Images by James Perrin – nd more of his work at jamesperrin.com or via @millerjamesperrin on Insta
SEE | Nature Framed
Where?
One Canada Square
Canary Wharf
See the winners of Canary Wharf Group’s recent photography competition in the lobby of the estate’s talismanic tower in celebrationg of Eden Dock’s launch. Sept 30-Nov 1, daily, free, canarywharf.com
Where? Montgomery Square
Canary Wharf
LAST CHANCE | Lunch Market
As all summers must eventually end, so too must Canary Wharf’s regular Thursday open air lunch market. Catch it before it disappears Thursdays until Sept 26, noon-2.30pm, canarywharf.com
GIG | Mud Morgan eld
Where?
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
You’d be forgiven for thinking Muddy Waters is on stage if you close your eyes, but actually it’s his son, who boasts an uncannily similar voice. Oct 16, 9.30pm, from £22, boisdale.co.uk
has put together a Party Season Guide to help you nd the perfect setting for your seasonal bash. Book early wharf-life.com Scan this code
Sadler’s Wells East has announced it will open its doors at East Bank in February with a packed programme of dance both in its new theatre and the venue’s public spaces
Welcome to issue 121 of Wharf Life. Expansion is the theme of this paper, whether it’s the rst season at Sadler’s Wells East as the dance powerhouse grows its footprint, HCA Healthcare’s new facility at 40 Bank Street of Third Space’s additions to its already extensive group exercise o ering. Read on.. Uber Boat By Thames Clippers adds comedy and musical sailings
at the National Maritime Museum’s new night sky exhibition
on the radar
More exciting opening news, Scandinavian lifestyle and kids retailer
Newbie is set to open its Canary Wharf store on September 25. Expect womenswear and plenty of products for babies and youngsters. It’s the first of three new stores for the brand in the UK newbiestore.com
Also coming soon is Paris Baguette. Billed as a neighbourhood bakery cafe, the South Korean chain is set to open a branch in Jubilee Place. Its name will guide your expectations, with plenty of croissants and pain au chocolat alongside the Italian coffee parisbaguette.com need to know
28
Listen to tales under the moon at The Albany in Deptford
16
What will £6.25million buy you in Blackheath? Take a peek inside a five-bedroom house on the edge of the park, complete with its own wraparound gardens
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
£15
Can’t get to Germany? No matter Munich Cricket Club is hosting Oktoberfest parties on West India Quay from Sept 19. Tickets cost £15 including sausage munichcricketclub.co.uk
50%
25
Like the Gipsy Kings? Check out this gig at Troxy in Limehouse
subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
Get half-price cocktails at newly opened Soma in Frobisher Passage (behind Kricket) throughout September. The Wharf’s perfect late night spot somasoho.com
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our
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noun, fake, from Southwark
An item donated to a political leader on the make with absolutely no expectation of anything in the future. No, de nitely not. Especially good when given as clothing so somebody can look their best...
noun, real, from French
A handy term for illegible or carelessly scrawled handwriting. If the technological revolution has left your penmanship (penpersonship, surely in 2024), this o ers, at least, a noble way to refer to your scribble subscribe
CLASSIC MOVIE
Gladiator (2000) Everyman, Crossrail Place everymancinema.com
Are you not entertained? If the answer is no, head down to Canary Wharf’s cinema on October 13 where, at 7.30pm, Ridley Scott’s sand and sandals epic will be screened. Russel Crowe is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North and the Felix Legions and he will have his vengence in this life or the next. Tickets are £16.50 and include a drink and popcorn. RADAR
your next
Troubadour Theatre
Wood Wharf canarywharf.com
Canary Wharf Group and Troubadour Theatres are currently working up plans for a new 1,300-seat venue in Wood Wharf’s Charter Street. While proposals have yet to be nalised, they include the possibility of audience bars across three oors and a 150-cover restaurant. Should they go ahead, the venue could open in summer 2025 – the rst of its kind on the estate
The festival is o ering diners the chance to indulge in a threecourse tasting menu at Roe in Wood Wharf
FINE DINING
London Restaurant Festival
Wood Wharf, Oct 1 and Oct 27 londonrestaurantfestival.com
London Restaurant Festival o ers are set to return to the Wharf with a pair of events in October. First up is a three-course tasting menu plus a glass of Champagne at Roe for £68.58. Hosted on October 1, the One Park Drive venue will be placing regenerative crops at the heart of the dining experience. Bookings for tables between (7.45pm and 8.45pm) are going fast, so move quickly.
Also coming at the end of the month is the Wood Wharf Gourmet Odyssey on October 27. Costing £126.60 per person, this is a six-dish lunch over three venues – newly opened Marceline (see our review on Page 14), Mallow and Hawksmoor. The price includes a glass of English sparkling wine from Gusbourne with each dish. Diners can choose to start at either Marceline or Mallow and walk between the venues.
New fitness studios at Third Space Wood Wharf, offering Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates to club members
how there are now even more group exercise classes at Third Space with the opening of its Wood Wharf club
by Jon Massey
Don’t fear the unknown”. That’s the message from Vicki Antoniou, senior group exercise manager for Third Space’s two Canary Wharf clubs. “If people are walking past The Yard – our crossfit inspired training space at the Canada Square club – and there’s a class on it can look like everyone knows what they’re doing,” she said. “Or they hear a spin session getting underway, it can sound really overwhelming.
“But it’s vital people understand that our classes operate for all levels of fitness – everyone taking part went for the first time at some point.”
We’re sat in Third Space Wood Wharf for our interview. While the brand’s second site on the estate is in a separate location to the Canada Square club, it essentially acts as a massive extension to the existing facilities as local membership includes access to both.
Exercise classes such as Lift allow instructors to teach form and technique in a group setting
That means there’s a second pool to swim in and an extra gym floor to train on. But it also adds something wholly fresh in terms of group exercise – Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates studios.
This, alongside installing equipment for the latter at the original Canary Wharf site, has allowed the club to extend its already extensive timetable of classes, with more than 300 available every week.
Organising and managing that operation across two sites is no small task, but it’s one Vicki clearly relishes.
“We get more than 30,000 attendances at classes each month,” she said. “Around half of the people coming to Wood Wharf are going to a group class, with Canary Wharf a little under that.
“I get really excited about the benefits of working out with other people. We know that once members try a class, they keep coming back.
“The hard part is just getting into the studio. Once you’re there, we’ll look after you. If you’re a bit hesitant, get there 15 minutes early and tell the instructor and they will make sure you’re comfortable.
“Everyone’s on their own journey. I’m big on inclusivity, so our instructors are trained to make sure everyone who comes into a class has the best possible experience and does what suits their mood for that day.
continued on Page 6
building
in numbers
Spin classes at Third Space Canary Wharf can see more than 70 people working out together in a dedicated studio space
>> from Page 5
“We’re also happy to give members a tour of the studios when not in use if they’re feeling unsure. We can also advise what classes are best to start with, such as Fundamental Reformer for Pilates or Yin Yoga.”
Vicki’s own journey into the fitness industry began with group exercise, after friends invited her to be part of a film so they could gain Les Mills Bodypump certification. Having “never picked up a weight in her life” before – a legacy of hating exercise at school – she was hooked and began going to classes.
