Eating & Drinking

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The countdown is on. The date – 12 April – is clearly marked in everyone’s diaries. From then, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés can once again fling open the doors to their outdoor areas and reopen for business. After four months of closure, loved ones can start to meet up with friends and family outside under the Government’s ‘rule of six’. Unlike previous measures, there won’t be a curfew or a need to order a substantial meal with alcohol, however customers will be required to order food and drink via table service. It is also recommended to book well in advance if the particular establishment that you have in mind is taking bookings in order to guarantee a coveted spot.

So, to help you pick where to go first, we have rounded up the best al fresco drinking and dining destinations in Canary Wharf…

Click here to download our map and find your spot

Big Easy

Opening: 12 April

For a taste of America this side of the Atlantic, head to Big Easy’s terrace where you’ll find upbeat blues, views and barbecue food. And at the weekend, you’ll be pleased to know that its boozy brunches are back. Book a table here.

Try this: 16-hour Carolina pulled pork.

Bosidale of Canary Wharf

Opening: 14 April

Overlooking the fountain as well as a pop-up on Cabot Square itself, Boisdale brings a Scottish influence to London. Cosy up on its Cigar Terrace where its tar­tan uphol­stered arm­chairs and sofas with tar­tan blan­kets make the ideal place to sink into whilst drinking and dining, open from 13 April. Book your spot here.

Try this: venison shin ragu, triple cheese and truffle mayo.

BrewDog Canary Wharf

Opening: 12 April

Have you been missing having a pint or two with friends over lockdown? Well, fret not as those long-awaited reunions with a craft beer in-hand will soon be back on the cards thanks to Brewdog, which brings its award-winning craft beer to the Wharf. Overlooking Bellmouth Passage, the canal linking the old North and South Docks, book your spot at one of the outside tables here.

Try this: Clockwork Tangerine IPA.

Café Brera / Café Brera Terrace

Opening: 12 April

Inspired by the style of Milan and the ambience of classic European cafés that serve quintessential Italian pizzas, pastries, coffee and cocktails, Café Brera’s terrace’s in Cabot Square features plenty of tables and chairs where you can catch up with loved ones; simply turn up and find a spot. Also look out for the pop-up coffee cart which can be found in Jubilee Park.

Try this: one of its many artisan cakes with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee.

Chai Ki

Opening: April

Offering an informal dining and drinking experience with an acclaimed menu of modern Indian bar plates and soul food, alongside a drinks list featuring signature cocktails and mocktails and carefully selected wines and draught beers, pick a spot at Chai Ki’s outdoor area where you can enjoy food and drink to your heart’s content. Book a table here.

Try this: lamb sukha masala.

Crosstown Ice Cream Cart

Opening: April

Don’t miss the Crosstown Ice Cream Cart this summer which will be located in Jubilee Park. Crafted in small batches using the finest ingredients, take your pick from some of its creative flavours that include chocolate and coconut, cookie dough and even yuzu and beetroot ice cream.

Try this: roasted banana ice cream.

Electric Shuffle

Opening: 28 April

With outdoor seating on the Colonnade and artificial grass on the bullnose, Electric Shuffle is helping people to socialise safely this spring/summer. Catch up with friends over a drink or two.

Try this: the Blue Electron or the Pink Plasma cocktail.

Franco Manca

Opening: April

For a slice of Italy within the city, Franco Manca looks out on to North Dock and is best known for its delicious sourdough pizza. Although it won’t be taking bookings, its previous virtual queuing system will be back.

Try this: organic tomato, cured chorizo and British mozzarella pizza.

Gaucho

Opening: April

Located on the banks of the River Thames, Gaucho boasts spectacular London views from its leafy, continental terrace. Experience its finest Argentinian steaks and wines by booking your spot here.

Try this: Tira de Ancho; a spiral cut, slow-grilled steak with chimichurri.

Humble Grape

Opening: 12 April

With ideas such as Tasting Tuesday where a mini tasting of four wines can be supped for only £15pp – with a different theme each week – and Moules Frites Wednesday, Humble Grape pulls out all the stops with its creative ideas. And from 12 April it’s back with its tables outside; make sure you don’t miss out by booking here.

