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So, we all know Canary Wharf don’t we? Its that bit of London that doesn’t look like London.
To the casual eye, Canary Wharf perhaps appears to have more in common with Singapore, Hong Kong or even Monaco. But for those that live in Canary Wharf, they know that there’s far more to it.
Canary Wharf is an iconic part of London's skyline, and while it surely might be better known as the glass and steel headquarters of London's global financial centre, in the past decade it's also become one of the Capital’s most coveted neighbourhoods. People WANT to buy in Canary Wharf.
The area has been helped by excellent transport links. When the Jubilee line was extended and Canary Wharf station opened in 1999, that’s when it really started to change. All of a sudden London Bridge was 6 minutes away and you could be shopping in Bond Street in 15. And with the driverless DLR now extended all over east London, much of London is very easily accessible.
These days Canary Wharf is not only home to global corporate names like HSBC, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley, its also home to excellent shopping and entertaining options. Sure, Canary Wharf might be missing Michelin stars, but there’s still plenty of tasty treats.
It’s not all hustle, bustle, napkins and diamantes though. Far from it.
Crossrail Place, a recent addition which sits atop what will be the Canary Wharf Crossrail station, is not only home to new shops, restaurants and a great cinema. Pop up on the roof and watch a music or theatrical performance amongst the bamboo of its global garden.
Mudchute Farm, just to the south on the Isle of Dogs, is a lot more than your everyday urban farm. Set in 32 acres of countryside, Mudchute is a community charity, with a working farm, stables, a children’s nursery and a wide range of education activities.
Further south, at Island Gardens, is the Greenwich foot tunnel. Take a stroll through the tunnel and take in the Cutty Sark (ship or pub!), the market, The National Maritime Museum or the Observatory.
To the west is Limehouse and further west to Wapping. Riverside G&T anyone?
To the east is Blackwall and Leamouth, where a high concentration of quality modern apartments meets an ecology park and nature reserve.
To the north is Poplar, the recently renovated Baths and Chrisp Street Market. Proper East London.
Pie and mash anyone?
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So, we all know Canary Wharf is just a load of glass and steel with no history, right?
No.
Here's some lesser-known facts for you.
- No 32 berth of West Wood Quay was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, which imported fruit from the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. At the request of the company the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf, and that’s where the Canary Wharf name comes from. West India Quay and Canada Square got their names from the same principle.
- In 1802, the West India Docks were the world’s busiest shipping port and the heart of the British Empire. These days, you’re far more likely to find that West India Quay has very busy bars, rather than barges!
- If you ever see a bird of prey flying around Canary Wharf, his name is Boey and he’s a Harris Hawk. Boey's job is to keep the pigeons and seagulls away. When he’s not working he’s back at home with his mates in Kent: http://hawkforcefalconry.co.uk/
- Trinity Buoy Wharf, just to the east of Canary Wharf, is home to London’s only lighthouse. Dating from 1864 the lighthouse was used to train lighthouse keepers and lighting trials: http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/
- Today the lighthouse is home to Longplayer - a one thousand year long musical composition. It began playing at midnight on the 31st of December 1999, and will continue to play without repetition until the last moment of 2999. It was developed by 'The Pogues' Jem Finer: http://longplayer.org/
- Canary Wharf is adjacent to the Isle of Dogs. The Isle of Dogs was first mentioned in Henry III’s papers and it is thought that Edward III kept greyhounds here, hence the name.
- Canary Wharf is home to the largest Waitrose supermarket in the UK: http://www.waitrose.com/bf_home/bf/664.html
- Jubilee Park, above the Jubilee Place shopping centre, is a surprisingly tranquil place to have your lunch.
- Regular cleaning has made the docks water more attractive to various species of freshwater and saltwater fish including flounder, plaice, bream and rudd. The docks are regularly used by aquatic birds and a seal has even been spotted in the North Dock on several occasions (and I’ve actually seen him in the Thames too).
- More than 105,000 people are employed in the Canary Wharf area, but the number is expected to move beyond 200,000 people before 2025.
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So.
Here we are.
Our proper local website is up and running today, our IT works, we're live on Zoopla (Rightmove is around the corner).... we're open for business.
Thanks to all those who have supported me in getting this far.
This is where the hard work begins.
(But I should point out that work is fun.)
Speak soon.
Christian