Later she trained as an instructor and began teaching classes herself. At that time, fitness was more of a side hustle while Vicki worked in banking at Barclays on the Wharf and then in the City.
The arrival of her son saw her spending more time teaching fitness classes, which fitted around his school commitments, before heading back into the corporate world – this time in telecoms. With her son grown, she “dipped her toe into nutrition”, setting up a company to offer workshops to businesses and organisations.
“Around 2017, a friend of mine had started teaching at Third Space and I went to do a class with him,” said Vicki. “It was fantastic and I thought I’d really like to teach there.
“I auditioned and began working as an instructor in 2018, first with one, then two and three classes a week. Eventually it was 10. At that point, I knew I wanted to manage, mentor and lead other instructors and so I applied for the group exercise manager at the Tower Bridge club and got the job.
“At first, despite my experience, I was petrified, but the support network was amazing. If you’ve done the job yourself, it puts you in a good position to manage others and I try to lead as I like to be led.
“Transparency and a lot of communication are essential. I’m a bit maternal and nurturing and really want to bring people into the fold. If you feel confident and that you belong, you’re going to lead classes as your authentic self.
“It’s vital that we have brand standards and that those are maintained across all our classes so members will always get that high quality experience. But I also want the instructors in my team to be themselves, not to put on a persona.
“They should feel free to express their personality and
Monthly cost of The Wharf membership at Third Space, offering full access to classes across both sites
Members take part in a crossfit-inspired WOD session in one of the main Canary Wharf club’s fitness studios
Hot Yoga class
Third Space Canary Wharf has a wealth of group exercise sessions such as Formula 3
Third Space Wood Wharf boasts an extensive training area, swimming pool and Reformer Pilates studio
A
at Wood Wharf
Our instructors
are trained to make sure everyone who comes into a class has the best possible
bring something of themselves to the sessions. We have thousands of members at Canary Wharf – the demographic is vast – and people really respond to instructors who deliver classes like that.”
Wood Wharf’s additions to the timetable have proved immensely popular, with Reformer Pilates capturing members’ imaginations to the point where extra equipment has been brought in at the original site too, in order to keep up with demand.
“I think, with Reformer classes, it’s the accessibility of it,” said Vicki. “The way the equipment and the classes have been designed means everybody can do it. We have Fundamental, Traditional and Dynamic classes, so it doesn’t matter what level of fitness you’re at. It’s about coming to try something different and learning a new way to move your body with equipment that doesn’t put pressure on your joints. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to jump around in the gym.
“But it complements other exercises too. If you incorporate it weekly into your training you’ll really see the benefits in strength and flexibility.
“People often need to be a bit brave to try it, but we’ll always look after them and teach them how to use the equipment and give lots of options for those at different levels.
“Hot Yoga has been very well attended at our other clubs, so we wanted to bring a studio here too.
“Practising in a warm room gives you the ability to move your body in a more fluid and challenging way both from a physical and a mental perspective.
“It can feel as though the heat is lubricating your joints and giving you that extra mobility.”
key details
The Wharf membership covers Third Space’s Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs and costs £230 per month. This grants access to facilities across both sites and includes unlimited group exercise classes including Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates.
Third Space also offers group membership, starting at £279 per month, which allows access to facilities at Third Space’s growing collection of clubs including Soho, Marylebone, Wimbledon, Clapham Junction and Tower Bridge. It currently excludes Mayfair.
Go to thirdspace.london for more information or to book a tour of the facilities
Scan this code to nd out more about Third Space
Images by James Perrin – nd more of his work at jamesperrin.com or via @millerjamesperrin on Insta
Vicki Antoniou is senior group exercise manager across Third Spaces Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf clubs
experience
Vicki Antoniou, Third Space
how HCA Healthcare’s new facility in Canary Wharf has been designed around the needs of its patients
by Jon Massey
Canary Wharf is constantly evolving.
Some changes are obvious, while others are hardly visible from the outside. Take the first floor of 40 Bank Street, for example. Looking at its exterior, few would guess that major engineering has taken place to reinforce a section of the building.
This change was made to enable it to carry the 15 tonnes of weight associated with two state-ofthe-art MRI scanners – both craned in through a gap in the wall on a single day.
This retooling of office space has allowed private provider HCA Healthcare to significantly expand its presence in Canary Wharf. Its recently opened facility now takes up the whole of the building’s first floor.
“It’s 20,000sq ft and offers full diagnostic and treatment facilities,” said Greg Bale, the company’s chief operating officer. “We have GPs on site offering primary care appointments as well as secondary and tertiary level consultants providing special level care.
“We also have imaging and diagnostic facilities, with MRI, ultrasound and X-Rays, alongside a range of treatment options. It’s a one-stop shop for patients – they can have their referral immediately from GP to consultant, then treatment if appropriate.
“If they need more complex surgery, then there’s the backup of the wider HCA network. As a provider, we offer everything, right up to the most complex healthcare an individual might require, including cancer care, liver transplants, cardiac surgery and orthopaedic surgery.
“Anyone can access the outpatient services if they’re selfpaying, but the majority will have
Anyone can access the outpatient services if they’re selfpaying, but the majority will have private medical insurance
Greg Bale, HCA Healthcare
20,000
Square footage of HCA’s diagnostic and treatment centre at Canary Wharf, which opened in July this year
private medical insurance. We estimate 75% of local employers provide cover and about 30% of the wider population will have this in place.
“Canary Wharf has been my pet project for the last two years and it feels incredible now that it’s open, having taken it through from concept to our first patient.”
Greg worked as a pharmacist at Great Ormond Street Hospital before continuing his career at HCA and then making a move into management. He said he was especially proud of the Canary Wharf facility’s design.
“Involving the medical team throughout the process is the bit I’m most proud of,” he said. “It’s been built around the patients.
“We’ve taken the lead from one of our other flagship facilities at The Shard, which has been really successful as a patient diagnostic centre. At Canary Wharf, we’ve taken all the learning from there, and our clinical team has looked at the patient and doctor experience and their requirements and tried to elevate it.
“I think we’ve done that incredibly successfully and the patient feedback we’ve received already – two months in – has reinforced this.”
Measures taken include ensuring waiting areas have plenty of natural light and calm views over the dock to minimise stress. Treatment rooms each also have their own changing rooms so patients can dress and undress in a contained, coherent environment in privacy.
HCA has also been unafraid to do things differently, creating dedicated treatment facilities for specific procedures thereby opening up more time for the general treatment rooms to be used.
It’s a joined-up approach that streamlines the approach to diagnosis and treatment, ultimately meaning patients should wait less time for results and then any action that may be needed.
With breast cancer, for example, the centre boasts the latest in mammography scanning alongside facilities to biopsy suspect tissue that can potentially deliver a diagnosis in as little as an hour.
Consultants are then on hand immediately to explain the potential implications and next steps.
“I hope patients will feel reassured and confident in the service we’re providing,” said Greg. “I want them to walk away having
growing the
The facility is accessed via the building’s lobby and has a dedicated concierge on that level to ensure everything runs smoothly
Waiting areas at HCA Healthcare’s Canary Wharf facility have been designed to promote calm, with plenty of natural light
had a very positive experience. Patients should recieve whatever it is they were hoping to gain from the advice they’re given on the condition they came with.”
