why Honi Poke has expanded to Canary Wharf as it targets growth Pages 6-7
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GIG | Rebecca Ferguson
Where? Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
The singer returns to Boisdale in celebration of her birthday with a set that’s sure to include hits such as Ain’t Nobody, Freed From Desire and I Hope Jul 18, 9pm, from £102 (inc food), boisdale.co.uk
Where? London Museum
West India Quay
KIDS | The Big Dig Families with kids aged 5+ are invited to become archaeologists for an hour by digging down into trenches to unearth real objects from London’s past. Jul 22-Aug 31, times vary, from £6.95, londonmuseum.org.uk
Where? Canada Square Park Canary Wharf
FAMILY | Mario Kart World Families with kids aged 5+ are invited to play the Nintendo favourite on Canary Wharf’s big screens via these rst-come, rst-served, drop-in sessions. Jul 18-19, 1pm-4pm, free, canarywharf.com
Italy through the medium of wine and freshly cooked food @osteriaalmolo.london on Instagram
Life’s interview with Osteria Al Molo owner Giuseppe Pollifrone at wharf-life.com
Welcome to issue 165 of Wharf Life. This is a paper lled up with avour, festivals, music and life. Enjoy gigs, theatre exhibitions and more, including the arrival of the Summer Daze Festival in Canary Wharf for four days towards the end of July. Check out our full preview on Pages 8 and 9...
From rocking across the pond to selling instruments in Greenwich Market, we take a trip to Tom’s Guitar Shop to nd out about the six-strings, the stories and the tuition...
Parkview Outdoor Play unveils Canary Wharf childcare pick-ups
Catch cutting-edge clothes as London College Of Fashion undergrads exhibit
on the radar
What’s for lunch? Salad, salad and more salad. Into this crowded market, Holy Greens is set to open its doors in Cabot Place. Billed as a Scandanavian mindful eating brand, expect a strong focus on sustainaiblity with climate impact tracking... holygreens.se
Visit fragrance brand House Of Creed’s website and you’ll be met with a video of a rampant black stallion. Soon to open at Cabot Place Wharfers can expect a full range of malefocussed scents, products and accessories from this boutique creedfragrances.co.uk need to know
19
See The Glowworms and friends as they play The George Tavern
How Ensemble Festival is all set for a weekend of free performances at Royal Victoria Dock featuring circus acts, comedy and thoughtprovoking shows 24
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
Enjoy classic cocktails for £7 as Boisdale Of Canary Wharf extends its unbeatable Happy Days o er. Available noon-7pm on weekdays at the Cabot Place venue boisdale.co.uk
£12
How the facilities at Heron Wharf are proving atttractive to buyers 11
Get three oysters and a glass of Chapel Down at Songbird during its oyster happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4pm-7pm from July 14. Access via the Canary Wharf app canarywharf.com
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TRIED + TESTED Farm Bowl
Bewliehill bewliehill.com
Bewliehill’s Farm Bowl costs £9.40 and is available now in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place mall
No, this isn’t Bewliehill’s Farm Bowl mid-meal. This presentational Pollock is the Deliveroo-ed version (forgive me, I have a broken toe and couldn’t make it down to the latest salad chain to open in Canary Wharf).
But, despite the bikeprocessed appearance, there’s a lot to like here. Firstly the price is right. This is a substantial bowl of veg for £9.40.
Named after the founder’s grandad’s farm, the brand is big on nding “joy in the imperfect” – a fairly accurate summation of my lunchtime experience.
As competition to supply Wharfers’ crunchy lunchtime salads continues to hot up, this new entrant is certainly a runner.
There’s a decent amount of crunch, thanks to the shredded hispi cabbage, kale and carrot and plenty of toothsome ingredients with good quality tomatoes, smashed peas and crispy shallots all doused in a sharp lime and coriander dressing. Also good is the jalapeno hummus which packs as much punch as the bu etting my poor bowl clearly received on its way to me.
