royal Albert Hall
The venue hosts more than 350 shows each year – here are a few diary dates:
● Richard Ashcroft of The Verve - Oct 25
● Bob Dylan’s Rough And Rowdy Ways World Tour - Nov 12-14
● Joe Hisaishi conducting the Royal Philharmonic OrchestraNov 23-24
● Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra - Nov 29-30
the whole span of the hall as a backdrop, can only be described as sublime. But the juicy morsels of raw fish are just the start.
Before the show gets under way, there’s also a plate of hot appetisers to contend with including General Tso-style cauliflower, five spice braised pork belly and a chunk of swordfish skewered on lemon grass and tricked up with sesame and soy sauce.
I don’t know who Tso is, but the way she likes her vegetables is exemplary of the whole experience – exacting. This is elevated dining – an ideal way to impress guests whether personal or corporate.
It’s also the perfect scenesetter for the show, fostering a relaxed and open mood similar to the relaxation felt after a long, welcome exhalation.
Su ce to say, the service remains attentive throughout so that when the interval arrives, so do our main courses.
There’s bamboo and banana leaf steamed cod as well as spicy Korean crispy chicken all followed by a white chocolate and yuzu cheesecake. The word for it all is simply ‘indulgent’.
key details
Private Box Partnerships are available to organisations or individuals for boxes of four, eight or 12 seats.
They represent the Royal Albert Hall’s highest level of hospitality and include access to all shows on sale for the duration of the partnership, a dedicated account manager and priority booking. Go to royalalberthall.com for more information
The Royal Albert Hall is located within easy walking distance of South Kensington Tube - accessible from the Wharf via the Jubilee line with one change at Westminster
A selection of cold starters at the Royal Albert Hall
There’s something incredibly special about seeing a Woolwich-based orchestra pack out the Royal Albert Hall
the show
Prom 66 - Chineke! x Stewart Goodyear
While private box partnerships at the venue are quite simply one of the most remarkable ways to indulge guests across the whole city, the other major component of the thrill is – of course – the performance.
On the night we visit it’s Prom 66 featuring the composer and pianist Stewart Goodyear in a programme featuring the Woolwich-based Chineke!.
The ensemble – Europe’s rst majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra – were superb. First performing an arrangement of Tchaikovsky by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn (complete with jazz bass from Alec Dankworth) they loosened up the audience.
Then Stewart Goodyear hit the stage – a bundle of energy and verve. He introduced Callaloo, a suite for piano and orchestra, inspired by the Caribbean and carnival culture, before launching straight into the vibrant music.
Making use of the whole ensemble –especially Paul Philbert on the timpani – it conjured up a warm, spicy party atmosphere with the earthy rhythms as important as the virtuosic ourishes on the keyboard. Delighted in his Proms debut, he went on to o er “more sweat” with an impromptu encore before it was time for a well-earned break.
Things were a little more sedate in the second half, with the orchestra opting to return to Tchaikovsky, but this time in more traditional fashion.
Their performance of Symphony No. 6 in B Minor – Pathetique – under the baton of Andrew Grams was understated and subtle with moments of passion and yearning wrought beneath the great hall’s iron dome.
It’s con rmation, though none were needed, that the orchestra founded by Chi-chi Nwanoku is as rich in quality as the venue itself and well deserves to nd itself on the biggest stages.
Jon Massey For full listings at the Royal Albert Hall go to royalalberthall.com. For more about Chineke! go to chineke.org
by Laura En eld
The practice of combining strands of hair has been around for thousands of years. But it is about much more than creating a neat appearance. Exhibition
The Social Art of Braided Hair will showcase it as an art form and the people who design it as artists. The show has been produced by Royal Docks collective Art In The Docks with Stratford-based social enterprise Nurture Academy. It will be open to the public on October 18-20 and 26-27 as part of Newham Black History Month.
Matilda Russell from Art In The Docks tells us more about the people and ideas behind it.
what can visitors expect?
The Social Art of Braided Hair is a photo essay positioning the cultural and social importance of braided hair. All of the work being shown in the exhibition is contemporary to Newham Black History Month. Rather than images of professional models with carefully manicured hair shot in soft focus, this show centres entirely on local east Londoners, shown as they really are.
the meaning behind it?
As well as portraying braided hair as an art form and the people who wear it as living artworks, the exhibition will show the powerful social impact of braided hair. The time spent between a mother and child braiding hair is a deeply bonding moment. The legacy hair design remains as a visual reminder of a time spent together.
what is Art In The Docks?
We are an artist-led social enterprise in east London, committed to making art and culture accessible to people who might otherwise feel excluded.
