How early birds and night owls both enjoy bene ts Page 26
cooking up the
celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
inside issue 159
Yummzy - Sudoku - Secret Cinema
University Of Sunderland In London
One Eden - Guinness Terrace - Crossword
Southbank Place - Olga Regina - Locke
Block Power Music - Kung Fu Mama - Tribelife
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf - BlackRock
how Barge East is gearing up for spring with an extra vessel, a new executive chef, fresh avours and big plans for the outdoors Pages 30-31
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Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
TRY | Gurkha Cellar Reserve
Where?
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
Barker’s Of Harrogate host this 10th anniversary cigar tasting with guests invited to discover the Executive Toro, produced in Nicaragua. May 5, 6.30pm, £30, boisdale.co.uk
Docklands West India Quay
LEARN | Wonders Of The Warehouse Tour
Join an hour-long exploration of the West India Quay institution’s Georgian building and its neighbouring streets. Includes o -limits areas. Apr 6-30, 1.30pm, from £8, londonmuseum.org.uk
PLAY | Minigolf By Craig And Karl
Where?
Montgomery Square
Canary Wharf
One of the sure signs of spring is the return of the nine-hole minigolf course to Montgomery Square. The facility can be booked for events too. May 1-Sept 27, noon-6pm, free, canarywharf.com
of making multiple styles of practice accessible to as wide a community as possible. Founder memberships available moreyoga.co.uk Scan
24
How the University Of Sunderland In London’s nursing courses immerse students in a suite of carefully curated facilities alongside sta with broad, skilled experience
Welcome to issue 159 of Wharf Life. Our latest publication comes out on the hottest day of the year so far so we’re looking ahead to the warmer weather with updates at Barge East, Canary Wharf’s oating lido, an alfresco space at The Parlour and so many plans for the rest of the year... Final residential building
13 12
Guinness Terrace launches
The
unveiled at Southbank Place in Waterloo
as
Parlour bets big on the black stu in spring
on the radar
need to know
The sun is out, the weather is warmer and The Lunch Market is set to reopen on Thursdays from noon-2.30pm in the Wharf’s Montgomery Square from May 7 until September 24 (excluding Sept 3). Expect Karnival’s rotation carousel of food traders canarywharf.com
Could BlackRock be moving to Canary Wharf? With HSBC due to leave its tower next year, the asset management giant is reportedly eyeing 8 Canada Square for a possible relocation as it evaluates several sites, according to the Financial Times blackrock.com
How Olga Regina aims to re ect the Docklands in her solo show
TRIED + TESTED
What’s ba ing is that, having studied the menu for the Canary Wharf branch of Kung Fu Mama, it’s clear that this dish isn’t on it.
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
Third Space Recovery Spa in Canada Square is o ering 20% o all facials until May 31. Use code FACIAL20 when booking. No Third Space membership needed thirdspace.london
This bowl, piled high with ingredients costs a very reasonable £13.90
a burger, fries and a beer at recently opened Lockdown in Wood Wharf for £19.95. This o er is available on Mondays from noon-10pm thelockdownroom.com
Perhaps this is because I visit on a Sunday night shortly after launch and pretty much everything else is sold out. After making my somewhat confused order (which includes adding in the ginger and sesame chicken for £4.95, despite it normally being priced at £6.95) the waiting begins.
It’s only the second day of service so I’m forgiving of the slow pace, even if the restaurant’s design means dodging other patrons who not unreasonably wish to access the bins and condiments. It seems strange so many takeaways fail to o er a coherent space to hang around in while waiting for sustenance. The bowl that arrives is generous, well balanced and appealing on the eye. Better still the signature wavy noodles are doused in a satay-style sauce, perfectly underpinning the plump chicken thighs and plentiful veg. It’s a solid o ering for less than £15, although a sprinkling of chilli slices was needed to make it sparkle.
Sesame And Peanut Noodles Kung Fu Mama kungfumama.co.uk With you from the start
Jon Massey
Our immigration team has earned its strong reputation for providing expert legal advice and practical support on a wide range of immigration issues. Trust us to help you make the right application. 020 7205 2896 kiddrapinet.co.uk
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write me
words you don’t know you need dismissile
noun, fake, from Clapham Junction
A chocolate object one might throw in frustration at some trolleys after disrupting a shoplifter in their attempt to pilfer Easter treats. Said action, at the time of writing, can lead to the loss of one’s employment despite saving the golden bunnies
noun, real, from Latin
Some sort of divine creative impulse or sudden inspiration to do something as though imbued with the very breath of a deity. Those a ected may also be going through a manic episode or delusional from narcotic use
CATCH THIS
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (TBC) Everyman Canary Wharf everymancinema.com
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return for the sequel as Runway Magazine prepares for a new issue.
