Why a ban on social media for kids is long overdue Page 10
inside issue 154
UCL School Of Management - Crossword - Sudoku 50-60 Charter Street - Sad Meli - The Space
Dagenham Green - Rice Guys - V-Day - Iolanthe
Dim Sum Lab - Engineering Is A Joke Bottle Company Flea Market London Museum - Everyman Whole Foods Market
celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
Where? Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
GIG | The Trembling Wilburys Roy, George, Bob, Tom and Je , may never have played these hits live, but here’s a chance to hear the next best thing via this tribute to the super group. Feb 25, 8.30pm, from £25, boisdale.co.uk
Where?
London Museum Docklands Canary Wharf
EVENTS | LGBTQIA+ History Month
Explore the queer history of the Docklands with a series of free talks taking in such topics as molly houses and homosexuality among dockers. Feb 1-28, times vary, free, londonmuseum.org.uk
FILM | Wuthering Heights (TBC)
Where? Everyman Canary Wharf Canary Wharf
Welcome to issue 154 of Wharf Life. This paper celebrates colour, inspiration, drive and education whether that’s via an immersive in atable in Woolwich, a spray-painted Ford Cortina in Dagenham, more room to learn in One Canada Square, a diverse season at the Space or raw wines in Royal Docks
We take a look inside 50-60 Charter Street, Vertus’ latest buildto-rent complex in Wood Wharf, to nd it replete with marketleading amenities geared to residents’ convenience 14
Expect scandal and provocative content as Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi lead this fresh take on Emily Brontë’s novel, set to a Charli XCX soundtrack. From Feb 13, times vary,£18.50, everymancinema.com
will also include saunas, a food and drink o ering and a performance space canarywharf.com
How The Space’s latest season works to welcome subcultures to the venue
Why a Ford Cortina connects a development to times gone by 20 12
on the radar
need to know
Whole Foods Market is set to open a branch in Wood Wharf following the nationwide demise of Amazon Fresh. Wharfers can expect organic products and produce from the American chain as it expands beyond six UK branches wholefoodsmarket.co.uk
Shirt and menswear
19
Enjoy the silly satire of Iolanthe as fairies and politicians meet
retailer Charles Tyrwhitt is upgrading its Canada Place store. Known for its four-shirt or polo deal (currently £149), the retailer has seen signi cant success over the years in Canary Wharf and looks to be doubling down on its commitment charlestyrwhitt.com
24
How Sad Meli combines gorgeous Georgian wines with authentic dishes to bring a true avour of Racha to Royal Docks, spearheaded by the e orts and passion of a local couple
TRIED + TESTED
Artisan Tru e Mushroom Bun Dim Sum Lab dimsumlab.co.uk
There’s something of a fungal theme to this issue. Consuming the fruiting bodies of mycelial networks comes, these days, with all kinds of health bene ts. Only yesterday, some tawdry AI dross was trying to get me to buy gummies to shrink my beer belly with Lion’s Mane, or something.
Personally, I prefer to consume my shrooms the old fashioned way – cooked into delicious dishes. Fortunately MMy Wood Wharf’s Dim Sum Lab has something on o er that will tempt.
Well steamed and textured, this trio of buns pushes the rich umami avours of
A plate of three of these attractive steamed buns costs £8 at MMY Wood Wharf
their fungal llings to the fore. They even look like the heads of giant mushrooms for good measure. The rst bite is exquisite. Salty and pillowy, with just the right amount of chew. This o ering’s weakness however is that, like its presentation, monotone is the name of the game. They may look small, but these will ll you up and it’s a bit of a struggle for my tattered attention span to deal with such an unvarying edi ce of taste. The solution? Go hungry and order a variety of dishes.
Jon Massey
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
5-4-4
Big Easy’s loyalty card o ers a free lunch in return for buying four of its £11 express deals. Available now, this o er runs until March 31. Terms apply bigeasy.co.uk
70%
27
Get those deals as Hackney Bridge hosts its latest ea market
subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
Need some accessories? Browse items up to 70% o in Accessorize’s winter sale, with jewellery, bags, hats and more all on o er. Bargains while stocks last accessorize.com
Immigration Solicitors
With you from the start
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
subscribe to our FREE Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
write me words you don’t know you need burnhim
verb, fake, from English
The act of supposedly vanquishing an opponent by dashing their hopes of entering a contest with oneself. Unfortunately this path is likely to make one look brittle and weak, although it will sustain one’s position for a little bit longer...
logolepsy
noun, real, from Greek
This term refers to an intense fascination, bordering on obsession with words. If you know someone with this condition, simply nd the largest dictionary you can and purchase it for them. They’ll be quiet for hours...
FAMILIES
February Half Term London Museum Docklands londonmuseum.org.uk
Between February 14 and 20, the West India Quay institution will be running a wide range of free craft activities for kids and their adults while the schools are out. Make Viking brooches, a biscuit shield or a Roman clay pot. Piece together clues, nd out how to become a mudlark and revel in the sensory explosion of buried treasure. While there is no charge for the sessions, some need to be booked in advance and are age restricted. Check online for exact dates and times and to reserve spaces.