With such depth and quality in its offering, it’s perhaps little wonder that HCA’s Canary Wharf expansion is already proving popular with patients.
“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Greg. “In our first month, we welcomed more than 2,500 patients, which is a very strong start for a recently expanded facility. We’re projecting 50,000 patients will walk through our doors within the next 12 months. Patient feedback has been very positive too and, as people come back from their holidays, we anticipate more activity.
“At a steady rate, we’re expecting to see between 250 and 300 patients a day, although we have the capacity to increase that further.
“For us, this expansion has been driven by a number of factors. We see the City and Canary Wharf as the two most economically strong markets in the UK and feel that will endure.
“For us, the Wharf is a second major hub. Tower Hamlets is a rapidly growing borough and the estate’s own strategy, of diversification to become the best residential, retail and corporate market, was key.
“HCA works closely with many major companies to provide health screening for their employee base and we pay a lot of attention to those clients.
“There really is nothing else like us that has the same comprehensive offering.
“People know when they come to us that they will encounter experts in their field – whether that’s GPs or consultants.
“They will receive one-to-one care for whatever they have come to see a specialist about and they’ll know the diagnostic facilities are the best available.
“For example, we put two MRI scanners in – a 1.5T and a 3T. One isn’t better than the other. They have different magnetic field strengths so can be used for different things. We wanted to have both at our clinical team’s disposal.
“This approach leads to benefits for our patients. For instance, we represent a much younger demographic in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer than the average in the rest of the country.
“The reason for that is our detailed health screening, that patients have rapid access to a GP, can get a diagnosis quickly and then secondary and tertiary care.
“We hope that this results in better outcomes for them. It’s all about that one-stop shop – we’re providing patients with choice and building our services around their needs.
“Now patients don’t need to leave Canary Wharf for these services and why should they?”
key details
HCA Healthcare is located at 40 Bank Street on the southern edge of the Canary Wharf estate. It offers primary care, outpatient consultation and treatments and a wide range of diagnostic services.
For a full list of what’s available, visit the company’s website. Go to hcahealthcare.co.uk for more information
Scan this code for more about HCA Healthcare on the Wharf
HCA Healthcare chief operating o cer Greg Bale says the expansion at Canary Wharf has been driven by various factors
HCA Healthcare’s new facility takes up the whole of the rst oor at 40 Bank Street
Patients can see GPs as well as consultants at HCA
casual bars
For those more laid back seasonal meet-ups, Canary Wharf has a wealth of options to choose from. For high quality street food, there’s Market Halls with its expansive bars and brick arches at North Colonnade, or the hidden gem of MMy Wood Wharf at 10 George Street – part food hall, part grocery store, part underground jazz club.
For those aiming to get the seasonal beers in, why not try BrewDog at Churchill Place, Sports Bar And Grill at Crossrail Place or The Henry Addington on Mackenzie Walk?
With more of a drinking and dining vibe with a slick interior, why not make for Rocket at Churchill Place, celebrate amongst the greenery at Pergola On The Wharf, or grab a table at The Parlour in Park Pavilion, looking out over Canada Square at the heart of the estate?
Then it must be time for cocktails and where better than the air of The Cocktail Club at Wren Landing, the fabulous creations of The Alchemist in Reuters Plaza or a bit of speakeasy secrecy at The Breakfast Pub, hidden in Crossrail Place?
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
competitive socialising
Canary Wharf has become a must-visit destination for competitive socialising in recent years. Electric Shu e was the rst venue on the ground, o ering a high-tech take on a pub classic at North Colonnade, while Fairgame in Fisherman’s Walk has been a fairground-themed hit ever since its giant duck took up residence in West India North Dock.
With Capital Karts o ering electric go-karts in the Cabot Place car park, Clays providing virtual target shooting at One Cabot Square and Padium providing the largest luxury Padel Tennis club in London at Bank Street Park, there are already so many activities to try. But things haven’t stopped there, with The Cube, based on the TV show of the same name opening at Wood Wharf and indoor golf simulator Pitch coming soon to Churchill Place...
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
fancy dining
The estate has seen an in ux of new fancy dining restaurants arrive recently, building on a solid foundation of venues. Kricket in Frobisher Passage o ers ne Indian cuisine, while oating brasserie Marceline serves an expertly delivered French menu at Wood Wharf.
Nearby, diners should also take a look at Mallow for plant-based creations, Hawksmoor for high quality British produce and Roe for vertical farming and ethical sourcing. Then there’s soon-to-open Hovarda for ne avours of the Aegean.
There’s serious cooking to be found at Roka in Park Pavilion too, inventive tasting menus at Six By Nico on Mackenzie Walk, a Danish twist on Japanese cuisine at Sticks’n’Sushi in Crossrail Place, top tapas at Iberica in Cabot Square and sublime steaks at Gaucho with river views at Westferry.
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
The Alchemist
The Cocktail Club
The Cube
Hawksmoor
the season of
how Canary Wharf is packed with places perfect for hosting Christmas or year-end parties of all varieties...
Canary Wharf boasts a wealth of venues across the estate, ideal for a festive bash, whether that’s literally whacking moles at Fairgame, popping corks at Humble Grape or bopping to Sinatra at Boisdale
Advertisement Feature
Elevate your Christmas and year-end celebrations at Canary Wharf. Enjoy electric go-karting, virtual clay pigeon-shooting, fairground games and electric shu eboard.
Or indulge in delicious cuisine at your choice of waterside restaurants or vibrant bars. Canary Wharf Group has put together a venue- nder
win
a Team Social worth £1,000
>> In celebration of the festive season, Canary Wharf Group is o ering Wharfers the opportunity to win a Team Social worth £1,000. To be in with a chance of winning, all people need to
to help you discover the best places for mixing, mingling and celebrating on the estate this season. To help spark some ideas, we’re featuring a selection of those establishments over these pages. You can nd full listings via the QR code
Scan this code to visit Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
do is to enter their details in the prize draw before noon on December 20. The winners will have the chance to select from a variety of bars, restaurants, or experiences, all in Canary Wharf. Terms and conditions apply.
Scan the code or go to canarwharf.com for info and details on how to enter
More ideas from the categories in Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
large capacity
The Wharf o ers a range of options for those seeking to host big parties.
Top of the tree is The Pelligon, recently refurbished on Bank Street and operated by Wood Wharf-based Broadwick.
Other venues for large gatherings include the lower oor bar at Hawksmoor on Water Street, the wide open spaces of Pergola On The Wharf atop Crossrail Place, the open-plan, two-level expanse of Market Halls and Fairgame, which occupies a space that was once divided into three separate restaurants.
Many of the venues on these pages also o er exclusive hire options and packages for party planners seeking whole division or company solutions this Christmas.
djs and dancing
While grooving on the dance oor is always optional, what better time of year is there to show o those moves to friends, colleagues and onlookers?