This time Miranda Priestly (Streep) is set to take on her former assistant (Hathaway) as they compete for advertising revenue and the grande dame of the fashion world nears retirement.
Pre-booking is currently being taken at the Crossrail Place cinema for May 1-7. Tickets cost £18.90 and screenings start at 2.30pm. Tickets are already going fast.
diary dates, listings and ideas to make life in Canary Wharf sweeter..
DEEP DIVE
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf Eden Dock sealanescanarywharf.co.uk
Founder membership packages and pricing details have been released for Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, which is set to open in June. The six-lane oating lido has now been installed in Eden Dock close to the Newfoundland building and behind 25 Cabot Square and will o er swimming sessions and sauna facilities as well as dockside dining and drinks.
pricing has not yet been released for under-24s, over-60s or other groups.
The standard swim and sauna membership package including unlimited yearround swimming and sauna use costs £90 per month on a rolling basis or £80 per month for 12 months. Swim only is £50 or £45 per month respectively.
Founder Memberships (limited to 500 people) cost £75 per month for 12 months with no joining fee and include unlimited swimming and sauna.
Pay-per-swim sessions cost £10 or £18 if booked with a go in the sauna. Concessions
Members can also pay £30 per month to have their wetsuit cleaned, dried and stored on-site ready for their next swim.
Swimming sessions last an hour, although swimmers are welcome to keep going beyond that time if the pool isn’t at capacity.
Sea Lanes is currently under construction in Canary Wharf
Year since Yummzy opened its doors on the estate, offering ketogenic, vegan, glutenfree, sugar-free food and drink to Wharfers
how Yummzy’s offering is carefully curated to ensure flavour and safety work together
by Jon Massey
As I sit down to interview Yummzy founders – wife and husband team, Jolie Gindi and Adrian Pascu – I’m presented with something extraordinary. As a journalist, I drink a lot of tea –the universal brown lubricant of an in-depth chat.
But Yummzy, which opened its doors in Canary Wharf just over a year ago, delivered arguably the most thoughtful cup I’ve ever been presented with.
The Drury bag was left to infuse in an elegant glass supplied with a refined tea-timer to avoid over-brewing. There were tongs for efficient removal and a little bowl for the spent bag, as well as a tiny glass jug of oat milk (I prefer my tea to taste faintly of
porridge, what of it?). I mention this because the level of care taken in the serving of a simple cuppa illuminates the venue’s whole approach. At its heart, Yummzy is about three things – detail, safety and flavour.
“So many times you read the word ‘healthy’ but the regulation around it is non-existent,” said Jolie. While that might be of comparatively little consequence to some, for her it’s a matter of life and death. As a Type 1 diabetic, Jolie must carefully balance what she eats.
“When we decided to start Yummzy, the idea had been brewing for quite a while,” she said. “I was 33 before I had a proper slice of cake and didn’t feel unwell for days.
“The final straw was when a well-known brand released a sugar-free cupcake. I calculated the carbs, injected the right
from worry
amount of insulin and then ate one. I was so excited, but within five minutes I could barely breathe. My feet felt like they were cemented to the floor. My whole body was shutting down.
“I hadn’t accounted for any sugar because the product was branded sugar-free. But we went back and found out they’d used coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. That’s like claiming organic peanuts are better for someone who has a peanut allergy.”
Tired of such episodes, together Jolie and Adrian decided to do something, to create a brand based on scrupulous attention to production to give those avoiding certain ingredients confidence in what they were buying. Opened before the pandemic in Greenwich, Yummzy went online over Covid and returned to bricks and mortar in Canary Wharf in 2025. continued on Page 8
Image by Yummzy
Yummzy is located on the south side of Cabot Square in Canary Wharf
from Page 6
“In the UK, I think we’re about five to 10 years behind countries like the US and Canada, where the kind of thing we’re offering is everywhere,” said Jolie, who previously ran a travel business and continues to work in consulting in the field of analytics and innovation.
“We’re an eatery – open for coffee in the morning, food throughout the day and also in the evening. Our menu is totally gluten-free, ketogenic, vegan, sugar-free and is high in protein and fibre.
“Our food is gourmet – usually when people think of healthy food, they think they’re going to taste like cardboard or something. For us the flavour is so important – we have something for everyone with different levels of sweetness and savoury options too. To be honest I prefer the latter – there’s our award-winning vegan sausage roll, our focannini, a cross between foccacia and panini which come with different fillings and our burger, which has 28g of pea protein to keep you full.”
Having won much recognition for their products, there’s a playfulness about Yummzy with both Adrian and Jolie keen to keep things light.
“My favourite thing on the menu is our Not Dubai Chocolate,” said Adrian, who works both in teaching and as a photographer and videographer as well as helping to run Yummzy.
“It’s not super sweet, but it’s crunchy inside, thanks to the pistachio butter and covered in chocolate.”