Jon Massey
we take a look inside the thoughtfully designed homes at Argenta, Silvertown
advertising feature
Set within the heart of east London’s ambitious regeneration at the Royal Docks, Argenta is offering buyers the opportunity to step onto the property ladder in one of the capital’s most exciting emerging neighbourhoods.
To help prospective purchasers envision life at the development, Guinness Homes has unveiled two show homes, each inspired by Silvertown’s rich heritage and evolving identity.
Created by interior design studio Dapa Atelier, the one and two-bedroom show homes have been thoughtfully styled to demonstrate how buyers can make the most of the contemporary apartments available through Shared Ownership at Argenta.
While each show home has its own distinct personality, both draw inspiration from the local area, celebrating Silvertown’s industrial past, waterside setting and bright future.
The one-bedroom show home has been designed with a firsttime buyer in mind.
Imagined for a single purchaser or couple embarking on their homeownership journey, the space embraces warmth, texture and natural materials to create an inviting and practical environment.
Drawing on the area’s industrial heritage, the design incorporates cork wall coverings, raffia and cane detailing, woven fabrics and carefully selected accessories that add depth and character.
Bespoke touches throughout the space reinforce a sense of connection to the local area.
Artwork created from burlap and cushions crafted from repurposed grain sacks offer subtle references to Silvertown’s history, creating a scheme that feels contemporary while acknowledging the neighbourhood’s past.
In contrast, the two-bedroom show home presents a bolder and more refined aesthetic, designed to appeal to buyers seeking their next step on the property ladder. Inspired by Silvertown’s waterside location and industrial legacy, the interiors feature rich copper tones, deep blues and art deco influences that bring a sense of sophistication and individuality to the space.
Throughout the home, bespoke artwork and carefully curated finishes reference the energy
£97,500
Starting price for a 25% share of a one-bed at Guinness Homes’ Argenta scheme in Royal Docks
The schemes in the show homes demonstrate how thoughtful design choices can transform a space
Hellyn
Fairbrother, Guinness Homes
and transformation of the Royal Docks, reflecting the area’s evolution into one of London’s most exciting new residential destinations.
For Dapa Atelier, the aim was to create interiors that feel both aspirational and achievable, offering practical ideas that buyers can adapt to suit their own lifestyles.
Rob Burton, co-founder at Dapa Atelier, said: “Our brief for Argenta was to create homes that feel aspirational but still genuinely achievable for buyers.
“We wanted each space to feel considered and design-led, without tipping into something that feels over-styled or unrealistic.
“For the one-bedroom home, we focused on texture and natural materials to create a calm, tactile environment that still makes a statement. It’s about showing how even a smaller space can feel elevated, while remaining practical for everyday living.
“The two-bedroom home takes a slightly bolder approach, drawing on Silvertown’s industrial heritage and waterside setting. Copper, rich tones and art deco influences all come through, creating a space that feels more refined and design-conscious, suited to buyers who are ready for their next step.”
Across both show homes, practicality sits alongside aesthetics. Integrated storage solutions, multi-functional furniture and carefully considered layouts demonstrate how the apartments can support modern lifestyles.
Flexible spaces can accommodate home working, entertaining and overnight guests, while generous living and dining areas maximise usability.
Hellyn Fairbrother, London and South East sales manager at Guinness Homes, said: “Working with Dapa Atelier, we wanted to create show homes that not only
by place
look beautiful, but help buyers imagine how they could make a home at Argenta their own.
“The schemes demonstrate how thoughtful design choices can transform a space while remaining practical for everyday living.”
Part of the wider Silvertown regeneration, Argenta benefits from a prime location, moments from West Silvertown DLR and just one stop from Canning Town, placing Canary Wharf, the City and beyond within easy reach.
Residents can also enjoy growing local amenities, waterside walks and access to open green spaces, all within a neighbourhood undergoing significant investment and transformation.