Fortunately Canary Wharf has plenty of options for the graceful to strut their stu with records spinning and live music at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf in Cabot Place, beats pumping at Brera Lounge at Cabot Square and plenty of atmosphere at No 35 Mackenzie Walk. Other top spots for your shortlist are Qube East on Wood Wharf, which regularly hosts DJs, Pergola On The Wharf– known for its Crossrail Place rooftop parties – and The Cocktail Club which plays tunes all night long. Rumour has it that new arrival Hovarda will also be a spot to watch.
The Pelligon
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf
late night
Canary Wharf is increasingly becoming a place to enjoy into the small hours of the morning, with new arrivals such as Hovarda and Soma holding late licences. Here are a few ideas for those who like to keep the party going...
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf in Cabot Place hosts live music and parties that can easily go on past midnight with a licence until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Brera Lounge in Cabot Square remains open until 3.30am on selected nights, meaning those leaving The Cocktail Club nearby at 2am have somewhere to head for.
While not open quite as late, other venues that should be on your radar include Pergola On The Wharf with a 1am curfew on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and No 35 Mackenzie Walk, which pushes past midnight on those same days.
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
casual dining
Perhaps more than any other category, Canary Wharf is geared to casual dining. The estate o ers myriad options for people hunting a quick bite or an informal sit-down restaurant with plenty of di erent cuisines to choose from.
For pizza, there’s @HomePizza, recently opened at 1-5 Bank Street, Cafe Brera’s branches at Cabot Place and Jubilee Place, Caravan in Reuters Plaza, Gallio at Wharf Atrium and Franco Manca at Crossrail Place.
If it’s Asian cuisine you’re after, then Wagamama or Seoul Bird at Jubilee Place or Ippudo at Crossrail Place are sure bets, while those who can’t decide should try a mix of vendors at MMy Wood Wharf.
If meat’s your thing, then Big Easy at Crossrail Place and Blacklock in Frobisher Passage, have you covered – while vegans will nd everything they need at Mallow on Wood Wharf.
European avours are heavily represented too with Italian dishes available at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta on Wood Wharf, Oysteria at 40 Bank Street and Amerigo Vespucci o Cabot Square, Spanish cooking at Iberica also o Cabot Square and French classics at newly launched Marceline.
For those who prefer spice, Dishoom at Wood Wharf, Chai Ki at Crossrail Place and Kricket at Frobisher Passage o er three distinct takes on Indian cuisine and Wahaca provides punchy Mexican avours in a freshly refurbished restaurant.
There’s all-day dining too, at Feels Like June on Wood Wharf where the weather is always sunny, thanks to its Californian in uences, at No 35 Mackenzie Walk with its laid back interior and at The Breakfast Club in Crossrail Place with its quirky atmosphere. Of course, if you’d rather just have a burger, check out Patty&Bun on Wood Wharf for pink and juicy o erings and great drinks o ers.
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
Oysteria
Blacklock
Mallow
Kricket
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf
private dining
One of the great joys of festive celebrations is the opportunity to get closer to colleagues and friends. Often that’s best done in an exclusive space and the Wharf has plenty of establishments with private dining options.
In Park Pavilion, for example, groups can enjoy Japanese cuisine at Roka, modern dining at The Parlour or a menu inspired by Mexican street food at Wahaca. All three have private areas for gatherings.
Head over to Wood Wharf and similarly, the Gallic cooking of Marceline, the potent, sustainable avours of Mallow, the British dishes of Hawksmoor, the Indian curries of Dishoom and the exacting o erings of Roe can all be enjoyed away from the crowds.
Other notable venues to consider include Boisdale Of Canary Wharf, which has multiple rooms to choose from, Chai Ki in Crossrail Place with its vibrant plates and the timeless appeal of Gaucho on Canary Riverside. Then there’s Humble Grape’s private dining room on Mackenzie Walk, Iberica’s high ceilings o Cabot Square and dedicated spaces at No 35 Mackenzie Walk, Pergola On The Wharf at Crossrail Place and a wonderfully decorated dining room at Canada Square’s The Ivy In The Park.
For the ultimate private dining experience, why not hire Broadwick Studio and arrange a fully catered banquet in the exible event space on the corner of Water Street?
stylish bars
Sometimes we all need that moment of sophistication, whether it’s ordering an expertly crafted cocktail or simply a fabulous glass of wine. Here are a few highlights for those who prefer their drinks carefully curated.
Better known as a restaurant, the beautiful wooden bar at Roka is one of the best on the estate, overlooking Canada Square from an elevated position in Park Pavilion. Similarly central, in the square itself is newly opened Oasis Bar & Terrace, a white and gold lozenge on two exquisitely turned-out levels.
Tucked away o Harbour Quay Gardens, The Boathouse At Wood Wharf o ers oating libations, with other options nearby including the Art Deco splendour of Hawksmoor and the supple curves of Feels Like June. If wine’s your thing, Humble Grape o ers an unrivalled selection in beautiful surroundings at Mackenzie Walk, while The Alchemist blends innovative pours with bombastic theatre at Reuters Plaza.
Hovarda is soon set to open its doors too, hot on the heels of Soma, a minimal sanctuary carefully positioned behind Kricket at Frobisher Passage.
Scan this code to visit Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
Humble Grape Roe
No 35 Mackenzie Walk
Feels Like June
Scan this code for full information on the venues mentioned above, via Canary Wharf’s venue- nder
Hawksmoor
Cost of bottomless warm bread and butter, plus still or sparkling water at Marceline. Just be careful how much French stick you request if ordering other dishes...
how
Marceline in
by Jon Massey
IScan this code for more about
t’s not long into our meal at Marceline that I realise I’ve made a catastrophic error – one that the restaurant itself can’t really be blamed for. The feel of this French brasserie, located on the second oating barge at Water Street – sandwiched between Hawksmoor and Dishoom – is unashamedly fancy. Massive antiqued mirrors re ect a luxurious dining room that’s all subtle glass panels, globe lights and dark wood. It’s a bit like stepping into a Renoir painting without quite so many straw hats.
The error I make is to foolishly assume that this French polish will translate into delicate little portions of food. Of course we’ll need warm bread and oysters to start – then a second basket of bread.
The trouble is pretty much everything at Marceline is ever so moreish. Chef Robert Aikens may be a little less well known than his
twin brother Tom, but his cooking is exactly what the Wharf is looking for.
Tom’s place, which closed a few years ago at Westferry Circus, never quite captured the estate’s imagination. But Robert’s deserves to, if nothing other than for its devotion to cheese.
Despite the well-honed service – an impressive feat given the short time it’s been trading – Marceline’s plates are not Michelin-style, dainty little things.
Its menu is packed with dishes that satisfy both the demands of quality and quantity. Steak tartare is rustic –
a little mountain of esh with grated cheese and peppery watercress, shot through with hazelnuts for crunch.
Ravioli Dauphine is an uncut sheet of pasta completely stu ed with comte and bathed in a lake of butter. It’s the kind of place that does few favours for your cholesterol levels, but everything for your smile.
Already peaking, I confess I didn’t manage the whole of the doorstep-style Croque Madame, as this too was infused with an indecent quantity of cheese, perfectly melting into the egg and ham. One of the great regrets of my life.
