Wharf Life, Jun 17-Jul 1, 2026

celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness Why The Salad Project is both too much and too little Page 4

Where?

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place

GIG | The Sugarhill Gang + The Furious Five Enjoy classic, pioneering hip hop such as Rapper’s Delight, Apache and The Message with turns from the Master Gee, Wonder Mike and other sureshot MCs. Jul 16, 9pm, from £45, boisdale.co.uk

Where? London

West India Quay

TALK | Solidarity And Censorship

Explore queer activism and community in east London with the nal talk in this series, which looks at the AIDS crisis and Section 28. Jul 3, 2pm, free, londonmuseum.org.uk

Where? Canada Square Park Canary Wharf

FILM | Summer Screens: Film Club The screenings continue into July with the likes of Monsters Inc, Black Panther, My Name Is Khan, F1: The Movie and Lilo & Stitch to enjoy from the grass Jul 14, 18, 10, 21, 25, times vary, free, canarywharf.com

Welcome to issue 164 of Wharf Life. This paper is packed with new things to do and places to go, whether that’s

Osteria Al Molo at Wood Wharf, Made By Many Collective in Hackney Wick, Little Yak for the World Cup or Timewalk at Excel. Soon you can even take a dip at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

New direction? How the University Of Sunderland In London works to engage with prospective students as it gears up to host an open day in July to showcase its courses 28

How Made By Many Collective is set to launch a ve-week pop-up shop

30

How Little Yak mixes arts, sport and good times in

on the radar

We’re counting down the days to Canary Wharf’s Summer Daze festival – a four-day event that’s set to ll Wood Wharf with live music, theatre, comedy and familyfriendly activites from July 23-26. Stay tuned for the full line-up in our next issue canarywharf.com

Crossrail Place is getting a Gail’s. The bakery brand is preparing to open its latest branch in the unit formerly occupied by Flying Tiger. While details are scant at present, we’ll keep you updated as more information on the new opening emerges... gails.com need to know Improv and crime meet as Wilton’s Music Hall hosts a silly whodunnit

doing the deals

get more for less on and around the Wharf

Sign up for newly opened Honi Poke at Crossrail Place’s loyalty scheme and you’ll get a free juice for your trouble. The brand bought Island Poke and now reigns supreme honipoke.com

eMed, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT

Immigration Solicitors

FREE FOOD

SushiDog Canada Place, Canary Wharf sushidog.co.uk

The build-your-own sushi brand is set to open for business opposite Waitrose in Canada Place and, in celebration, and is o ering the rst 100 customers to visit, from noon on July 1, a free SushiDog for their trouble. The company will also be o ering food at 50% o through the afternoon until close at 5.30pm.

The 14-branch chain promises bold avours and plenty of merch on the side...

TRIED + TESTED

Our

Miso Salmon Salad

The Salad Project saladproject.co.uk

The Salad Project is a place of both overwhelm and underwhelm.

Am I building my own bowl or skipping the line and heading for the kiosk? This place is busy, there’s pressure in the queue. In the end, I opt for a pre-set bowl of Miso Salmon salad.

This comes with broccoli, peas, roasted corn, sesame slaw, kale, red rice and chilli cashew crunch with a slice of roast salmon on top and a dressing of sesame oil and miso.

Oddly, The Salad Project (on the lower level of One Canada Square, where Santander used to be),

serves its o erings in gigantic cardboard bowls, which makes the pretty epic portions involved seem tiny. There are some really decent avours here especially if you opt for some slices of pickled chilli, but there’s also imbalance.

My bowl has hardly any broccoli and only two cashews. Conversely, there’s enough kale for me to start an export business, including some thuggy pieces of stalk. It’s good value for the quantity, but while the salmon is tasty, things are just a little out of whack.

Jon Massey

how Osteria Al Molo brings a true taste of Italy’s wine and food to the heart of Wood Wharf

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It started in March 2025, with the opening of Wayne Hairdresser Salon and now it’s complete. This month, Osteria Al Molo opened its doors at 8 Harbord Square, the last of 10 independent businesses to launch in the Wood Wharf building with its ground floor now completely filled.

Their presence is the result of a collaboration between CWG and Tower Hamlets Council to offer east London firms affordable commercial space.

The project has seen The Flower Club, Awe London, Omnifix, Kitchen Jam, Ong Lai Kopitaim, Supershakes, Pawsome Pet And Grooming Spa and Cafe Seek all become a part of the fabric of the neighbourhood just as it welcomes new residents into its Charter Street buildings through Vertus’ rental homes. They’re just in time to sample a glass or two at the latest arrival.

“This is my third opening in Tower Hamlets,” said Giuseppe Pollifrone, owner of Osteria Al Molo. “My first was a wine bar and shop in Roman Road called Vinarius and then another wine bar, this time with a kitchen, called Symposium.

“We are passionate about wine and the idea has always been to have places where you can leave everything behind when you walk through the door. I opened them because I couldn’t find the wine and food that I liked.”

Italian by birth and initially a physicist by trade, he moved to east London in the late 1990s to take up a post at Queen Mary University following a spell in Switzerland.

Wine has always been a passion, however, and his move into hospitality came alongside a career in finance, with roles on the Wharf at the likes of Credit Suisse and more recently JP Morgan.

“I also knew people who were opening at Wood Wharf, such as the team behind Signorelli,” said Giuseppe. “What we want to offer people here is a taste of the real Italy. We want customers to be relaxed and happy – to leave with a smile on their faces.

continued on Page 8

Wine-focussed venues that Giuseppe

Giuseppe

in

a place to

from Page 6

“We have the knowledge and experience, but we’re not over-explanatory. If customers want to know more, they will ask.

“The idea is to showcase small producers – perhaps 80% will be Italian, but we’re not averse to including other areas. With the food, there will be things everyone is familiar with and also others they won’t have encountered.

“My chef, Alessandro Marino, is from Sicily, so there will be dishes from that area such as the Cannolo Sicilian with ricotta, pistachios and chocolate, and others from different areas of the country. It’s not on the menu yet, but it’s likely he’ll cook a dish with couscous, which is traditional due to the island’s proximity to North Africa.”

Osteria Al Molo, which more or less translates as “wine bar on the Wharf” will be under Juri Moro’s day-to-day care in the role of general manager.

“I’ve been in hospitality for more than 20 years and I love the concept of the osteria,” said Juri.

“It allows you to offer something different, to show our love for the little producers and to change the menu frequently.

“People can come simply for a glass of wine, for a bite to eat or for a full dinner. The food we’ll be serving is super regional. We’ll be making use of fish from Billingsgate as the menu features seafood and also more unusual ingredients such as samphire to go with prawns.

“My personal favourite is the Pasta Con Le Sarde – I’m from near Florence, but my father was from Sicily and this dish is from that area. It’s lovely and rich, a mix of sweet and sour flavours.

“We want to be known for our food and wine, but also the atmosphere and as a place that’s friendly.

“Osteria Al Molo isn’t a place to feel inhibited. There are lots of things to try and explore.”

Giuseppe added: “My choice on the menu is the Coda Di Rospo All’Acqua Pazza from Naples. It’s poached monkfish in broth with olives, capers and tomatoes.