Jolie added: “It’s hard for me to pick one thing, but it’s either our focannini or our avocado on toast, which we call Av A Good Day.
“But I also love our Yummzy Rocher which are made with our Yummtella spread. It contains chocolate and hazelnuts but is free from gluten, dairy, palm oil and added sugar.”
The couple, who first met at a tango class and live within walking distance of their eatery, hope to grow the business on a franchise model, providing products to other branches in the future.
The Canary Wharf branch is both production kitchen and hospitality venue, with appropriately health-focused alcoholic options for those keen to indulge in wines, low-carb beer or tipples such as Mayan hot chocolate with rum (laced with cinnamon and chilli).
Drinks in general are taken as seriously as the food, with Yummzy working with Drury Tea And Coffee in Woolwich as a key supplier. The venue also sells
The eatery is open from the early morning right through into the evening
Portraits by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Yummzy founders Jolie Gindi and Adrian Pascu
Our hearts melt every time someone tells us what we’re doing has changed their lives. That positive impact is what keeps us going
Jolie
Gindi, Yummzy
ceremonial grade matcha and will even whip up a concoction made with baobab juice, ideal as a hangover cure.
While there’s an obvious focus on creativity and delivery, perhaps the most satisfying thing for the couple is when their business has a genuine impact on a customer.
“Our hearts melt every time someone tells us what we’re doing has changed their lives,” said Jolie.
“One day a mother hugged me and started crying. At first I was worried we’d done something wrong.
“But then she told me that her daughter had never been able to enjoy a hot chocolate and a cake with her friend without having to inject insulin.
“Here she was able to have a normal time with her friend and not have to worry about that.
“Being able to say to the parents of a child who’s coeliac, for example, that everything is gluten-free and then see the kids’ faces when they know they have that choice is special. Sometimes the parents have to say the children are only allowed to eat one thing here and the rest has to go home.
“Running a business has its hardships, but that positive impact is what keeps us going.
“Right now, we just want more locals to know about us and what we’re doing so we’d ask anyone who has tried our products to spread the word and others to come and visit us.”
key details
Yummzy is located on the southern edge of Cabot Square and is open daily. It sells a wide range of hot drinks, sweet treats and savoury food.
You can find out more about the brand and its range of products on its website.
Go to yummzy.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Yummzy
All other images by Yummzy
Yummzy sells a selection of donuts
Sweet treats such as cupcakes and cakes, below left, are also on o er
The eatery also serves a range of savoury food
Rooms are housed in Locke’s latest London property, which rises to 19 storeys in Canary Wharf
The aparthotel is set to open in May and is located on the Cartier Circle roundabout in Canary Wharf
how Locke is set to open its latest design-led aparthotel in Canary Wharf next month
by Jon Massey
It’s been some time in the making, but Locke has announced that it’s nearly ready to launch its Canary Wharf aparthotel. When it opens in May, the site will be the brand’s sixth property in London.
Located at Cartier Circle (the fancy roundabout with the golden spires to the east of the estate), the building overlooks Blackwall Basin and Wood Wharf.
Rising to 19 storeys, the tower houses 279 rooms and will also feature a rooftop restaurant and bar, which are due to open later in the year. The ground floor will have a cafe serving coffee and pastries to guests and visitors.
The building has been styled by Hong Kong-based interiors studio Holloway Li and aims to blend “mid-century inspired design
with cutting-edge social spaces for those who want to feel at the centre of it all”.
Locke’s Alastair Thomann said:
“The opening of Locke London Canary Wharf marks an important addition to our portfolio.
“The property delivers high-end design, versatile communal spaces and our new rooftop restaurant and bar concept.
“As Canary Wharf continues to grow as a residential, leisure and business destination, we look forward to welcoming guests to a property that reflects both its character and ambition.”
The aparthotel joins Tribe London Canary Wharf and Vertus Edit, which also offer rooms to rent on the estate. House Of Gods in Eden Dock is also set to launch this year.
“Locke is a fantastic addition to Canary Wharf’s hospitality offering – giving workers, visitors, and customers a wider range of
options to stay here,” said Stuart Fyfe, managing director of retail, leisure and hospitality at Canary Wharf Group.
“Locke’s high-end design aesthetic and positive approach to modern hospitality perfectly complement the area’s evolution as one of London’s most exciting destinations.
“We’re committed to bringing best-in-class brands and experiences to Canary Wharf, and Locke absolutely delivers on that. We’re thrilled to welcome them.”
key details
Find full details of the aparthotel on Locke’s website.
Go to lockeliving.com
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more
Scan
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about Locke London Canary Wharf
Interior images supplied by Locke
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Cost of a pint of Guinness at The Parlour’s Guinness Terrace in Canary Wharf
BLACK STUFF
Guinness Terrace
The Parlour drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Drake And Morgan’s Canada Square outpost is hitching its wagon to Guinness for the warmer months.
