Little black book: the Wharf’s new hotspots
CANARY Wharf may have gleaming skyscrapers but it hasn’t exactly led the way with high quality bars or top-end members clubs (and no, Brodies doesn’t count). Most serious financiers have stayed put in their own private dining rooms rather than venture to street level, unless a driver is eagerly waiting with a TomTom pre-programmed to Mount Street.
However, things may be gradually changing. The tipping point was Roka, which launched late last year. Its lounge bar, overlooking Canada Square Park, offers a super-smart spot for your shochu infusions and the terrace is perfect for enjoying a cigar. The Park Pavilion development helped cover all the drink bases in Canada Square with Wahaca’s Tequila Bar following hot on the heels of Parlour (sister bar to the Refinery in Southwark). Just around the corner, the new Rocket branch is proving popular with the locals who have relocated from Mayfair and the City. Bravely venturing away from the square you should seek out Dockmaster’s House, a converted Georgian building behind West India Quay that serves good Indian food in a stunning environment. Veering over to Westferry Circus, you can find established pedigree at Gaucho’s terrace bar where you can enjoy perfect mojitos while you watch the sun set, or pop up to the best hotel bar in the wharf, Quadrato at the Four Seasons, to enjoy something more cosmopolitan. Rumor has it that sometime next year the Circus will also be benefitting from Docklands’ first proper members club, just below Battery restaurant (the former Ubon site with its own panoramic views) and also from the Inc Group. As Inc has already acquired the stylish Tompkin restaurant and the simply stunning Attic at the top of Pan Peninsula, it should be something to look forward to.
However, the next watershed opening will be the introduction of the expansive new Boisdale restaurant and bar early next year in the old Cabot Hall building. Complete with substantial terraces it will offer fine food, whisky, cigars and live jazz (hopefully only the first two will be Scottish).
Tim Badham is the founder of Innerplace, London’s leading provider of VIP entertainment, including film premieres, fashion shows, launch parties and members club access. www.innerplace.co.uk