“I’ve been friends with Juri for years and loved the idea of working together on this. I just thought it would be lovely for the Wharf to have a neighbourhood place like this.

“The important thing is to maintain a level of authenticity. We want this to feel like a safe place for people to come and really enjoy the wine and the food.

“We are offering something truly different – these are not wines you’ll find on the supermarket shelves. If I had to pick one bottle to try, it would be Ciro Riserva Piu

The important thing is a level of authenticity. We want this to feel like a safe place for people to come and really enjoy the wine and the food Giuseppe Pollifrone, Osteria Al Molo

Vite, produced by Sergio Acuri in 2018.”

Juri added: “For me it’s the Punset Barbaresco, which isn’t something that’s widely available locally. It’s exceptional.”

The venue is currently in a phase of soft opening, but when fully up and running will be able to accommodate about 40 people.

There are plans for food and wining evenings and tastings with producers as well as the offer of free delivery to anyone living in Harbord Square.

key details

Osteria Al Molo is located on the corner of 8 Harbord Square and Union Square. Follow @osteriaalmolo.london on Instagram for updates

this code to nd out more about Osteria

Businesses are now trading on the ground floor of 8 Harbord Square

>> Check out Osteria Al Molo’s neighbours at 8 Harbord Square...

your fur babies

Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa

Founded by Valeriia Istratova, this establishment offers a wide range of services and products for four-legged Wharfers. The aim is to offer a similar level of quality to luxury health spas for humans. Expect specially curated music and a playpen for pups to relax in between treatments.

pawsome-petgrooming.co.uk

malaysian cuisine

Offering a fresh approach to teaching guitar in a space that comes complete with a Triumph motorbike, Darryl Powis’ music school offers players of all levels the chance to make some serious noise together. The fully-equipped studio comes with everything Wharfers need to become six-string legends. kitchenjam.com

art

Find fresh cut flowers, plants and gifts at Julia Knyazevich’s business. Inspired by her grandmother’s garden in the mountains of Ukraine and the displays at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, this business sells a wide variety of bouquets with an emphasis on striking arrangements. It supports events too. theflowerclubldn.co.uk

baked to perfection

Ong Lai Kopitaim Cafe Seek

Modelled on a traditional Malaysian cafe, Robert Ngo’s restaurant delivers exactingly cooked food in bright colours with plenty of potent flavour. Known for the blue Nasi Kerabu rice, which gets its colour from the butterfly pea flower, the venue serves a wide range of dishes with varied and intriguing cocktails. onglaikopitiam.co.uk

Serving up shakes packed with nourishing, healthy ingredients, Daniel Bull’s cafe and takeaway space was inspired by his own approach to nutrition while studying for an MBA. Alongside the core offering, expect cold-pressed juices and brunch (for when your mind wants a croissant). @supershakes on Insta

Awe London

Opened by Kamden Monplaisir, this salon delivers manicures and pedicures in a beautifully designed, relaxing environment. Clients will find a wealth of nail art options to suit a wide range of styles, all delivered by a friendly, professional and creative team. Appointments can be booked online. awelondon.co.uk

top tailoring

Omnifix

Founded by fashion designer Asya TerHovakimyan, this brand offers a range of repair and alteration services to keep Wharfers’ clothes looking and feeling their best. The company’s approach is rooted in a deep respect for making and craftsmanship, with real pride in attention to detail. omni-fix.com

Already a firm favourite with Wharfers, Pinky Chan and Emily Leung’s Japanese bakery blends French patisserie techniques with Asian flavours to enormously popular effect. The busy cafe serves up sweet and savoury treats, while the kitchen team work to produce more next door. Go early in the day... cafeseek.co.uk

Opened by Wayne Zukauskas, the first business to launch at 8 Harbord Square offers a full complement of services for men and women as well as haircuts for children. With a catchline of “elevate your look”, the team at this salon offers cuts and styling with 10% off for new customers on their first visit. waynehairdresser.com

AUG 4

Date new customers must sign up to Revolut by to qualify for its boosted 5% AER savings rate

how Revolut is using hi-octane marketing to raise awareness of its instant savings offering

by Jon Massey

Doing something like this – showing up and surprising people so they can interact with their bank in a di erent way to just logging in and checking their money – is a way to do more for our customers,” said Emily Lewis, head of growth for the UK and Ireland at Revolut. “It’s a bit of guerilla marketing.”

Earlier this month, the Canary Wharf-based bank staged a takeover in front of its global headquarters in Reuters Plaza, parking a Formula One racing car in a glass-sided shipping container outside for Wharfers to admire. Photos were snapped and give-aways were queued for, but the stunt had a wider purpose.

In addition to celebrating the bank’s status as title partner to the Audi Revolut F1 Team, the pop-up showcased the unveiling of a market-leading boosted interest rate of 5% AER (variable) on its Instant Access Savings Account.

The introductory o er is available for new customers on deposits of up to £25,000 who sign up before August 4. The rate runs until December 4.

“Bringing the Audi show car out is a nice way for them to get involved,” said Emily. “Canary Wharf was the rst stop on our UK tour with dates all around the country through to June 30.

“We know that following sports like F1 can be expensive and our instant access account is designed to make saving much easier.

“The 5% rate is the most competitive on the market and we don’t lock your money away. With our account, interest is paid daily and people can withdraw their money with no penalties – it doesn’t impact the rate. For example, I was the budget master for a friend’s hen do – I wanted to keep the money people were paying towards it separate from my own savings to avoid any confusion.

“I opened a separate account with Revolut, which is very quick, and transferred the funds in. From there we earned

daily interest on those funds and were able to spend them together on the hen do.”

Founded at Level39 in Canary Wharf in 2015 by Nikolay Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko, the company has gone from small startup to having its name atop the YY London tower in a decade.

“When you’re a digital bank, having the concrete legitimacy of a building is a good thing,” said Emily, who worked for THG before joining Revolut four years ago. “Having that visibility helps.

“Working with distinguished partners such as F1 and Audi means we can further raise awareness of what we’re doing.

“In the UK, we want to be the primary bank for everyone. In each of our products we’re on a par with our competitors, but our aim is that there’s also an element that’s better – like reward points on your debit card spending or the speed with which you can access your money.

“It’s about educating people about what we o er so that they can make an informed decision about who they bank with. We’ve expanded at an amazing rate, but even with this growth we must make sure that we’re still being true to what a trusted bank should do.

“I believe introductory rates like this are helpful because they make the market more competitive.

“We see institutions battling to present the best o ers, which is good for consumers.

“We’re constantly working on how Revolut can be super lucrative for existing customers and how we can reward people who have been loyal to us.”

key details

To get a Revolut Instant Access Savings Account, customers must open a Personal Current Account with the bank. The 5% AER variable bonus rate for up to £25,000 in savings is only available to new clients who sign up before August 4.

After December 4, the savings rate reverts to the base rate of the customer’s plan (currently between 2.9% and 4%). The o er is available to those aged 16 and over.

Go to revolut.com

investigate the

Scan this code to nd out more about banking with Revolut

We know that following sports like F1 can be expensive and our instant access account is designed to make saving much easier

driving

Water temperature at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf at the time of going to press

how Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is all set to welcome the public for swims, food and beers

from Friday, June 19

by Jon Massey

Something big is happening at the western end of Eden Dock. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf officially opens to the public on Friday, June 19. The site features a 50-metre floating pool fed by the waters of the dock, saunas and changing facilities.

