If there’s one London district that attracts the modern business traveller, it’s Canary Wharf. This is the very centre of London’s business and financial transactions. The skyscrapers of JP Morgan, HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays and more show off the dominance of the area. Aside from all the corporate headquarters, the thriving hub consists of apartment buildings, retail space for shops, café's and bars and annual events and exhibitions. Despite all the talk of business, Canary Wharf is as entertaining as any part of London.
The shopping centre, located underneath all the skyscrapers, is a popular hangout with workers during the lunch hour as well as partners who are scrambling to get something opulent before their return train home in the evening. Restaurants and cafes provide the coffee and foodie fun while the area’s other amenities like cinemas, ice rinks and temporary exhibits make it a pull for locals that want to pass the time. So much more than its corporate credentials, it can be the ideal spot to book a serviced apartment and life the high life while the office is only minutes away. No more long commutes are needed when corporate travellers can book an apartment in this great business space, and then head outside on the weekend by watching the latest flicks, buying something special for their loved one back home and tasting the best food that that area offers.
With the Thames and docks swirling around it, the area is fit for the modern world. Gone are the days of its abandonment, now it’s the centre of all the business talk and network lunches in London as well as Europe, and maybe even the world. Like New York’s financial district, the only way to tell the pulse of the global economy is to count the beats here.
History of Canary Wharf
Over 97 acres and containing around 1,500,000 m2 of office and retail space, this major financial sector is one of the main financial centres of the UK and the world, containing the third-tallest building in the UK, One Canada Square.
But where does its history start? Well, it started off as West India Docks, one of the busiest docks in the world. From 1802 to the 1980s, it was a beacon of trade and jobs. But as the port industry started to decline, the docks were closed. However, the story doesn’t end there. The British Government wanted to stimulate redevelopment of the area to ensure it still retained its place in the nation’s economy but from a modern perspective.
The London Docklands Development Corporation was set up to facilitate these proceedings, and when Michael von Clemm proposed using the space as a back office, the project soon took shape. Within the proposal was the idea for the Dockland Light Railway which would grant faster access from the East to Central Londo. These ideas were sold off to the Canadian company Olympia & York, with construction beginning in 1986. With the first buildings completed in 1991, including 1 Canada Square which was the biggest UK building at the time, the rest of the area soon fell into place.
As the original buyers and management went into bankruptcy, The Canary Wharf Group operated the rest of the proceedings making the area the go-to financial centre for Britain and much of the world. With over 120,000 travellers heading in every day, it’s not hard to say that Canary Wharf has been a success.
Business Life in Canary Wharf
What is there to say about the business life in Canary Wharf other than it’s phenomenal? Having the big financial players and more within such a short distance is beyond immeasurable to any corporate stay in Canary Wharf. Our corporate guests can wake up without having to think out a long commute, make breakfast in their fully equipped, get suited up in their cosy bedroom, say farewell to the concierge and walk (or take a very short DLR service) to their office.
Throughout the day, they can relax in knowing that they can avoid the rush hour traffic and the cramped Underground trains. They can meet their clients for late networking lunches and head home within a matter of minutes. Comfort and convenience are all wrapped in one when they book our serviced apartments.
Getting into the number a bit, Canary Wharf Group has helped
generate over £1.59 billion of business for companies in East London. Not only that but The ratio between financial and non-financial tenants is 55:45, showing that residents that work in technology or other sectors aren’t as cut off from enjoying the high life. In fact, 7,000 tech professionals now work full time at Canary Wharf at places like IBM, Intel, Infosys, Oracle, SunGuard, First Data, Citihub, and Skrill. Business isn’t just about shares and portfolios here, it is also about the rising tech sector that is generating jobs in fintech and other developments that are revolutionising how business is conducted on a global scale.
Where to Stay in Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is situated on the northern side of the Isle of Dogs and in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. With Millwall and Cubbit Town to the south and Limehouse in the north-west, there are many areas in and around Canary Wharf that London’s many travellers can call home for any length of time. For those that want to be close to the likes of Cabot Square, they will be able to take apartments in the new developments that are being completed, while those that want to stay close to Canary Wharf’s commercial attractions, but not spend too much, can choose the likes of Limehouse, Cubbit Town and Millwall.
When it comes to places to stay in Canary Wharf, there are a variety of studios, 1 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom apartments that tick all the right boxes. With the tall skyscrapers and developments in the works, any of the apartments situated directly in the neighbourhood can be more than a treat.
Limehouse, a nearby area, has a lot of character and style within its recent new builds. With the Limehouse Basin sitting on the horizon, guests can enjoy some splendid views if they’re in the right part. Plus, those that want to be near attractions like the London Docklands Museum will find Limehouse to be ideal.
Meanwhile, Millwall and Cubbit Town deliver their own unique feel, along with a few green spaces and parks that can bring a bit of colour to the commercial surroundings. Guests that choose to stay in either of these hotspots will have fully furnished serviced apartments waiting for them that bring their own streak of character.