Wood Wharf delivers all the Gallic luxury the estate’s diners deserve
I did, however, manage to try the avourful onglet served pink and juicy to my partner and lying beneath a dollop of yet more butter. The best thing, perhaps, about Marceline is the exacting quality of its delivery. The oysters are plump and come without the usual bath of seawater. Its Two Sip Martini is potent, dirty and unabashed. Like its interior, this is luxury on and o the plate. Just don’t fall into the trap of ordering too much, like I did.
Go to marceline.london for more information
Clockwise from above, one of six oysters (£20), Croque Madame (£18), steak frites (£19), Ravioli Dauphine (£14) Two Sips Martini (£5), steak tartare (£14) warm bread and butter (£2)
Marceline in Wood Wharf
viewpoint
by Chris Ezekiel
Battling to keep up with AI technically or socially, politically or legislatively? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. We only need to cast our minds back to June when Apple announced the launch of Apple Intelligence across the world, only to hastily add the caveat that availability in EU and China would face delay because of regulatory issues.
If the biggest tech companies on the planet are struggling to keep up with AI and everything surrounding it – including different laws in different jurisdictions – is it any wonder that businesses large and small and most likely every person is pondering the topic of AI?
For me and my company, every day there is something new around artificial intelligence for us to get our heads around and how, as a provider of conversational AI solutions, we may have to adapt what or how we do things. It’s about how we can help our customers to seamlessly evolve as everything surrounding this technoogy changes.
There is almost universal recognition of the main issues. These are the speed of technological change; evolving regional and global policy and legislative frameworks; the proliferation of media scare stories and, lastly, extreme opinions on AI, which have led to much confusion for organisations.
But there are also positive benefits for business such as improved efficiency with more capability for automation and streamlined processes; enhanced employee and customer experiences; increasing productivity; providing greater data analytical capability and personalising interactions.
Chris
AI also brings positive benefits for business such as improved efficiency with more capability for automation
Creative Virtual has been creating and implementing conversational AI solutions for over 20 years. While the concerns that are being expressed are often valid and need addressing, many can also be mitigated. Things are moving fast too. In some instances, what may have been an issue only a few months earlier is no longer an issue today.
There is no one single lens through which to consider AI and why now, more than ever, our multidisciplinary team is being sought by organisations to help them implement this technology.
AI must be approached holistically but also pragmatically. Our expertise across an AI framework that encompasses technology, legislation, risk, secu rity, content and ethics, is designed to help organisations understand and navigate AI. Creating successful AI projects is only possible when approached from the perspective of technology delivering better outcomes for humans.
Scan this code for more information about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on X
virtual
Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square
Chris Ezekiel, Creative Virtual
says taking a holistic view of AI is essential when applying it to a business
how the Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo are preparing to set Troxy’s stage alight with music
by Jon Massey
Keeping up with the Gipsy Kings is tricky. Originally formed in 1979 in France by a group of musicians with Catalan heritage, the band have spent four-and-a-half decades plying their trade all around the world. However, as with many musical acts, time has seen various members leave or explore their own solo projects
One of those – Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo – is set to play Troxy in Limehouse next month. Tonino remains a full member of the band, but released a solo instrumental
album in 2001, titled Essences, following it up two years later with a self-titled e ort. In 2023, he issued Renaissance, under the name of his touring band – Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo, which is what audiences in east London can expect to hear. Prepare for a blazing feast of traditional amenco styles blended with western pop and Latin rhythms.
key details
Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo is set to play Troxy on October 13. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £47.23.
Go to troxy.co.uk for more information or to book
a barrage of
Scan this code to nd out more about the gig
Baliardo is bringing his touring band to Troxy in Limehouse
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Bathtime Harvest Party
Where? The George Tavern Whitechapel
Enjoy a series of performances from acts in celebration of the harvest such as Manchester art-rock band Mewn, Tyler Cryde, Jimmy Means Smut and SL4P. Oct 12, 2pm, £9, thegeorgetavern.london
Where?
Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
STAGE | The War Of The Worlds The National Youth Theatre take on HG Wells’ tale 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
Where? Troxy Limehouse
GIG| Mungo’s Hi And Friends Vocalists Aziza Jaye, Catching Cairo, Charlie P, Dawn Penn, Gardna, Killa P, Marina P, Solo Banton and Warrior Queen join the Mungo’s crew on tour. Oct 12, 9pm, £24.38, troxy.co.uk
back
The end of an era is coming at Half Moon Theatre as Chris Elwell and Jackie Eley announce their departure. But they leave the venue in excellent health and with plenty of shows in the pipeline halfmoon.co.uk
Scan this code to read our interview with Jackie about the couple’s work at the venue at wharf-life.com
Tonino
how east London-based Uber Boat By Thames Clippers will host comedy and musical sailings from Embankment
by Jon Massey
When is a river bus not a river bus? Perhaps when it’s hosting stand-up gigs, or maybe when it’s a live music venue. Or how about when it’s offering cruises for New Year’s Eve? There’s nothing new about Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ vessels being used for diverse purposes.
The rapid craft have long been hired out to clients who typically use them to transport people to or from events. The Trinity Buoy Wharf-based business also offers Illuminated River Official Boat Tours so people can experience the capital’s bridges and buildings lit up from the water. But 2024 brings something new.
“Our normal river bus service is our core business – and always will be – but we’ve also been looking at the evening time to see how we can engage with some of our customers,” said Adrian White, head of marketing and communications for the Clippers.
“So we’ve set up a series of comedy and music nights. Audiences will arrive at our recently opened Clipper Lounge at Embankment Pier.
“They’ll be able to get a drink there and board their boat. From there, they’ll sail up and down the river – London is really beautiful at night – enjoy the performances and then return to Embankment.
“If people have never used one of our services before, hopefully this will be a great introduction to find a different way of travelling in the capital, either for a commute or as a tourist.”
While this is something new for the Clippers, demand has already seen two comedy nights become three after the first date on October 4 sold out.
That show will feature the talents of Ben Norris, Sarah Kendall and Tim FitzHigham, who once raised more than £10,000 for Comic Relief by sailing a paper boat 160 miles down the Thames.
“With that history, we thought he would be absolutely perfect and clearly we’ve seen there’s a demand for this kind of event,” said Adrian. “Tickets are already going fast for the second show and we’ve only just made the third date live.
“We’ll also look at doing more
of these events in future, especially during the darker months of the year.
“We’ll showcase the best that London has to offer in terms of lights and sights, while people listen to comics that will put a smile on their faces.”
Doors for the comedy shows open at 6pm with sailing at 6.30pm-8.30pm. Tickets cost £20 per person and are available for events on November 8 and December 5.
The former will feature Mike Gunn, Jimmy McGhie and Michael Legge, while the latter stars Keith Farnan, Jenny Collier and Funmbi Omotayo.
Special sailings from Embankment Pier with either comedy or musical performances on board
Thames Clippers has also teamed up with Sofar Sounds for a pair of live music dates in the autumn. Typically those attending the brand’s gigs don’t know the location of the concert, but in this instance ticket holders will know where they’re going.
They won’t, however, know who they’ll be listening to until they arrive.
“London is probably the music capital of the world – everyone comes and plays here,” said Adrian.