Taking a dip costs £10 a go, but the site has a great deal more to offer than just splashing about. Wharfers seeking a place to relax by the waters will find a new complex of pergolas, tin roofs, glazed weatherproof igloos and extensive seating all served by a bar and on-site kitchen.

Earlier this week, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf hosted a preview event in partnership with Canary Wharf Group complete with a friendly relay race and a chance to get a sneak peek at the facilities before the public dive in.

“Sea Lanes began with a very simple idea – to create a stepping stone that would encourage more people to get into open water swimming and to make that accessible for everybody,” said Ross Gilbert, managing director at Sea Lanes.

“That vision was realised when we opened our pool in Brighton. Since then we’ve opened Hilsea a month ago and now Canary Wharf. We have six lanes and finely crafted saunas – this will be a facility that helps people to explore the wider Eden Dock.”

In addition to the floating pool, Sea Lanes also intends to offer dock swimming, paddleboarding, freediving and open water events from its base close to Newfoundland tower.

Canary Wharf Group CEO, Shobi Khan, said the estate had been focused on the water for six years starting with the opening of the boardwalk at Harbour Quay

Sea Lanes began with a very simple idea – to create a stepping stone that would encourage more people to get into open water swimming

Ross Gilbert, Sea Lanes

Gardens and four years of open water swimming at Eden Dock.

He said: “Everyone who has worked on this project deserves a big round of applause.

“Two years ago some folks from Sea Lanes were present when we opened Eden Dock during a virtual monsoon – that was the start of this evolution.

“This is a unique environment and will hopefully become the envy of London. These really are amazing facilities that Sea Lanes has created in partnership with Canary Wharf Group.”

Also attending the preview was deputy mayor of London for environment and energy, Mete Coban. He said: “What I think this project here today does is to inspire the whole city.

“We need to reimagine how we can use spaces to make London healthier – a place people can thrive in. I don’t know how to swim. I was one of those people who didn’t have access to affordable swimming lessons when I was growing up.

“This and access to nature are still big racial and social justice issues today. One of the things we will be doing in the capital is selecting specific sites where we’ll take inspiration from this vision and create more access to safe swimming, because we know that 700,000 Londoners currently do not know how to swim.

“It isn’t just about having the infrastructure, however, it’s about the work that happens with the community so they feel a sense of ownership. This is a flagship project and I want to thank Canary Wharf Group and Sea Lanes because it takes real courage to be able to imagine these spaces – what it was then and what it is now.”

key details

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is open for swimming from 6am-9pm on weekdays and from 7am-7pm at weekends. The wider site is open until 10.30pm.

Pay-as-you-go swimming sessions cost £10 with swim and sauna costing £18. Concessions are available.

Various levels of membership are also available with Founder Membership costing £75 per month for unlimited swim and sauna access for a year-long contract. Swim Only memberships start at £45 per month for a year. For more information go to sealanescanarywharf.co.uk

Years of fuel the sun has left to burn before it stops supporting life on the Earth

virtual viewpoint

by Chris Ezekiel

Having three children under ve, running an AI company, and having a strong interest in physics, I’m often thinking about their future in the context of current events, our miraculous planet and its place in the universe. We live at a time of great contradictions – uncertainty and con ict dominate world politics and the AI and technology revolution is transforming many human roles while creating new opportunities.

Two recent experiences with our children gave me an idea. If we want to raise the next generation capable of surviving the existential crises of tomorrow, we should equip them with two distinct tools, a litter picker and a telescope.

On a recent playdate, Matthew’s friend Izzy introduced him to tidying up Island Gardens with the former. They loved it.

The evening before I had introduced our boys to exploring the Universe through a telescope. They really enjoyed seeing close-ups of the Moon and seeing Jupiter’s four main moons.

The litter picker, acting as a micro-lens, helps the next generation to appreciate our responsibilities to Earth and to each other. The telescope – the macro-lens– introduces children to the vastness of the cosmos and our fragile planet.

In 1990, as the Voyager 1 spacecraft reached the edge of our solar system, Carl Sagan managed to persuade NASA to turn its camera back towards Earth. The resulting image showed our world as a pale blue dot, a lonely speck of dust suspended in a sunbeam.

revealing

and macro responsibilities

We ght over borders, resources, and ideologies, seemingly unaware we’re travelling together on a delicate planet through the vastness of the universe.

These two tools – the litter picker and telescope – can challenge the next generation to recognise the unique, fragile place us humans have in existence. If we are to survive and prosper in the long-term, we must learn to celebrate our shared humanity to preserve our common home, the Earth.

Our Sun has about 5billion years left before it runs out of fuel, so we’ll need to venture out into the cosmos together, to nd a new home if humanity is to endure.

Back on Earth on the Isle of Dogs, in the summer of 2026, our boys are looking forward to the next park clean-up playdate and continuing to explore our Solar System and beyond.

Both the analogue and digital worlds are shaping the next generation. Both will be instrumental in equipping them with the cognitive and emotional intelligence to shape the future.

Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square

Scan this code for more information about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on X

on track by

Joe Thurgood

Getting your hands on these deals is quick and completely free. Head over to the SWR Rewards website to browse what’s available

Joe Thurgood, SWR

QI understand when I purchase tickets through SWR Business Direct I am able to get access to SWR Rewards. What kinds of o ers does it include and how do I go about accessing them?

AWhenever you use SWR Business Direct it gives access to our SWR Rewards and Rewards + schemes. So whether you are booking a ticket to meet a client in London or tickets for a team-building exercise in Exeter, there’s an o er just for you.

Whatever the reason the rewards cover a number of great deals and discounts for you like a free hair and body set from Grüum worth £24 or tickets to Mamma Mia and a two-course meal at Bocconcino for just £89.50 per person. SWR Rewards has scores of exclusive incentives for all our Business Direct users.

● Food And Drink: Score up to 20% o at top spots like Gordon Ramsay restaurants, plus deals on afternoon teas and group dining.

● Theatre And Cinema: Get cheap tickets for major West End shows (often bundled with dinner) and big discounts on ODEON cinema tickets.

● Big Days Out: Grab up to a third o or two-for-one entry to major attractions like the London Eye, Thorpe Park and the London Dungeon.

● Shopping And Extras: Save money at premium spots like Gunwharf Quays or get discounted trips on Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus services.

Getting your hands on these deals is quick and completely free. Simply book a ticket via the SWR Business Direct platform and head over to the SWR Rewards website to browse what’s available. Then click on the o er you want to generate a digital promo code for, or download a voucher. Use the code online when booking your event, or just show your voucher alongside your valid SWR train ticket at the venue. Rewards+ is also free to sign up for and enters you into exclusive prize draws and gets you freebies at the station.

Joe Thurgood is business sales manager at South Western Railway and works to assist companies with their transport booking needs

Scan this code to nd out more about SWR Business Direct and the ways it makes booking train travel for sta across the UK easier

how South Western Railway offers exclusive deals to make travelling across the country that bit sweeter

by Jon Massey

In addition to train travel, SWR Business Direct users can access a wealth of deals via SWR Rewards. South Western Railway has teamed up with a multitude of partners to offer discounts, giveaways and special rates on services and attractions across its network and beyond.

