Eating & Drinking Guides
Summer in Canary Wharf
share From waking with a view of the Thames to pastries and coffee on the way to work, a jog in the park to musical entertainment over an alfresco lunch, cocktails at sunset or dinner with friends, there’s nothing quite like a Canary Wharf summer. Sunrise to sunset, dawn until dusk, whatever the mood, vibe, occasion and company, here are some of our top things to do in London this summer.
Rise and shine: summer mornings on the Wharf
Start the day as you mean to go on, from weekends and weekdays to high days and holidays, whether you live in one of the neighbourhood spectacular high rises or are travelling in for work and play, rise and shine in style and explore the many things to do in Canary Wharf.
Wake up in style
Begin your day with views stretching from the gardens below, apartments in Canary Wharf are known for taking London life to new heights and offering a front row seat to some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in town.
Enjoy loft-style living in the New York-inspired stylings of apartments at 8 Harbord Square, or amidst the exquisite elegance of One Park Drive and 10 Park Drive, all with spaces available to buy. Alternatively, experience award-winning leasing from Vertus, in exceptional locations from 10 George Street to 8 Water Street and Newfoundland.
Breakfast on the Wharf
Set yourself up for a busy day ahead with some of the best places to eat in Canary Wharf. Choose from food for the soul at Caravan, or a more traditional breakfast with a sophisticated twist at The Ivy? Or maybe you will take your time amidst the old-school glamour inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay at Dishoom, enjoying their Parsi omelette or their classic Akuri.
Explore food and drink in Canary Wharf
Morning movement
For those who are energised by a morning workout, you’re spoiled for choice with exercise opportunities both inside and out. Few things beat a jog through the many parks and green spaces or along the 5km waterside boardwalk. Add a little artistic inspiration to your run by following one of our downloadable one-, three- and five kilometre routes along the estate’s outdoor public art collection. You can even stop off at the outdoor gym in Harbour Quay Gardens for strength training with a view of the water. For those who prefer to get the blood pumping with a competitive edge, a game of padel at Padium, which has seven indoor and a newly opened outdoor court, will guarantee you work up a sweat. You can also test your fitness or enjoy a cool, post-workout dip with Canary Wharf’s Open Water Swimming at Middle Dock.
Lunchtime in London: Alfresco dining Canary Wharf
Foodie favourites in the fresh air is one of summer’s greatest joys, and Canary Wharf’s outdoor dining opportunities do not disappoint. Whether it’s ice cream and a walk in the park, fine dining on a tranquil terrace, or a picnic with a classical music backdrop, what could be more exquisite than lunch with a seasonal twist? Here’s where to eat on a summer’s day in London.
Midday meals in the open air
Whether you’re meeting friends, enjoying five minutes to yourself, chatting with colleagues or having a day out with the family, there are lots of terraces, patios and park side destinations serving up a treat. Tuck into authentic Italian at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, where their south-facing terrace overlooks the park at Wood Wharf. Take a short stroll from Harbour Quay Gardens to Patty&Bun for burgers and ice-cream sandwiches in the sunshine. Enjoy market-style Mexican overlooking Canada Square at Wahaca, or tuck into an artisanal picnic from sustainable community marketplace, MMy Wood Wharf, to name just a few of the best places to eat in Canary Wharf.
Discover summer terraces for outdoor dining
Outdoor entertainment
Bringing holiday vibes to the middle of the day, whether you’re on your lunch break or having a leisurely afternoon, lunchtime becomes an experience in its own right with outdoor entertainment. Treat yourself to gelato from Badiani’s unmissable red kiosk at Canada Place or their new store in Cabot, before sauntering through the parks to discover the multitude of talent on display with our Alfresco Arts summer series, offering theatre, family events and music. Jubilee Park in Canary Wharf is hosting a variety of musical performances, featuring popular Lunchtime Classicals ranging from jazz trios to string quartets.
