Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28

Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

+ Martin Gettings on how Canary Wharf is getting ever greener Page 12

inside issue 40

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf - Joe Blake’s - Neat Burger YY London - 1023 West - 10 George Street Newham’s Yard - The Factory Project - Hysterical Enderby House - Crystal Dagger Games Chris Ezekiel - David Lefevbre Sell - Puzzles

rom to go f e Where – support th s 2 e 1 s s April f ’s busine Whar ey begin to as th en up op 2-11 Pages

out inside

how Third Space is taking The Yard into the fresh air, with classes open to all Pages 6-7

celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness

Image by Matt Grayson – find more of his work at graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

Fast, affordable, conveyancing services Call our team on 020 7205 4021 or email cmiller@kiddrapinet.co.uk, ypatel@kiddrapinet.co.uk or mzvarykina@kiddrapinet.co.uk

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

read

feast your eyes on these

four focus

support your local institutions Where?

Columbus Courtyard Canary Wharf

PLAY | Minigolf The course and clubs return as warmer weather means free minigolf in Canary Wharf. The only question is how low can you get your score?

From April 15, Thurs-Sun, noon-6pm, canarywharf.com

Welcome to the April issue of Wharf Life. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information about events featured, but please check with the organisers as things can change quickly as lockdown comes to an end. Keep supporting local businesses

08

food and drink at Boisdale in the open air

We chat to Neat Burger co-founder Zack Bishti ahead of its opening

by Jon Massey

Where?

Across The Estate Canary Wharf

I

WALK | The Canary Of The Wharf Tea Dance For Little People is putting together a family trail in time for Easter complete with audio guide. Go online for full details.

From April 1, canarywharf.com Where?

Canada Place Canary Wharf

BUY | Badiani Gelato OK, we’re going to tempt fate – with warmer weather expected, treat yourself to what is, hands down, the best gelato on the Wharf.

Open daily, badiani1932.com

t’s been a rough year for hospitality and Boisdale Of Canary Wharf has faced more than its fair share of upset as unexpected lockdowns have repeatedly scotched its plans for reopening.

Always going its own way, the restaurant bar and music venue is set to reopen its terrace for dining and drinks on April 13 – a day later than restrictions permit.

Looking to the future, with indoor opening expected from May, owner Ranald Macdonald and the team have already put togetehr a line up of acts to entertain including Leee John of Imagination, the Brand New Heavies, Gabrielle, Rebecca Ferguson and even Chesney Hawkes.

Also, book now for Jools Holland’s Boogie Woogie And Blues spectacuWolford, £30 lar on July 21.

Go to boisdale.co.uk for more information

10 Boisdale owner Ranald Macdonald can’t wait to welcome Wharfers back Scan this code for more information or to make a booking at Boisdale’s terrace

a thank you Reader Sue Kenten has asked Wharf Life to print the following message: “I’d like to thank a young couple who came to my rescue on March 11 when, at about 8am, a very dangerous gale-force wind threw me to the ground in a colonnade by the Credit Suisse building and blew me along the pavement. With no-one else around, I am very grateful to these anonymous helpers.”

If you’d like to thank someone locally, email info@wharf-life.com with the details

eat up

sign up here to get Wharf Life’s free fortnightly e-edition and newsletter Popping up in Reuters Plaza, Rudie’s Jerk Shack has joined the vibrant selection of kiosks already available. Wharfers can expect jerk chicken, curry goat served in boxes for around £10 rudieslondon.com Scan this code to find out more about Rudie’s Jerk Shack or to order online for delivery want more? @wharflifelive

Why YY? How an iconic building is being refreshed

12

A few facts you might not know about Canary Wharf

the joy of six Every issue Wharf Life covers six areas surrounding Canary Wharf to bring you the best of what’s going on beyond the estate From Page 29

get in touch

correct us

Editorial email info@wharf-life.com call 07765 076 300 Advertising email jess.maddison@wharf-life.com call 07944 000 144

Our editorial team works hard to ensure all information printed in Wharf Life is truthful and accurate. Should you spot any errors that slip through the net or wish to raise any issues about the content of the publication, please get in touch and we will investigate

Go to wharf-life.com for more information

Email info@wharf-life.com

we want to hear from you

need something fixed?