The development offers a collection of one and two-bedroom shared ownership apartments, each featuring contemporary interiors, private outdoor space and access to landscaped communal areas.
Prices start at £97,500 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment (full market value £390,000), while two-bedroom apartments start at £136,25 for a 25% share (full market value £545,000).
Go to guinnesshomes.co.uk for more information about Argenta
how Honi Poke continues to roll out growth and flavour as the brand opens in Canary Wharf
by Jon Massey
Mcucumber, spring onions, sesame seeds and smashed avocado,” said Richard De La Cruz, head of food at Honi Poke Group.
“I probably eat poke four times a week and that dish at least twice – it’s my favourite. We go through 150 tonnes of mangoes a year and there’s a reason for that.”
Richard’s advice isn’t to be taken lightly. Born in Ecuador, he discovered a passion for cooking at a young age, training and working in his home country before travelling to Mallorca to study at the Ma Escola D’Hote leria De Les Illes Balears.
A head chef by aged 19, he said: “I was well known for my bad temper back then”. A career in Spain followed, cooking in a succession of Michelin-starred restaurants including with threestar Quinque Dacosta.
Moving to London in 2014 to follow through on his ambition to learn English, he worked at Coya for three years before his career took him to France and the Caribbean as an executive chef.
Somehow, in 2017, he found time between private gigs to sit down with Honi Poke founders Volodymyr Martynov and Kosta Varesko to develop and then refine the startup’s menu.
Poke, a Hawaiian dish roughly akin to deconstructed sushi, features diced, marinated raw fish served over rice or salad with a variety of toppings. It became popular in London in the mid 2010s with the arrival
One of the things that still amazes me about the business is that the recipes have not been changed. There’s been no compromise on quality
of Island Poke, which opened its Canary Wharf restaurant in 2017. Following the brand’s acquisition by Honi Poke, that site at Crossrail Place has now been relaunched with a new look and a fresh offering for Wharfers.
In addition to standardised poke bowls and the popular build-your-own option, the business serves up ramen, poke burritos, grab-and-go sushi and warm rice bowls with toppings of Miso Salmon, Gochujang Chicken and Chicken Katsu Curry.
“While we are in the process of converting our Island Poke shops, we will be preserving the brand within the organisation by keeping the Bow Lane branch,” said Richard. “We don’t think of this change as replacing Island –it’s always been a great brand and we have a project to incorporate it into our stores more widely.
“Honi Poke has 35 shops now and we’re looking to grow a bit more as we rebrand the former Island stores.”
Richard himself rejoined the business after spending time back in Spain with Quique Dacosta and then in London for the celebrated Spanish cook as group executive chef of Arros QD off Oxford Street.
“Although I’d created the original menus, joining in 2023 is when I first felt I was really working for Honi Poke – before I’d always been more in a consultative role,” he said.
“One of the things that still amazes me about the business is that the recipes have not been changed.
“We’ve added new things, but there’s been no compromise on the quality – that’s why it’s a great brand.
“Over the years I’ve been approached by suppliers saying things like: ‘You must taste this frozen salmon..’ but that sort of thing is not negotiable. It has to be fresh or we’re just not doing it.
“I always remember my father telling me that you have to learn from the lessons of others. We’ve seen other companies who have taken shortcuts crash out of business.
“That’s a mirror and one we always have to be looking in. Fortunately, now we’ve grown and so, because we are bigger, we can negotiate better prices – you can’t always charge people more when costs rise.
“There are lots of competitors in Canary Wharf, but we see that as something very healthy. This is a place people come for good food now. Hopefully they decide to try us – I think there are enough customers for everyone.
to create something to suit every customer who walks through the door, so if they want poke, they can have it or grab some sushi if that’s how they’re feeling.”
Becoming a bigger brand also means more opportunities and Honi Poke is now partnering with the likes of Disney.