Facts about Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf has a fascinating history. From 1802 to the 1980s, the area that is now Canary Wharf was home to one of the busiest docks in the world, West India Docks, and played a prominent role in global trade. When the docks closed in the 1980s, redevelopment programs were initiated to bring investment and use to the area. The Canary Wharf that everyone knows today is largely thanks to Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), when he came up with the idea to convert it into a back office for businesses to use.
More facts about Canary Wharf are below:
- One Canada Square was the first Canary Wharf building to be built during redevelopment and stands at 235m tall
- One Canada Square is the 2nd tallest building in the UK, behind the Shard
- Canary Wharf has 14m sq. ft. of retail and office space
- There are around 105,000 people employed at Canary Wharf, and this number is expected to double over the next decade
- The average salary in Canary Wharf is £100,000
- Canary Wharf has three shopping malls: Canada Place, Cabot Place and Jubilee Place
- Canary Wharf Tube station is big enough for One Canada Square to lie down in it, and has a total of 20 escalators
- Canary Wharf has its own international airport, London City Airport, which serves over 30 destinations
- The biggest Waitrose in the country is located at Canary Wharf and it even has a temperature-controlled wine cellar with tastings
- 1,000 ships still pass through the docks each month
With London contributing between 22-30% of the UK’s GDP, it’s fair to say that the financial services sector in Canary Wharf play a big role in the overall GDP of London. Deutsche Bank, Barclays, HSBC, JP Morgan, KPMG and Citibank are just a few of the big names in finance that have their headquarters here, contributing to the overall GDP and importance of Canary Wharf, making it the top neighbourhood for business travellers all over.
Plus, Canary Wharf also has its own airport, London City Airport, serving well over 30 destinations, so those that want to be near to their next business meeting at Deutsche can also jet off to NYC’s Wall Street or the heart of Frankfurt. Convenience and comfort are all wrapped up in this top business neighbourhood, where top serviced apartments reign supreme.
Things to Do in Canary Wharf
While it may be looked upon as a commercial neighbourhood, Canary Wharf still has enough attractions, activities and things to do to keep all its visitors entertained. Far more than a representative of big capital, there are shops, restaurants, museums, a cinema and more to make it more than a place to stay, but more of a place to hang out. After when guests have checked into their fully furnished Canary Wharf serviced apartment, they will soon have many things to do in the area.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Canary Wharf?
The most popular things to do in Canary Wharf are:
- One Canada Square
- Canada Place
- Ice Rink Canary Wharf
- Billingsgate Market
- Museum of London Docklands
- Canary Wharf Crossrail Roof Gardens
Q. Is Canary Wharf a good neighbourhood for families?
It certainly can be! Thanks to shopping attractions like Canada Square, green spaces, seasonal events (including Christmas lights), restaurants and even an ice rink, all members can find something to enjoy.
Q. What are the most romantic things to do in Canary Wharf?
These are the most romantic things to do in Canary Wharf:
- Watch the latest hits at the Canary Wharf Everyman Cinema
- Go for a meal out at one of the luxury restaurants in the area
- Buy your loved something special and expensive at one of Canada Place’s boutique stores
- Go for long walks around Canary Wharf
- Sit in the Canary Wharf Crossrail Roof Gardens
- Check out the Christmas lights
- Go ice skating
Q. Are there many free activities in Canary Wharf?
Here are a few free activities in Canary Wharf:
- Walk around the Canada Place shopping centre
- Take a trip to the Canary Wharf Crossrail Roof Gardens
- Go for long walks around the area
- Look at the Christmas lights in the merry season
- Visit the Museum of London Docklands
Q. What is the best way to spend a day in Canary Wharf?
This is the best way to spend your day in Canary Wharf:
- Go to the Museum of London Docklands
- Head off to the Canary Wharf Crossrail Roof Gardens to take in the greenery
- Get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants
- Go for a spot of shopping in Canada Place
- Grab that well-earned drink at one of the pubs or coffee shops
Places to Visit in Canary Wharf
Guests will be surprised to find that there are many things to do and places to visit in Canary Wharf that aren’t all business related. From historical and cultural delights to shopping attractions to even green spaces fit for relaxing in. When guests don’t stay inside their Canary Wharf serviced apartment all day, they can head out to a few of these places:
- One Canada Square - The 2nd tallest building in the UK, this is just waiting for a selfie. While most of the building is used for commercial offices, there are a few retail units on the lower ground floor.
- Canada Place - Home to a range of boutique shops, from fashion to accessories, books, food and many more, this is where all the crowds go for a spot of retail therapy in the area.
- Ice Rink Canary Wharf - A seasonal activity, this is amazing fun and can bring the merriest time of the year to the heart of any trip.
- Billingsgate Market - The UK’s largest inland fish market, an average of 25,000 tonnes of seafood products are sold through the merchants each year.