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

3

Canary Wharf

on the radar

doing the deals

get more for less in and around the Wharf

need to know

20%

Get ready for MamaLan coming to a kiosk in Reuters Plaza soon – Wharfers can expect wings, baos, noodles and bubble tea from this micro chain, created by a mother and daughter, that already operates branches in Clapham and Brixton Village mamalan.co.uk

30

Pure in Canada Place has introduced click and collect platform Pure+more offering 20% off. First month is free, then £4.99 a month after order.pure.co.uk

34

Crystal Dagger Games on creating Crypt Of Chaos

Soon Wharfers will be able to find Italian flavours at 10 George Street on Wood Wharf as Mercato Metropolitano opens up a 600sq ft food market over two floors of the tower. The shop is expected to open in the summer mercatometropolitano.com

How John Armitage’s Guitar Hospital looks after instruments

treat

32

How Sophia Bayram follwed her dream to open a familyfriendly cafe and toy shop at Chrisp Street Market in Poplar with help from Well Grounded and Notes

Not an offer, but you really need to visit one of the branches of Brera in Canary Wharf – nothing says celebration like its cakes and desserts cafebrera.com

get in touch to find out how we can help your business reach out to our audience

email advertising@wharf-life.com to find out how we can help you reach our audience through our 15,000 papers or directly via letterbox

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

Canary Wharf

write me

H

style it

words you don’t know you need

diaryarrea noun, fake, from Anglo Saxon

Arranging far too many meetups, socially distanced drinks, picnics, salons, reunions and catch-ups for your diary to handle as lockdown restrictions are relaxed and the pull of a social life reasserts itself

mizpah

noun, real, from Hebrew The deep emotional bond felt between people – especially those separated by great distance – something many of us will have felt in spades over the past 12 months. Let’s hope the end is near

Canary Playsuit

by Sika £185

Help your loved ones to help you kiddrapinet.co.uk/understandinganlpa

You can’t control what the future holds, but you can control who makes decisions on your behalf.

Download our FREE guide to MAKING A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY (LPA) Book a consultation with Tatiana Zenia today on 020 7925 0303 or email tzenia@kiddrapinet.co.uk

ow has the sustainability movement affected the fashion industry? Some consumers are overlooking fast fashion retailers such as Boohoo to purchase higher-end quality goods that will last for longer.

A study in 2020 by sustainable menswear label Labfresh found the average Brit throws away about 3.1kg of textiles every year with 1.7kg going to landfill.

So, I thought it was about time I channelled my inner Greta ThunLevi’s hemp range, is berg and found some sources of available now online sustainable fashion locally. or, hopefully, soon Arket – a Nordic lifestyle brand in Canary Wharf that has a store in Westfield Stratford City – offers a wide assortment of fashion for adults and kids and welcomes donations of clothing, shoes and textiles at its branches for recycling. In return, the donor receives a 10% discount on Arket’s products.

Denim brand Levi’s website says: “You are what you wear”, and has recently introduced a new range of “water-saving, tree-loving, waste-reducing styles”.

The firm reports that 3,781litres of water are used during the production and lifespan of one pair of its 501 jeans, with 33.4kg of CO2 emitted.

This includes growing the cotton, processing the denim and washing at home. As a result, the brand has switched to using hemp as its preferred raw material.

Compared to cotton, it grows quicker, uses less water and leaves behind cleaner, healthier soils. Levi’s store in Canary Wharf will be allowed to open on April 12 – online shopping is available in the meantime.

Those wanting to be more sustainable in their fashion choices can also check out vintage shops as opposed to buying new. Greenwich Market-based 360 Degrees Vintage has fantastic gear from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, currently on sale via Facebook.

Also in Greenwich, Cherry Picked boutique often stocks Sika – a brand that has a celebrity client list including Jamelia, Emma Bunton and Louise Redknapp. Its stunning colourful designs are hand-sewn in Ghana, with all involved in production paid a fair living wage.

Following the pandemic, the need to look after the planet and each other feels stronger than ever. Becoming an eco friendly fashionista doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Enjoy having a clear conscience while looking amazing.

Natasha Maddison @pazzanatasha on Insta

treat yourself a sharp delight

Raspberry Nata Joe Blake’s, Canada Place, £2 Is it possible to improve on the gooey sweetness of a classic custard tart? The soft pastry, the creamy, semi-set filling, the tiny release as the skin on top yields under the pressure of the first bite.

Well, for those of us who like things a little sharper, this could be the answer. The inclusion of fresh raspberries, their juice bleeding across the surface of the case adds greater complexity – a rush of sourness on the tongue – to an already agreeable experience.

Since arriving in Canary Wharf, Joe Blake’s has bounced around in its offering. There were the days when all it served were cruffins – joyous, but overwhelming.

Visit now and you’ll find a generous spread of treats at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Go to joeblakes.com Jon Massey

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

5

Republic A State of Independence for an Independent State of Mind Calling all local retailers!

Independent & local operators wanted for final five Retail /Restaurant / Leisure units (800 to 10,000 sq ft).

Office occupiers include Digital Media, International Telecoms, Co-working, Universities & Start-ups.

Contact Steven Stedman: steven.stedman@cbre.com Jake Stace: jake@cfcommercial.co.uk Laurence Jones: Laurence@trilogyproperty.com www.republic.london

Preferred uses include: Bike Shops, Barbers, Hairdressers, Craft Breweries/Distilleries, Florists, Tattoo Shops, Medical, Recording Studios & all others considered.