“While the build-your-ownbowl option is the most popular, we also make it easy with a range of signature bowls. We’ve tried
To mark the release of the entertainment giant’s live action version of Moana, limited edition Find Your Wave poke bowls will be available until July 31.
“It took us six months to make sure this collaboration was right and we’re very pleased to be representing this launch,” said Richard. “We’ve tapped into Polynesian flavours to create the bowl to match the story of the movie.”
Priced at £12.95, those ordering will get fresh tuna, a green coconut curry sauce, mango, edamame beans and smashed avocado on a base of coconut rice all topped off with coriander, coconut flakes and lime.
Visitors to Honi Poke stores during the promotion will also have the chance to win up to £1,000 in credit with the brand.
While 2026 has largely been a time of consolidation for the brand, following its acquisition of Island Poke, Wharfers can expect to see more branches in future.
“This year we went easy on expansion, although on Monday I was asked by my founder to take a look a some new sites,” said Richard.
“Of course our goal is to grow a bit more. Island Poke has nine shops in France, which are now part of our group and so we’re looking into conversion here.
“We’ve also always had a lot of requests for franchises. At the moment, all of our shops are run by us directly, but there could be potential in the future for us to listen to that market too.
“It was not the original purpose of the business – that was to grow the core company – but the franchise model is now something we’re looking into.”
key details Honi Poke’s Canary Wharf branch is located at Crossrail Place. The restaurant is open from 11am-9.30pm, Monday to Thursday, from 11am-9pm on Fridays, from noon-6.30pm on Saturdays and from noon-4pm on Sundays. Go to honipoke.com for more information
how the Summer Daze Festival is set to fill Wood Wharf with comedy, theatre, music and so much more
by Jon Massey
Wood Wharf is set to become the focus of the warm weather, with four days of events, arts and happenings this month. The Summer Daze Festival runs from July 23-26 and is a fresh initiative from Canary Wharf Group aimed at drawing crowds down to the likes of Union Square, Water Street and Harbour Quay Gardens.
“We really want to showcase how amazing this neighbourhood is,” said Camilla McGregor, event manager at CWG. “It has a different feel to other parts of Canary Wharf and so lends itself perfectly to this sort of festival.
“We’ll be hosting comedy, theatre, music and lots of different events for families across the four days. It won’t just be us either. Many of the retailers such as Crate and new opening, Potato Art Studio, will be joining in as well.”
Wood Wharf has continued to come alive in recent months, with hospitality offerings from the likes of Ong Lai Kopitaim, Nora, Signorelli, Cafe Seek, Supershakes, Lockdown, Osteria Al Molo and Mama Li all now trading in the area.
A little further west, Wharfers can find Dishoom, Feels Like June, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, MMy Wood Wharf, Hawksmoor and Patty And Bun, all presenting tantalising options.
At the heart of the festival programme will be the Hazy Daze Tent in Harbour Quay Gardens.
“Among the events hosted inside will be three comedy nights, headlined by Milton Jones (July 23) Lou Sanders (July 24) and Sarah Keyworth (July 25),” said Camilla. “Each night will feature four acts and tickets cost £16.50, including booking fees, and the shows start at 7pm.
“The tent will also be used for the Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave on July 25 at 2pm, which is
It’s
great to bring an event like this to Canary Wharf to entertain the people who live in the neighbourhood and those visiting Camilla McGregor, CWG
always so much fun, with confetti cannons and dancing. We’ll also be putting on Baby Broadway (July 26) with songs from hit musicals, bubbles and puppets – great for kids aged 0-7 – and the Comedy Club For Kids (July 26) for children aged 6+, which sees established stand-ups present their acts without the rude bits.
“Times and prices for these vary, depending on the show, but you can find all the information online.”
In addition to the ticketed shows, Summer Daze also boasts an extensive programme of free events, with the majority taking place in Union Square.
“These will be presented on a first come, first-served basis as with other such offerings in Canary Wharf,” said Camilla.