The Parlour has invested in a set of painted barrels and some printed cushion covers to celebrate the launch of its outdoor offering for 2026.
The Guinness Terrace will offer pints of both fully alcoholic and booze-free versions of the nation’s most popular stout.
In addition to the beer, Guinness-infused popcorn and peanuts (£4.50 each) are
on the menu as well as Guinness-glazed popcorn chicken (£11.95).
Perhaps chief among the attractions however will be the collection of three cocktails that will be served at the newly branded venue. Each costs £14.
The Guinness Espresso Martini combines Johnnie Walker Ruby with the stout, raspberry puree, coffee and raspberry powder, offering a fruity take on a familiar classic.
The Guinness Old Fashioned pairs the beer with Singleton 12 whisky, honey and a dehydrated orange for a potent sipper.
But topping the table is Drake And Morgan’s take on a classic Black Velvet. Originally
conceived to mark the death of Prince Albert by Brook’s Club, the drink was a blend of Champagne and Guinness intended to show that even the fizz was in mourning.
The Parlour’s version features Prosecco instead, perhaps a dumping ground as the long dominant Italian sparkler wanes in popularity with drinkers turning to Cremant or English wines instead.
A pint of the black stuff will cost you £7.75 at the Guinness Terrace, the same price as The Ivy In The Park. Those preferring to save 25p could opt for Big Easy or the Oasis Bar And Terrace.
Crate offers a pint of alternative stout for £6.95.
Cocktails available at the Guinness Terrace are takes on an Espresso Martini, an Old Fashioned and the Black Velvet
LIMITED EDITION
Urban Greens x Kricket Urban Greens
@urbangreensuk on Insta
Isn’t it nice when tasty brands play together? Available throughout April, The Kricket Salad is the result of a collaboration between co-founder and executive chef at Kricket, Will Bowlby, and lunch specialist Urban Greens.
“We wanted to reaffirm the fact that Indian food suits hot weather perfectly,” said Will.
“Drawing inspiration from the achaars (pickles) used to preserve vegetables in the summer, we offset a powerful preserved mango pickle with cooling yoghurt to
dress our chicken. Venturing north, and taking inspiration from channa pulao, we combine chickpeas with a vibrant green chutney and serve it on red rice.
“A finishing of fresh herbs, crunchy peanuts, and fried onions brings texture, all tied together with a spiky dressing of lime juice and chaat masala.”
The offering, priced at £13.50, is available at all Urban Greens locations for takeaway or delivery.
The brand’s co-founder, Rushil Ramjee, added: “This salad feels like the perfect transition into spring — fresh, and energising.
“It’s designed to be nourishing, satisfying, and something you genuinely crave.”
Images supplied by Drake And Morgan
The Guinness Terrace is now open in Canada Square
The Kricket Salad is available throughout April at Urban Greens
Cost of a Ticket to
how Block Power Music is set to fill The Albany with new beats and sequences from Londoners
by Jon Massey
The Albany is set to host a three-hour music marathon as Lewisham-based drummer, producer, musical director and one of the venue’s associate artists hosts his latest party.
Block Power Music is billed as an event for beatmakers with live sequencing and new music from the capital’s
Scan this code to nd out more about the event
thriving scene. Overseen by Kwake Bass, the gig will see producers and beat makers go back-to-back for an evening of creation and new music.
key details
Block Power Music is set to start at 7.30pm on April 24 at The Albany. Tickets cost £10 and the event is scheduled to last three hours
Go to thealbany.or.uk for more information
Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Michael Hogan
Where? Corner Corner Canada Water
Not to be confused with The Cranberries’ member of the same name, this Irish musician blends soul, pop rock and folk music with plenty of craic. Apr 26, 2pm-5pm, free, cornercorner.com
Where?
Badger Badger Deptford
EVENT | London Pauper League
For those wishing to compete in a 60-card format using common cards, this is a night for Magic: The Gathering players to relish. May 4, 6.45pm, £10, badgerbadger.org
Where? The Albany Deptford
FILM | Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion New Cross And Deptford Free Film Festival kicks o with this screening at The Albany. Attendees are invited to wear their best noughties glam. DJ after... Apr 24, 6.30pm, donations, thealbany.org.uk
move fast
If you’re quick, there’s still time to catch QueerScore at The Albany in Deptford on April 10. Featuring a line-up of multiple shows on a single day, all can be viewed via a ticket costing £36. Gigs kick o at 6.30pm queerscore.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the festival or to book tickets to see one or more gigs
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
MUSIC | Brahms Club
Anyone can see Olga’s art at the Brady Arts And Community Centre during the exhibition, which runs until April 25
The artist brings his Sarili Nating Mundo world tour to London with support from soul artist KZ Tandingan with a set of stirring songs. May 3, 5pm, from £101.44, troxy.co.uk Where?