OFFERS
Valentine’s Day Across Canary Wharf canarywharf.com
With the rst month of the year nearly out of the way, the countdown to V-Day has begun and Canary wharf has more than a few o ers to tempt lovers or just single pals looking for a deal out on February 14.
Bass and Dark Chocolate And Raspberry Pro teroles. Wine pairings are available for all courses at an extra cost.
First up, Sticks’n’Sushi in Crossrail Place is serving a Koibito menu for £54 per person (for a minimum of two). Available from February 12-15, the o er includes starters, fresh sushi, grilled sticks and a sweet to nish. Early booking is advised.
Humble Grape in Mackenzie Walk has a four-course, £50 menu on o er featuring the likes of Goats Cheese Croquettes, Seared Stone
How about starting o the night a oat? Those booking tables at The Boathouse –moored at Harbour Quay Gardens on February 14 – will be served a complimentary Love Boat No.9 Cocktail. Email bookings@boathouse london.co.uk to avoid missing out. All o ers can be accessed via Canary Wharf Group’s app.
Scan this code to download the
Organising roses? Try The Flower Club or Flowers And Plants to order locally
Canary Wharf app
REVIEW
Rice Guys Reuters Plaza riceguys.co.uk
There’s something mildly unsettling about the Funghi Mapo Tofu I order from this long-standing kiosk on the Wharf.
For a mere £10.80 (relatively reasonable in today’s street food market) it promises “organic silky tofu in a mushroom sauce with a medley of mushrooms dominated by shiitake on top. This comes on a base of brown rice and ticks both vegetarian and vegan boxes.
I’m not doing Veganuary, but it’s nice to know this is a viable option should I develop a social conscience. There’s also a hefty dose of salad in the box I’m presented with, rendered sloppy by an over-generous server.
It’s an enormous portion, but hey, I’ve just been to the gym and done a hard class that I know will result in a fairly tender bout of soreness tomorrow, so what harm could a few extra calories really do?
What’s really at play here is texture. The mushrooms slip and slide over each other, lubricated by the dark brown, salted sauce.
Set against the yielding, almost obsequious tofu, these provide
delightful chewy islands in contrast to the soft core of the dish.
Fortunately, the rice is there to deliver some solid, toothsome structure and there’s a clean feeling to all the vegetable matter I’m consuming.
It’s more than that though. There’s real avour and variety within this cardboard punnet.
Perseverance brings its own rewards and, by the time I’ve munched my way through half of the messy box on the edge of Eden Dock, I’m beginning to delude myself that I can distinguish between the subtle avours of the di erent funghi.
It’s also a dish that grows in stature with time. There are sudden bursts of chilli – rich re that crackles amid a pile of less challenging ingredients.
All in all, it’s a pretty decent feed on a chilly January day in the open air. Give it a chance, whether you’ve gone plant-based or not.
★★★★✩
Jon Massey
Scan this code to nd out more about Rice Guys
£10.80
Cost of a Funghi Mapo Tofu Rice Box from Rice Guys in Canary Wharf
Funghi Mapo Tofu from Rice Guys
The number of oors in One Canada Square that will be occupied by UCL School Of Management, including the top ve
space for and learning study
The very highest oors in Canary Wharf are devoted to learning and research, as UCL unveils its plans for growth
how 2026 is the start of a period of rapid growth for UCL School Of Management as it takes on
by Jon Massey
University College London’s School Of Management is a good example of one of the things people often get wrong about Canary Wharf. While today financial services companies continue to play a major part in the life of the estate, its diversification that is driving it forward.
Alongside residential towers, space for construction firms, events companies and life sciences bodies, has been created. Towers originally conceived to house trading floors have been retooled, done up and re-leased to all kinds of different organisations.
Even 10 years ago – when UCL’s school relocated to the 38th floor of One Canada Square, just one year after its creation – things were already changing. The mixed
space
development at Wood Wharf had won planning permission two years earlier and the estate was preparing to become a place to live as well as work and visit.
Having initially been attracted to the area’s status as a “major global business district”, UCL’s school has since grown into more space and developed its offering.
However, few – even today –might guess that the very highest floors of the Wharf’s landmark tower are occupied by academics and students rather than bankers.
The university announced earlier this month that, in addition to floors it already leases in One Canada Square – 38, 48, 49 and 50 – it would also be taking on 46 and 47 too, levelling up to a total of six.
“We’ll be opening up 48 this coming September and then the other two new floors the following year,” said Professor Susan Smith, a specialist in
accountancy and deputy director for student experience at UCL School Of Management.
“Then we’ll have five floors all connected by a fantastic internal staircase. It’s really very exciting and we’re all going to get super fit. When we open level 47 we’ll also gain a terrace, which will act as one of our social spaces.”
When fully operational, the six floors together will accommodate the needs of some 4,000 students, all benefiting from the new facilities and spaces.
Susan said: “We’ll be adding a new Bloomberg room, extra classroom space and informal study facilities. We already have signs from the Tube to help people find their way here. We’ve worked with our architects and have managed to get what we want, in terms of additional teaching space, which is incredibly important for us. There will also be places for students to hang out between classes.