“Sofar Sounds is the perfect partner. We provide an interesting venue and they have a customer base that are intrigued by the proposition. Again, if they prove popular, we’ll put more on.”
Like the comedy nights, audiences will embark at Embankment Pier with boarding at 7.15pm for sailing at 7.30pm.
Tickets for the two scheduled events on October 31 and November 14, cost £41 per person. The identity of performers will remain secret until the gig, but there will be three acts to watch.
The opening of Clipper Lounge brings a number of benefits to the business. Open on Embankment Pier to all-comers whether using the boats or not, its current hours of operation are 11am-9pm Monday-Wednesday and until 11pm Thursday-Saturday.
It serves light bites alongside a drinks menu that ranges from Dom Perignon to bottled beers and boasts views of central London from its position on the Thames.
“It means we have use of the pier, so if a client is hiring one of our boats privately, they can use the Clipper Lounge as a place to
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers has announced a number of special sailings in central London
The rm o ers the Illuminated River O cial Boat Tours
Michael Legge is on the bill for the November 8 comedy sailing
New Year’s Eve sailings are also available to book
Tickets are already selling fast. We’ll look at doing more of these events in future, especially during the darker months of the year
meet before they get on board,” said Alison Murphy, head of sales at the Clippers.
“It also means organisations have much longer to get their group together in comfort before they get on board and people can hire the venue itself for an evening too. As a company, we’ve always operated elements in addition to our river bus services.
“But these latest additions take that and move it to more of a public offering – using our vessels in a different way.”
In a similar vein, the firm has just unveiled its offering for New Year’s Eve, where guests can join sailings to watch the fireworks.
“People will board one of four vessels, enjoy a welcome drink, snacks and music from Sofar Sounds,” said Alison. “After a cruise, the vessels will moor up to give those on board an unrivalled view of the fireworks.
“At midnight there will be Champagne and then the boats will return to the piers they left from.”
Cruises leave from Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf at 10pm. For those further to the east or south-east, there will be a sailing from Gravesend at 9pm stopping at Barking Riverside and North Greenwich as it makes its way into central London. Tickets for all options cost £180 per person.
key details
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see EVENT | Bumps, Babies And Toddlers This is a volunteer led support group for new and expectant parents, those with babies and toddlers. Older siblings are welcome too. Oct 3, 10.30am, free, poplarunion.com
| 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
|
Evening Of
Curated by composer and multi-instrumentalist Vincent Curson-Smith, this edition features musicians Salome Wu, Avice Caro and more. Oct 28, 5pm (doors),
, theatreship.co.uk
Uber Boat
of oating gigs
There are tickets still available for comedy nights on board Uber Boat By Thames Clippers on November 8 and December 5. They cost £20. Sofar Sounds gigs take place on October 31 and November 14. They cost £41. Sailings for New ear’s ve take place from Gravesend (stopping at Barking Riverside and North Greenwich), Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf. Tickets cost £180.
Go to thamesclippers.com for more information or to book tickets for an event
Scan this code to nd out more about events on the boats
Adrian White, Uber Boat By Thames Clippers
By Thames Clippers has teamed up with Sofar Sounds for a series
COMEDY | Bangers And Nash
Where?
The Albany Deptford
Regular host Chantel Nash welcomes Slim, Fatiha El-Ghorri (pictured), Jack Shep and Jen Nolan to Deptford’s biggest stage for a night of mirth. Oct 11, 8pm, from £11, thealbany.org.uk
Where?
The Albany Deptford
KIDS | Skydiver Greek dance artist, dramaturg and director Xenia Aidonopoulou brings the skies to life for those aged 3-5. Expect whimiscal characters and stunning visuals Oct 6, 1pm, 3pm, £9.50, thealbany.org.uk
Where?
The Pen Theatre South Bermondsey
STAGE | Secret Book Of Normal Jim Spencer Broadbent presents a work-in-progress that promises physical absurdity and explores what it means to be settling. Modern life is rubbish. Oct 10-11, 7pm, £14.25, 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
Minutes will be the duration of Wild Moon Tales: Hunters Moon at The Albany
how
Wild Moon Tales: Hunters Moon promises ancient stories made anew for the 21st
by Jon Massey
Travel to The Albany in Deptford on October 17, purchase a ticket and settle back under the stars for an evening of ancient narratives, revised for an audience in 2024.
Led by storyteller Bernadette Russell under the full moon (assuming favourable cloud cover), Wild Moon Tales: Hunters Moon promises an hour-and-ahalf of entertainment.
The event promises the voices of cats, foxes and other stranger, wilder, older beings plus an invitation to re ect on the relationship between the satellite planet and London’s green spaces.
Bernadette will tell stories of a lost moon and those brave enough to rescue her, of those bedazzled and enchanted by moonlight and how they might nd their way home as well as tales of how in ancient times
century
we understood and loved our nearest celestial neighbour. In addition, more recent stories will be recounted of how humanity realised the preciousness of earth via the pictures beamed back from those who walked on the lunar surface.
All in all, the audience will have the chance to sit, relax, listen, play and leave their troubles behind as they gaze up into the heavens. Perhaps there are better days to come... key details
Wild Moon Tales: Hunters Moon is set to take place on October 17 at 8pm. The show will last 90 minutes and tickets start at £8. Warm, outdoor clothing is advised. Go to thealbany.org.uk for more information
Scan this for more about Wild Moon Tales: Hunters Moon
Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey
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
GIG | Crowded House
The band bring tracks from their eighth studio album to Greenwich, with plenty of favourites sure to be on the bill alongside tunes from Gravity Stairs. Oct 11, 6.30pm, from £71, theo2.co.uk
STAGE | Lobster Bisque
Fresh from a sold out run in Edinburgh, Brilliant At Breakfast presents a puppet-based farce with a fancy dinner at its heart. A visual bu et... Oct 6, 1pm 7.30pm, £15, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
EVENT | Connections
Join resident artist Pragya Kumar for regular monthly art and wellbeing sessions at the southeast London gallery. Explore self re ection... Oct 2, 6pm, free, greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
Laser Quest Greenwich has opened its doors with an expansive arena and a laser maze for players to take on. The venue o ers parties for kids and adults, as well as options for more dedicated enthusiasts laserquestgreenwich.com
Scan this code to read our interview with Laser Quest GB managing director Alistair Dawson at wharf-life.com
how Ryan Imperio’s image of the moon triumphed in the Astronomy Photographer Of The Year contest
by Jon Massey
Ther overall winner of The Astonomy Photographer Of The Year 2024 has been named. Ryan Imperio’s submission Distorted Shadows Of The Moon’s Surface
Created By An Annular Eclipse, delighted the judges by capturing the progression of Baily’s beads.
Formed when sunlight shines through the valleys and craters of the Moon’s surface, they are only visible when the Moon either enters or exits an eclipse when they break up the well recognised ring pattern.
The photographic feat is especially impressive due to the brief time the phenomenon is visible.
The finished work is actually composed of more than 30 frames, taken in Texas during the annual solar eclipse on October 14, 2023.
Ryan’s image is currently on display alongside the winners in other categories in a special, free exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.
