The SLMan Guide To Canary Wharf

Dishoom is all set to open its newest restaurant in Canary Wharf later this year. Five years on from the team’s last London opening (Kensington in 2017), the huge new site in fresh destination Wood Wharf will seat 355 across a double-height restaurant, bar and terrace overlooking the water. Paying homage to the food and culture of Bombay and its old Irani cafés, the group still donates a meal for every meal served at its restaurants – that’s 13m meals so far.

For now, Feels Like June is the latest opening in Wood Wharf. Inspired by California, breakfast sees the team serve hot coffee frothed with homemade nut milks, pistachio and almond pastries, pastrami and mustard buns, glazed cinnamon rolls and a selection of açai bowls. From the lunch and dinner menu, we like the sound of the kitchen’s twist on US favourite tater tots, which are filled with cacio e pepe; its caesar schnitzel; and the shrimp tacos.

Steak specialist M opened its third restaurant this spring. Overlooking the Thames and waterways of Canary Wharf, the two-storey restaurant includes a destination bar, two private dining rooms, a wine tasting room, a ‘wagyu and wine café’ and a private members lounge, all housed within a 360º floor-to-ceiling glass space filled with teak, leather and Bang & Olufsen sound and visual design. Exec chef Michael Reid has designed a menu to transport guests to the Mediterranean, cooking using ice, smoke, wood and coal to showcase fine cuts of meat.

Founded by husband-and-wife team John and Yee Li, Dumpling Shack was inspired by John’s desire to eat his favourite dumplings from Hong Kong, particularly those served at a restaurant called Cheung Hing Kee. In the lobby of The Collective building, this Dumpling Shack follows the success of the Spitalfields original, which very quickly picked up a cult following for its signature shengjian bao. On the menu you’ll find fried chicken bowls, chicken wontons in chilli oil and spicy dan dan cheese fries. Make sure to leave room for Yee’s incredible desserts – think Hong Kong milk tea doughnuts and french toast.

At Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, dishes are served in a casual way. Inspired by the founder’s travels around the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, pasta is freshly made every morning and each shape is paired with the right sauces and fillings – don’t miss the ravioli with lamb, herbs and parmesan. More quick and tasty pasta is on offer at the Pasta Evangelists kitchen at Market Halls Cargo Canary Wharf. Just opposite the Elizabeth line, the venue has views across the canal, plus two bars and seven kitchens, including Black Bear Burger, Le Bab, BaoziInn, DF Tacos, Gopal’s Corner, Inamo Sukoshi and Chick Chick Crew. With food options left, right and centre, this is a great spot for groups.

After a series of residencies and pop-ups, Yolk put roots down in 2018 with a permanent spot on New Street Square. This July, the kitchen opened in Canary Wharf, serving all its traditional favourites such as the steak sandwich (freshly baked ciabatta with a choice of fillings like ’nduja, reuben, béarnaise, chimichurri or bang-bang ’shroom), as well as brown rice bowls and filling salads.

Another speedy option is Marugame Udon, a recent import from Japan. Specialising in handmade udon, dishes include beef mikutama (udon with beef and caramelised onions in a dashi broth with a poached onsen egg) or traditional kama age (udon with a hot soy-based dipping sauce). Then there’s Kerb on the Quay, a recently launched lunchtime market running every Wednesday and Thursday. From 11:30am to 2pm, it’s got a rotating selection of six to eight traders to choose from.

Part of Hawksmoor, The Lowback seats 120 and has space for another 60 across two waterside terraces. The venue takes inspiration from the group’s recent New York launch: picture a 9m-long bar, dark green marble floor, polished timber ceiling and velvet booths. Once you’re in, look out for an all-new cocktail list, the result of almost two years’ work by head of drinks Liam Davy and New York bar manager Adam Montgomerie. We love the sound of the Cary Grant-inspired ‘Pine Americano’, made with Amaro Montenegro, Campari and Idyll pine soda.

Elsewhere, the ground floor and outdoor terrace at soon-to-open Tribe Canary Wharf is home to a free-flowing, 24-hour hub with spaces to work, play, eat and meet in. Filled with natural light and covered in modern art, the bar will be a comfy, design led space to grab a drink. Formerly known as London Cocktail Club, The Cocktail Club has chosen Canary Wharf as the destination for its 17th site. Positioning itself as ‘the ultimate party bar’, the venue aims to give customers a ‘wild night out’, with each cocktail finished with its own garnish inspired by fire, fruit or sweets. Signature cocktails include the ‘Solero Sundae’ with coconut rum and a ‘Southside Royal’ with gin, prosecco and a spray of absinthe mist.

Immersive fairground experience Fairgame has opened in Canary Wharf. Following four years of development, the venue gives guests the chance to re-awaken their inner child in a state-of-the-art, adults-only playground designed for the ultimate night out. From whack-a-mole and roller derby to duck shoot and a water gun clown, every game has been redesigned and is hooked up to RFID wristband tech so players can log scores, track leaderboards and battle it out for a giant pink teddy – and bragging rights. Guests can order food from vendors including Burger & Beyond, Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana and Dos Mas Tacos, while boozy slushies and London-brewed craft beer can be found in the venue’s three ‘Bumper Bars’. If games are your idea of a fun get-together, don’t forget to check out Electric Shuffle. On Cabot Square, the shuffleboard venue features ten playing zones and two bars – just the places to toast your victory.