“That includes more fun additions like table tennis and a café so people can buy refreshments up here as well as using the kitchen facilities to make their own. Of course, there are many options downstairs in the malls too.”
continued on Page 8
Professor Susan Smith, deputy director for student experience at UCL School Of Management in Canary Wharf
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Image supplied by UCL SOM
WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND IN LONDON
With state-of-the-art facilities, including an LSEG Trading Room, it’s time to advance your career in this exciting and rapidly developing sector.
MSC FINTECH AND TRADING
BSC (HONS) FINTECH AND DIGITAL FINANCE*
We’re based near Canary Wharf, one of London’s FinTech industry hubs.
*From Autumn 2026, subject to validation
from Page 6
Susan said being a part of the wider estate was attractive to students, given its offering.
“Being in Canary Wharf offers a huge number of opportunities, both for us and our students,” she said. “They are part of a thriving neighbourhood that provides everything they need.
“There are lots of things for them to do here – sports facilities and arts facilities, for example.
“A lot of our students also use our main campus in Bloomsbury too but, with the students’ union presence here and our expansion over the next few years, we’ll have a range of activities on-site, as any other campus would do.”
UCL is an increasingly potent presence in east London with two campuses in Stratford playing a major part in the East Bank cluster.
As well as benefiting from interplay with those, the School Of Management also stands to gain from the arrival of Urbanest, a complex of three towers built beside Trafalgar Way just off the Wharf’s eastern edge.
When they open later this year, the facility will be the largest student accommodation building in the capital with 1,672 student beds, 80 residential flats and a Drive-Thru McDonalds expected to open on its lower level in place of the restaurant that once occupied the site.
“This new accommodation means our students will be able to live and study in close proximity,” said Susan.
“As a university, we’ve consciously taken the decision to build around the locations we have in east London and, as we’re growing at Canary Wharf, it’s made sense to take more space in the tower too.”
The school offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. In addition to degrees in such areas as Information Management In Business, Management Science and International Management, new undergrad courses for 2026 include Management For Social Change and Technology And Innovation.
“We have something to offer people whether they are starting out in their careers or looking to maybe shift the focus of what they’re doing,” said Susan.
“Typically, the latter might be looking at our MBA programmes or more specialist areas to take a different path.
“For example, we run a course in using data to improve leadership – our MSc in People Analytics And Human-Centric Management.
“We’re always horizon scanning
4,000
Number of students UCL School Of Management will be able to accommodate when its expansion is complete
When finished, a central staircase will link five of UCL’s floors together at the top of the building
The plans include more lecture theatres and classroom space
The floors include informal breakout spaces for students and staff to use
I’m most excited about the school having a critical mass here and becoming a fully edged campus. It will be even more of a destination
Professor Susan Smith, UCL SOM
– networking with the business community, other academics and thinkers in various fields – to ensure what we’re offering is relevant.
“One thing that remains constant is the foundational skill of adaptability – we want our students to be independent and critical thinkers, to be flexible, so they can thrive as the world changes. They will need to do that much more than we have had to as their careers will likely be very different from the ones we’ve experienced or can imagine.”
As one of the world’s top university’s, UCL attracts students from across the world.
“A large proportion of those studying with us in Canary Wharf are international and come from a diverse range of countries,” said Susan. “I think they feel at home in the environment we’ve created here. We feel we provide an excellent student journey, but it’s not just about what happens in class. They have access to some amazing opportunities and a wonderful peer group, which will hopefully be with them for life.
“They also have the chance to work with businesses on the Wharf and we are engaged in projects with a number of local companies.
“We also run a summer school with Canary Wharf Group and I’m a trustee of the University Schools Trust which supports primary and secondary education in Tower Hamlets so we have links to the community here too.
“I’m most excited about the school having a critical mass here and becoming a fully fledged campus. It will be even more of a destination for staff and students.”
key details
You can find out more about UCL School Of Management in Canary Wharf on the university’s website, which includes a full list of courses available.
Go to mgmt.ucl.ac.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the school
Located right at the heart of Canary Wharf, One Canada Square is the tallest tower on the whole estate
BROS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
Images supplied by UCL SOM
It’s time for the government to stop consulting and to start acting. Our children’s futures must be reclaimed from the silicon gatekeepers
virtual viewpoint
by Chris Ezekiel
As we navigate the early weeks of 2026, the wild west era of the internet is nally facing a long-overdue reckoning. Tech giants dictate what is real – often prioritising sensationalist content over veri ed facts because it drives engagement and, for them, pro t.
For years, these global technology conglomerates have been allowed to experiment on our children’s developing brains, treating their attention as a commodity and their safety as an afterthought.
However, following the House Of Lords’ decisive 261 to 150 vote on January 21 to back a social media ban for under-16s, the UK is nally poised to put a digital fence around childhood. Ministers, of course, must now accept their amendment for it to become law.
As a parent, I am fully supportive of this intervention. We are no longer just dealing with screen time or cyberbullying, we are facing an avalanche of misinformation that even adults struggle to navigate.
In 2025 alone, an estimated 8million deepfakes were shared globally, a staggering leap from just 500,000 two years earlier. With 98% of deepfakes being pornographic and 17% involving minors, social media is becoming a more and more dangerous environment each day, rather than a playground.
Critics call a ban draconian, yet we already accept age limits for driving and alcohol. Why should we suspend that logic for algorithms speci cally engineered to exploit immature brains?
