Eating & Drinking Guides

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Where to dine, drink and make merry in Canary Wharf this season

There are more than 80 cafes, bars and restaurants in Canary Wharf, all of which are pulling out the culinary stops this Christmas. Getting the party started early is British restaurant and jazz venue Boisdale Canary Wharf, will be hosting its Sinatra Christmas Lunch. The event will see Stephen Triffitt, the world’s leading Frank Sinatra performer, bring the crooner’s timeless hits to the Boisdale stage across the festive period. On the subject of parties, Pergola Lates at Pergola on the Wharf will see a roster of top DJs and saxophonists liven things up every Friday evening from 7pm, while restaurant and late-night spot, Hovarda, enjoys the latest license in the neighbourhood, providing good times until 2am.

As part of its Alpine Winter Wonderland festivities, The Ivy in the Park will be offering a Christmas take on its best-selling shepherd’s pie – swapping lamb for goose and turkey. Another Canary Wharf Christmas menu embracing turkey comes courtesy of No. 35 Mackenzie Walk, whose Feasting Turkey Board is served with caramelised parsnips, maple-glazed carrots, roasted herbed potatoes and pigs in blankets. Turkey not your thing? There’s a reason both Hawksmoor and Blacklock have earned a reputation for serving some of the best steak in the capital. Alternatively, go meat-free at Mallow, whose yuletide sharing menu has been designed to capture the essence of holiday celebrations through plant-based dishes.

If that all sounds a bit traditional, explore exceptional world food at Canary Wharf ’s international restaurants. Enjoy Dishoom’s exploding crackers over intermingled arms, warming tipples and loosened belts are fast approaching. Plan a festive feast like no other.

Modern Indian restaurant Kricket has put together a range of seasonal dishes; and Mexican favourite Wahaca is getting festive with special nibbles and seasonal small plates. And, if you simply can’t choose, head to community market MMy Wood Wharf, whose culinary partners serve everything from pizza, poke and pasta to burgers, Chinese and Mexican.

Step into ’70s glam at Barbarella, Big Mamma’s Italian hideaway set within the iconic YY Building. Opening onto the lapping water of Eden Dock, this tropical jungle of a restaurant serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta and homemade dolci from its open kitchen. For Asian excellence, Din Tai Fung – voted “World’s Best Dumplings” by Forbes and praised as “London’s No.1 Dim Sum Restaurant” by TimeOut – brings over 60 years of Taiwanese culinary heritage to Crossrail Place. Meanwhile, Ong Lai Kopitiam delivers the vibrant flavours of Malaysia, from their signature blue rice Nasi Kerabu to street food favourites like Satay Chicken, Kolo Mee noodles, and the ever-loved Kaya Toast, all paired with freshly brewed kopi and teh tarik.

It’s the season of mince pies, panettoni and other sweet indulgences. Find creative and delicious baked goods at Badiani Gelato, hand-rolled croissant buns at Buns From Home. Pastries come courtesy of Ole & Steen, Notes Coffee, Paul, M&S Simply Food and Gail’s in Canada Place’s Waitrose & Partners. And there’s only one place to go for cupcakes: Lola’s Cupcakes.

This is also the time of the year when we swap out cappuccinos for coffees infused with eggnog and gingerbread. Spots like Blank Street Coffee, WatchHouse, Joe Blake’s, 640East, Black Sheep Coffee and Grind are all bringing festive flavour to their menus.