To test this out, we packed an overnight bag and took a trip to Winchester to coincide with the ancient city’s less historic Chilli And Cheese Festival, tempted by the promise of dairy treats, eye-watering spice and discounted entry.

While the foodie event was the main draw, it’s impossible to visit Winchester without at least dipping a toe into the place’s extraordinary history.

In fact walk from the station to the festival ground at the North Walls Recreation Ground and you’ll pass through Hyde Abbey Garden, a monument built in 2003 to mark the last known resting place of King Alfred The Great, who rebuilt the city and made it his capital.

The cathedral is home to a great many tombs including the bones of St Swithin (a ninth century bishop of Winchester), which sits to the rear of the building. A humble man, it’s said he asked to be buried outside so passers-by would walk over his grave and that the rain would fall upon it.

When his remains were moved inside in July, 971, he reportedly showed his displeasure by drenching the city with 40 days of torrential rain, leading to the superstition that if the weather on July 15 each year is fair or wet, so it shall be for that same period.

This isn’t, of course, true.

Fortunately, in any case we’re ahead of the deadline and the skies remain clear for the festival, which turns out to be an extensive affair, easily worth the entry fee.

Popular on the Sunday we went, the show starts with a snaking gauntlet of mostly foodie stalls with traders eager to fill their audience with samples.

As expected, there are many cheesemongers offering unusual creations laced with truffle, garlic and, naturally, chilli.

On the spicier side, condiments, sauces and oils are the

main offering, although chilli plants and seeds are also up for grabs. There are a number of independent drinks brands selling everything from cider to mead and the inevitable gin too.

Notwitstanding the odd chartered accountant or landscaping firm selling resin-fixed gravel, the overall flavour is focused and broad, with the gauntlet of stalls opening out into what might best be described as a festival playground.

Here there’s a stage, a wide selection of street food traders, bars and a succession of rides for the kids to enjoy. There’s also entertainment for youngsters –Punch And Judy and a kind of Heath Robinson-adjacent clown called Thingamabob, who proves himself a skilled juggler.

The main stage is dominated by an energetic, slickly tight set from Blink Daze – a band specialising in the music of Green Day, Blink 182, Sum 41 and many more. In many ways their punchy set with the people of Winchester happily singing along summed up the experience – a feast for the senses served up with fire and flavour –exactly the kind of thing its worth getting on a train out of London for and the ideal excuse for a trip to an historic city.

● While the Winchester event has passed, readers can visit the Chilli And Cheese Festival as it stops at Chichester (June 20-21) and Guildford (July 18-19) on its 2026 tour. Use code SWR10 to get 10% off tickets (normally £14) with SWR Rewards.

For more details go to cheeseandchillifestival.com

key details

SWR Business Direct is free to use and allows companies to book, plan and manage business travel across the whole of Britain. There are no hidden fees or charges and no booking fees on tickets purchased via the service. Full details of SWR Rewards can be found on its website. For more information go to rewards.southwesternrailway.com

Scan this code to nd out more about SWR Rewards

Blink

Left,

Below, juggler Thingamabob does his stu at the

rooms

The Westgate

>> As places to stay in Winchester for those travelling by railway go, this takes some beating. It’s six minutes’ walk from the station, o ers 10 characterful rooms and is located right opposite the city’s Great Hall at the top of the High Street.

Downstairs it’s a popular, busy pub run by Young’s, that o ers a range of snacks including excellent cheese straws and breakfast for guests. Our tip, if you’re looking for something light, is the Avocado On Toast with a pair of poached eggs. Expect to pay about £200 per night. Go to westgatewinchester.com

dine

The Chesil Rectory

>> This independent restaurant is located in Winchester’s oldest commercial building, dating to around 1420. It’s been feeding people for 85 years.

Today, sheltered by bent beams it houses a cosy interior with curios on shelves and delicate sketches of horses on its walls. Its food is generous, nely cooked and gently priced (starters from £11.95 and mains from £21.95). We start with a Jane Austen-inspired Pride And Prejudice cocktail before sampling the likes of Sea Bream Ceviche and Oven Roasted Lamb Rump. Executive chef Damian Brown’s plates arrive pumping with avour. The acidity of the sh is o set beautifully with a punchy nduja mayo and plenty of olive oil, while the meat comes with crispy belly and sweet, refreshing Jersey Royals.

Sinking into a soft chair and kicking back with glasses of Dancer In Pink – a dry rosé from Hampshire vineyard Black Chalk – there’s little doubt that dining in this Winchester institution is a pleasure as sweet as its exceptional Spiced Bramley Apple Sponge. Go to chesilrectory.co.uk

The Great Hall boasts a round table inspired by the legend of King Arthur

visit this stop here

The Great Hall

>> In addition to Winchester Cathedral, which is a must-see for its architecture and to pay homage to Jane Austen (who’s buried in its North Nave), visitors should call in on this extraordinary place. Dating to 1222, it’s all that’s left of the city’s castle and houses an Arthurian Round Table, rebranded by Henry VIII, that for hundreds of years many thought was the real thing. Go to historicwinchester.co.uk

Dim-T

>> There are plenty of options in central Winchester for a quick bite to eat on an evening, but our pick is this Asian micro chain. Pleasantly decorated, the feel is of a Wagamama with slightly better taste and a menu that takes in a host of classic dishes. For a plate that throws up forkfuls packed with pep, however, the Nasi Goreng is the stu to sample. Go to dimt.co.uk

Limehouse - Wapping - Whitechapel - Tower Hill

£8-£22

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping

GIG | Mercury Songs Performer-composers Emily Levy and Matthew Bourne lead a ve-piece ensemble in the world premiere of their work inspired by Julia Varley. Jul 7, 7pm, from £14.50, wiltons.org.uk

Where?

The George Tavern Whitechapel

| DJ Ania Magliano

The comedian and music enthusiast joins regular turntable slave Paul Richards for an evening of Talking Heads, The Cure and The Smiths. Jul 4, 11pm, £11.22, thegeorgetavern.london

GIG | Kevin Morby

Where? Troxy Limehouse

The American singer and songwriter is set to play Limehouse o the back of his latest album, Little Wide Open. Expect plenty of Midwestern avour. Jul 8, 7pm, from £37.05, troxy.co.uk

Replica Spanish vessel the Nao Victoria is set to arrive at St Katharine Docks on June 29 with visitors welcomed the following day until July 12. Tickets cost €9.20 for adults and €4.60 for kids aged 5-10 skdocks.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about the Nao Victoria or to book tickets to tour the ship

of a ticket to see

the plots

how CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation puts power in the audience’s hands as its cast try to solve the mystery

by Jon Massey

CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation invites the paying public to decide who, what, how and why as they participate in a fully improvised tale of murder and detectives.

ifferent every time, the show was first performed in in a pub in Moorgate and is set to return to Wilton’s Music Hall in July before once again transferring to the Edinburgh Fringe.

The current cast includes Lee Apsey, Steve Bond, James Cann, Kayleigh Cassidy, Isabelle Glinn, Sarah Kempton, Michael Kunze, Nicola Lucey, Mandeep Singh, and Kelsey Yuhara, who together will attempt to solve a mystery

customised and directed by prompts from the spectators.

