The Estate
The Joy of Getting Outside
share Feel the need for a little fresh air? Whether it’s a moment of mindfulness, a (literal) walk in the park or coffee by the docks with friends, boost the feel-good-factor in the spirit of Wharf Wellness this month, by enjoying the benefits of green space across Canary Wharf’s 20 acres of landscaped parks, gardens and verdant squares.
The Wharf’s open spaces are complete with 1,000 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 70,000 seasonal plants added each year. These exist alongside carefully nurtured blue spaces brimming with biodiversity, allowing you to watch the wildlife go by on the Docklands waters as you jog along the boardwalks and enjoy lunch in the spring sunshine. See if you can spot kingfishers and seals on your morning walk to work.
Breathe a little deeper or spend a time walking barefoot on the grass (did you know ‘earthing’ or ‘grounding’ helps to reduce inflammation and boost mental and physical health?); enjoy a moment of mindfulness, practise yoga in the park and take your lunch into the open air. However you choose to spend time outside, the world is your oyster in Canary Wharf.
Best for artistic inspiration: Cabot Square
Where to grab lunch: Ibérica Canary Wharf
One of the more central squares on the estate, Cabot Square in Canary Wharf is home to an impressive fountain (perfect for a little lunchtime meditation), as well as multiple works of art. Meditate over their meaning and see which ones you recognise as you sip on your morning coffee, or grab a slice of Spanish sensuality with lunch from Ibérica Canary Wharf, and enjoy it in the sunshine.
Best for soul-nourishing socialising: Canada Square Park
Where to grab lunch: atis at Canada Place
Much loved for its verdant beauty as well as its regular programme of cultural events ranging from music to open-air film screenings, Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf is filled with mature trees and surrounded by bars and restaurants. As the trees do their thing to reduce carbon in the atmosphere, relax in their shade and appreciate the feel-good-factor of nature with a plant-powered lunch from atis – bowls of environmentally friendly, health, sustainably sourced goodness.
Best for mindfulness: Columbus Courtyard
Where to grab lunch: Leon
On the west end of the estate, Columbus Courtyard in Canary Wharf is another place that’s great for art lovers. Sculptures by the likes of Igor Mitoraj sit unassumingly in the shade of the trees alongside shops, bars and restaurants. It’s urban life in harmony, enhanced by naturally flavourful food from Leon, packing a punch with delicious seasonal ingredients such as olive oil, fresh herbs and spices.
Best for undercover biophilic benefits: Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Where to grab lunch: Island Poké
Arguably one of the most impressive green spaces in Canary Wharf, Crossrail Place Roof Garden sits almost exactly on the Meridian line. Open daily, it’s filled with exotic plants and hidden paths, as well as an amphitheatre with regular shows. For days when you want to tap into the benefits of biophilia without getting caught in the rain, this is the place to go. Grab wholesome Hawaiian fare at Island Poké and watch the exotic plants grow.
Best for waterside wandering: Harbour Quay Gardens
Where to grab lunch: Roe
Whether you want to bring a picnic or stroll along the boardwalk, you could be forgiven for thinking Harbour Quay in Canary Wharf had transported you to an overseas city. Listen to the water lap the shore and enjoy a moment of carefully curated calm, especially if you head to Roe, where their expansive south-facing terrace overlooks the South Dock canal as you enjoy sustainably sourced fare thanks to their nose-to-tail, root-to-stem ethos.
Best for instant Zen: Jubilee Park
Where to grab lunch: Wharf Kitchen
Green Flag Award-winning, Jubilee Park is a tree-filled open space that’s been designed with tranquillity in mind. Helping city dwellers to find peace, it’s all lawns and leafy greens peppered with organic forms such as Helaine Blumenfeld’s Fortuna sculpture. Pick up a healthy grab-and-go meal at Wharf Kitchen, complete with new additions including fulsome and flavourful at iThai, and watch the world go by for a while.
Best for quality time with friends: Montgomery Square
Where to grab lunch: The Lunch Market
Montgomery Square in Canary Wharf is a buzzy outdoor spot that’s made for socialising. With a regular roster of events from street food markets to Craig & Karl’s MiniGolf there’s always something happening in this convivial open space. Get involved, or grab fresh, tasty street food dishes from around the world at The Lunch Market and enjoy the atmosphere.
Best for a short walk: Westferry Circus
Where to grab lunch: Assenheims 56
Wake up early and watch the world come to life around Westferry Circus, with a South American-inspired breakfast from Assenheims 56. Turning what was once a mere road interchange into a rejuvenating place to spend time in Canary Wharf, Westferry Circus is a circular open space fringed with trees and filled with flowers and shrubs. Once again there are sculptures peppered throughout the space to add intrigue, creativity, and an opportunity for healthy pondering and mental respite.
Best for watching the world go by: Harbord Square Park
Where to grab lunch: Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
Harbord Square Park in Canary Wharf is inspired by the London tradition of garden squares. It’s a calm oasis complete with space to wander, sit and watch the world go by while children enjoy the playground. Stop by Morrisons Daily for a delicious selection of fresh sandwiches, salads, and snacks, relax and unwind in the lush greenery and sky high architecture of Wood Wharf.
More Stories from Canary Wharf
See All Stories
More Stories from Canary Wharf