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

36

virtual viewpoint

by Chris Ezekiel

how Third Space is warming up to a full reopening with outdoor classes at Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge

Yard WODs on the timetable every week at Third Space in Canary Wharf Third Space has

placed two marquees in Bank Street Park where members and non-members can take part in WODs, cycling and Yoga

by Jon Massey

Chris says perseverance is the key to achieving great things whether in business or space travel

I

’ve been amazed at the images being beamed back from Mars by NASA’s Perseverance rover – a fantastic achievement of human endeavour. The previous NASA rover was called Curiosity, and landed on the red planet in 2012. It remains in operation to this day.

Both machines are aptly named. We often talk about the differences between humans and animals, but it’s the basic animal instincts of curiosity and perseverance that are a common thread all species share.

If we survive curiosity (remember the cat), it’s perseverance that drives us to reach our goals.

Whether it’s hunting our prey, winning over our partner or beating the competition in business, this quality Creativity and genius is the single most important attribute for pale into insignificance success. when compared to Much is credited to creativity and genius perseverance – I when it comes to growing a successful can vouch for that business, but these first hand pale into insignificance Chris Ezekiel, Creative Virtual when compared to perseverance. Having run Creative Virtual for more than 17 years, I can vouch for that first-hand. What’s incredible is seeing the results when perseverance works at a team level – then truly great things can be achieved.

There’s no better example of this than the amazing vaccine progress that is currently being unleashed on the world, to hopefully get us through this awful pandemic soon.

However, mankind’s monumental challenge is to find a new home, around a new star, before our Sun perishes in about five billion years.

The Moon and Mars are stepping stones as humanity makes tentative moves into the vast universe, and that’s why these NASA missions are so important to our ultimate survival. Being able to travel millions of light years aboard the next Noah’s Ark, will be the ultimate test of our perseverance.

“

Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at West India Quay’s Cannon Workshops Scan this code for more information about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on Twitter

W

hisper it softly.

As the blossom on the trees unfurls, the world is waking up. The brakes are coming off as lockdown lifts – hopefully for the last time. The anticipation in the air for a gradual return to normality is almost tangible.

April 12 is the date on most minds – not least those who have been stuck trying to exercise at home using tins of beans in place of weights. It’s the day when gyms and pools, alongside most shops and outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants, are set to reopen their doors and Third Space in Canary Wharf can’t wait to welcome its members back.

So much so, in fact, that it’s already running a selection of its fitness classes outside (in line with government guidelines) under two specially constructed marquees in Bank Street Park.

“The idea was, with outdoor sports and exercise allowed from March 29, to look after our members and give them somewhere to train,” said Third Space managing director John Penny.

“We know 50% of them like to go to classes and, under the roadmap out of lockdown, that won’t be permitted indoors until May 17, even though our clubs will be open from April 12.

“One of the challenges with the outdoor sessions is that you can’t take enough equipment out there to offer all of your signature programmes, so we wanted to get the right mix.

“We’re picked three of our most popular and different disciplines – Yoga for the mind and body and cycling because lots of people like it. Those will alternate in one of the tents with the other dedicated to the Crossfit-inspired Yard WOD

“

The idea was to give our members somewhere to train. We know 50% like to go to classes and that won’t be permitted indoors until May 17 John Penny, Third Space

(workout of the day), which will change on a daily basis.

“Members from any of our sites can come to the outdoor sessions once they’ve reactivated their memberships. We know people will travel for it, especially at the weekends, and we think it’s something people will take advantage of.”

For the first time, Third Space is also allowing non-members to book into its classes, although this only applies to the outdoor ones.

“We’re a members’ club and we’ve always been pretty firm about that,” said John. “Of course, members can use passes to bring guests into the gym and to classes but, for this particular project, we thought it would be nice – especially for the Canary Wharf community – for people to be able to come and try a Third Space concept. It also means members can easily bring their friends along.

“Our group exercise instructors are really excited to be coming back to teach early.”

The outdoor exercise classes last 45 minutes and are bookable for non-member drop-ins via thirdspace.london at a cost of £20.

O

pening on April 12 remains Third Space’s key focus, however, as it prepares to welcome members back at all of its locations with personal training, swimming pools, full gym facilities and bookable studios available.

“We expect the reopening to go very well, particularly having had the experience of previous lockdowns,” said John.

“First time around there was a lot to be done – putting new booking systems in place, making sure we had the right stuff in the right place and ensuring we had the correct cleaning protocols.

“Now it’s far easier – we have everything there already so the members feel comfortable. As a premium, luxury brand we were very focused on cleaning before the pandemic – then with Covid, clean became the new cool.

“We had feedback from people who joined us last year to say how impressed they were with the level of hygiene and the spacious facilities at our clubs.

“We’ve taken time during the most recent closure to do some refurbishments in some of our clubs – some painting and decorating – and to bring in more

Third Space managing director John Penny began his career as a trainer before moving into the management of fitness venues giving him broad experience in the field

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

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Canary Wharf

opening up

visit these venues from April 12

fresh

equipment and new concepts.