Try this: sip a glass of 2017 Chardonnay from California’s Starmont Winery & Vineyards.

Ibérica / Ibérica La Terraza

Opening: 12 April

Sharing the very best of Spain on its La Terraza, savour an authentic Spanish experience with contemporary cuisine and wine.⁠ Headed up by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Nacho Manzano, it is especially known for its tapas, paella, artisan cheeses and cured meats, which you can enjoy while sipping one of its signature gin and tonics. Book a table here.

Try this: its award-winning jamón Ibérico.

Ippudo Canary Wharf

Opening: April

Bringing the soul food of Japan to Canary Wharf, Ippudo fuses high quality local ingredients with Japanese elements and is especially known for its reinvented Hakata-style tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen. Reserve a table here.

Try this: Hirata buns filled with pork belly, chicken or vegetables.

Island Poké

Opening: April

Be transported to an island state of mind with Island Poké. Its bowls are packed with goodness and are an ever-evolving modern take on the traditional Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish served over rice with delicious toppings. Simply turn up to get a spot at its outdoor area.

Try this: Huli Huli chicken bowl.

M Restaurant

Opening: April

Keep your eyes peeled for M Restaurant’s Canary Wharf Airstream pop-up. The creation of M has been the work of founder Martin Williams, whose 20-year culinary odyssey through some of the world’s most interesting and innovative bars, restaurants, and hotels has provided the global inspiration for the M experience.

Try this: venison sausage roll.

Nicolas Wine Bar

Opening: April

Enjoy quality wine at the Nicolas Wine Bar pop-up located in Cabot Square, where its French menu compliments the vintages on offer. Bonus. There’s no need to book; simply turn up.

Try this: toast the end of lockdown with a glass of Nicolas Blanc de Blancs Brut.

No35 Mackenzie Walk

Opening: 16 April

Perfect for meeting friends and resetting after work, catch some winter rays on No35 Mackenzie Walk’s south-facing waterfront terrace. With craft beers, house wines and cocktails alongside sustainable plates, while away the long spring and summer days here. Reserve your spot here.

Try this: grilled seabass and chips.

Obicà Mozzarella Bar

Opening: 10 May

Obicà is a casual and contemporary Italian restaurant and offers the freshest buffalo mozzarella, pizza and traditional Italian dishes in a friendly welcoming atmosphere. This spring/summer it will have a few tables outside its restaurant in West Wintergarden. Simply turn up.

Try this: linguine with prawns, courgette, datterini tomatoes and thyme.

Ole & Steen

Opening: 12 April

Start the day bright and early with a single-estate coffee and freshly baked pastry at Ole & Steen. Or alternatively, sit outside the front of the bakery and dine from its menu that celebrates the very best of Denmark. Tables are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Try this: Spandauer; Danish puff pastry with almond paste, vanilla custard and icing.

Pergola on the Wharf

Opening: May

Its outposts in Paddington and Brixton are a big hit – and now Pergola is coming to the Wharf. Settle in with a drink while ordering food from its guest chefs from your mobile phone straight to your table; think hearty mains and tempting snacks packed with massive flavour. Meanwhile a roster of DJs will make regular appearances, as will live bands.

Try this: smoked pastrami steak and chips.

Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill

Opening: 14 April

Having one of the most impressive cityscape views that can be admired from its two rooftop spaces, Plateau is welcoming customers back for those all-important and much-needed reunions and missed celebrations over terrace brunches, lunches and evening meals. Whether it’s your first date night this year or a catch-up with friends, it is sure to make for a special occasion. Book a table here.

Try this: asparagus and broad bean risotto.

Rocket

Opening: May

Offering a traditional and informal atmosphere, Rocket is perfect for lunch and dinner, or after-work drinks, with its menu packed with classic British dishes. Its terrace provides an excellent outlook over Canary Wharf. Book a table here.