Afternoon entertainment in Canary Wharf
On any day of the week you will always find something going on in Canary Wharf. From weekday afternoons to long and leisurely weekends, you can watch the season’s top sporting events in the sunshine, see the skyscrapers from the river, shop ‘til you drop and much, much more.
Rolling on the river
Take to the water with GoBoats Canary Wharf for quality time with friends, a picture perfect date, a get-together with colleagues or a family adventure. With space for up to eight people, you can hop on board at Bellmouth Passage and take a self-drive cruise to see the beauty of Docklands. Take a picnic, moor up and make the most of quality time with a twist.
Discover what’s on in Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf Summer Screens
Do you fancy watching the season’s most exciting sporting events, from F1 to cricket, Wimbledon to the Olympic Games, or maybe you’re in the mood for some of Hollywood’s greatest hits and cult classics? There’s something for everyone thanks to Summer Screens in Canary Wharf. Bring a blanket, grab your favourite snacks from nearby shops and restaurants, or grab yourself a pre-made picnic from Chai Ki or Sticks & Sushi and settle in for open air entertainment on the big screen in Canada Square Park.
Discover what’s on with Summer Screens
Retail therapy
A favourite activity, whatever the weather, shop ’til you drop at high street favourites like Hobbs and GANT, skincare saviours including Aesop and Bobbi Brown, or luxury jewellers Monica Vinader and many more. Whether you’re looking for birthday gifts, wedding presents or something for yourself, there are five malls and more than 300 retailers to explore.
Discover shopping in Canary Wharf
Artistic discovery
Canary Wharf is home to London’s largest collection of outdoor public art, with more than 100 pieces of art to see for free, from stand-alone sculptures to integrated architectural pieces. The artistic experience doesn’t stop there however. From theatrical performances to short stories, there’s a world of entertainment to discover. Take the kids on the Children’s Canary Wharf Art Trail, complete with 12 pieces of art dotted around the estate. Visit Crossrail Place Roof Garden where the Matchstick Theatre Company are putting on a series of plays as part of Alfresco Arts. Or discover the Short Story Stations dispensing one-, three- or five-minute works of literature from classic and new writers.
Wind down as the sun sets
In a seamless transition from day to night, the entertainment never stops in Canary Wharf, but there is a chance of pace. For some, summer nights are about sunset cocktails at the best bars in Canary Wharf or sumptuous outdoor dining, while for others it’s about partying the night away. Whatever the vibe, you’ll find the experience to match right here.
Sunset dinner and drinks
With dramatic views of the city skyline and Canada Square Park from the terrace, ROKA is the master of Japanese robatayaki cuisine, premium sushi and signature cocktails. For a different vibe, the newly opened Oasis Bar & Terrace is a vibrant multi-storey bar, with a gorgeous terrace overlooking Canada Square Park. Head to the brand new, sustainable restaurant Roe to dine on the south-facing terrace overlooking the South Dock. Known for their nose-to-tail, root-to-stem ethos, it’s brought to you by the team behind MICHELIN Guide Restaurant, Fallow in London’s St. James’s, and guarantees a favourite foodie experience.
Cinema under the stars
Put an alfresco twist on the dinner and a movie tradition, and head to Canada Square Park to settle into an evening of entertainment with the Film Club’s range of classic blockbusters and old school classics. From Romeo + Juliet to The Dark Knight, Barbie and Grease, there’s a whole host of silver screen favourites to while away summer nights with Canary Wharf outdoor cinema events.
Discover what’s on with Film Club
Competitive edge
Want to pick up the pace a little? For those who like to infuse a bit of competition into evening entertainment, choose from the likes of Clays Canary Wharf for high-tech interactive target shooting, Fairgame for old-school fairground games for a new age and Electric Shuffle for shuffleboard like you’ve never played it before. New to the scene and a must-try is The CUBE Canary Wharf. Gather a group and take part in your very own version of the iconic TV games, complete with a series of challenges designed to test your physical and mental balance, speed, judgement and acuity. Refuel after all that hard work with award-winning burgers, authentic pizza and drinks from six in-venue bars.
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