Australia provided leadership on this in December 2025, proving that the onus can (and should) be shifted to the platforms themselves, with nes of up to $49.5million AUD for non-compliance.
Our medical experts have rightly declared this a public health emergency. With 93% of parents agreeing that social media is harmful, it is time for the government to stop consulting and start acting. Our children’s futures must be reclaimed from the silicon gatekeepers.
Scan this code for more information about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on X
creating the
Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square
Chris Ezekiel, Creative Virtual
Image by Ron Lach
Chris says it’s time ministers took action over children’s access to social media
Starting price for a ticket to see Iolanthe at Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping £7.50
Audiences can expect witty political comedy as Gilbert and Sullivan’s show gets an airing in east London
- Wapping - Whitechapel
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Bela Spit
by Jon Massey
Gilbert and Sullivan return to Wilton’s, this time presented by Charles Court Opera with its production of Iolanthe Directed by operetta specialist, John Savournin – whose recent productions include The Merry Widow and Trial By Jury for Scottish Opera – the show promises a sharp satire on power, privilege and parliamentary democracy.
Featuring two contrasting worlds in its tale of forbidden love – the magical Fairyland and a bamboozled House Of Peers – audiences can expect rousing renditions of Oh Foolish Fay, If You Go In, You’re Sure To Win and The Nightmare Song Suitable for all ages, the production stars Matthew Kellett and Philip Lee (on select dates) as The Lord Chancellor, David Menezes as Earl Tolloller and Catrine Kirkman as Lady Mountararat. Also appearing are Merel Cunningham as The Fairy
Queen, Sarah Prestwidge as Celia and Martha Jones as Leila.
key details Iolanthe is set to play at Wilton’s from February 17-28 with shows at 7pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm. Tickets start at £7.50 for the two-hour production. Go to wiltons.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the show how the stage at Wilton’s Music Hall is set to be awash with forbidden love as Iolanthe comes to the venue...
Billed as “post-pussy hag rock” and recognised as part of the “no wave” movement, this Leeds-based band promise an evening of funny, gross numbers. Feb 18, 7.30pm, from £5 thegeorgetavern.london
KIDS | Jack And The Beanstalk (Sort Of) Suitable for ages 3-10, Kid Carpet’s take on a classic panto is a chaotic blend of air guitar, rock, silliness, songs and surprise grannies. Feb 21, 11am, 2pm, £9, halfmoon.org.uk
The George Tavern Whitechapel Where? St Katharine Docks Wapping Where? Half Moon Theatre Limehouse
GIG | Valentine’s Jazz On The Water Enjoy the vocals of Olivia Swann (how apt) amid the oating boats for V-Day or the day after. Book early to ensure romance, as her last gigs sold out fast... Feb 14-15, times vary, from £27.80, eventbrite.com
Suitable for kids aged 3-8, Brave Bettie at Half Moon Theatre is a story of adventure after a council threatens to cut down the protagonist’s favourite tree. Runs February 5-10 at Half Moon Theatre. Tickets cost £9 halfmoon.org.uk Scan this code to nd out more about the production which is co-produced by the Limehouse venue
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
FILM | BabyCino
Where?
Poplar Union Poplar
Parents with babies under 10 months can catch What To Expect When You’re Expecting (12A) and Shotgun Wedding (15) at this relaxed screening session. Feb 26, 1pm-4pm, £4, poplarunion.com
Where?
Trinity Buoy Wharf Leamouth
EVENT | Life Drawing Morning Workshop
An open, relaxed life drawing session with co ee and pastries, focused on careful observation and set within the Ruskin Prize exhibition. Feb 17, 10am-noon, £12, trinitybuoywharf.com
GIG | Sound And Image
Where?
Theatreship Isle Of Dogs
Musicians Avice Caro, Body Orchestra and Josh Curtis are the latest performers to perform to a backdrop of images and lms at the oating venue. Feb 19, 7pm-11.30pm, from £5.74, theatreship.co.uk
This bowl of warmth comes from Golden Simmer at Canary Garden. The Braised Pork Rice, £9.98, comes under a hat of lettuce leaves and features a rich sauce packed with meat and mushrooms. Go, try it @canarygarden_london
Scan this code to nd out more about Canary Garden and the many traders that call the al fresco market home
how
The Space’s Spring Season is an expression of the venue’s welcoming, inclusive ethos as the weather warms
by Jon Massey
As I’m interviewing Matthew Jameson, artistic director and co-CEO at The Space, a new machine is being installed and filled on the venue’s bar top. Emblazoned with the logo of a stag lit from behind by a glowing cross and the word “Jäegermeister”, this technological asset is primed to deliver shots of the herbal liqueur at an optimal - rendering the flavour of its botanicals, supposedly, tastier.
The sharp, Germanic lines of the brand name picked out in a rich gothic, Textura font echo the Westferry Road arts centre forthcoming Spring Season and are also a reminder that the place is in every possible sense a broad church something those running it are eager to catalyse.
That might be for people keen to appreciate the chilled, refined blend of a 1934 digestif, once nicknamed Göring-Schnaps, or others who prefer it dropped like a bomb into a Red Bull.
“The joy of putting together collected works for a season is sometimes realising that there’s so much in common between the pieces,” said Matt.