“The images selected each year are absolutely astonishing and I am both thrilled and honoured to have my photo among them,” said Ryan. “I had hoped my image would be shared in some way but never expected to be selected as a winner, let alone overall winner.”
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn, judge and meteorologist said: “This is an impressive dissection of the eeting few seconds during the visibility of the Baily’s beads.
“This image left me captivated and amazed. It’s exceptional work deserving of high recognition.”
The contest, which is organised by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with BBC Sky At Night Magazine, also recognised the work of emerging talent Daniel Borsari.
His image, NGC NGC 1499, A Dusty California, won the Young Astronomer Of The Year award, with judge and artist Neal White remarking that “it demonstrated the future of astronomy photography being fearlessly, and openly, taken forward by a new generation”.
The other winning images include Aurora Borealis Over Brighton Seafront by Michael Steven Harris, which captures pink hues in the sky despite significant light pollution, Tasman Gems by Tom Rae, a Milky Way photograph of the southern
I had hoped my image would be shared in some way but never expected to be selected as a winner, let alone overall winner Ryan Imperio, astrophotographer
hemisphere night sky including the hydrogen clouds of the Gum Nebula and Parallel Lines Over The City by Ran Shen, which shows the trajectories of Venus and Jupiter over the skyline of Lujiazui, Shanghai.
In the Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation category, judges awarded the winning prize to Anatomy Of A Habitable Planet by Sergio Díaz Ruiz. This image shows Earth as a seemingly alien world as a distant civilisation might study it.
Dr Ed Bloomer, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich said: “An abundance of astonishing works oods to us and it is a joy to see what the world’s best astrophotographers are producing.
“It really is true that choosing the winners is a long process, and heavily debated amongst the panel.
“This year, I’ve personally enjoyed what I think is a very strong showing for the Aurorae category. The Young entrants are mightily impressive as well, and the Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation is surprising, beautiful and intriguing. But there are wonders spread across every category.”
key details
The Astronomy Photographer Of The Year is run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with the BBC Sky At Night Magazine
Entries from this year’s competition are currently on show at the National Maritime Museum in a special exhibition, which is free to visit. Go to rmg.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the exhibition
Overall winner, Distorted Shadows Of The Moon’s Surface Created By An Annular Eclipse, by Ryan Imperio
Number of entries submitted Photographer Of The by the Royal Observatory 3,500+
Parallel Lines Over The City by Ran Shen
submitted to the Astronomy The Year contest in 2024, run Observatory Greenwich
shooting the
Above, Anatomy Of A Habitable Planet by Sergio Díaz. Below, Aurora Borealis over Brighton Seafront by Michael Steven
NGC NGC 1499, A Dusty California by Daniel Borsari
Tasman Gems By Tom Rae
SH2-308 Dolphin Head Nebula by Xin Feng and Miao Gong
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PUBLIC NOTICE
MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009
APPLICATION FOR: Tower Pier Dredging
Notice is hereby given that: Mr Sam Killick, County Building Services Ltd, 1 Gills Court, Medway City Estate, Rochester, ME2 4NR has applied to the Marine Management Organisation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Part 4, for a marine licence to undertake capital dredging at Tower Pier, London.
Copies of the application and associated information may be viewed online in the Public Register at www.gov.uk/check-marine-licence-register.
Representations in respect of the application should ordinarily be made by: Visiting the MMO public register at https://marinelicensing. marinemanagement.org.uk/mmofox5/fox/live/ MMO_PUBLIC_REGISTER/search?area=3 and accessing the ‘Public Representation’ section of case reference MLA/2024/00099;
However, we will also accept representations via the following formats:
- By email to marine.consents@marinemanagement.org.uk; or alternatively
- By letter addressed to Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH
In all cases, correspondence must:
- Be received within 28 days of the date of the rst notice (18/09/2024);
- Quote the case reference; and
- include an address to which correspondence relating to the representation or objection may be sent. The Marine Management Organisation will pass to the applicant a copy of any objection or representation we receive.
PUBLIC NOTICE
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCES
Notice is given that: Louise Coleman
Has applied to the London Borough of Tower Hamlet for: Tattooing Licence
Licence(s) for the premises: 18 Victoria Park Square, London, E2 9PB
Anyone wishing to oppose the application must give notice in writing to David Tolley, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards, 4th Floor Tower Hamlets Town Hall 160 Whitechapel Road London E1 1BJ WITHIN THREE WEEKS specifying the grounds of opposition. Persons objecting to the grant of a licence must be prepared to attend in person at a hearing before a Committee of the Council.
Organisations that will be exhibiting at Gradfest at the Excel centre in October
What will you do after you graduate?
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | New Scientist Live
Enjoy talks and play with science at this annual event arranged around the popular magazine. Expect plenty of mind-expanding ideas. Oct 12-13, times vary, from £46, newscientist.com
EVENT | Dominica And Black Democracy
This will be the rst in a series of events exploring the political innovations, artistic achievements and cuisine of black residents in Newham. Oct 5, time TBC, free, newhamblackhistory.org
nding what’s
CLUB | FWD
The legendary club night returns with spots from Joker, Introspekt, re:ni, Plastician, Horespower Productions and Alo 3 over a glorious seven hours. Oct 11, 11pm-6am, from £24, fold.london
by Jon Massey
Excel in Royal Docks is set to host Gradfest, a recruitment event for those coming to the end of their time at university. Billed as the largest event of its kind, it’s open to anyone in their nal year of study or who have graduated in the past two years.
area and will see more than 80 employers seeking employees.
key details
Scan this code to nd out more about Gradfest how Gradfest promises to flood the Excel centre with graduate opportunities as October arrives
Gradfest is open to both UK graduates and those from overseas in any subject
These include the BBC, British Transport Police, Atkins Realis, DHL, Pilgrims Of Europe, Elysium Healthcare, Kier Group, Ryanair, the University Of East London, The Bank Of England and HMRC. There will be talks by Huzzle to attend, featuring UK employers, and LinkedIn will be on hand to o er attendees advice on polishing their online pro les.
Gradfest is set to take place at Excel in Royal Docks from Oct 2-3. The events will open at 10am on both days. The event is free to attend, but graduates must register their details. Go to gradfestivals.com for more information
Immerse LDN has unveiled the second of its major attractions at Excel in Royal Docks. F1: The Exhibition follows hot on the heels of Friends, with plenty of exhibits and activities for visitors to satisfy their need for speed f1theexhibition.com
Scan this code to nd out more about F1: The Exhibition at Immerse LDN in the Excel centre see it
how Sadler’s Wells East has unveiled its initial programme ahead of the venue’s launch in February at East Bank
by Jon Massey
We’ve been talking about it for so long, now is the time to do it,” said Rob Jones, associate artistic director at Sadler’s Wells. “We want people in the building, for them to be curious, to come along and have a cup of tea and meet friends – everyone’s welcome and we want them here.”
We’re discussing the opening of Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford. While construction issues and re-jigs have delayed the launch, dates have now been released for the venue’s inaugural programme.
One of five organisations that make up East Bank on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the opening is especially significant for the campus as it’s the first building on site with a clear mission to bring visitors in. or Rob and the team, it offers a theatre and facilities created specifically to address demand in London’s dance sector. But it’s equally important to them that the new venue makes good on links the organisation has been building locally.