We’ve also significantly developed our app and we’re doing a lot of work on digital programming – it’s delivering Third Space beyond our walls.

“You can train in The Yard with us and that’s where, in my view, you’ll always have the best e perience the community, the equipment, the camaraderie, the team and the fellow-members.

“But now we’ve developed a digital product that allows our members to plug in and do a WOD or a Yoga class, see our trainers and en oy the programming and instruction anywhere ersonally, always felt that was something was missing if was on holiday or away “There are three pillars to coming back– the club with its innovation, equipment and instruction – the outdoor venture which is something new to us but it’s already popular in the States and there’s the digital offering Third Space’s trainers have been working hard in a dedicated studio in Canary Wharf to build the app’s library of on-demand workouts and John said the club was looking at the possibility of digital-only memberships.

“Being able to train online encourages new people to come and e perience fitness, as well as e isting gym-goers who can e ercise in other places, he said

With settled weather expected from mid-April (says the Met Office) here are some places to enjoy outside, plus a gym to repair the damage Where?

Park Pavilion Canary Wharf

TERRACE | The Parlour The busiest of Drake & Morgan’s Canary Wharf bars is all set for the 12th, with bookings being taken for tables now. The Sipping Room will also be opening.

Scan this code for more information about The Parlour or to make a booking

Where?

Mackenzie Walk Canary Wharf

ITALIAN | Amerigo Vespucci We’re delighted to report that Canary Wharf’s oldest restaurant is set to open up its terrace from April 12. Expect more than a few Aperol Spritzes.

D

air and flexibility

Third Space has also been developing its app, which now features a library of more than 300 workouts on-demand by its elite team of trainers

own the line, Third Space is also looking to the future, with plans to develop the digital side of Natural Fitness Food – the already popular nutritional arm of its business, which has branches in the Canary Wharf club and Canada lace all on the estate ohn, who arrived in Canary Wharf in 2006 as general manager of Reebok Sports Club, rising to D before the facility rebranded as Third Space, said: “We have big ambitions We offer a great uality product that members en oy and we work very hard to achieve that, but there are parts of London, both residential and financially driven that still lack that. We’ve got our eye on a pipeline “Now it’s about re-establishing the business with one eye on the future so we can bring Third Space’s traditional full service health offering fitness, personal training, group exercise, swimming and medical – to places that don’t have that onthly individual membership at Canary Wharf costs

Scan this code for more information on Third Space

Scan this code for more information about Amerigo Vespucci

Where?

Canada Square Canary Wharf

BAR | The Grandstand Bar Completely geared up for social distancing and outdoor refreshment, this Canary Wharf favourite is also set to return as restrictions relax in April Scan this code for more information about The Grandstand Bar and its 2021 offering

Where?

Crossrail Place Canary Wharf

DRINK | Grab A Coffee It may just be for a takeaway, but if you’re in need of a caffeine fix, there are few simpler pleasures than a Notes in the open air Scan this code for more information about Notes in Canary Wharf any beyond

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

opening up

visit these venues from April 12 Whether it’s wine, waxing, weighlifting or a wild mop that needs taming, these businesses are all standing ready to help out Where?

Mackenzie Walk Canary Wharf

WINE | Humble Grape Set to reopen its terrace for outdoor dining and drinks on April 12, this wine shop, bar and restaurant is taking bookings now.

Scan this code for more information on Humble Grape or to make a booking

Where?

Jubilee Place Canary Wharf

tidy the

alternative

how Neat Burger is expanding across London with a branch set to open in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place in June

by Jon Massey

HAIR | Jon Hala We probably all need a little grooming after the latest, gruelling period of lockdown. Fortunately Jon and his team are ready and waiting to rescue.

Scan this code for more information about Jon Hala or to make a booking

Where?

Jubilee Place Canary Wharf

FITNESS | Awakn The brand has launched its Reloaded Pack for £110 offering unlimited outdoor training from Mar 29, gym from April 12 and classes from May 17.

Scan this code for more info on the offer, which covers training in April and May or more on Awakn

Where?

One Canada Square Canary Wharf

GROOMING | Perfect Waxing Offering a full range of services, for women and men, this beauty salon is located right at the heart of the estate and is taking bookings now.

Scan this code for more information about Perfect Waxing or to make a booking

£6.49

Price for a standard cheese burger at Neat (50p more for spice)

T

he products pictured on these pages may look similar to those served

by Shake Shack and Five Guys. But they’re Neat, not meat. Backed by F1 plant-based powerhouse Lewis Hamilton, who turned vegan in , edgling fast food chain Neat Burger launched in 2019 with a clear mission – to become the largest plant-based restaurant brand in the world.

To that end, it’s already expanding rapidly, setting up “cloud kitchens” across the capital to serve the home delivery market.