Co-creator of CSI, Sarah Kempton said: “We’re so excited to be taking this fantastic show back to Wilton’s Music Hall and the Edinburgh Fringe.

“Improv is the ultimate live theatre. I think watching a team make up an exciting, funny and playful story in front of the audiences’ eyes is magical.”

The show, which has appeared at the likes of the Brighton Fringe and Leicester Comedy Festival, is set for a long run in Edinburgh

Scan this code to nd out more about the show

from ugust - at pm daily at the Underbelly Bristo Square. Following on from its run in Scotland, the troop will be solving more murders on tour with a date at the Stanley Arts Centre on ctober

Those who miss out can keep up with development via its website at crimsceneimpro.com.

key details

CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation is set to play out at Wilton’s Music all in apping on uly at pm

The show lasts minutes with no interval and the cast can vary depending on the performance. Standard tickets cost between £8 and Go to wiltons.org.uk for more details or to book tickets

Metres - the diameter of Luke’s spherical installation, which is made from stainless steel

Artist Luke Jerram stands with his piece Mirror Moon, now in place at the Royal Observatory

a re ection in

how Mirror Moon

allows people to lay hands on a facsimile of the lunar surface at Royal Observatory

by Jon Massey

Visitors to the Royal Observatory Greenwich can now run their hands over a 2m sculpture of our nearest celestial neighbour.

Mirror Moon by artist Luke Jerram reproduces the lunar surface in stainless steel and was o cially unveiled at the south-east London museum earlier this month.

Created using topographical data from NASA, the installations marks 350 years of the Royal Observatory, where generations of astronomers have studied the moon.

“For more than two

decades, the Royal Observatory Greenwich has been inspiration for my work as an artist and so it’s an absolute privilege to be commissioned to create this new sculpture for the Museum and to be part of its story,” said Luke, who is best known for his large scale in atable planet sculptures.

“I hope Mirror Moon will inspire generations of visitors to have an interest in contemporary science, art and the wonder of the night’s sky.’

Liz Avery, head of astronomy at the Royal Observatory, added: “The Moon has been a source of intrigue and wonder for centuries.  We are thrilled to be working with Luke to unlock some of its mysteries

through his Mirror Moon and share them with our visitors.”

The observatory is currently undergoing a series of major upgrade works running through to 2028, with phased closures of parts of the attraction.

key details

Access to Mirror Moon is included with entry to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, which typically costs £24 for adults and £12 for children.

Go to rmg.com

Scan this code to nd out more about Mirror Moon

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

EVENT | Woolwich Woofs Dog Show

Canines and their humans are invited once again to this fun and friendly competition. Entry is £5 for pooches hoping to snag a gong. Jul 11, noon, free, woolwich.works

STAGE | Bad Indian

Join Saaj Raja in the venue’s studio for this one man confessional show as the Bollywood dancer works up the material ahead of its full run. Jul 3-4, 7.30pm, £16.50, greenwichtheatre.org.uk

GIG | Robyn

The Swedish singer and songwriter is riding high on the back of ninth studio album Sexistential, which draws on her experience as a single mum. Jul 3, 6.30pm, from £56, theo2.co.uk

be quick

Woolwich Works is gearing up for a season of comedy across its venues including shows from Stuart Goldsmith and Will Adamsdale as well as a hook up with The Comedy Store and a live gig from the Scummy Mummies woolwich.works

Scan this code to nd out more about upcoming comedy shows at Woolwich Works in the coming weeks

how

the University Of Sunderland In London works to engage local communities to present its educational o er

by Jon Massey

Harpal Larr is a champion of education. In his role as student recruitment and conversion manager at the University Of Sunderland In London, he’s responsible for showcasing what the institution has to offer to prospective students. But beyond increasing the numbers enrolling at its Isle Of Dogs campus, there’s a wider mission.

“While a lot of other universities focus on selling their courses, our goal is uite different, he said. “We’re very conscious of the role that we play in the community.

“If we’re able to go into schools and colleges, e plain the benefits of studying at university and then see people decide to continue their education, then we’ve achieved something big, whether that s with us or somewhere else

Having opened its new £10million campus in 2025, the University Of Sunderland In London is, however, also preparing to showcase its facilities next month.

Based at Harbour Exchange, it offers a wide range of courses in business, management, finance, nursing, health, tourism and hospitality as well as opportunities for postgraduate research. To help students understand more about what s on offer, the university will host an open day on July 11 from 1pm-4.30pm.

“It will be run by our recruitment and admissions team with the support of student ambassadors, said arpal

“Students coming in on the day will get a presentation about life at university, an insight into what we offer here – not ust the courses, but also the support.

“There will be a video from our graduates, to give an idea of what students can go on to do too.

“Then there will be a chance for visitors to speak to our staff, get assistance with making applications and even help applying on the day, if they would like to.

“There will also be tours of the campus, to see all the different facilities to help prospective students make an informed decision.

“For us, a big part of that is the student ambassadors. They can give visitors real personal insight into what they can look forward to if they study with us.

“This will be our second open

day since we opened this campus. Having these facilities gives us a lot more to showcase and to offer so that prospective students and their families can really see what’s on offer

The university is well versed in dealing with the needs of a diverse student body that includes people coming from overseas to study in the UK as well as mature individuals seeking further education for a range of reasons including improved employment prospects.

“I studied marketing at Middlesex University and then found a natural route to working there in marketing, said arpal

“My role gave me experience across that department and I really liked student engagement, so became a manager there working on that before moving into recruitment.

I oined the niversity f Sunderland In London in 2021 in a similar role as we look to increase the number of people from the UK enrolling here.

“To achieve that, one of the things we do in our department is to go into schools and colleges in the community, as well as recruitment fairs, so we can talk to prospective students directly.

“It’s also to raise awareness of who we are and what we do – that we are located on the Isle Of Dogs right next to Canary Wharf.

“That we have that proximity to the financial district and the companies that are based there is to our advantage and it’s something we can really shout about.

“Our teams work really hard to engage with the businesses here to secure both expertise and work experience opportunities for our students that will help them in their careers.

“Just walking over to us from the station really opens their eyes to what we have here and the environment they will be studying in. The building we have now is also fantastic with facilities such as our mock hospital ward and our fintech lab

“One of the things we are looking for are more local education partners within a 10-mile radius that we can work with to help students find the right path

Harpal said that, beyond the courses on offer, the culture of the

Scan this code to nd out more about open days at the university

What I nd most rewarding is seeing students progress into jobs in the elds they’re gaining quali cations in Harpal Larr, UOSiL

university was also a key selling point.

“A lot of work goes into making students feel welcome here, whether they are international students or from the , he said hat I en oy here is the fact that the student body mixes very well, we have a lot of events and activities.

“We have a great student union space that hosts lots of activities and acts as a meeting space for those studying here.

hat I find most rewarding, however, is seeing students progress into obs in the fields they re gaining ualifications in I know from my personal experience how beneficial a university degree can be.

“It feels really good when you see people you’ve engaged with choose to come to your university and then to embark on a career that is aligned with the course they’ve been on.

“The teams here do a lot of work to ensure that our courses are giving graduates the skills they need in the workplace.