“Without especially intending to, we’re embracing a lot of Gothic and dark material, which also has whimsy and lightness in it.
“That might feel naturally more at home in ctober, but the response we’ve had is that this is exactly what people want to see. There’s an appreciation of the building itself too. We’re a converted church and we’re seeing subcultures congregating here as a special place for them.
“This season we’re continuing to run a series of Goth nights called Enter The Shadows, based around symphonic metal. The next one takes place on ebruary
What’s important for us is that this is a space for everyone on the Island to come and see work that they like and nobody is excluded Matthew Jameson, The Space
, which will feature an art exhibition as well as a club night.
“While I’m not part of that community myself, I do like the idea of people looking back to the older stories, the older history, and celebrating a place where they can make the architecture here a part of the story.
“In the coming season, we’re particularly excited by Carmilla (March 26-28) – an adaptation of the original vampire story, which pre-dates and inspired Dracula
“It’s an interesting story, because it tells of a lesbian love affair between a female vampire and her prey that seems to be more consensual and more romantic than Bram Stoker’s novel.
“One rose to prominence and the other has been somewhat left behind, so we’re very glad to be bringing that to the stage and I think it will really resonate with audiences.
“Also on that gothic theme, we also have a story by a Ukrainian writer – Ivantiy Novak – called The Werewolf Show ebruary 18-19), which tells the tale of a town under siege by humans transformed into ravenous beasts.
“We feel it may well offer some commentary on the current geopolitcal situation as it unpacks power and fear.
“Recently, we’ve seen a lot of companies who have been leaning into older methods of storytelling such as adaptations of fairytales.
“Hänsel Und Gretel ebruary - is a bold and ambitious take on Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera sung in German, while In Five Years Time ebruary - is a new opera based on an experimental play by Spanish poet Federico García Lorca.”
Music has always played a big part in The Space’s programmes and its regular classical recitals run right through the season into uly. rom March , there will also be a series of bi-monthly concerts celebrating contemporary piano pieces and composers.
Matthew said, with all the turmoil in the world, there was a real appetite among audiences for ways to take the sting out of reality.
“It does feel as though a lot of the stories people want to see are retreating towards the fantastical and the escapist,” he said. “So a long run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream May - une feels just the ticket – an antidote to some of the bad things in the world.
Years since The Space opened its doors on the Isle Of Dogs in 1996
The Space’s Matthew Jameson
The Werewolf Show is set to arrive at The Space in February
in the coming
“The desire for entertainment – the idea of something that’s magical and wonderful – can be used by writers, actors and directors to tell a wider story without having to hammer a message down people’s throats.
“As a response to one publishing company that put a call out for ‘non-woke plays with no political leaning or message’, we’re proud to champion stories in our programme that touch on controversial issues.
“We have a show – Kayfabe (May 12-16) – which features transgender and cisgender women wrestlers, set for a contest on the eve of a new law that will ban trans women from the sport. It’s important that we support work that’s not afraid to tackle these issues from both sides.
“We’re attracting a lot of different subcultures across the programme, which feels exciting and interesting – a way to welcome different and marginalised communities while retaining the core audience we’ve got.
“We had a huge success last year with Twelfth Night, introduced by our patron, Sir Ian McKellen and performed by trans and non-binary actors – with thousands of people watching round the world to celebrate that community. It really was fantastic.
“What’s important to us is that this is a space for everyone on the Island to come and see work that they like and that nobody is excluded by the cost of a ticket.
“Another of the things I’m most excited about for the coming season is Chekhov’s Comedy Shorts (May 7-9), a show made by SpaceWorks, our participatory drama group, which meets here on Monday nights.
“It’s the first time I’m leading a participatory group in a production, and we’ve got many of the team stepping up to direct.
“That’s going to be a really fun meeting of modern comedy and classic canon material, with a collection of seven, side-splitting shorts for everyone to enjoy.”
key details
Full details of all shows, timings and ticket prices can be found on The Space’s website.
The venue is located on the Isle Of Dogs in Westferry Road with the closest station being Mudchute DLR. It’s also well served by buses from Canary Wharf.
Go to space.org.uk for more information or to book tickets
Scan this code to nd out what’s on at The Space
Kayfabe will come to the stage in May
Carmilla revives the original vampire story
how Luminarium: Myriad invites visitors to enter a world of wonder, light and colour at Woolwich Works
by Jon Massey
Woolwich works is set to invite visitors to step out of the world and into a space of wonder, discovery and colour this spring. Tickets recently went on sale to experience Luminarium: Myriad, the latest installation from Architects Of Air (AOA), which comes to the arts and events space in April.
Visitors enter the walk-through inflatable via an airlock to explore the structure’s winding pathways and vistas in stockinged feet as daylight shines through translucent panels.
The massive artwork is by A A, a creative production company founded by artist and maker Alan Parkinson that has been creating inflatable installations since the 1990s.
The ottingham-based organisation has its roots in a charitable project, which saw offenders tasked with building and repairing inflatable play equipment for kids. Initially, Alan drove the minibus for the probation service and supervised part-time and then full-time.
He said “The bouncy airbed we were using was quite tall about six foot off the ground with a tube around it to break the children’s fall and it was restrained by internal ropes. To fix it, I’d have to go inside it to carry out repairs.