Having already launched one in Blackwall to cover east London, Neat is also set to open a restaurant in Cabot Place in June. art of the Cream roup, known for running nightclubs and bars, co-founder ack ishti said We specialise in immersive hospitality and I’ve carried that into the DNA of eat asking how we can take a standard operation and inject some excitement into it.

We’re all about escapism creating an experience that’s more than just a transaction.”

The idea behind Neat is to capitalise on the growing trend away from eating meat by offering a plant-based alternative that appeals to carnivores and the increasing number of e itarians We felt that was the real story, said ack eople who are trying to eat less meat, whether it’s for the environment, for animals or for their health.

“That really excited us because we’d seen it in so many people we knew. For many, many years there was this demand but I think the products weren’t up to scratch.

“There were always compromises that had to be made. As humans we’re fickle and we often

don’t like that We launched in the right place at the right time – the products are great now. think they are like-for-like you can have the best of both worlds.”

That eat looks and feels like the chains at the premium end of the burger market is no coincidence – its aim is to tempt and convert customers with familiar sounding products.

When it comes to the menu we have seven hero items that have been born of nostalgia the taste you get from a classic burger, said ack You’ve got the right cheesy, meaty avours and a great our bun t’s one of the things that drove our business before anything – getting the products right.

What we have are great core items that you crave that comfort that you want from a burger Whether you’re coming back from a night out or you’re hungover on a Sunday and want some Deliveroo – Neat Burger is your go-to place.” ack believes the time is now right for plant-based burgers to take on the heavyweight, international brands. e said We want food that’s going to hug you, that itches that spot, that’s delicious.

While our plant-based burgers are healthier than meat, you can’t survive on them alone – only as

For many, many years there was demand but I think the products weren’t up to scratch.

Now they are like-for-like – the best of both worlds Zack Bishti, Neat Burger

Nuggets that have never been near a bird

Neat’s meatless Chick’n Burger

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

9

Canary Wharf

part of a balanced diet. But it’s when you look at the water usage and the land required to create a kilo of meat it gets scary.

“Also, I don’t know if it’s because we’ve got puppies, but there’s real weight in the decision to eat meat, for me.

“I think now, with social media those messages hit home harder than ever and you really start to understand the importance of the decisions you make, particularly when it comes to your food choices. That’s why we’re now seeing a space where commerce and consciousness can meet.

“Businesses have historically had to compromise and sacrifice but now we’re at a place where you don’t. You can make decisions where you’re not ethically compromised.

“There’s a drum that’s been beating for a long time and people are beginning to hear it louder and louder. More and more are marching to the same tune.

“We’re starting to look at the world beyond our generation and making decisions like this is part of the story. We want to prove to people that it’s a lot easier than they think to give up meat.

“My personal favourite on the menu is the chick’n When first

Scan this code for more on Neat Burger

Neat Burger likes to reinforce its messages via the packaging of its products

tried it I was a bit scared, I thought I was being pranked when our culinary team brought it to me.

I think it does a great, great job of being a meat alternative. That’s shared by our Filet-No-Fish. They both are frighteningly similar to the real thing.

“My long term stance is bullish.

I think going out, eating together and drinking together is not going away. I think there’s huge pent up demand. If you’ve got the ambition and you’re confident enough, I think it’s going to be good when we open up.”

Neat is also taking further steps to help the planet, promising to plant a tree for each sale it makes.

“We work with Eden Reforestation Projects and we love what they’re doing,” said Zack. “I’d hate to do an inauthentic initiative.

“But Eden really sat well with us – it felt like something we could really keep up for the distance. Big changes happen with consistent application – lots of small steps repeated.”

Spring ahead of your competition with award-winning customer support.

Neat Burger’s core aim is to convince people to eat less meat or to give it up completely

info@creativevirtual.com | 020 7719 8332 www.creativevirtual.com

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

30

legal matters

by Kirsty Tufrey

Years since 30 South Colonnade was originally built

face the changing

of a landmark

As the world slowly opens up, Kirsty says firms need to consider the new UK immigration system

A

t the beginning of January, a new immigration system launched in the UK, affecting the way businesses can recruit overseas nationals. Given the impact on travel due to Covid-19 and the downturn in the economy, many employers had put a hold on recruitment throughout the last 12 months.

They are therefore yet to be exposed to the new requirements and processes they must follow. As the world begins to slowly open up and companies attempt to get back on their feet, this will be an important consideration for many.

UK businesses that wish to recruit European nationals Avoiding the are now required to hold a sponsor licence potentially devastating and prospective EU £20,000 penalty for employees are subject to the same set of rules each illegally employed as individuals from any other country outside worker could be crucial of the UK. to the survival of a firm Under the new Kirsty Tufrey, Kidd Rapinet system, all new hires must also have a job offer for a skilled role.

They also must be able to demonstrate the required level of English, unless they have permission to work under another visa category.

Businesses accustomed to hiring workers from outside of Europe will find the system to be similar to the old Tier Two route, but will note more flexibility for employing skilled workers.