- Museum of London Docklands - Visitors can discover all there is about the London Docklands, its history, its growth and decline and its important place in Britain’s history.
- Canary Wharf Crossrail Roof Gardens - An oasis for stressed-out workers or weekenders that need a quiet place to rest their feet while exploring the delights of the area, no visitor to Canary Wharf should miss this.
Places to Eat in Canary Wharf
As with any commercial or financial centre, there are a whole array of restaurants and cafes that provide business and leisure travellers with nourishing meals and coffees to boost their energies so their day can go on. When guests don’t want to use their serviced apartment’s fully equipped kitchen, they can dine at some of the finest restaurants in London.
Q. What are the best restaurants in Canary Wharf?
The top 10 restaurants in Canary Wharf are:
- Gaucho - Canary Wharf
- Plateau
- Boisdale of Canary Wharf
- Goodman Canary Wharf
- One Canada Square
- Cinnamon - Hilton London Canary Wharf
- Jazzgir
- First Edition
- The Attic
- Brodie's
Q. What are the poshest restaurants in Canary Wharf?
The 10 poshest restaurants in Canary Wharf are:
- Boisdale of Canary Wharf
- Chai Ki
- Gaucho Canary
- Goodman Canary Wharf
- Ibérica Canary Wharf
- Mudchute Kitchen
- Pizza Pilgrims
- Plateau
- Roka Canary Wharf
- Tom's Kitchen
Q. What are Canary Wharf’s cheaper dining options?
10 of Canary Wharf’s cheaper dining options are:
- The Liberty Bounds
- Vesuvio Cafe
- Itsu - Canary Wharf
- The Little Kebab House
- Brera Jubilee
- Benebene
- Hazev Restaurant
- Wahaca
- Royal China
- Carluccio's
Street Food in Canary Wharf
While Canary Wharf may not have the street markets like Brick Lane or Spitalfields, it does have its own unique street food attraction called Giant Robot. Home to 4 traders and 3 bars, it provides ample opportunities for entertainment when walking around Canary Wharf on the weekend or between business meetings.
Venues at Giant Robot:
- Beer Bar
- Black Bean Burger
- Can Hatch
- Island Bar
- Pastaio
- Thunderbird
- Yum Bun
Opening times:
- MON -TUES: 11:00 - 22:00
- WED: 11:00 - 23:00
- THURS - SAT: 11:00 - 01:00
Shopping in Canary Wharf
With so many iconic names in the world of business, it is of no surprise that Canary Wharf has a vast catalogue of boutique stores that deliver the luxury feel that guests, travellers and workers desire from such an area. So, when guests have had their breakfast in their Canary Wharf corporate apartment’s fully equipped kitchen, they can head on down to Canda Place and spend the whole day looking at the exquisite items on sale:
- Canada Place Shopping Mall - From the likes of Hotel Chocolat, Aspinal of London, Levi’s, Ted Baker, Nicolas Wine Merchant and many more luxury and popular brands await those that come here, along with a few cafes and restaurants to pick up a quick snack or full dinner.
Transportation in Canary Wharf
Getting around London is easier than what most people believe. With the likes of the London Underground, London Overground, DLR and TfL rail services, exploring the city and its surrounding couldn’t be more convenient. With Canary Wharf, there are substantial connections that will get travellers all across London, via the London Underground and DLR:
- London Underground (Jubilee Line) - Canary Wharf, Stratford, Green Park, Baker Street, Westminster, Waterloo, London Bridge, North Greenwich, Stanmore and West Ham
- DLR (Docklands Light Railway) - Canary Wharf, Beckton, Woolwich Arsenal, Stratford, London City Airport, Poplar, Limehouse, East India Quay, West India Quay and Lewisham
Travelling around London though isn’t free. An oyster card is the best bet; all visitors need to do is touch in and out at the start and end of their journey. Costs vary depending on what zones guests are heading to, but as Canary Wharf is in zone 2, the costs are as follows:
- Single journey ticket (zone 1-2) - £4.90
- Oyster/Contactless payment card (zone 1-2) - £2.40
Plus, with thesqua.re’s Canary Wharf serviced apartments, guests are assured and delivered a central location that gives them easy access to the London Underground and DLR, so they can go from one end of London to another.
Weather in Canary Wharf
The weather in Canary Wharf is much like the rest of London, which is also like the rest of the UK; in short, it can be difficult to predict. The city of London is known for its cold winters (where temperatures fall below freezing), but also for its hot summers where temperatures can reach average highs of 24 degrees (or 35 degrees, like in 2019). But it’s fair to say that British summers are notoriously unpredictable, so wet-weather clothing is essential at any time of the year. The month of September is often a good time to visit as well, as the temperature is usually still warm, whilst being a little cooler than August in the evenings, making for a more comfortable stay.
So, overall, whether a guest is in Canary Wharf for business or leisure, the weather will hold many surprises for them.
