Since the 1800s it has been one of the busiest trading docks in the world. It was heavily bombed during the Second World War and many businesses left the district until it underwent a period of regeneration in the late 1980s. The area became a popular spot for financiers, bankers and national newspapers.
The evolution of Canary Wharf
Having undergone a huge transformation in the last 30 years, today Canary Wharf is a readymade entertainment district, home to over 300 shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a year-round events programme – from open water swimming in the basin through to outdoor cinemas and alfresco arts. Indeed, it’s become a destination all in itself, particularly since the arrival of the Elizabeth line, which offers residents swift connections to Liverpool Street, Paddington, and London Heathrow.
A neighbourhood with staying power
The residential market holds particular appeal for young professionals working in both Canary Wharf and the City, attracted by the prospect of a shorter commute while benefitting from the relative value that is on offer here. A lot of young professionals are choosing to buy in Canary Wharf and then upsize and downsize within the area as needs change. In fact, 76% of domestic buyers are moving within the local area, making Canary Wharf the leading London neighbourhood for its staying power according to our research.
Data from Transport for London (TfL) further underlines this, as well as Canary Wharf’s attraction as a lifestyle destination. Last year alone, 67 million people passed through the Canary Wharf Estate – a quarter more than in 2022.
TfL data suggests that more people are visiting the area for weekend leisure and that more people are now living in the area, rather than commuting in from elsewhere.
Living in Canary Wharf
Most of the housing stock is made up of flats, apartments and penthouse suites, however these are interspersed with a handful of warehouse conversions and a few surviving Victorian terrace houses and Edwardian cottages.
The latest collection of apartment living is at Aspen, which is poised to be one of the tallest and most striking residences in the capital. Offering iconic views up the bend of the River Thames and across the city skyline, Aspen sits within Canary Wharf neighbourhood’s newest destination Consort Place, the crowning gem of which is the North Pole public house. Originally opened in 1860 during the heyday of the London docks, it is among the last remaining of the 43 local pubs that once thrived on the Isle of Dogs and is being restored to its former glory.
Adding to the feeling of Canary Wharf being a lifestyle destination, Consort Place provides a landscaped public realm with feature trees, a new square surrounded by a health centre, an education facility, a community hall and restaurants, bars, cafés and all the amenities of the brand new on-site Dorsett Hotel opening its doors to both hotel guests and Aspen’s residents in February 2025.
In addition to the Elizabeth line, you can also access both the Jubilee line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) via Canary Wharf Station taking you into Central London in only 10 minutes. If that doesn’t float your boat, the Thames Clipper by Uber boat services from Canary Wharf Pier can take you onto Greenwich, London Bridge, Chelsea Harbour, Vauxhall, Embankment or Blackfriars piers. For travel further afield, London’s City Airport is conveniently located.
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