Jack Croft and Will Murray, stoking a fire in the belly at Roe.

When Jack and Will, the founders and head chefs behind Roe, talk about their journey, it’s impossible not to feel the momentum that has propelled them from Fallow, one of London’s busiest restaurants, to their bold venture by the water at Canary Wharf. 

“A key part of the decision to do Roe was a feeling of momentum,” they explain. “Having built Fallow to probably one of the busiest restaurants in London and surrounding ourselves with such a unique and ambitious team, it was time to open a new site and grow the business with them.” 

Initially, the move to Canary Wharf came with a hint of nerves. But those quickly gave way to excitement. “We were initially a little bit nervous about going over to Canary Wharf, but when we got to the site, we were like, wow, this is an amazing opportunity in a growing landscape.”

The duo’s vision for Roe goes beyond the kitchen. “We’d built a huge team, or a very loyal team, who we loved. It felt like our duty to make the move to Roe – it was as much for them as it was for us. Like to keep them, to mentor them, to keep them growing, to keep their passion alive. They needed more as well.” For Jack and Will, opening Roe wasn’t just about expanding their business; it was about evolving as leaders. “Moving to Roe was about building a business and turning from just chefs into businessmen.” 

Canary Wharf’s unique environment has inspired the menu, too. “Canary Wharf definitely influenced the Roe menu. As soon as we saw Roe there on the water, we knew it needed to be a little bit more light, airy, a bit more seafood. I think the dishes over there are still impactful, and you still ultimately know that you’re in one of our restaurants.” 

The creative energy of the Wharf has also pushed them to innovate in unexpected ways. “We can be impulsive. Last week, we bought a kebab machine. We’re doing midweek kebabs this week. Let’s get the assets. Let’s just do it. Screw it. Go for it. It’s a bit impulsive, but at the same time, it’s fun, interesting, and it keeps people coming back for more.” 

Even with all their success, Jack and Will remain grounded in constant evolution. “You’re always evolving and always testing yourself and each other. We’re lucky in a lot of ways, because we have each other to bounce off. A lot of people don’t have that…It never, ever gets easier. You just get slightly better at dealing with things in a creative problem-solving way, and you get more adept at moving with new situations.” 

Ultimately, Roe represents what Canary Wharf is increasingly becoming: a destination where ambitious, independent businesses can grow, thrive, and make their mark. “And fundamentally, we want to be a voice for big, successful, independent restaurants flocking to a place like Canary Wharf to prosper and be the leader out there. So, we’ll keep pushing till that happens.” 

From the riverside views to the expansive, airy interiors, Roe is a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets opportunity. “There’s lots more space in Roe than Fallow. It’s double the size. At first it was hard, like to get your head around how to fill a space like that. But we’ve got a lot of growing space there. And that’s exciting.” 

For Jack and Will, and for Canary Wharf itself, Roe is more than a restaurant. It’s a statement: this is a place where ambition lives and where the city’s culinary landscape is evolving one bold, beautiful plate at a time. 

Roe restaurant, located in Wood Wharf |   Roe – Roe Restaurant