A Detailed Guide: Working in Canary Wharf
1. Overview of the Canary Wharf Area
2. Demographics
3. Types of Buildings in the Area
4. How Canary Wharf Office Prices Compare to Nearby Areas
5. Similar Areas to Rent Office Space In
6. Excellent Places to Eat and Drink in Canary Wharf
7. A List of Green Spaces to Spend Lunch Breaks In
8. Business and Industry Events
9. Accommodation for Professionals Staying in Canary Wharf
10. Canary Wharf Shopping
11. Wellbeing Facilities
12. Hidden Gems of Canary Wharf
Overview of the Canary Wharf Area
Canary Wharf in London’s East End is synonymous with the finance sector and its awe-inspiring glass skyscrapers. The area was formerly a busy port named in 1937 for its trading links with the Canary Islands.
Fast-forward to the 1980s, and it became a significant business hub. Today, it is home to the headquarters of central banks, finance firms, and media companies. Our guide will equip you with everything you need to know about working and renting office space in Canary Wharf.
Demographics
Canary Wharf’s population mainly comprises working professionals, many of whom work in finance, technology, and other professional sectors.
Statistics include:
• Canary Wharf has a population of 17,976.
• The largest age group is 18-64 year olds.
• The average Canary Wharf salary in 2019 was approximately £130,000.
• Canary Wharf has over 14m sq. ft. of retail and office space.
• 1,000 ships still pass through the docks at Canary Wharf each month.
Types of Buildings in the Area
Canary Wharf is dominated by skyscrapers such as One Canada Square, the second tallest building in the UK. Many buildings are home to multinational corporations; however, workspace is also provided for small and growing firms.
Shopping centres such as Canary Wharf Shopping Centre provide a wide selection of shops, boutiques and eateries that cater to the area’s residents and workers.
How Canary Wharf Office Prices Compare to Nearby Areas
You might be surprised to hear that a coworking desk in Canary Wharf costs an average of only £274, whereas a desk in a private office costs (on average) £605. So, although the area is prestigious in terms of its business affiliations, you could find a good deal.
Further along the river at the Docklands, the average price of a coworking desk is £250, and the average cost of a desk in a private office is £497.
Similar Areas to Rent Office Space In
Canary Wharf is a unique area in terms of its architecture and geography. If you’re looking for similarly prestigious locations further west, you could try the City of London. A coworking desk in Moorgate costs around £284, and a coworking desk in Old Street can cost around £255 —similar to Canary Wharf.
Excellent Places to Eat and Drink in Canary Wharf
In Canary Wharf, you’ll find an array of client-ready, stylish drinking and dining spaces and cheaper options for grabbing something quick and convenient to eat on your lunch break.
Gaucho Canary Wharf serves delicious Argentinian food and wine (vegetarian options are available for non-meat eaters in your party).
The Ivy Canary Wharf is known for its modern British menus and refined, art-filled space with a charming garden terrace and an orangery.
Burger and Lobster is an American-style West India Quay diner serving burgers and whole lobsters.
A List of Green Spaces to Spend Lunch Breaks In
Despite its reputation for towering concrete and glass structures, there are a few small green spaces within walking distance, including:
• Jubilee Park (view map) – A picturesque urban park above the tube station sporting landscaped lawns and water features.
• Harbord Square Park (view map) – A beautiful green space with a children’s playground.
• Harbour Quay Gardens (view map) – A lovely riverside garden by the South Dock of the River Thames.
• Crossrail Place Roof Garden (view map) – A diverse range of flora and fauna in a lattice-roofed space atop a retail complex.
Business And Industry Events
There’s an abundance of business and industry events every week in Canary Wharf, partly due to the high-quality event space.
Level39 is one of the area’s top spaces for tech. It hosts a busy schedule of industry events - from networking to pitching sessions and roadshows to seminars. This is just one of Canary Wharf’s thriving business event spaces.
Accommodation for Professionals Staying in Canary Wharf
Hotels are also plentiful, and there are options to suit different budgets. TRIBE Canary Wharf features floor-to-ceiling windows with city views and trendy rooms.
Hilton Canary Wharf is an 8-minute walk from Canary Wharf tube station, and its amenities include a contemporary restaurant and bar. It also boasts a fitness centre, sauna, and steam room.
Canary Wharf Shopping
The Canary Wharf Shopping Centre is the most substantial shopping hub in the area, providing an array of shops, boutiques and department stores. It’s a one-stop destination where you’ll discover everyday essentials and designer brands.
Cabot Place, located within Canary Wharf, also contains well-known brands, designer stores, and a range of eateries.
Wellbeing Facilities
Owing to the district's many office-based businesses, Canary Wharf offers plenty of relaxation and fitness options for busy workers.
Spas include the Third Space Spa, Re:SPA, and East River Spa at the Radisson Blu Edwardian. Gyms include Third Space Canary Wharf, Virgin Active Canary Wharf and PureGym Canary Wharf.
Hidden Gems of Canary Wharf
While Canary Wharf is mainly associated with finance and business services, it isn’t lacking in culture. A must-visit hidden gem for those working in the area is The Space, an intimate arts venue that runs a vibrant events schedule of theatre performances, live music, comedy, and art shows.
The Museum of London Docklands is in a historic warehouse and explores the fascinating history of London's docks.
Located above a street food market in Canary Wharf, The Attic is a hidden gem of a cocktail bar that is regarded for its innovative drink menu, stylish interior, and relaxed vibe. It's a perfect spot for after-work drinks with coworkers or friends.