“That wasn’t actually very healthy working in a confined space with glue wasn’t great but I survived.”
Aside from entering that inflatable structure, Alan drew inspiration from his “bible” Sheet Metalwork For Welders a book that dealt with the joining of different forms as well as other inflatable structures such as Colourscape on Clapham Common. All these influences led to the construction of Alan’s first inflatable environment or Luminarium in 1986 and going on to experiment with more, still working under the auspices of the charity and culminating in the creation of Eggopolis
This promenade performance space for mixed-ability actors toured the UK in 1990 and, while the charity was forced to close, Alan retained the structure and successfully toured it in Germany under the ownership
of AOA. Ever since, he and the now six-strong company, have been developing a lineage of installations and opening them to the public.
He said: “It typically takes about five months to build one and it’s, in some ways, a basic process. We make templates, cut out the PVC and glue the edges together.
“There’s a lot of teamwork involved and manual labour. Each new structure we create tries something different in the way we shape and construct them.
“Myriad, which is coming to Woolwich is quite a subtle structure. You don’t really know what you’re going to get until you blow it up and go inside.
“It’s lit principally from above with windows that let the light in too. We’ve punctuated some of the surfaces with translucent material to give them a star-like quality.
“When I first saw it, the main dome was a lovely surprise. We ask people to empty their minds. They might come with expectations but really we’re asking visitors to step inside and experience a sense of wonder, light and colour.
“Accompanying that, there may be a sense of inspiration and there’s always a wow factor when you first go in.
“Different people will take different things from the installation.
“Families and young children will have different experiences to an older person coming on their own, who may have a different kind of connection, for example.
“I think it’s often the children, rather than parents, who are enthused. It’s a good thing that they make adults come to something like this.”
key details
Luminarium: Myriad is set to open at Woolwich Works at Royal Arsenal Riverside on April 2 with visitors able to explore the installation until April 6.
Tickets cost £8 per person or £28 for groups of four. The experience will be open from noon- pm daily.
Go to woolwich.works for more information or to book tickets
Scan this code to nd out more about the installation
entering to a world to
Cost of a single ticket to enter Luminarium: Myriad at Woolwich Works
Left, right and above, people explore the colours and shapes of Myriad
Far left, the installation looks quite di erent from the outside
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Deftones
You’ll probably really need to love the band to attend this one as the only option is VIP seating, but, for those with cash to splash, the option’s there. Feb 20, 6.30pm, from £226, theo2.co.uk
EVENT | Big Bill’s Comedy Night Hosted by the “boisterous” Bilal Rashid at the Works’ Beanfeast venue, the February line-up features Andy Zapp, Terry Gargin and Ryan Cullen. Feb 20, 7.30pm, £13.50, woolwich.works
GIG | DJ Heartstring Fresh o a sold-out show at Roundhouse earlier this year, the Germany-based DJ duo are set to spin a night of Love on Valentine’s Day. Feb 14, 5pm-11pm, from £43.05, magazinelondon.co.uk
ash back
A year on from its launch, Vintners Lanes has won recognition for its interior design as well as a growing customer base. The Greenwich venue o ers six, three quarter-length lanes and a host of drinking and dining options vintnerslanes.co.uk
Scan this code to read our interview with James Davy, chairman of Davy’s, online at wharf-life.com
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | LGBT+ Stories Of Care
Where?
Canning Town Library
Canning Town
This creative workshop explores queer histories of health, disability and care through archives, oral histories and making at the library. Feb 12, 6pm-7.45pm, free, eventbrite.co.uk
Where?
Tate Institute Silvertown
DRAMA | Silvertown
Watch this work-in-progres – a play by Jonny Woo set in a gay pub in the Royal Docks – presented as part of Newham LGBTQIA+ History Month. Feb 20, 7pm, free, royaldocks.london
CLUB | Tech Couture
Where? Fold
Canning Town
Celebrating six years of SXC Techno, this party features the likes of Anabel Arroyo, Bailey Ibbs, Ludi, Noah Tauber, So , Teecra and Oliver Scala. Feb 20 , 11pm-11am,£21.30, ra.co
Women only tness studio, Pink Pilates, is o ering readers 20% o their next booking in 2026. O ering Reformer Pilates classes, private sessions, massage and more in Royal Docks, use code WHARF20, expires Feb 28 pinkpilates.co.uk
Years Beka spent driving lorries to raise money to help build his dream in Georgia and now in Royal
Docks
how Sad Meli in Royal Docks o ers a truly authentic taste of Georgian cuisine in an emerging area
by Jon Massey
Beka Kereselidze’s story is one of obsession and, literally, drive. The Royal Docks resident, along with his wife, Tatia Bichashvili, opened Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines close to Gallions Reach DLR a little over a year ago and it’s been quite the journey.
Born in Tbilisi, Beka initially came to the UK to visit friends in 2007 and decided to stay.
“At 23, I saw opportunities here for work and I wanted some fun in my life, but I was also going back to Georgia quite often,” he said. “My family has a summer place in a small village called Sadmeli in the Racha region – it’s where my grandfather used to make wine.