“We’ll have a mix of theatre including Pews At Ten (July 23, 8.15pm) by Novem Ensemble and hosted in partnership with The Space Theatre. It’s a light-hearted musical comedy set in a church where three Welsh grandmas are anticipating a visit from Tom Jones.
“440 Theatre will perform their take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 25, 6.30pm) and we’ll also be welcoming Let’s All Dance: Alice In Wonderland, earlier that day, for a performance (11am) and movement workshop (11.45am) for kids themed around the classic, fantastical tale.”
Various groups of musicians from east London ensemble, the Docklands Sinfonia, will also be performing at the festival. There
Events over four days as the Summer Daze Festival arrives in Canary Wharf
Summer Daze Festival is set to take over Wood Wharf for four days in July
The programme includes a Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave in a tent at Harbour Quay Gardens
will be brass on July 23, the Fliss Gorst Jazz Trio on July 24 (both noon-2pm), the orchestra’s Street Band on July 25 from 1pm-3pm and the Swing Funk And Pop collective on July 26 from 4pm-6pm.
Another highlight will be Agency Unknown’s Musical Bingo on July 24, from 7pm-9.30pm. Teams of two or more (£11 per person) are invited to head down to Union Square for a “high-energy mix of hit tunes, games and prizes”. Audiences can expect sassy hosts, dancers, plenty of surprises and a show-stopping finale. Festival-goers should also look out for face-painting, Bollywood dancing, a poetry takeaway and the opportunity to make a fancy hat, with full details available for all online.
Camilla said: “It is great to bring an event like this to the programme, to entertain the people who live in the neighbourhood and those visiting – hopefully they get to see all the other amazing things we offer here.
“Almost everything we do from
and ticketed stand-up gigs
an arts and events perspective is free and, when we do have tickets, they are always subsidised.
“Anyone who gets into Summer Daze will also enjoy our wider summer arts series, from buskers on Eden Dock to lunchtime classical concerts in Jubilee Park, our lunch markets, our Film Club and so much more. We are really lucky to have so many green spaces to sit in and blue spaces for people to explore.”
key details
The Summer Daze Festival is set to run across Wood Wharf from July 23-26. There are 20 events taking place over those dates, some free and others ticketed. You can find full listings and booking links online.
Go to canarywharf.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Summer Daze
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write me words you don’t know you need
noun, fake, from Latin Back in 1928, US presidential hopeful Herbert Hoover promised Americans “a chicken in every pot” recalling King Henry IV’s stated desire for his subjects to have a bird to eat on Sundays. This word means pledging “good growth in every postcode”
nugacity
noun, real, from Latin
This term means futility especially in reference to tri ing talk or behaviour. Not to be confused with nougacity, the far from tri ing practice of consuming as much rich, chewy nougat as possible with the aim of self ful lment...
TELL IT
Bake Me A Fairy Tale Crossrail Place Roof Garden canarywharf.com
Rosie Tells Tales hosts this yarnspinning event, which is free to attend and ideal for kids aged 3-7.
Running for three sessions on July 18 (10am, 11.30am and 2pm), the 45-minute show invites youngsters to become story chefs as they help craft a gingerbread-spiced interactive adventure.
The shows atop the Elizabeth Line station promise sessions packed with songs, rhymes, games and “a sprinkle of mischief” to keep little ones and their adults entertained.
diary dates, listings and ideas to make life in Canary Wharf sweeter..
SEE IT
Black Panther (12) Canada Square Park canarywharf.com
Among the July listings for Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens Film Club is one of the better Marvel movies. Starring Chadwick Boseman as the eponymous hero and heir to the technologically advanced kingdom of Wakanda, this is everything a comic book adaptation should be. Wharfers can watch it for free on the big screens on July 21 at 7pm. Just bring a blanket and some vibranium...
nature week
discover activities and get free plants
Canary Wharf Group is set to host Nature Week running from July 13-17, celebrating biodiversity and encouraging Wharfers to make small changes in their lives that add up to a big di erence. Residents, workers and visitors to the estate are invited to participate in Canary Wharf’s Pollinator Count from 11am-2pm at Eden Dock and Union Square. This citizen science project involves snapping images of bees, butter ies and other pollinators with the aim of building up a picture of how insect life is faring locally.