Taking place on Sundays, the free concerts continue as Brahms Club gears up to complete a cycle of the great composer’s chamber workes. Apr 12-May 17, 2pm, free, brahmsclub.org
| TJ Monterde
The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine Limehouse Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
GIG | Tricity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band Cabaret singer celebrates bad girls, wicked women and 100 years of rebellious music via the talents of a nonet of female musicians. Expect a wild night. May 1, 7pm, from £12.50, wiltons.org.uk
Exploring myths and truths, St Anne’s Limehouse is currently hosting an exceptional exhibition. Chinese Limehouse is free to view on Fridays and Saturdays and will be in place until July at the church
Scan this code to read our interview with the exhibition’s curators including TienAnn
GIG
Ng, pictured
Scan this code to nd out more about
Olga’s art
how artist Olga Regina is showing her take on Docklands and Canary Wharf at a solo exhibition in E1
by Jon Massey
The Brady Arts And Community Centre in Whitechapel is hosting a solo exhibition exploring the “layered identity of Canary Wharf and Docklands.
A series of works, collectively titled Memory Of A New City, by Russian-born artist Olga Regina will be on show at the east London venue until April 25.
“As a child I painted furniture and experimented with photography and, aged 10 I started to feel driven to become an artist,” said Olga, who has lived in London since 2023.
“I changed my location to Canary Wharf and, walking around, I realised there’s just something different about this area. The combination of the high buildings and the water is very inspiring and I also wanted to learn about the history of the area so I visited London Museum Docklands on West India Quay.”
Using a camera and an iPad, Olga blends reality and fantasy in an attempt to re ect the world around her – conceiving the images she wants to make before heading out onto the streets. She said she uses her camera as a starting point before indulging in “digital intervention” to create work that sits somewhere between documentation and imagination.
She said: “Before I take a photo, I imagine what will be in it and then I completely change it.
“The images are like a canvas for me. I add my feelings. Some of the pieces include characters from childhood.
“I like birds a lot too – they were here before everything else was built in this place.
I want people to feel happiness when looking at my artworks and then to share it. I’m interested in how the city feels, not just how it looks
Olga Regina, artist
“For me it’s a very unusual area unlike any other. Here you have a combination of locals, the history and the landscapes – the water and the trees. I find a lot of inspiration in them.”
Olga said she hoped her works would give people pause in a part of London known for its hectic pace.
“I hope they notice things they don’t normally see,” she said. “We rush in the big cities, so we don’t always see the architecture or the people who live here.
“I want people to feel happiness when looking at my artworks and then to share it. I’m interested in how the city feels, not just how it looks.
“Canary Wharf is often seen as structured and controlled, but when you spend time there, you notice something softer — a human rhythm that exists alongside the financial one.
key details
Memory Of A New City by Olga Regina is set to be on display at the Brady Arts And Community Centre until April 25 and is available to view for free on weekdays and Saturdays. All artworks are for sale.
Follow @reginaartblog for more information
All artworks by Olga Regina - nd more of her work @reginaartblog on Insta
The Brady Arts And Community Centre
how the University Of Sunderland
In London provides top facilities and expertise for its nursing courses
by Jon Massey
Madhini Sivasubramanian has spent her whole career immersed in healthcare and education. As a young woman in India, she decided to become a nurse and worked in theatre with heart surgeons, before making the move to intensive care because “after the few hours of surgery are done, the biggest challenge is getting patients well enough to go home”.
Having moved into paediatrics and getting married, she seized on the opportunity to come to the UK and spent seven years at Great Ormond Street Hospital before going on to work for other NHS trusts in London.
But what really stands out over the course of her career is a simultaneous commitment to education – juggling nursing, study and raising a family – and balancing that with a desire to pass on her knowledge to others.
She ualified as a teacher o cially in 2015, having worked as a guest lecturer and began her academic career at the University Of West London before going on to help set up the nursing department at the University Of East London between 2017 and 2020. Today she’s a senior lecturer at the University Of Sunderland In London on the Isle Of Dogs and programme manager for its MSc Nursing Practice and MSc Public Health courses.
“I still consider myself a student – I’m still learning every single day, said Madhini. I’m incred ibly proud when I’m able to pass on the knowledge I have to others. What’s the use if only I know about something? It’s about being able to share it with the students.
The staff we have here on our courses are absolutely top class. This is a beautiful set of
I still consider myself a student – I’m still learning every single day. I’m incredibly proud when I’m able to pass on the knowledge I have Madhini Sivasubramanian, UOSiL
people and the courses we offer are fantastic. These new facilities allow students to reach their full potential.
I’ve always believed that a department shows the personality of the person leading it and it’s been my job to convince a board of non-clinical, non-medical, non nursing staff to invest in these courses. That’s why we have the facilities that we do.”