“Georgia is the homeland of wine – we’ve been making it for 8,000 years. Georgian culture and wine come together. We have it in our blood, with the forest and the vineyards. It’s normal to have a family tradition of making it and everyone compares theirs with everyone else’s.”
While Beka’s father had continued to make some wine on the site for family consumption, his son had bigger dreams. After getting married in 2016, as is customary, the couple made a wine together using the traditional qvevri – massive clay pots buried in the ground as vessels for fermentation and ageing.
Buoyed by its reception at a wine festival, Beka was further enthused and began studying production in earnest.
He spent a decade working as a long-distance lorry driver for Sainsbury’s in the UK, raising money to build the Sadmeli property in Georgia into a proper winery with a terrace restaurant and a guest-house.
“My parents thought I was cra y at first, but when you want something, you do it,” said Beka. “I was taking online courses on natural wine making. On the road I would listen to lessons and other drivers would make fun of me for reading about wine all the time. But I was really interested – it was quite an obsession.
“While I was studying I was
Sad Meli is located in Royal Docks near Gallions Reach DLR station
The restaurant, bar and wine shop o ers a wide array of products
Beka cooks fresh dishes on site in an open kitchen at the venue
Khinkali, Georgian dumplings lled with meat, cheese or mushrooms are central to Sad Meli’s menu celebrating the
building a wine cellar and starting to make wine. By 2019 I was starting to import the wine to the UK, selling it in restaurants and now wine shops and, by 2022, we finished building Sadmeli, ready to welcome guests.”
wine shops and, by 2022, we finished building Sadmeli,
Supported by his family and funded through long hours on the road and a loan from Lloyds bank, the business has since flourished. However, having relocated to east London, Beka saw further opportunity.
“I’d noticed these mostly empty units close to where I lived, found out who owned them and made the offer,” he said. “At first, they said no, but then they agreed. I was happy, but also a little bit scared because I didn’t have the money at that time.”
With cash from the Sadmeli operation, more support from Lloyds, contributions from family and help from friends, he overcame that hurdle and began fitting out what was initially supposed to be a wine shop and subsequently morphed into a restaurant and bar.
“Somehow we did it,” said Beka. “We opened on October 11, 2024 – a Friday and my god it was scary. I wasn’t really ready but we’d announced it and then we got a booking. A few minutes later we got another one. I don’t think I slept for the three or four days beforehand.
“Then, from that day, I haven’t had a day off. But people really like it. They enjoy the wine and we’ve made lots of friends. It’s very rewarding.”
Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines serves up a selection of traditional dishes from Georgia such as Pkhali, Adjaruli Khachapuri, Kharcho soup alongside sides and imported soft drinks. Providing the backbone of the menu, however, are Khinkali dumplings, filled with meat, cheese or mushrooms.
Beka said: “I’m cooking and I have all my mum’s recipes. It’s what we wanted for this place, that the experience comes directly from Georgia.
“There’s a large eastern European community here and they like Georgian food and wine.
“I try to make everything fresh, which takes time, but we have an open kitchen and people see me cooking and they love this kind of
“Guests might have to wait sometimes, but then they drink more wine, which is good for business. Our biggest seller is the Khinkali dumplings – they will always be on the menu – but other things I like to change to
All the work at the winery is done by hand. We don’t use chemicals on the vines or in the production of the wines
Beka Kereselidze, Sad Meli
Scan this code to nd out more about Sad Meli and
“We are very proud that we have customers who have never
tried Georgian food before. It’s not just a restaurant, but it’s the country and culture and the wine as well. They’re happy because they’ve tried something new.”
Having studied wine extensively at leading global centre of excellence, the Wine And Spirit Education Trust in Southwark, Beka is delighted to curate a wide range of bottles alongside the wines he’s produced at Sadmeli.
“We make six or seven types of wine ourselves including our signature Saparevi, a full-bodied red made with the most common grape in Georgia,” he said. “It’s been popular and this year’s has now sold out.
“All the work at the winery is done by hand because my father isn’t used to mechanical processes and we don’t use chemicals on the vines or in production.
“The vineyards we get our grapes from are small. We make good quality wine in small quantities. We don’t add sulphites, for example, and we don’t add yeast through the fermentation.
“Since we opened Sad Meli in Royal Docks, once I’ve poured my wine for them, no-one asks for anything else or says they don’t like it. That’s a source of pride for me. People love it and it feels almost unreal.
“Sometimes I’m tired, but its that feedback from the customers that gives us the motivation to continue. Mine and my wife’s lives have completely changed.
“We had an aim together and we’ve achieved it. For me, I wanted to do something here instead of driving and now I do.”
key details
Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines is located on the eastern edge of Gallions Roundabout, south of the junction with Atlantis Avenue. It’s within easy walking distance of Gallions Reach DLR station and is open daily from noon.
Go to sadmeli.square.site for more information
Sad Meli in Royal Docks serves up Beka’s wines imported from his family winery in Georgia
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
Where?
The Albany Deptford
EVENT | Vietnamese Lunar New Year
Promising a plethora of performances, this celebration will feature food, games, crafting, a ra e and a vigorous lion dance to mark the occasion. Feb 15, noon-4pm, free, thealbany.org.uk
Where? Corner Corner Canada Water
TRY | Terrarium Building Workshop
Canada Water’s big green venue is inviting people to spend 90 minutes designing and building a miniature, 20cm garden in a glass. All materials provided. Feb 17, 7pm, £38.62, cornercorner.com
KIDS | School’s Out
Where?