Since December last year, the skill threshold is now lower with roles such as au-pairs, PAs and retail, bar and hotel managers being eligible for sponsorship.

While the new system introduces plenty of opportunity to rely on the overseas labour market, in these difficult times, avoiding the potentially devastating £20,000 penalty for each illegally employed worker could be crucial to the survival of a firm.

“

Kirsty Tufrey is an immigration solicitor at Kidd Rapinet Solicitors, based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs. She’s available on 020 7205 4191 Scan this code to find out how Kidd Rapinet can help businesses with sponsor licences or assist with managing them

how YY London is more than just an update for a building that’s hosted the majority of Wharf workers in its bars

by Jon Massey

T

he steel, glass and stone of Canary Wharf’s buildings exude a sense of permanence. But, all around, the estate is in a constant state of change. New towers are built and old, familiar structures are being given new leases of life, as developers reconfigure and refresh existing properties.

Since 1991, 30 South Colonnade has stood on the estate. Occupied

by Reuters from 2005 until last year, its orange news ticker greeted countless Wharfers emerging from the Tube station’s main exit and turning to the right. A majority (probably) will have popped into the All Bar One or Slug And Lettuce for a drink at some point – Wharf institutions as much for their location as the quality of their service ut the scaffolding is up and the building’s 30-year-old cladding is coming down – a prelude to work that will see the block transformed.

Developer Quadrant and its partner Oaktree Capital Management have embarked upon the creation of YY London – a complete redesign of 30 South Colonnade set to provide 408,000sq ft of o ce space t’s named for the shapes thrown by the building’s new facade sat down with Quadrant partner Julian Neave to find out more driving force “The goal was very much to design a building that was striking and beautiful, but also that changed the ground oor e perience locally, said Julian.

“We will be activating the space at the lower plaza level, but also at the South Colonnade level where the main entrance used to be.

“The new front door will be on

the Tube station level – opening out into a triple-height reception area, linked to South Colonnade via a beautiful internal staircase. t will be active, lively and welcoming to members of the public. The lower level will have a coffee bar-restaurant, a rind-style operation there’s an talian deli that’s already interested in the space previously occupied by the Slug And Lettuce.

“There will be a separate juice bar and, in the old All Bar One unit, we already have interest from restaurant groups that are known across the capital. We want to make these easily accessible to both the tenants in the building and the public workplace provision “The South Colonnade level will house the more professional reception area and will provide great access to Crossrail coming from the other side of the Wharf, said Julian. bove that we have the o ce oors each with a balcony overlooking West ndia iddle Dock Level 11 has a huge wraparound balcony and Level 14 is a 7,000sq ft roof terrace. Due to the building’s location we have views over Jubilee Park and across the dock – green space and water – and that’s rare in central London.

“The terrace on top of the building has been designed with

“

The goal was very much to design a building that was striking and beautiful, but also that changed the ground floor experience locally Julian Neave, Quadrant

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

11

Canary Wharf

opening up

visit these venues from April 12 a pavilion that will be communal to a multi-let building or private to a single-let building, and could be used for board meetings right through to Yoga sessions, art installations or drinks parties.” health and wellbeing Quadrant was still at the design stage for YY when the pandemic hit The effect of Covid has been to boost plans that were already focused on the health of those inside the building, complete with a smart system for touch-free entry from pavement to desk Julian said: “The slogan for this building since the start is: ‘Feel good, work great’. Our aim has always been to make this building the iPhone to everyone else’s Blackberry – we want people to be proud of it.

“Behind the scenes we have UV sterilisation of the lifts when they’re empty, as well as the air coming into the building and the water. We changed the air system so each oor can be separated and tenants can have their own supplies if needed.”

Other measures include the use of antibacterial copper alloy, oor patterns for subtle social distancing and the installation of hand sanitisation points. sustainable construction “By doing a refurbishment rather than building from the ground up we save more than 10,000 tonnes of CO , said ulian “We are on track for BREEAM Outstanding and we’re exploring carbon net zero through renewable power, which would be brilliant.

“It’s going to be a very green building with a lot of great facilities.”

A series of artist’s impressions of how YY will look when work is complete towards the end of 2022

Julian says YY has been designed to welcome the public as well as people who work in its offices

Scan this code for more on YY London

prime location “YY’s location really is second to none – it is a great opportunity to regenerate South Colonnade, said Julian.

“One of the things that has come out of lockdown is that while we do like working in the o ce, we really don’t like the commute. That puts buildings that have great transport connections front and centre of the demand.

“The Jubilee line is excellent, people are increasingly using the Thames Clippers because they don’t feel they have to rush so much, and then there’s Crossrail, which will be a game-changer for travel across central London.

We strongly believe Canary Wharf Group is taking the estate in the right direction – increasing the number of residential properties and retail above ground as well as creating new green spaces.

“While the old building was well known, it wasn’t perfect for o ce space With oor-to-ceiling gla ing and beautiful architecture we believe YY will stand out.”

