Business meets pleasure in Canary Wharf

 is a bustling business and residential mecca in the Docklands. Shining high rises stand tall over the riverbanks, affording sweeping views of the city skylines; lively bars take their position as the go-to spot on Friday evenings; shops continue to grow in the form of flashy shopping centres; and restaurants are booming, attracting customers coming from across the city.. E14 has become one of the prime postcodes when it comes to renting property in London. Welcome to the new It area.

After the closure of the busy port in 1980, the area became a derelict, forgotten part of East London with no real attractions. Then, in the late 1980s, came substantial building work and investment. As a result, major financial companies moved in, turning Canary Wharf into one of the biggest financial districts in Europe.

Located on the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf is one of the two major financial districts – the other being the City – in London. The towering buildings that line the streets are some of the tallest in Europe, while major financial companies such as J.P. Morgan, Barclays, HSBC and Thomson Reuters have chosen to base themselves here. This means there’s a strong appeal for property, as professionals working in the area look for an easy commute to work, with the 21^st century London lifestyle home to match.

Canary Wharf property

You can expect to find some of London’s finest developments in Canary Wharf; the buildings are to be marvelled at, and its growth in recent times means the majority of residential properties are modern and sleek.

Pan Peninsula comprises individually designed apartments that meet the expectation of a busy London professional’s lifestyle. Situated within walking distance to all the main amenities, the development offers a 24-hour concierge, residents’ gym and spa, private cinema, easy access to waterside restaurants and an exclusive bar located on the 50^th floor, which offers impressive views across London. Rentals start £335 per week.

The Landmark is a sleek and stylish mixed-use development located just 15 minutes from the financial hub. All apartments offer comfort cooling , while the development features a 24-hour concierge, underground parking and a residents’ gym. Rentals start from £375 per week.

If you would like to know more about the modern developments available in E14, take a look at our Listings page.

Surrounding areas offer more residential properties in the form of popular converted warehouses, which retain their charm and offer insight into the area’s maritime history. The Isle of Dogs has a selection of modern houses, while nearby areas of Poplar, South Quay, Westferry and Limehouse offer an extensive range of apartment buildings and houses which rent at lower prices than compared to the centre of Canary Wharf.

The average weekly rental price for one bedroom apartments is between £375 and £480 per week, depending on the location of the property. Two bedroom apartments achieve between £475 and £750 per week, while three beds and up range between £600 and £3,125 per week.

Getting around

The Docklands is well known for being home to the DLR line, meaning there are plenty of stations within close proximity to each other, helping people easily commute around all parts of the Docklands quickly and conveniently. Canary Wharf benefits from its own DLR station, while Heron Quays and West India Quay DLR stations are also nearby.

There’s also a Tube station, serviced by the Jubilee Line, offering direct routes to central London in less than 20 minutes. This, along with the DLR and a good bus network, means residents in the area have a wealth of options when it comes to getting around, whether it’s locally, into the City or the West End.

When the Crossrail trains arrive in 2018, Canary Wharf will have pride of place as one of the largest Crossrail stations. Built in the north dock of West India Quay, the station is likened to a ship moored in the dock, paying homage to the past when it was the centre for global maritime commerce. It will offer quick and convenient routes to Heathrow airport. A quick getaway will only be 30 minutes away.

Shop til’ you drop

If you want to take part in some serious retail therapy, the Canary Wharf shopping centre is the place to start. Comprised of Cabot Place, Canada Place, Churchill Place, Crossrail Place and Jubilee Place, there are over 300 shops to visit, with favourites like John Lewis, Gant, Michael Koors, and Tiffany & Co to name a few.

Due to the increasing popularity in the area, there are more boutiques popping up, offering residents even more choice. The well-known Everyman has recently opened one of its niche cinemas at Crossrail Place, bringing their movie-going experience to the Docklands. There are also a number of exhibitions and events taking place throughout the year at various arenas, with a comedy club and ice rink featuring in October.

Dining delights

There are plenty of eateries to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a charming gastro pub, upmarket restaurant or a quick fast food fix. The Gun, an 18^th century dockers’ pub – also featured in our Top 10 Sunday Roasts – on Cold Harbour and Gordon Ramsay’s The Narrow, in nearby Limehouse, are the pick of the gastro pubs.

Iberica Canary Wharf is a popular Spanish restaurant on Cabot Square, while One Canada Square offers modern European cuisine and a cocktail bar, which includes a raw section from ex-Ivy Club Head Chef Jamie Dobbin. Gaucho, the popular Argentinean steak house, has a restaurant serving their famous steaks.

There are more than a few lively bars, which are often full to the brim on a Friday nights with hardworking professionals letting off steam after a long week of work. 5B Urban Bar, Battery Club and The Attic, the popular bar at the Pan Peninsula development, are our pick of the bunch, along with perennial favourites such as All Bar One.

Getting to know Canary Wharf

The connotations often associated with the area usually paint a picture of high rise buildings, along with busy professionals in suits rushing around. This is slightly unfair as Canary Wharf can actually be quite a serene area thanks to its riverside setting and open spaces. Island Gardens offers scenic views of Greenwich, while Canada Square Park hosts an array of events throughout the year. The Thames path bends round the Isle of Dogs, allowing for scenic riverside strolls. Nearby Mudchute Park is run by a charitable organisation and offers over 32 acres of countryside as well as a city farm with a range of cute animals to admire, ideal for the kids.

The sky’s the limit

With continued investment, Canary Wharf is only going to increase in popularity. This really is the premier destination in the Docklands and it’s quickly becoming one of London’s most popular areas. If you would like to experience living in this unique and stylish part of East London, visit our for available properties, or get in touch with one of our staff members at our Canary Wharf office, who will be more than happy to help you find your ideal property.