“We are constantly evolving our offering and there s a big emphasis on giving students practical experience that will be of use to them in their careers. I’d love anyone who’s interested to come along to our open day and see what we offer

key details

The next open day at the University Of Sunderland In London is set to take place at the Harbour Exchange campus on July 11 and will run from 1pm-4.30pm. Open days are also planned for September 12 and November 26.

The university also offers personal consultations that allow prospective students to explore the institution’s facilities and courses.

Those wishing to attend either an open day or a consultation can register online Go to london.sunderland.ac.uk for more information

Harpal Larr’s role at the University Of Sunderland In London is focussed on showcasing what the institution o ers to students

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

WORKSHOP | Moving Through Grief

Join Tahmina Hakimova-Rees in a safe supportive space to unpack what grief is and to learn how to support ourselves through it. Jul 1, 6pm-8pm, £20, poplarunion.com

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | Doom And Glitter XL

This pre-fringe live music show brings together sounds from Tom Waits with an extended set of rock and jazz covers with a dash of celtic fusion. Jul 11, 8pm, £12, space.org.uk

|

Theatreship Isle Of Dogs

Enjoy the sounds of three singular artists as they use voices, strings and electronic sounds to ll an evening with sunset, ambient folk. Jul 12, 4pm, £12, theatreship.co.uk

Squeeze co-founder Glenn Tilbrook is all set to play a special intimate gig at Theatreship with his son Leon for the Music Venue Trust’s Everywhere At Once festival on June 28. Miss it and the band are at The O2 in November theatreship.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about the gig via our interview with Glenn about why he’s supporting grassroots venues

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

COMEDY | Alison Zrada

Where?

The Pen Theatre South Bermondsey

The 2021 So You Think You’re Funny semi- nalist works up her latest show. The Oracle is all about seers and prophets as well as turning 30. Classical gags. Jul 8, 7.30pm, £7.21, thepentheatre.com

Where?

The Pen Theatre South Bermondsey

COMEDY | Bone Man Rides Again

Who is Bone Man? What does he have in his bag? We do know he’s from France. Beyond that, this horror comedy is an unscary mystery, apparently. Jul 14, 7.30pm, £8.30, thepentheatre.com

GIG | Jazz Satrudays

Where?

The Albany Deptford

Enjoy performances from students at Trinity Laban at this regular, family-friendly drop-in delivering a shot of live music to the community. Jul 4, 1pm, free, thealbany.org.uk

ash back

Vagabond Urban Winery is getting into its stride as it prepares for a rst harvest and a full year of operation. The venue is also a wine bar and events space, located at Dock Shed in Canada Water vagabondwines.co.uk

Scan this code to read our interview with Vagabond MD Christobell Giles to nd out more

how Little Yak provides comfort and a warm welcome for communities both sporting and artistic in Deptford

by Jon Massey

Little Yak in Deptford’s Creekside isn’t quite the same as its siblings. Opened a couple of years ago, the original plan was for a sports-focussed space more akin to A Herd Of Yaks’ establishments in Wembley and Elephant And Castle. Both of those are named Feed The Yak in tribute to totemic Nigerian striker Yakubu and a fan chant encouraging his teammates to pass him the ball that followed him throughout his career in the English leagues.

But the company’s founder, Sebastian O’Driscoll, is a cheerful laid back sort – a man content to let his bars find identities suited to their communities rather than the other way around.

“I’d been working in the third sector for a number of years, but I had a bit of a desire to set up my own thing,” he said. “So in 2014 I decided to jack it all in, took over a shipping container in Elephant And Castle and built a little sports bar in it with a friend.

“The Six Yard Box did really well over four years and we went on to open our first bricks and mortar bar – Feed The Yak – in 2018. Yakubu was this everyman footballer who seemed to have played for every mediocre club in England and that felt like very much the vibe.

“We wouldn’t get fans of Manchester United or Arsenal so much, we’d have disparate groups of Leeds or Aston Villa supporters. We were a little bit cult, a little bit fringe.

“While I dictated that vision onto the first Feed The Yak – I wanted it to be a sports bar – with our openings in Wembley and Deptford, things have been more organic. That really works because we’re not inspired by the kind of

We looked to the kind of cafe bars you nd in Spain, Portugal and Italy in smaller towns for inspiration

American sports bars that have 550,000 screens and serve wings. We looked to the kind of cafe bars you find in Spain, Portugal and Italy in smaller towns.

“These places are everything to their communities. They’re somewhere you can go for a drink, get something to eat and where everyone goes to watch the match because they have the big TV. Equally though, they’re the places where musicians will play and artists will showcase their work.”

Little Yak shares its space with Irish-Chinese takeaway Paddy Wok (paddywok.com) and global fusion foodie spot How Greedy (howgreedy.co.uk) and has taken an adaptive approach to appeal to the Deptford community.

Manager Phoebe Tallman, who has worked with Seb for seven years, is in charge of things and has led a redesign of the bar, bringing live music and DJs into the mix.

She said: “We wanted to make it more like a lounge – somewhere very comfortable – a third space away from home were people could come and see friends, relax, eat good food, have a drink and play board games. We’re also pet friendly.

“On the live music side, we have a group from Trinity Laban Conservatoire Of Music And Dance, who put on a regular night, which is really amazing. I’ve been blown away by the quality.

“It’s something we’d like to do more of, as well as poetry nights and things like that, because there’s a really well established artistic community here and building something for them is really important to us.

“We have local DJs too, who come down and mix their own tunes and a regular hip hop night that’s really popular.

“We also have a really good selection of beers – some crafty, but also standard lager.

“We wanted to be accessible and offer something for everyone on tap that would also go well with the food.

“Our assistant manager, Ed, has built a great little cocktail menu too with a lot of south American flavours such as Pisco Sours and Chilli Margaritas as well as a really good Espresso Martini.”

Seb, originally from Cork, is especially passionate about the stout, opting to stock Beamish, which has been brewed in his

Years since Sebastian O’Driscoll opened his rst bar in London. Another is set to launch in September

The bar is co-located with two food businesses and also boasts outdoor space

home town since rather than uinness nother Irish flavour, Mo’s Lager, is set to arrive at the venue in the coming days

It s gluten free and, because lots of our visitors are here to en oy Paddy ok s food, we think it will work well for that market, said Seb

The venue has not abandoned sport, opening a second bar outside with a big screen and late licences for fans to en oy matches during the orld Cup

“We’re not a very conventional venue to watch a game of football in – it’s not like going to the pub, which can sometimes feel a bit off putting, especially for people in the ueer community, for e ample, said Seb

“While we do serve alcohol, we also have lots of food options and non-alcoholic drinks – I hope we’re a welcoming space for everyone e really like welcoming different people

The manager of our lephant nd Castle bar, for e ample, is Colombian so we’ll be staying open late for all of Colombia s games and driving hard to welcome any e pats in ondon for those

rowth is also in the o ng for erd f Yaks as it prepares to open its latest bar in Stratford at ast ank

e ll be launching a pop-up there on une and then hoping to open in September, said Seb The plan is to marry the work we’ve done in all the other venues – it will be our largest space by far and we ll be aiming to serve the est am fans or

Little Yak has been designed as a comfy, welcoming space on Deptford Creekside

away supporters but also to have a compelling offering for the students at UCL East and the ondon College f Fashion