On July 14, Wharfers will be able to see images from the Eden Project Wild ower Photographer Competition showcased across the area.
Then, on July 15, CWG will be hosting its rst ever Plant Drop from 9am-2pm. Around 800 plants will be given away at Union Square to help brighten up homes and workspaces. Those hoping to take one away should sign up via the Canary Wharf App, which can also be used to register for other events. Go to canarywharf.com for more details
Scan this code to download the Canary Wharf App and nd out more about the Nature Week events
TASTE IT
Avo Expresivo Cigar Range Boisdale Of Canary Wharf boisdale.co.uk
Tickets cost £89 for this tasting and launch event, which is set to take place on the venue’s terrace in partnership with Dalmore and Fettercairn.
Those attending can expect Carribean canapés, cocktails, wines and a whisky sampling bar, all conceived as a backdrop to smoking the Avo Expresivo Robusto and the Avo Expresivo Toro (both included with entry).
Founded by musician and cigar maker Avo Uvezian, the brand creates its products in Honduras.
Cost of a ticket to see The Glowworms, Glass Eel and Cordelia Gartside £13.34
Limehouse - Wapping - Whitechapel - Tower Hill
how The Glowworms promise to deliver warmth and colour as they take the headline slot at The George Tavern
by Jon Massey
Comprising Dov Sikowitz, Sam Hodder, Dan Fawcett, Cass Begg and George Lavender, London and LA-based band and recording project, The Glowworms, are set to bring their intricate guitar work to The George Tavern.
Following the release of tracks Seventies and Those Things, the show comes in celebration of the launch of their new EP Baleen. The band describe their sound as “somewhere on an axis between stories and hymns, between the organic and the distorted” but also full of warmth and colour. The indie collective, whose melodies are laced with keyboards
The band are launching their latest EP at the gig
and lap steel guitar, have been a slow burn from the release of debut single Cable TV back in 2024.
Support at the gig comes from Cordelia Gartside and Glass Eel. Both female singer songwriters, audiences can expect ethereal vocals, guitars and introspection. Over-18s only.
key details
The Glowworms are set to play at The George Tavern on July 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £13.34 Go to thegeorgetavern.london for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the show
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
GIG | O ering To The Sun Sitar maestro Baluji Shrivastav teams up with tabla player Ustad Yusuf Ali Khan and other musicians for a presentation of sounds spanning continents. Jul 27, 7pm, from £13.50, wiltons.org.uk
Where?
Tower Of London Tower Hill
EVENT | Boleyn Is Back
Meet the queen as Anne returns to the Tower over the school holidays to explain to visitors what life was like in Tudor times. Meet her on the South Lawn. Jul 25-Aug 14, 11am-3.30pm, £37 (adults), hrp.org.uk
Where? Troxy Limehouse
GIG | Donell Jones + Ginuwine The r’n’b performers promise a night packed with nostalgia including renditions of Pony, Di erences, So Anxious and In Those Jeans plus many more. Jul 24, 7pm, from £89.25, troxy.co.uk
Enjoy lots of comic japes and silliness as CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation invites the paying public to help shape the who, what, how and why of a whodunnit when the show returns to Wilton’s Music Hall on July 10. Tickets from £8 wiltons.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the show or
how Parkview Outdoor Play is offering Canary Wharf pick-ups and drop-offs for its summer holiday sessions
by Jon Massey
Parkview Outdoor Play has a long history of supporting parents through childcare on the Isle Of Dogs. Running after-school clubs for pupils at local primaries and holiday play schemes, the organisation is well known for looking after kids aged 4-11 from its base at The Dockland Settlements at Calder’s Wharf.