The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate public health and nursing courses, the majority of the latter aimed at ualified nurses already working within the profession who want to reach the next level in their careers.
Facilities at its Isle Of Dogs campus include a simulation ward, specialist technology and an immersive suite, all intended to give students as realistic an experience as possible.
We have this smart offering so we can film what people are doing when given a task and use the recording to debrief them on their actions and identify any learning points,” said Madhini.
The vital thing is that we can have a conversation about something if it went wrong and the student will learn not to make the same mistake.
These simulations are so important because they enable people to experience things with no risk to a patient.
“Our one-year MSc course is designed to prepare students who might want to go into research, teaching or leadership in the future.”
While talking about her extensive career and her approach to education, Madhini fi es with energy – an attitude that has both got her to where she is today and also infuses the courses she oversees.
“Nursing can be a job where you work very long hours for comparatively little money,” she said. But you don’t care because you’re so passionate.
“I remember being in the operating theatre for the first time and it was ama ing. You’re scrubbed up and it’s very tough. You’re working with people’s hearts and there’s no concept of working hours. But we made history and that’s why I’m here.
“In India, through a conference
The University Of Sunderland In London’s Harbour Exchange campus on the Isle Of Dogs o ers an extensive suite of nursing facilities designed for lecturers and students to hone and examine their skills in a safe, tightly controlled environment at no risk to patients
I was able to mingle with some of the best heart surgeons in the world from the UK.
“I was mesmerised and that was the first time I thought that I should go out into the world.
“Fortunately, my husband is a bit mad like me and encouraged me to make the move. At the time I was the only Indian nurse at Great Ormond Street. Originally I was due to return to India but instead I stayed.
I see it in my children – I’m very proud of both of them. My daughter is in general surgery and has lots of plans – she’s very much like me in this. My son is a computer scientist.
“Balancing the demands of family life and nursing can be a challenge, especially if you want to do postgraduate study as well. But that can also be a motivation.
“My daughter has grown up always seeing me working and studying and now she’s ying around running conferences.
It’s so important that people are able to access opportunities. One of the things the university does is offer a BSc course because there is a cohort of nurses in the NHS who were recruited at a time when you didn’t need a degree.
These are often wonderful people with so many skills but, because they don’t have that
ualification, it’s preventing them from getting promotion and that’s so unfair. The course is designed as a year-long top-up for those who don’t have a degree and would like to move up.
“Nursing is a very demanding career and it’s important to make space for people to progress.
“One of the other groups of students we have are those from overseas. People often want to come to the UK to study because of the culture we have here.
“While some are coming here with the intention of working, lots are not necessarily settling here. People want to say they studied in Britain.
They come here, gain confi dence and experience London before returning home.”
key details
You can find out more about nursing and public health courses available at the University Of Sunderland In London including entry criteria via UOSiL’s website. Go to london.sunderland.ac.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the courses
Image supplied by the University Of Sunderland In London
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
STAGE | Fragments
Billed as a visceral, genre-defying theatrical experience, three interwoven tales o er a meditation on what, in the end, it means to be human. Apr 28-May 1, 7pm, £16, space.org.uk
STAGE | Chekhov’s Comedy Shorts
Spaceworks take on a series of seven of the playwright’s lighter, more farcical works. Expect hastily shoved-on costumes and side-splitting stories. May 7-9, 3.30pm (mat) 7.30pm, £15, space.org.uk Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs
Where?
Theatreship Isle Of Dogs
The recent screening of a 97-year-old lm at Theatreship, complete with a live soundtrack improvised with sublime skill by Owen Spa ord and Joe Harvey-Whyte demonstrates the venue’s value and vitality
GIG | Arko And Nishad: Aashiyana Blending folk, tribal and classical music from south Asia, this duo aim to reveal the eclecticism of modern India through traditional songs. Apr 24,
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
take a breath by
David Lefebvre Sell
David says there are advantages to both early starts and late nights
Iidentify as a morning person, I have known this about myself since I was about 10. It has always been di cult for me to understand how slowly some people wake up and I especially enjoy the moral high road that comes with having to wake up before ve in the morning.
Apparently, there is actually a neurological basis for being either a morning person or a night owl. Scientists have found the brains of morning people are most excitable at about 9am and night owls at about 9pm. That must make work pretty unendurable for night owls, I suppose.
Now, just in case you think I’m beating up on night owls here, there are bene ts to that as well. That group generally out performs early risers in cognitive tests, so you can feel smug about that one if you can’t get yourself up to go to the gym in the morning.
Night owls generally out perform early risers in cognitive tests, so you can feel smug about that one
Some night owls enjoy the lack of distractions in the late night. It can feel like the time of the day where you can be most productive or just enjoy being alone.