The Albany Deptford
Montage Theatre Arts is hosting a three-day musical theatre course for youngsters aged 5-12 in the coming half term. Includes a show for parents on the Friday. Feb 18-20, 9.30am-4.30pm, £10-£90, thealbany.org.uk
see it
Suitable for kids aged 5-10, Cinderella Ice Cream Seller o ers a fresh take on the classic story with music, songs and illusion. The show is set to run for two performances at 1pm and 3pm on February 15. Tickets cost £9.50 thealbany.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the show in Deptford or to book your tickets
Early-bird price of a ticket to see the show at the museum in Rotherhithe in March
Comedian and science communicator, Steve Cross, will host Engineering Is A Joke at the Brunel Museum
Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey
mirth in the
how Engineering Is A Joke is set to bring a host of comedians into the museum for a night of gags...
by Jon Massey
Comedian, science communicator, photographer and trainer, Steve Cross is set to host
Engineering Is A Joke at The Brunel Museum in March.
Having founded Science Show-o , where bo ns commune to make fun of their work and entertain, the focus is now set to turn to the world of engineering for one night only.
While the line-up for the three-hour show has yet to be announced, we are promised a stage lled with jocular engineers and comics with “hilarious things to say on the subject”.
Audiences can expect more than a few chuckles over the course of the evening, surrounded by the majesty of Sir Marc Brunel’s engineering achievements on a site where his more famous son, Isambard, cut his teeth. Book early to get the best deal on ticket prices and to avoid disappointment.
key details
Engineering Is A Joke is set to be performed at The Brunel Museum on March 4 from 6pm-9pm.
Tickets for the performance start at £5 for early bookers rising to £15 closer to the show.
Go to thebrunelmuseum.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the show
how Hackney Bridge Bottle Factory Flea Market is set to rack up the bargains for east Londoners to discover
by Jon Massey
what’s this?
Hackney Bridge Bottle Factory Flea Market, which is set to pop up at the east London venue on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in March.
what’s that then?
Errrr, a ea market.
tell me more
Traders will be ogging vintage fashion, homeware, furniture and other stu beside a canal from noon to 3.30pm.
and you have to pay to get in?
That’s right. There’s an entry fee of £3. It’s a popular event, so, oddly you can also pay an early bird price of £5 to guarantee a spot.
that’s weird
Yeah but, you know, stu is cool and cool people like it and they want rst dibs on the merch, so you also get 10am entry.
a bit more detail on the stu ?
Sure. The ground oor is billed as one-of-a-kind furniture and homeware plus an indoor bar. The mezzanine is all things
Visitors can expect all kinds of vintage goods at the market
clothing and there are outdoor stalls and street food traders too. The venue is a seven-minute walk from Hackney Wick Overground station.
key details
Hackney Bridge Bottle Factory Flea Market takes place on March 8 at Hackney Bridge. Noon-3pm. Go to eventbrite.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the market
on things to do, places to go, people to see
FILM | Miss Congeniality (12)
STAGE | Midnight
Following seven sold-out nights, Todrick Hall’s musical returns to the east London venue for a longer run. Expect love, con ict and a search for understanding. Feb 20-Mar 8, times vary, £15, sadlerswells.com
Revisit Sandra Bullock’s turn, all the way back in 2000, as an FBI agent tasked with going under cover to foil a terrorist plot to bomb a beauty pageant. Feb 12, 8pm, £16.60, everymancinema.com GIG | JOANovArc + Planet Fatale Promising a loud, sweaty, Sunday session, the co-headliners have sets of powerful ri s and exciting metal with support from Tempus Frayed. Feb 22, 5pm, from £12, cartandhorses.london
it Stratford East is set to host the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries, a play that examines the horrors of Auschwitz through the story of a mysterious photo album. Runs from Jan 31-Feb 28. Tickets start at £10 stratfordeast.com Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s full preview of Here There Are Blueberries at wharf-life.com
Sudoku
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
crossword
Down
Take a break from that phone Across 4. Skilfully inconsequential, we hear (7)
beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy
Cryptic Quick
1. European cycling restraints overtake everything (7)
8. Photographer’s lair in north London? (6)
9. Give up drugs to win the best prize (7)
10. The purpose of camping? (6)
11. Sounds like German songs are in front! (6)
12. Guide the elderly for a cheap sea cruise (8)
18. Files for a cheap night? (8)
20. Fragile container for courage (6)
21. Sea food permit conceals the story (6)
22. Mischievous precious seam collapses (7)
23. Legging it comically? (3-3)
24. Draw a conclusion is too liberty-taking (7)
2. Dispirited youth drops many an ‘h’ (7)
3. Operatic note, we hear? (6)
5. Permissive greenery makes small handouts (8)
6. Yorkshire moor is probably confused (6)
7. Did FBI chief suck up the mess? (6)
. Put finishing touches, but sounds like you’re unsure (8)
14. Gamblers might be superior (7)
15. Trains are ready to become Russian monarch’s wife (7)