Regular events, activities and workshops are delivered to the local communities, as well as exhibitions, dance and theatre performances. These are free and open to everyone.
what is Nurture Academy?
It’s also a social enterprise based in east London working with individuals of all ages to promote and understand the significance of braided hair.
The organisation nurtures, mentors and teaches individuals lifelong skills while unlocking confidence.
As well as working with families and young children, Nurture Academy shines a pathway into new career directions for e -offenders and the long term unemployed.
events are being held throughout the month at venues across Newham
how have you worked together?
Nurture Academy promotes the understanding of braided hair, its cultural significance and the techniques used. While braiding skills are often handed down from one generation to another and practised between siblings and friends, Nurture Academy teaches people how to optimise these techniques in workshop environments. The exhibition will include images of these workshops, and the teaching methods used. Several of these workshops will accompany the exhibition on Saturday, October 19 and will be totally free to access.
what inspired the exhibition?
This project came about as the result of shared values between both Art In The Docks and Nurture Academy. Both are committed to showing how the capacity for creativity fundamentally defines who we are as a civilisation. The title of the e hibition reflects these values and highlights the importance of societal reference points.
why is it important?
Much has been said about braided hair and cultural appropriation. In the same way that tattoos are ‘not just for sailors’, exclusive title to the of art braided hair cannot today be claimed by any one section of society. However, there is no doubt that it is deeply rooted in black African and black Caribbean culture and we have chosen this as the central theme to this exhibition. This visual human story will be told in 22 frames, each the same size and dimension. It will centre on the people we see around us every day and invite us to stop and look, maybe to learn.
key details
The event runs October 18-20 and 26-27 at Art In The Docks in Royal Albert Dock, a short walk from Gallions Reach DLR station. Go to newhamblackhistory.org for more information
how Newham Black History Month is reclaiming the narratives of communities in the Royal Docks
Black History Month is here offering free talks, workshops, markets, and musical performances. The programme runs from October - November with the theme Reclaiming Narratives, dedicated to addressing historical inaccuracies and seizing control of stories, allegories, and histories.
It has been organised by Newham Council as part of its 15-year Building Newham’s Creative Future Cultural Strategy, launched in March 2022.
Mayor Of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz said “Black History Month provides a crucial opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the immense contributions of black African and Caribbean communities to our borough and beyond.
“This celebration is not only a reflection on the past, but also a source of empowerment for our present and future.”
Creative activities will be used to craft a new narrative to reflect the relationship between selfcare, community empowerment and wellbeing. articipants are required to bring a picture of themselves.
October 15 and 17, 6-8.30pm Applecart Arts, The Passmore Edwards Library, 207 Plashet Grove, E6 1BX
Improving Black Health
An event focused on enhancing the health and well-being of Londoners within the black community.
It will include discussions on various health topics affecting the Black population.
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
| Musical Con 2024
The annual convention for fans of musicals gives it the old razzle dazzle in east London with a wealth of talent set to appear. Come to the cabaret... Oct 19-20, 10am-5pm, from £49, musicalcon.co.uk
Councillor Rohit Dasgupta, deputy cabinet member for equalities, social justice and culture said “Through this celebration, we aim to challenge ignorance, prejudice, and racial hatred, and to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.”
Black Pound Markets
A celebration of Newham’s black businesses and entrepreneurs featuring music and entertainment for the whole family.
Saturday, October 12, 9am to 3pm at Woodgrange Market
Saturday, October 19, from noon to 4pm at Rathbone Market
My Story Is Of Healing
Two workshops produced by East London-based mi ed-media artist Marilyn Fontaine.
The aim is to hear and understand the health e periences of individuals from black communities in order to initiate a discussion on addressing long-standing health and wellbeing inequities, e plore culturally appropriate public health strategies for combating chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes and discuss and develop strategies to improve health outcomes for patients from the black community at a local level.
Friday, October 18, 6-7.30pm City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE
Art Workshop Inspired By Professor Sonia Boyce
art of a series of events to reclaim narratives by e ploring the political innovations, artistic achievements and cuisine of black residents and how they have contributed to life in Newham and further afield.
Help track down and record the species of moth present at the conservation and regeneration project in a relaxed and informal setting. Nov 5, Dec 3, 10.30am-12.30pm, free, codydock.org.uk
CLUB | Roza Terenzi + D. Ti any Proggy techno and irresistible grooves are promised as the two performers a continue their yearly tradition of back-to-back, all-night-long sets at Fold. Oct 25, 11pm-6am, from £17.50, fold.london EVENT | Moth Club
The first is Rewriting the Health Narrative Of Black Women on Tuesday October, 15. It will e plore the link between emotional healing, black women’s activism and care provided for black women, referencing Dr Angela Davis and Dr Melba Wilson.
