Canary Wharf is the kind of place you think only exists in Hollywood sci-fi films. Obscenely shiny, futuristic skyscrapers tower above the suited and booted office workers who scurry along in this financial heart of the city. Whilst the area does house some of the biggest financial companies in the world such as Citibank and KPMG, it also has a surprising amount of culture to offer including the Museum of London Docklands, Billingsgate Market, and countless restaurants and bars. Lastly, the transport connections are second to none; the area boasts the DLR and Underground station, as well as swift access to the area’s own City Airport.

The waterways on the east side of London only began to be earnestly utilised in the 17th century, after the first dock was built at Rotherhithe. The iconic West India Dock and St Katherine Dock soon followed as the area became an essential gate way from the capital city to the colonies. However, during this period the area was infamous for its crime and poverty. The dawning of the Second World War in the 20th century sadly saw much of the area destroyed as the strategically important docks became a key target. Over 2500 bombs were dropped on the area alone. This irreversible damage to the area meant the ultimate decline of the docks, which by 1980 had all closed. However, due to government-led private investment in the 1980s, the location transformed into the financial hub it is today.

In 1802, the West India Docks was the biggest shopping port in the world due to the infamous British Empire. The name Canary Wharf itself comes from when Brits used to trade with the Canary Islands.

Canary Wharf has a reputation for having what some might describe as a corporate and soulless feel - and since the majority of its residents are businessmen and women it does not necessarily have a community feel. It is also lacking in green spaces, which means it can feel like it’s hard to escape when you need a break. The area is also very quiet once the working day is over, meaning there are few evening entertainment options.

Canary Wharf is a place that never stops growing, both upwards and horizontally. New developments prove that is not set to change anytime soon. The new Elizabeth Line station opened in May 2022 alongside a plethora of new restaurants and bars on looking onto the dock from the North Quay. Construction on the nearby Wood Wharf is still on-going and will add a total of 3300 new homes, 2 million sq ft of office space and a further 380 sq ft of recreational areas. In fact, New London Architecture predicts that the Wharf’s population will double over the next ten years with upto 95 new tall buildings currently in the pipeline.