“We’re also looking to tap into the cultural venues like the V&A East Museum and Sadler’s Wells East and I hope, as an independent bar, we’re dynamic enough to do that

There are a lot of chains in that area and we want to offer something different, including kitchen residencies with up and coming chefs to give talented cooks a space in a place they might not otherwise be able to afford

“We’ve been so lucky in south-east ondon to be able to get involved with things like eptford ack In The reen and to welcome the community in opefully we can take that approach in Stratford too

key details

Little Yak is located at The Artworks Creekside in, well, Creekside a short walk from eptford ridge station

The venue is usually open Tuesday-Thursday from pm- pm, Fridays and Saturdays from pm to am and Sundays from pm to pm It is closed on Mondays

For full listings, visit the venue’s website or check @little_yak on Instagram

Go to thelittleyak.com

Scan this code to nd out more about Little Yak

how

Timewalk aims to astound and delight visitors with its depictions of ancient history at Immerse LDN

by Jon Massey

It’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right. Put your hands on your hips, you bring your knees in tight. But it’s the pelvic thrust that really drives you... No. Hang on. This is a preview of Timewalk Hot on the heels of House Of Dreamers, Immerse LDN has done it again with the unveiling of another attraction at Excel’s waterfront in Royal Docks.

hile M Museums offering has nothing to do with the Rocky Horror Show other than a tenuous similarity to the title of its catchiest song, the experience does promise “spectacular audio and visual storytelling”.

Billed as an immersive walkthrough, Timewalk takes visitors on a journey from Göbeklitepe (“the moment humanity moves beyond survival to create ritual, meaning, and collective consciousness,” apparently) to encounter the early civilisations of Babylon, Ancient Egypt, the Maya and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

The attraction uses “cinematic storytelling” with large-scale projections intended to recreate what it was like to be in some of these environments.

“Ancient civilisations represent an extraordinary heritage that has fundamentally reshaped everything we know about human history,” said Eda Bildiricioglu, CEO of DEM.

“We believe it is a great responsibility to present this heritage accurately to global audiences. At DEM, our core mission is storytelling through history.

“However, we do not do this through conventional methods; we transform it into immersive, multi-sensory experiences through advanced technology. We remind people of what has been forgotten and teach what is unknown.

“With 35 years of experience in visual and auditory technologies and having contributed to the realisation of 18 museums and cultural complexes, along with earning 15 global awards through the Hagia Sophia and Ephesus Experience Museums, our goal is to bring together the universal narratives of ancient civilisations.

“By interpreting these through a contemporary storytelling language, we aim to help visitors form deeper and more lasting connections with cultural heritage.”

£28.50

Starting price for a ticket to see Timewalk at Immerse LDN, which opens in July

Our core mission is storytelling through history. We remind people of what has been forgotten and teach what is unknown

Eda Bildiricioglu, DEM Museums

The exhibition is the latest attraction to be announced at Immerse LDN, with House Of Dreamers set to open this month.

Damian Norman, director, immersive entertainment at Excel London and Immerse LDN, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Timewalk and to collaborate with the multi award-winning team at DEM, a global leader in technology-driven cultural storytelling.

“Its unique approach to combining historical research with advanced immersive technologies is redefining how audiences engage with heritage at scale.

“Since launching, Immerse LDN has introduced more than 10 groundbreaking immersive experiences to London, selling 1.7million tickets and further cementing the capital’s reputation as a world-leading destination for immersive entertainment and cultural experiences.

“Timewalk represents another significant step in that ourney, bringing a truly world-class cultural experience to the heart of the city.”

Visitors will, of course, decide for themselves whether the time slip will prove a bit of a mind flip and leave them spaced out on sensation. With apologies to Richard O’Brien.

key details

Timewalk is set to open at Immerse LDN at Excel’s Waterfront in Royal Victoria Dock on July 23. Ticket prices for the exhibition start at £28.50, with booking now open.

The attraction will be open daily from 10am-7pm daily and lasts between an hour and 90 minutes.

Go to timewalkexhibition.com for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about Timewalk

strolling through the

past present stu you’ll see

>> Without completely ruining the experience, visitors to Timewalk can expect to do the following:

● Sail the Nile at sunset as Ancient Egypt unfolds and encounter ideas of cosmic balance and the pursuit of immortality

● Discover the cultural and spiritual signi cance of the Moai statues on Rapa Nui

● Gain insight into the Maya’s understanding of the universe through mathematics, astronomy and cyclical time

● Get to grips with Babylonian systems of knowledge, urbanisation and the emergence of order in the ancient world

Left, an artist’s impression of Timewalk, which will feature the Moai statues of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island

on things to do, places to go, people to see

SWIM | Royal Docks Summer Splash

The free lido returns to Royal Victoria Dock complete with sandpits, deckchairs and a sun-safe area for anyone who wants to relax by the water. Jul 24-Aug 16 , 11am-5pm, free, royaldocks.london

The trade show for the fragrance and beauty industries is set to come to east London in July with more than 4,000 visitors expected. Jul 1-2, 10am, registration, excel.london

| Art Of Dark Celebrating 15 years, the party comes to Star Lane with the likes of Binh, Reptant, Tommy Pickles, Richard Gregory in Fold’s main room. Jul 4, 11pm-10am, from £28.80, ra.co EVENT | Tones Of Beauty

House Of Dreamers is set to welcome visitors when it opens at Excel on June 26. The exhibition promises 16 installations and AI moments for those wandering its immersive halls. Tickets start at £15.90

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

GIG | Kanpur: 1857

Where?

Stratford East

Stratford

Based on an Indian uprising against British colonial forces, this new play satirises contemporary con icts around gender, colonial violence and making art. Jul 8, 7.30pm,from £10, stratfordeast.com

Where?

Sadler’s

Wells East

Stratford

STAGE | Songs Of The Bulbul Sadler’s Wells associate artist Aakash Odedra takes inspiration from an ancient Su story about a captured songbird that sings an exquisite tune before perishing. Jul 7-11, 7.30pm, from £19, sadlerswells.com

EVENT | Sound And Silence Festival

Where?

Hackney Wick multiple venues

This alcohol-free, community-led event features, sound, music, movement, experiences and workshops with a strong focus on connection. Jul 12, 10am-10pm, donations, hackneybridge.org

free music

The Music Is Black Festival has arrived at East Bank with three free weekends of live performance scheduled for the coming months as Stratford’s new cultural titans collaborate around V&A East Museum’s exhibition queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with East Bank director Tamsin Ace and nd out more

how the Made By Many Collective in Hackney Wick presents a platform for local creatives to showcase products to customers

by Jon Massey

There’s no question that a l Yuceloglu and Louise Nornes make a formidable team hile the former has e perience in the petrol industry, banking, life coaching, dog walking, publishing and te tiles, the latter is variously a marketeer, a singer, a vocal coach, a bandleader a songwriter and a eweller with a degree in fashion design

aving met at The Trampery Fish Island in ackney ick and participated in a summer market together, the pair teamed up to create