There are terraces aplenty in Canary Wharf, whether it’s fine dining, street food, breakfast or pizza you fancy after lockdown Where?

Canada Square Canary Wharf

RESTAURANT | Plateau This venue is set to open its terrace only from April 14 and indoor reservations from May 17 – email events@danddlondon.com for full details Scan this code for more information about Plateau’s terrace or to make a booking

Where?

Reuters Plaza Canary Wharf

DRINKS | Bar Bolivar After a couple of false starts in 2020, this Cuban themed bar is finally set to open its terrace from April 12 with Venezuelan street food to boot.

Scan this code for more information about Bar Bolivar or to make a booking

Where?

North Colonnade Canary Wharf

BRUNCH | Electric Shuffle While visitors will have to wait to get the full experience, this venue will have a bottomless brunch pop-up outdoors from April 14.

Scan this code for more info on Electric Shuffle and its Prosecco and pizza deals

Where?

Crossrail Place Canary Wharf

OUTDOORS | The Breakfast Club Chairs and tables outside this venue will be available for walk-in guests from April 12, with indoor bookings from May 17. Warm welcomes promised.

Scan this code for more information about The Breakfast Club

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

Canary Wharf

Image Nunzio Prenna

65%

Reduction in emissions by 2030 that Canary Wharf Group is committed to

getting greener

by Martin Gettings

I

f you’re a regular reader of this column, you’ll likely remember last month we sent out a request for feedback on our sustainability strategy. We received a huge number of responses, and we’re extremely grateful to anyone who took the time to respond to our survey.

Your feedback will be invaluable as we continue to build on our sustainability progress at Canary Wharf.

While we’re busy processing the results of our survey, we wanted to give you a look at some of the things you may not know about sustainability at Canary Wharf.

The last time you purchased a book or greetings card, you may have noticed the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) symbol on the back.

This indicates responsible timber procurement throughout the supply chain and the same FSC symbol can be found on all timber used in Canary Wharf and on our developments.

Every piece that arrives at one of our sites can be traced back to its point of origin and that gives us the confidence to know it comes from sustainably managed forests – a key part of our commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.

When you stand in one of our many parks and green spaces at Canary Wharf you may not be able to see the roofs of the buildings, but much of the same biodiversity can be found up there.

We have the highest concentration of green roofs in the UK, and played a pivotal role in developing the green roof standards in Europe.

We were also one of the first developers in the UK to create a Biodiversity Action Plan, which we updated in 2018. It drives our ambition to achieve a net gain on all of our developments.

While Canary Wharf Group is responsible for running and maintaining the Canary Wharf estate, it’s only responsible for 1% of its emissions.

That’s why raising awareness and encouraging our tenants and suppliers to take more responsibility and work together to become more sustainable is crucial.

Raising awareness is crucial. We can’t reach our goals alone – we need everyone to join us on our journey to net zero Martin Gettings, Canary Wharf Group

The biodiversity of Canary Wharf’s green spaces is replicated on top of the buildings on the estate that feature green roofs

know things you may not

In 2020 we committed to a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030, and we are working closely with our tenants and suppliers to achieve this.

We can’t reach our goals alone – we need everyone to join us on our journey to net zero.

By this time next month, we’ll be able to share some of the results of our sustainability survey, and some of the actions we’re going to take in response to your brilliant feedback.

In the meantime, if you’d like to get in touch, please email us at sustainability@canarywharf.com

Martin Gettings is director – sustainability at Canary Wharf Group Go to canarywharf.com or breakingtheplastichabit.co.uk Scan this code f or more on sustainability in Canary Wharf

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

29

Wellbeing

take a breath

by David Lefebvre Sell

Thinking positively can’t be all we do. Without actual change and growth, positive thinking isn’t good for much David Lefebvre Sell

H

ow many times over the last year have you been told to stay positive? Exactly how does one stay positive – and is it always a good thing to do in any case?

The research around this is wonderfully conflicting. On the one hand, optimism and gratitude have been shown to positively affect the immune system and one’s mental health.

On the other, people who spend their time in positive fantasies are often less likely to make beneficial changes to their lives.

First, let’s deal with positive thinking. If you suffer from depression or anxiety or have some other internal bellend that’s making your life more difficult, then addressing that negative thinking is vital. Negative thoughts may seem real because they are familiar, but that doesn’t make them true.

If I have the thought – nobody likes me, for example – it is unlikely to be literally true, since I cannot read minds. What’s worse is that such thoughts may be self fulfilling.

The first thing we need to do is to separate fact from fiction in our negative thoughts. I recommend a good therapist – but then I would, wouldn’t I? Gratitude helps. I know, I know, you’ve heard this before. But it really does. Sometimes in life, gratitude might be very hard to find and that’s understandable.

But sometimes it’s a matter of choosing to recognise the things you take for granted – the necessities of life, your internal qualities that make you unique, or just the smell of spring in the air.