Actually, that’s what I enjoy about early mornings. Having an hour or two before everyone is awake is blissful. You can meditate (if that’s your thing), enjoy your co ee and watch the sun rise. Mornings naturally lend themselves to mindfulness.
There is also evidence that early morning sunlight–hard to come by in London – helps to promote a healthy circadian rhythm. That can lead to a better night’s sleep and, incredibly, make it easier to get up in the morning.
Another strange bit of research has found that early risers tend to have a lower body mass index, so I guess you can feel smug about that when your night owl friend kicks your ass in the pub quiz.
But, one thing we can all agree on is that it’s nice to be up when most of London is asleep.
David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf
Follow @davetheyogi on X and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB
Scan this code for information about David’s work as a transpersonal counsellor and psychotherapist
Years since Secret Cinema staged its rst immersive screening. The company has used a variety of di erent venues and locations for its events including Alexandra Palace, Canary Wharf and Printworks
PAPER LOVES TREES
European forests, which provide wood for making paper, paper packaging and many other products, have been growing by 1,500 football pitches every day!
Tribelife is coming to Fold on May 9
invited to
how a gong bath is set to kick off a night of dance and music as Tribelife takes over Fold for a night
by Jon Massey
what’s happening?
Seven hours of partying at Fold in Canning Town, starting at 11pm on May 9.
tell me more
Tribelife is promising a night of electronica and club music with a di erence. Turning the clock back, to some extent, the gathering will be phone-free and is billed as “No cameras. No distractions. Just you, the music, and the ritual”.
there’s a ritual Actually yes, the night kicks
o with a “gong experience” from Mind Like Water.
Revellers are invited to bring something to sit on for the sound bath which includes “resonant frequencies and healing vibrations”.
what else?
The night will feature sets from three headliners –Tiamanti, Kiimi and Rebecca Gough.
Club-goers can expect tribal rhythms, electronica and intricate drums from these acts respectively.
other info
Tribelife is billed as a celebration of “individuality,
unity, and freedom” that’s LGBTQIA+ friendly and “radically inclusive”.
key details
Tribelife is set to take place at Fold in Canning Town at 11pm on May 9. The night nishes at 6am the following morning. Tickets for the event cost £17.30. Go to ra.co for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Tribelife
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Solar And Storage Live
Expect more than 10,000 industry professionals to bask in the rise of solar tech at Excel. The event promises more than 200 exhibitors. Apr 29-30, 9.30am, registration, excel.london
A full 24 hours of techno and house party-goers can expect sounds from the likes of Alba Heidari, Anabel Arroyo, Arthur Robert, Bessie-Mae, Chami and more. May 2 , midnight-midnight,from £28.20, ra.co EVENT | London Lab Live
This event connects those shaping the future of labs across the world in the biotech, pharma, chemicals, food, agriculture and materials sectors. May 6-7, 9am, registration, excel.london
Read our special report on the preservation of craft as Cody Dock works to restore historic lifeboat the Frederick Kitchen for use as the roof of its heritage pavilion, set to open on the River Lea later this year codydock.org.uk
Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with some of the people behind the epic restoration e ort ash back
CLUB | Tech Couture
Years since Kayla Dimmick joined the team at Barge East. She was recently promoted to executive chef
how a new chef, a new menu, a new boat and brunch plans all add up to a significant summer for Barge East
by Jon Massey
Spring is a season of renewal and the team at Barge East are looking forward to the warmer months. With Easter out of the way, the oating restaurant and canalside destination has a lot lined up over the coming weeks, with a new menu and a fresh offering on land and water.
Kayla Dimmick has o cially taken the tiller in the kitchen as Barge East’s newly appointed executive chef, setting the course of all food on board and by the towpath. Originally from California, she trained at Le Cordon Bleu and cut her teeth at the Water Grill in Los Angeles before embarking on a career in high-end catering, cooking for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell, Maroon Five and Reese Witherspoon. She said: “I think my grandma has a huge impact on me because we were always in the kitchen. I’m half Japanese and she taught me how to bake dishes from apan. The other in uence was watching the food networks.
“Going to do my diploma at 19 was great because it gave me a really good grounding in the science of cooking. When you’re baking, for example, you need that knowledge, because everything has to be so precise and there are so many variables.
“It’s not just following the recipes, it’s about knowing how to adjust them to the humidity of the kitchen, for example.
“I really wanted to work in London – a move to a different country was getting me out of my comfort zone – and I was sponsored to do that by Barge East’s former executive chef, Stefano Camplone. I started off as sous chef three years ago and I really liked the ethos of the restaurant – the food has always been very seasonal and sustainable.”
Promoted to head chef and now executive chef, Kayla recently unveiled her first menu in her new role, ably assisted by fellow cook Solomon Aveyard.
“Our dishes always start with the ingredients – that’s where the inspiration comes from,” said Kayla. “We bring in our suppliers, look at their sample boxes, taste them and then base our plans on what we will be growing in our waterside garden.
