Living in Canary Wharf
Located on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf is known for being one of London’s most prominent business districts. However, with its fantastic social scene, accessible amenities, and convenient central location, the area has also become one of London’s best places to live for young professionals and families.
Canary Wharf has a rich history that can still be seen today in its architectural stylings and its historical industrial waterfront. In the 19thcentury, the surrounding area was home to the world’s largest dock. In fact, Canary Wharf gets its name from the dock’s longstanding trade history with the Canary Islands.
Today Canary Wharf is defined by its modern skyscrapers, riverside developments, as well as new and old cultural venues. The Canary Wharf Shopping Centre has over 120 shops and multiple highly rated cafés and restaurants perfect for a quick bite or a night out on the town. Though the area is a major business hub, beautiful green spaces, such as Jubilee Park and Canada Square Park, break up the hustle and bustle and provide a place for refuge.
If you’re looking for something active to do, take a stroll down the Crossrail Roof Gardens or visit one of the four leisure centres in the area. For a more educational experience, the Museum of London Docklands will immerse you in the neighbourhood’s centuries-old history.
Canary Wharf is also home to many public art installations, adding colour and character among the modern steel and glass buildings that line the streets. In the wintertime, be sure to check out Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights Festival, when artists from all around the world come to display breath-taking light installations.
To learn more about living in Canary Wharf, see our guide down below.
Transport
The Canary Wharf tube station connects to the Jubilee line. A trip to King’s Cross takes less than half an hour with only one transfer.
The Canary Wharf railway station connects to the Elizabeth line and the Canary Wharf light railway station links to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
The Elizabeth line goes towards Paddington or Abbey Wood while the DLR has five different terminus lines: Bank, Tower Gateway, Stratford, Shadwell, or Lewisham.
Canary Wharf is located in Zone 2.
Things to do, places to eat & drink
Here are some of our favourite neighbourhood haunts.
Plateau is a modern French restaurant located in the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre that offers a fine dining experience at a mid-market price. From carefully crafted starters to delicious mains, Plateau is guaranteed to become a family favourite from the first bite. Try the two or three-course set menu for the full French gastronomic experience.
For a stay-at-home getaway, settle into the sleek and sophisticated atmosphere in The Pearson Room. Though the al carte menu may seem a bit short, every creation is inspired by modern European dishes and is created meticulously by the head chef. Whether you’re in the mood for drinks and bar snacks or a nice meal, the Pearson Room is sure to charm.
Chai Ki is your one-stop shop for modern Indian soul food. The restaurant’s all-day menu features specialty dishes like the dakshini platter as well as classics like butter chicken and lamb samosas. This spot is great for all dietary needs, providing plenty of plant-based delights in addition to its classic protein options.
One of the most well-known attractions of Canary Wharf is its shopping centre, which includes a variety of boutique and commercial shops, restaurants, bars, and a cinema. The Canary Wharf Shopping centre takes care of all your everyday and recreational needs in one place. The large Waitrose is a neighbourhood staple, with its expansive grocery, home, and fashion collection.
Located on top of the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, the Crossrail Roof Garden is encompassed by a beautiful geometric dome. The garden features exotic plants from all around the world, arranged by their native hemispherical location. The Crossrail Roof Garden is free to visit and also functions as a performance space, most known for the annual Bloom Festival.
The largest inland fish market in the United Kingdom, the Billingsgate Market is worth visiting even if you’re not the biggest fish fan (though if you are, there's nowhere better to pick up some sashimi grade seafood). The market has a long, fascinating history, and is located in the renovated warehouse of the West India Docks where it features almost 100 stands. On average, 25,000 tonnes of fish and fish products are sold in the market annually, making the Billingsgate a staple of the London Docklands.
If you’re considering a move to Canary Wharf, you can view all of the fantastic properties we have available in the local area here.
If Canary Wharf isn't the neighbourhood for you, we operate across the whole of London and can help you find your dream home, wherever it is that you want to live. All of our listings are available on our website, and you can use our convenient listing filters to find properties suited to your needs, whether you’re looking to rent with a pet or outdoor space is an absolute must-have. Alternatively, you can give us a call - just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll get busy looking for you!
Author: Julia Kaluta
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