Try this: one of its gin-infused cocktails with your favourite botanicals, garnishes and mixers.

ROKA

Opening: April

Currently taking reservations on its terrace, relax in the elegant surroundings overlooking Canada Square at ROKA, with the backdrop of Canary Wharf’s dramatic city skyline the perfect accompaniment to its contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine.

Try this: fried prawn and leek dumplings with tentsuyu dipping sauce.

Shake Shack

Opening: 12 April

Bringing a touch of New York City to The Wharf is Shake Shack, which is serving up delicious burgers, hot dogs and hand-spun shakes from its vantage point by the Park Pavillion, Canada Square. Although it won’t be taking bookings, it has plenty of outdoor dining space.

Try this: double smokeshack, featuring 100 per cent all-natural Angus beef cheeseburger with applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers and ShackSauce.

Sticks’n’Sushi

Opening: 12 April

Paying homage to the docking days that gave rise to Canary Wharf, you can still feel the ambience of this once-thriving harbour at Sticks’n’Sushi whilst feasting on a menu that offers the very best of sushi, grilled delicacies and colourful salads. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Try this: beef tataki; tender lightly-seared beef served with smoked cheese, spring onion, tosazu, spicy goma and root vegetable chips.

The Alchemist

Opening: 12 April

Featuring two outdoor spaces: an upstairs terrace that overlooks the bright lights of Reuters Plaza, or the immediate covered area that spills out onto Canary Wharf, The Alchemist is best known for its creative and theatrical cocktails that are sure to inject a bit of drama into your day or night. In terms of bookings, keep an eye on its website for further details.

This this: rhubarb and custard fizz concoction.

The Breakfast Club

Opening: April

Enjoy what is said to be the best meal of the day by eating breakfast at any time you want at The Breakfast Club. The daytime café plates up fry-ups, burritos, pancakes and of course, the humble bacon butty while its evening offering serves up good-mood sandwiches from Saint Elmo’s, breakfast classics, cocktails and beer. Book an al fresco table here.

Try this: cornflake chicken and waffles.

The Grandstand Bar

Opening: 12 April

Perfect for those looking for a relaxed drink, The Grandstand Bar in Canada Square Park also means that you get to make the most of the fresh air and due to its nature, there is no need to book in advance.

Share this: a pitcher of Pimm’s with up to five friends for a reunion to remember.

The Henry Addington

Opening: 22 April

You can’t beat a good British pub and The Henry Addington is just that. Serving the finest cask ales and sumptuous pub food, enjoy a catch-up with friends at this quintessential boozer.

Try this: steak and Nicholson’s pale ale pie.

The Ivy in the Park

Opening: 30 April

Celebrating the great outdoors with a terrace that is adorned with foliage and potted trees, The Ivy in the Park offers all-day dining. On reopening day – 17 May – those who dine at the eatery will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne; what better incentive. Book your spot here.

Try this: lobster linguine.

The Parlour

Opening: 17 April

Also in Park Pavilion and a few minutes from Canary Wharf station, The Parlour features a large al fresco terrace. It has its own bar and plenty of socially distanced tables, perfect for drinking, dining and unwinding. Reserve your spot here.

Try this: crayfish linguine with tomato and basil.

Wahaca Mexican Street Kitchen

Opening: May

Bringing the spirit of Mexican market eating to the UK, the Wahaca van is bringing a taste of Latin America to the Wharf with its tacos, quesadillas and burritos. Make sure you leave room for its churros – crispy sugared doughnuts – that come with a decadent hot chocolate dipping sauce. Yum!

Try this: sweet potato and feta taquito.

640East

Opening: April

This unique pop-up bar is made from shipping containers located on Montgomery Square and features outdoor seating and sofas. Whether you’re after a caffeine fix with its Caravan Specialty Coffee or an after-work pint or two, 640East has it all. Book a table here.

Try this: crodoughs that are served at the counter every Friday.

Click here to download our map and find your spot

Correct at time of publishing. Please check with individual cafés, bars and restaurants direct for their opening times.