Participants will create an “emotional genogram” using coloured pens, fabric and self-portraits followed by reflections and discussions.
The second is Women’s Rest is Resilience on Thursday, October 17. It will be an e ploration of language around black women sacrifice, resilience, endurance) and community organisations in the 1 80s and 1 0s in Newham who delivered art workshops for the black community to support mental wellbeing.
This event will focus on the trail-blazing career of Dame Sonia Boyce. The British Afro-Caribbean artist and educator is a rofessor of Black Art and Design at niversity of the Arts London. She e plores art as a social practice and has been closely collaborating with other artists since 1 0.
In 201 , she became the first black female to be elected to the Royal Academy Of Arts in London.
Wednesday, October 23 (time TBC) Custom House Bookshop, 3 Freemasons Road, E16 3AR
Finale: From Beats to Legacy – 30 Years of Black British In uence
A showcase of grime music, film, poetry and a special guest A. More details TBC.
Saturday, October 26, 6-9pm Stratford Old Town Hall
Full list of events at newhamblackhistory.org
You’ll need to be very fast, but there’s just time to catch Gradfest at Excel in Royal Docks from October 2-3. It caters for those on the last year of a degree or who graduated within the last two years. Expect loads of opportunities. gradfestivals.com
Scan this code to nd out more about Gradfest and the jobs and courses that will be on
Months In The Footsteps Of the East London Group will be on show at the Nunnery Gallery in Bow
by Jon Massey
It started with an evening class in east London. In the 1920s a group of mostly working class men and women began attending evening painting classes in Bethnal Green, capturing the world around them in their pictures.
Under the guidance of artists – especially John Cooper and Walter Sickert – the East London Group as it was known found great success, exhibiting works at the Whitechapel Gallery, the National Gallery and Millbank (now Tate Britain).
Paintings by its members were even chosen to represent Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1936 – marking both a high point in the group’s recognition and a full stop in its history. While some of the artists continued to work independently after the Second World War, after Cooper’s death they never exhibited as the East London Group.
In recent years, renewed interest in their paintings from the 1920s and 1930s has seen greater recognition for their achievements.
In celebration, Bow Arts is now set to bring together past and present with an new exhibition at the Nunnery gallery.
From October 4 to December 22, In The Footsteps Of The East London Group will feature work by its artists juxtaposed with pieces by 22 painters from the Urban Contemporaries Group plus a number of invited guests.
Curated by Alan Waltham of the East London Group with Ferha Farooqui and Frank Creber of Urban Contempo-
raries and Sophie Hill of the Nunnery Gallery, the show promises to “explore the city across time – remembering long-demolished buildings, revealing hidden streets, and celebrating communities from the 1920s to the present day”.
It intends to do this by placing historic works by Elwin Hawthorne, Cecil Osborne, Grace Oscroft, Henry Silk and the Steggles brothers –including some never seen in public before – alongside new paintings.
The former include views of Bow Road, Bethnal Green, and Grove Hall Park, as well as canals, lumber yards and breweries.
Contemporary pieces featured include those by David Hepher, Doreen Fletcher, Ben Johnson, Philippa Beale, Timothy Hyman and Harriet Mena Hill.
Their subjects include the brutalist Robin Hood estate before its demolition, the regenerated walkways of east London’s canals and the evergrowing urban skyline.
key details
In The Footsteps Of The East London Group is set to run at Bow Arts’ Nunnery Gallery in Bow from October 4 to December 33.
Admission is free and the exhibition can be viewed from 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Go to bowarts.com for more information
the art of
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Austerity, Dehumanisation, Disappearance, 2023 by Nicole Poh of Urban Contemporaries (UC)
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
SPORT | Sky Sports Fight Night: High Voltage Rising star Adam Azim takes on Ohara Davies in a super lightweight clash in their native east London. Electric action in the ring is promised... Oct 19, 5pm, from £39.20, copperboxarena.org.uk GIG | Gareth Malone Join the choir leader and musician brings SingAlong-A-Gareth: My Life Through Song to the recently opened venue for a pair of performances. Oct 20, 6.30pm, 9pm, from £46.38, soulmama.co.uk DANCE | Ballet Black: Heroes This double bill features work by Mthuthuzeli November and Sophie Laplane with The Waiting Game and If At First, respectively. Oct 23-26, 7.45pm, from £10, stratfordeast.com
back Sadler’s Wells East at east Bank on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has unveiled the programme for its rst season. With the venue opening in February, tickets are now on sale for the performances sadlerswells.com
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