“We’ve been working with community groups for about six years now – a lot of groundwork to lay foundations,” he said. “The content of the programme is important – we wanted to make sure there were multiple moments where local people could come and be in the theatre, whether that’s to watch performers on the community dance oor, take part in a monthly disco or just be in the space by visiting the cafe.
“ ven in our first season we’ve included community casts for shows such as Our Mighty Groove, which will open the venue or Skatepark (April 10-12), where Danish choreographer Mette Ingvartsen has worked with local skaters.
We wanted to make sure there were multiple moments where local people could come and be in the theatre
“It’s about making sure we have those connections, going into local schools, for instance, with balletLORENT from Newcastle for their production of Snow White (April 16-19).
“We’ve been trying to make sure there’s something for everyone with as many access points as possible – not self-indulgent programming, but good quality dance.
“I think it’s going to feel really e citing and this first season is a test for us, in a way – we want to see how the community connects with the theatre and the programme, especially the free elements.
“That’s where the work really begins – making sure that the theatre belongs to local people.”
Sadler’s Wells ast will kick off its first season with icki Igbokwe-Ozoagu’s Our Mighty Groove with five performances split over February 6-9. Inspired by New York club culture, it includes local dancers in the cast, with plans to bring it to the stage for more than a year.
“It’s existed in an immersive format before, but this is a new version and it’s had a whole revamp,” said Rob, who joined Sadler’s Wells a little over two years ago having worked extensively as a producer for the likes of Dance Umbrella, Roundhouse and Brighton Dome And Festival.
“It’s difficult to pick highlights, because you can’t have favourites but we’ve got a lot of work from companies in London coming to Stratford.
“For example, there’s Impact Driver (April 24-26) by artist and performance maker Eve Stainton where the seats in the theatre go away and it takes place in a container in the middle of the space. It’s an incredible immersive happening. It’s got live welding, guitars and sound systems set up on either side.
“When I first saw it, I wasn’t sure I would get it, but it’s one of the most magnetic performances I’ve watched in a long time – it’s really beautiful.
“Completely different, is a piece by choreographer Emma Martin from Ireland making her Sadler’s Wells debut as we spotlight international voices.
“Birdboy (February 20-22) is a work for family, suitable for ages 7+ all about being a loner and an outsider. But the character is also a superhero – a mash up of Batman – with a car that’s a time
and passers-by into its
Capacity of the main theatre space at Sadler’s Wells East, which opens next year
the drive to be
Rob Jones, Sadler’s Wells
Rob Jones of Sadler’s Wells says its east London building will welcome visitors
spaces
Impact Driver features live welding as part of the performance
Our Mighty Groove opens the venue
Image by Anne Tetzla Image by Camilla Greenwell
Image by Jon Massey
Martin’s
is part of the season
diary dates
Wells East
Tickets are set to go on general sale on September 25 for Sadler’s Wells East’s rst season, so here are a few not to miss:
● Top of the tree is obviously Our Mighty Groove, the show selected to open the venue – complete with local performers in the cast. Catch it from Feb 6-9
● Looking further ahead, Inside Giovanni’s Room by Phoenix Dance Theatre tackles the themes of love, sexuality, guilt and self-acceptance in James Baldwin’s novel. See it Jun 11-14
● Then, Over And Over (And Over Again) by Candoco and Dan Daw promises to take audiences to a place where “everyone is welcome; where you love doing something so much that you never want to stop”. Jul 2-4
Go to sadlerswells.com
Wells East is part of East Bank in Stratford and is set to open in February
machine and a projector. It’s very vivid.”
The venue has announced more than 20 shows for its first season, including eight UK premieres and 10 commissions or co-commissions from the theatre.
That’s a statement of intent in itself, with a sense that Sadler’s Wells is firmly focused on making the most of the facility now it’s finally arrived.
“It’s a project that’s been a long time in the making,” said Rob. “It began more than a decade ago as part of the legacy of the Olympic Games. The main space at Sadler’s Wells East has 550 seats and a stage that’s as large and agile as our main auditorium in Islington.
“Those seats can also go away so you have a giant black bo that can host completely immersive productions.
“This re ects how people are working in dance now –increasingly moving away from traditional formats.
“Within the building, we also have studios and a very large space, which is the same si e as the stage, where we can make projects to perform in the theatre. We’ve never had this facility before. There will also be two schools based at Sadler’s Wells ast. The Rose Choreographic School supports artists to e plore their practice and is led by leading choreographers.
“Then there’s Academy Breakin’ Convention, which will offer the ’s first free Level 3 tended Diploma In Performance And Production Arts specific to hip hop theatre to 16-to-19-year-olds.
“There are also the public-facing parts of the building. It’s really e citing, because people will have the opportunity to be more creative than they may have had in other dance spaces in the city.
“There’s a huge community dance- oor in the foyer, and you can see into one of the studios.
“I had this realisation earlier in the year – I’d been to see ABBA oyage near Pudding Mill Lane and walking back it was clear that passers-by would be able to see people working and dancing at Sadler’s Wells ast when we’re open.
“Often when visiting theatres you might see dancers milling around but unless you’re in the auditorium, you don’t see them dancing or get a real sense of the incredible magic which is being created in the building.
“That’s why this new space will have a completely different energy. It will be open all day and there will be an ‘always on’ feel. It will be a social space alongside all these other cultural institutions at ast Bank. I think it’s going to be a crucial part of the hub.
“The five organisations at ast Bank already meet monthly to discuss how we can collaborate and we’re all looking forward to being fully open.
“ or Sadler’s Wells, the new venue is also going to broaden the lens of what we can do. With everything that’s going on in the world and how difficult arts funding is in the , artists need to be able to dance at mid-scale venues like this one.
“Our theatre in Islington has a capacity of 1,500 and there’s a studio that seats 80. This gives us something in the middle, which is important because we can support artists at the start of their careers, as they grow and at the top.
“There aren’t many places of this mid-scale si e in London, so this provides a whole new facility for what’s possible in the capital and it’s a really e citing moment both for artists in the UK and internationally.”
key details
Sadler’s Wells ast will officially open its doors on February 6-9 with five performances of icki Igbokwe-O oagu’s Our Mighty Groove. Tickets for this from £15 and other shows will be on sale later this month.
ull listings for the venue’s first season are available online.
Go to sadlerswells.com for more information or booking details
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Notes
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Cryptic Quick
Take a break from that phone Across
Sounds like future debts are not deep (8)
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German woman from Royal Academy and Farmers’ Union! (4)
Stuffed with Cheddar 8
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Occupy clerical garb (7)
There’s always tomorrow for this woman! (8,1’4)
Hermits are almost dis ualified 8
ast-forward the Musicians’ Union to keep warm (4) 20. Painting techni ue sounds like it’s long gone? (7)
Tell-tale escape in secret? (5)
Confused cat drinks (4)
Intended sea vessel is cargo, we hear 8
Down
2. Disbeliever has present nervous twitch 7
3. Awash with dodgy cash 7
4. Churchillian odour with ursine tendencies? (6,3,4)
6. Broken bagel in front of Royal Academy is not numbered (7)