“It’s amazing to have that just
Our dishes always start with the ingredients from our suppliers – that’s where the inspiration comes from
Kayla Dimmick, Barge East
next to the boat and it means we have fresh ingredients we can use every day.”
Kayla’s spring menu features snacks, small plates, large plates and sides as well as a choice of three desserts. Highlights include Wildfarmed Foccacia with foraged wild garlic butter that boasts a substantial, meaty texture (£2.50), Lamb Belly Skewers with gooseberries from the garden (£9.90) and Stracciatella (the creamy bit in a burrata) served with a lush garnish of peas, broad beans, cucumber, thai basil and broccoli owers ( 11.50).
A top large plate choice is Beef Rump, rich red and juicy with a turnip cake, a chunky halved courgette and a bordelaise sauce (£32). There’s a relentless focus on quality, spare, elegant presentation and freshness.
“My favourite dish is actually one of the desserts,” said Kayla. “When I was training, people used to call me Betty Crocker because of how well my baking turned out.
“I like measuring everything, there’s an exactness about it. Instead of a traditional rum baba, we’re serving a version with fermented Japanese plum wine – it’s potent, very citrussy and avourful, which fits perfectly with forced rhubarb and a diplomat – a combination of crème anglaise and whipped cream. It’s rich and then you have that sharpness – it’s delicious.”
Barge East has been awarded two AA rosettes for the past three years running and will continue its fine dining offering aboard the Dutch vessel. However, its presence on land is growing and changing.
“Outside we have huge plans for the spring and summer,” said Kayla. “We’ll soon be launching an area called The Terrace, which ties in with the food on the boat but in a bistro style. It will be outdoor table service with a
Left, Barge East o ers ne dining on board a converted, historic Dutch vessel, close to Hackney Wick
Kayla Dimmick says her grandma’s baking and watching food network cookery programmes were here earliest culinary inspirations
by the water
Parisian vibe, serving snacks, steak frites and a plat du jour. Then we’ll be moving our street food offering to the garden.”
That shift comes as Barge East has added to its eet, taking over neighbouring vessel the Milk Float, which will serve a selection of drinks as well as chilled treats from east London’s La Gelatiera.
This will also provide a base for canoe, kayak and paddleboard hire on the canal. It’s a significant expansion for a business that started with three friends – Ryan, Blandy and Tommo – sailing Dutch Barge De Hoop over from Holland with the aim of turning it into a restaurant.
“We’re planning to open the Milk Float from April 30 with the aim of turning it into more of a cafe, oating bar and an events space,” said Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson.
“It’s going to have the best gelato I’ve ever tasted – selecting them from a choice of 60 was one of the best things I’ve done since we started the restaurant.
“We’re really excited about the summer – Hackney Wick always feels like a festival when the weather is warmer because there’s so much going on.
“We’re also looking at the mooring on the other side of us to see what we might be able to do on the water with that – we’re always looking to make things more vibrant on the water.”
In the more immediate future, Barge East also has plans in the works for a brunch offering, aimed at attracting weekend diners earlier in the day.
“I’m really excited about this,” said Kayla. “I want to create a menu of really good brunch staples so we can add that to the offering.
“Everything is still to be confirmed, but I’d love to do a take on a salt beef bagel with hot mustard. Sometimes the meat can be quite dry, but I want to make one that’s really juicy on a really good quality bagel that we can source locally.”
key details
Barge East is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opposite Hackney Wick at Sweetwater Mooring. The venue is set to be open seven days a week from April 30. Go to bargeeast.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Barge East
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
SEE | The Music Is Black: A British Story V&A East opens its doors for the very rst time with an exhibition celebrating 125 years of black musicmaking in Britain. Expect struggle, resilience and joy. from Apr 18, daily,from £22.50, vam.ac.uk
DANCE | Breakin’ Convention Festival
Billed as the world’s biggest hip hop theatre festival, four days of celebration and performance programmed by Jonzi B are coming to East Bank. May 1-4, times vary, from £15, sadlerswells.com
SHOP | Flea London
Every Saturday and Sunday, this vintage and makers market transfers from Vinegar Yard o ering a European-style shopping experience in east London. Apr 11-May 31, 11am-5pm, free to visit, hackneybridge.org
Sadler’s Wells East is hosting We Caliban, a danced reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest from choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh. See it from April 21-23 with shows at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £15 sadlerswells.com Scan this code to nd out more about the production or to book tickets at the East Bank venue
Kayla’s Baba features fermented Japanese plum wine, forced rhubarb and a diplomat
Kayla and the team hard at work in the kitchen producing the likes of Stracciatella, above, and Beef Rump, below
Images by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Sudoku
Take a break from that phone
How to play
To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
More to play
You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca
Notes