Now it’s trying something new, extending its outdoor sessions to parents working in Canary Wharf to lend a hand over the summer holidays.
“One of our parents said how nice it would be if they could bring their children into work with them – where we would be waiting to pick them up, take them out for the day and then drop them off back in Canary Wharf,” said Lorraine Cavanagh, CEO at The Dockland Settlements, a charity that’s been supporting communities in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Southwark for more than 130 years.
“We thought that sounded like a great idea – something that would stop parents at work worrying if they were stuck on trains, anxious about being there to collect their children on time. We’ve got a eet of five minibuses, so we’ve decided to offer a morning pick up and evening drop off service.
“What we say about Parkview is that it’s where memories are made. Our focus is always on playing outdoors – we aim to take the children out every single day for experiences they wouldn’t normally have.
“Our programme allows them to test themselves within a safe, supervised environment so they can understand what it’s like to take risks and develop resilience.”
Days begin with breakfast and free play with a range of activities on offer at the Calder’s harf centre. Then, around 10.30am the kids are placed in groups and board minibuses with parent-provided packed lunches and head off on that day’s adventure,
returning at 4.30pm – some for parents to pick up and others to stay at the centre for an evening meal and then pick up or drop off at 6pm.
“We have two age groups –four-sevens and eight-11s,” said Tommy Tracey, centre coordinator at Calder’s Wharf, who’s worked at The Dockland Settlements with Parkview since he was 17.
“It’s all about understanding what the individual child is capable of and finding what will be challenging for them, without pushing them too far.
“A lot of the time for the younger ones that’s simply letting them run around in a supervised environment so they can burn off their energy and just have fun.
“For the older children we’ll organise activities with a bit more structure so they’re learning skills to take away and use again while also enjoying themselves.”
The day rate for Parkview Outdoor Play for supervision is for a . pm finish and for up until 6pm. The daily trips mostly cost extra and vary in price depending on the destination, although some excursions are provided at no extra fee.
Parkview is also able to negotiate reduced rates at many attractions, as it’s a frequent customer and a group client.
“We don’t allow mobile phones, tablets or other similar devices,” said Lorraine. “It’s all about them making relationships.
“Those are things that can last a lifetime. For example, we take them to the Forest School at Mudchute Park And Farm where they learn to make their own fires and to toast marshmallows.
“When I’m talking to adults about what we do, those are the experiences they remember from their own childhoods – those smells and tastes.”
Parkview prides itself on putting on a wide range of activities with a strong focus on exercise and adventure in a variety of locations.
“One of our most popular locations is Nuclear Races in Brentwood,” said Tommy. “It’s like an assault course, not too physical, but there’s plenty of
One of the best things for me is when I see a child hesitate and then go on to try something that they love. It’s amazing
Tommy Tracey, Parkview Play
mud and you know everyone will be going home tired and chilled out. The kids especially love it when the staff get involved you see them egging us on and it’s lots of fun for everyone. One of the best things for me is when I see a child hesitate and then go on to try something that they discover they love. It’s amazing.”
Other activities include watching films at the cinema, exploring Diggerland, bowling, roller skating and even crabbing and the beach at Canvey Island.
“There are summer clubs that take the children out once a week, but with us they’re out every day doing things like canoeing, laser tag and visiting parks,” said Lorraine. One of our favourites for the younger ones is a trip to Monkey Bizness, which is a soft play centre, but it’s really high and they love that extra adventure. They’re usually all asleep on the bus on the way back.”
key details
Parkview Outdoor Play is based out of The Dockland Settlements at Calder’s Wharf on the Isle Of Dogs right next to Island Gardens. The new service will pick children up from Bank Street in Canary harf and drop them off again at the end of the day. For full details or to request a brochure, email Tommy via tommy.tracey@ docklandsettlements.org.uk. Go to docklandsettlements.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about Parkview Play sessions