The Fishmas Shop – a festive winter pop-up in ecember last year

e found that the summer market was fun and we wanted to do it again – we d got the bug, said ouise, originally from orway but now living in Forest ate e asked The Trampery for a space because they have many studios here and occupiers rotate, so there was potential a , originally from Turkey and a proud native of ackney ick, added ight before Christmas they told us we could have one, so we contacted a lot of creators and ran the show It turned out really well because it was local People in this area know one another and want to support each other

The pop-up was a success and it sparked a desire in the duo to go further

t Fishmas, lots of people discovered studios and makers that they didn t know were here, said ouise e had almost no budget to put it on – we were using it as a test case and found that people had an appetite for it

s we re creative people ourselves, we know it s di cult to get e posure for your products in a low-risk way ots of people buy mass-produced items but we know makers really want to engage with their customers Creativity, culture and community go together but they also help support people locally a added fter Christmas we sat down and found it had been fun and that it had worked e wondered if we could take it one step further eighbours and creatives who were involved kept asking us what we were doing ne t That was encouraging and everybody had left the shop very happy and had en oyed the e perience e thought that trying again in summer would be nice, so we approached The Trampery again – who have been very generous – and they gave us the green light for a space from uly

until ugust This time we ve e panded what we re doing

The creatives and small businesses will still be there, with an affordable way to show their wares, but this time we ll have more room including a dedicated space for workshops

It will also be a place for networking, for meeting your neighbours osted at The Trampery Fish Island s Studio , the pop-up has also had a re-brand Fishmas was a very nice Christmassy name but no good for all-yearround, said a e re hosting this as the Made y Many Collective – everything is made by people, so it works and we want to grow as well ouise added e have two floors this time, which is very e citing People will walk in to the shop and then upstairs on the mezzanine there will be workshops

For sale there will be pottery in different styles from people working at a local studio, ewellery featuring lots of silver and gems and products from a wide variety of other makers using all sorts of techni ues There will also be fashion and art to buy

“It’s important to us that this is a retail space rather than a market so the price level customers have in mind isn t limited and reflects the many hours creatives put into their pieces

Part of the motivation for organising the pop-up shop for a and ouise is to help support local makers, so their talents aren t lost in the inevitable march of change and regeneration

It s great that people are coming into this area and many of the e isting buildings are not in the condition they should be, said ouise ut with regeneration, some of the studio space that is here is not being replaced and that means some creatives are being priced out

It s important to protect the heritage we have here and to bring the community into that lot of people agree that a line should be drawn before the big corporations move in because that doesn t benefit the people who are here

If you re a maker, we want to lower the barriers that often prevent emerging brands and independent creatives from accessing retail opportunities to help them build businesses through community, collaboration and visibility

a added Most people want to

Scan this code to nd out more about Made By Many Collective

If you’re a maker, we want to lower the barriers that often prevent emerging brands and independent creatives from accessing retail opportunities

Louise Nornes, Made By Many Collective

support local businesses Customers don t mind paying p more for a coffee because they want to help their neighbour e want people around us to be successful and there s a feeling of safety in that too s for the future, a and ouise are already thinking about more events and the possibility of a permanent space orld domination is the ultimate goal, said a ut first, the ne t step will be another pop-up and then, hopefully, a retail space for new businesses and small producers e re also hoping to get some support from Tower amlets Council ouise added e have very big ambitions, which all started with us selling together at a market ver the five weeks in the summer, visitors to Made y Many Collective will be able to browse products from Cone ceramicists and one Studios ewellers as well as collaborations with local cheese shop rie Yourself e ll be working with local businesses to deliver a programme of workshops during the pop-up and details of these will be made available via Instagram, said a ne of the aims of the pop-up is also is to build a network of makers, artists and independent creatives If you re working alone, you re the C and the anitor in your company and that can be hard ouise added It can be especially challenging if you re not in your home country or you re from a minority background, so bringing people together is important In the future, we want to bring e perts in to offer help and guidance so that our programmes will ultimately be developed by the people we work with and to be useful to them

key details

The Made y Many Collective pop-up is set to run at Studio at The Trampery Fish Island from uly until ugust Visit @madebymanyshop on Instagram for full details including workshop booking links

Stratford - Mile End - Bow - Hackney Wick

Weeks the Made By Many Collective will be in place at Fish Island in Hackney Wick

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

crossword

Cryptic

Across

7. Much renown from a confused cleat (5)

8. Tiring car part? (7)

9. Fixers for necessary foodstuffs

10. Took the exam again? Look hard, it’s a mix-up (5)

12. Optimum vendor makes a lot of money (10)

15. Intended coupling is a hindrance, we hear (10)

18. Change the drain to hit rock-bottom (5)

19. Automatic keyboard? (7)

21. Sounds like second class estimate was attacked (7)

22. This vermin has a sauce, sort of (5)

Down

1. Austen’s convincing novel (10)

2, 17. Dickens’ depressing domicile? (5,5)

3. Key at bottom left (4) 4. A messed up apartment that’s always owing (6)

5. Odd number for Orwell’s clocks? (8)

6. Strong molluscs, we hear (7)

11. An ending that will always be back (10)

13. Scratchy record company? Leave! (8)

14. Snooker cue rests, from Mars (7)

16. Miserable motorbikes, almost? (6)

17. See 2 dn.

20. Jumble the maps to make things louder (4)

beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy

Quick

Performer (5)

Hardening towards (7)

Illegal (7)

Spirit measure (5)

Extreme hunger (10)

Tax forms (3,7)

Wild West show (5)

Athletic spear (7)

Throw out (5)

Superseding (6,4)

Stop unexpectedly (5)

____ Clapton, guitarist (4)

Conqueror (6)

German motorway (8)

Move away from (4)

SWR BUSINESS DIRECT: MEET YOUR ORGANISATION’S TRAVEL NEEDS

Get great value on company travel with SWR Business Direct - a train service platform that gives you full control over booking, planning, and managing your team’s business travel.

Using the service is simple. Buy tickets from any train company across the country, use your unique passcode to collect your tickets from the station, and enjoy your journey!

WHY BUSINESS DIRECT?

* No fixed contract

*No signing on or booking fees

* Book, plan, and manage your journey(s) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

* Book train travel for anywhere in Britain

* Set up an account and complete the online training in as little as 20 minutes

* Get full access to a team on hand to assist with bookings, training and queries

* Create your own reporting flows and download reports in just a few clicks

* Record reasons for travel, client tracking, departmental authorisation, and more

* Create and manage business travel policies

* Track your company’s carbon footprint

* Track your team’s whereabouts using a centralised dashboard

* Download expense receipts

* Use any card to collect tickets

REAP THE BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

SIT BACK AND RELAX

•Travel in a stress-free environment, and enjoy the views.

SAVE MONEY

•See the cheapest rates for your chosen travel time, and save even more by booking in advance and travelling o peak.

STAY CONNECTED

•Enjoy on-board Wi-Fi, available on most UK trains.

HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

•Trains emit between 66-75% fewer carbon emissions than cars.

SAVE TIME

•Most stations are central, making it easy to get to where you need to be, without wasting time nding a parking spot.

ENJOY TRAVEL FLEXIBILITY

•Travelling o -peak means there are more travel time options.

STAY COVERED

•Get compensation or a refund if your train was delayed or cancelled.

www.southwesternrailway.com/business

BUSINESS DIRECT: THE SOLUTION TO BOOKING RAIL TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS