Best known for being the financial centre of the world, this part of central London has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.
Filled with sky high offices and streets of bustling workers, living in Canary Wharf is often overlooked as an option, but this part of the city is home to more than 18,000 people (as of the 2021 census).
Moving to this part of the city means amazing transport links, a huge variety of restaurants and plenty of things to see and do. If you work in Canary Wharf, then you can also save time on commuting to and from the office.
Want to know more about the benefits of living in Canary Wharf? Take a look at some of our top locations in the area.
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre is a large mall housing all your favourite high-street and designer shops. As well as well-known stores such as Boots and Waterstones, the shopping centre also has plenty of places to eat and drink.
One of the must-see places in the centre is the Canary Wharf Ice Rink. Open every winter the ice rink becomes a hive of activity. Perfect for after work activities or a magical date night. They also have regular events from October to February, so it’s always worth a visit.
Find the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre at
1 Canada Square, London E14 5AB
Telephone: 020 7418 2000
Follow: @canarywharflondon
Fairgame Canary Wharf
Living in Canary Wharf means you’ll be able to visit Fairgame whenever you like. A vibrant arcade bar and street food vendor, it’s the ideal place for adults to let out their inner child.
Choose from one of their amazing food vendors such as Rudy’s Pizza or Tacos Dos Mas. Or, head to the Bumper Bar for all your favourite beverages. You can even grab an arcade classic, candy floss, at the Candy Stand.
To make sure you and your friends get to play undisturbed, book one of their packages. These give you 75 minutes of gaming time and lets you book a time slot.
Find Fairgame Canary Wharf at
25 Fishermans Walk, London E14 4DH
Telephone: 020 4599 3666
Follow: @wearefairgame
Jubilee Park
Although the heart of Canary Wharf is all skyscrapers and office blocks, there are pockets of green to enjoy.
Adjacent to the Canary Wharf tube station is Jubilee Park. This medium sized park offers a nice break from the city. With scenic walks, coffee shops and places to grab food, it’s the perfect lunchtime spot.
In the summer you’ll see plenty of workers finding solace on the grass enjoying a break. At Christmas all the lights turn the park into a festive wonderland.
Find Jubilee Park at
Bank St, London E14 5JP
Pergola on the Wharf
When living in Canary Wharf you’ll notice that the main heart of the area is surrounded by the north and south dock. With it’s rich history as one of world’s former busiest docks, the nautical influence can be found throughout.
The Pergola - which is located on the north dock - is no exception. A neighbour to the Elizabeth Line, this bar and restaurant makes you feel like you’re on a luxury barge. With amazing views overlooking the docklands and delicious food & drink, it’s a great place for a night out.
It’s advised to book in advance as the bar can get fairly busy, especially at weekends. Luckily it’s easy to book through the website. However, they do also have limited walk-in spots, so it’s always worth a quick visit.
Find Pergola on the Wharf at
Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR
Telephone: 020 8176 6105
Follow: @pergolacanarywharf
Museum of London Docklands
We’ve touched on Canary Wharf’s history but to find out more, the Museum of London Docklands is the place to go.
The museum also highlights some of London’s wider historical events. For example, learn about the Great Fire of London from 1666. Or, catch one of the limited exhibitions that take place regularly.
If you’re looking for somewhere to help entertain little ones, this is an ideal location. With plenty of interactive exhibits, you’ll have no trouble keeping kids entertained. Plus, it’s free entry so makes for the perfect family day out.
Find the Museum of London Docklands at
No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL
Telephone: 020 7001 9844
Follow: @museumoflondon
Big Easy Canary Wharf
Located on the opposite end of Crossrail Place to Pergola is Big Easy. This bar and restaurant offers American inspired food and drink in a rustic industrial setting.
The Rum Bar & Lounge offers you a little slice of Jamaica in the heart of London. With views over the docklands and a huge collection of unique rums, it’s a great evening out. There’s even live music every single night. Meaning that no matter the day of the week, you’ll always have somewhere to go and unwind.
Want somewhere that you can sit outside in the summer months? Big Easy has a vast terrace, perfect for al-fresco dining.
Find Big Easy Canary Wharf at
Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR
Telephone: 020 4580 1172
Follow: @bigeasylondon
Mudchute Park and Farm
When you think about living in Canary Wharf we bet you didn’t expect to have a farm nearby. Mudchute Park and Farm has everything from sheep to pigs and even llamas.
Whenever you feel the need to take ina bit of the countryside, just jump on the DLR and head to Mudchute.
If you are an animal lover, you can volunteer, helping to raise money for care of all the animals. They even offer animal keeping courses and regular events.
If you’re planning to take the kids, check their ‘whats on’ section to see weekly events. They also post their daily farm routine so you can swing by and see feeding time. As well as this, there are regular events such as Arts & Crafts, donkey rides and animal petting.
Find Mudchute Park and Farm at
Pier St, London E14 3HP
Telephone: 020 7515 5901
Follow: @mudchute_farm
The Space
The Space is for everyone who loves smaller and indie theatre productions. With plenty of amazing plays, monologues and stand up to choose from. They even offer online theatre for those that want to be entertained from the comfort of their own home.
The Space doesn’t just offer theatre, it also encourages participation. Amateur actors, writers and performers can apply to be part of their bi-annual seasons. If you’re not yet ready to take to the stage, why not take part in a workshop? You could even volunteer and become part of Canary Wharf’s budding theatre community.
As well as the theatre there is also the Space Bar. A cleverly named watering hole for pre or post event drinks.
Find The Space at
269 Westferry Rd, London E14 3RS
Telephone: 020 7515 7799
Follow: @thespacetheatre
Dishoom Canary Wharf
One of the biggest perks of living in Canary Wharf is that you’ll be right next door to Dishoom. This modern Indian restaurant offers authentic Indian dishes and has become a firm favourite across the country.
Make sure to sample the chef’s special, the Malai Lobster. Or, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, why not opt for the Lamb Samosas?
There’s lots to choose from on Dishoom’s menu and it caters for many dietary requirements. Whether you eat gluten free or vegan, there’s a range of options to choose from. They even offer a simplified children’s menu.
Find Dishoom Canary Wharf at
13 Water St, London E14 5GX
Telephone: 020 7420 9326
Follow: @dishoom
ELASKO
There’s plenty of gyms in East London to choose from, but non of them are like ELASKO. This studio focuses on flexibility and stretching. Similar to yoga and pilates, ELASKO offers a unique take on physical and mental wellbeing.
Build strength or simply ring out the stress of the day using their exclusive equipment. You can also get in touch for 1-1 PT sessions or join one of their daily classes. Group sessions are kept small so you can get the most out of your workout. You can even purchase equipment to do classes at home.
Find ELASKO at
G14, Ontario Tower, 4 Fairmont Ave, London E14 9JB
Telephone: 07852 667354
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @elasko_ldn
Canary Wharf Transport Links
Arguably one of the best parts of living in Canary Wharf is the abundance of transport. Whether you want to jump on the Jubilee line or catch the DLR. You’ll have no trouble getting around London.
Catching the DLR from Canary Wharf DLR station will allow you to easily travel across the river into South London.
If you prefer to travel by bus there are bus stops across the centre taking you in and around more residential areas.
Is it worth living in Canary Wharf?
If you love to be at the centre of the hustle and bustle then living in Canary Wharf is for you. The ideal place for city living, you’ll never struggle for places to go or things to do.
If you work in or around Canary Wharf, living here can help cut down commuting times and costs. You’ll also have easy access to all other areas of central London and beyond.
If you like the idea of living close to Canary Wharf, but want somewhere a bit more residential, then why not take a look at Union Wharf. Our Greenwich apartments are perfect if you want to commute to Canary Wharf but have a slower pace of life.