When so much of the world is trying to sell you something, gratitude is an act of rebellion.

Of course, thinking positively can’t be all we do.

Research done by Professor Gabriele Oettingen suggests that positive thinking, in the form of fantasy about a goal, tends to make achieving it less likely.

She coined the science-based approach known as WOOP, (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle and Plan) as a way of grounding positive fantasy in real world action.

Without actual change and growth, positive thinking isn’t good for much.

David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf Follow @davetheyogi on Twitter and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB Scan this code for more on David’s work as a psychotherapist and details of his online Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga classes

While there can be some advantages to thinking positively, taking a more grounded approach can be of more concrete benefit

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

3 Genesis “It all started a year ago when lockdown began, Kath went to Swansea to look after her dad and I was up here in London,” said Steve.

“I’ve been a board gamer my whole life but this time I was looking for a game to play by myself. I searched online and, after a lot of scouring, bought the ones that intrigued me. Some were enjoyable, but none really satisfied. They weren’t the game I was looking for.”

I thought I couldn’t be the only game-player that wanted to play a game like this so I decided to create my own, just to amuse and entertain myself Steve Shields Crystal Dagger Games

Development “I created a one-player game – all on bits of paper and cardboard with felt-tip pen that could also be played cooperatively by two people,” said Steve.

“I tested it and tested it for thousands of hours until I was really happy with it.

Then, when Kath came back from Wales I showed her what I’d invented. We played it together and thought it was really good – we really liked it.”

The Backstory “During lockdown, I had more time on my hands than I knew what to do with,” said Steve.

“I’d produced a game before, but it was expensive to make because it had 180-odd components, so it wasn’t a commercial success. That was fine – it was only a hobby, but I wondered whether I could turn a profit from a smaller game – one that fits in a small box – Crypt Of Chaos.”

The Players The main characters behind Crystal Dagger Games are creative director Steve Shields and commercial director Kath Lloyd Jones.

Steve’s background is journalism and project management. Kath’s is in finance. They’ve lived at their present Limehouse home for about14 years.

Their Scottish Fold cats, Benny and Sam play a mysterious, unexplained role in the company...

START

Your quest begins here – your task, to discover what Crystal Dagger Games has been up to since lockdown began a little over a year ago. You know the company is based in Limehouse and that it’s been working on something called Crypt Of Chaos, but what terrors lie within? Be alert, traveller.

Great dangers (well, words printed on paper) lie before you. Read with care...

how Crystal Dagger Games used time over lockdown to unleash its creativity

chaos inside the

ENCOUNTER

Not really, please move on to the next part of the story...

Preparing Production “It took ages to find a manufacturer who could produce the game to the quality we wanted,” said Steve.

“We eventually found one and a shipping agent and placed our order for 1,000 units.

“We’ve sold the first 200 and it’s getting really favourable reviews, much better than we’d hoped for.”

Early Release Steve said: “We produced some prototypes in America, had them shipped over and play-tested them again both ourselves and with lots of different groups of family and friends. I sent some out for review and we put some up for sale just before Christmas and they went very quickly.

“We didn’t have a website yet or anything. People just liked the look of it.”

Business Kath said: “Having worked in commercial situations my whole life, it wasn’t difficult to come in and understand what we needed to do to set up the company.

“But I’m also handling the social media and that stuff was brand new to me – my job was very internal so I didn’t have anything to do with PR. It’s been a fabulous learning curve and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

All of a sudden the page before you blackens. The air turns acrid with the scent of singed bone and flames lick round the edges of the page. A fire wraith bursts through the flimsy paper, its white-hot jaws engulfing you. You have died, your quest is over. Turn back to...

Crypt Of Chaos is available now direct from Crystal Dagger Games or on Ebay, priced £19.95

More titles in the pipeline as Crystal Dagger Games builds on Crypt Of Chaos’ success

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

31

Wapping - Limehouse - Shadwell

Images by Matt Grayson – find more of his work at graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

FINISH Congratulations, you’ve complete your quest. Your reward is free P&P when you order Crypt Of Chaos (£19.95). Use code WHARF at checkout when buying at crystaldagger.com

four focus

support your local institutions Where?

Tobacco Dock Wapping

Scan this code to go directly to the website

The Future Having just taken its first wholesale order for Crypt Of Chaos, Crystal Dagger Games continues to also sell directly to customers.

Steve said the company planned to develop more titles, with three games in the pipeline in the same size box – one with a horror theme, a sci-fi adventure and a third, mystery creation. Perhaps that’s where Benny and Sam come in...

Steve and Kath have created and marketed Crypt Of Chaos from

Ease Of Play Kath said: “We do play the more complicated games, which we love. But this doesn’t require a load of space – you can play it on a table top.

“It’s ideal if you’re going away for a quiet holiday and you want to play something of an evening.

“You could easily pop it into your suitcase if you were going away for a weekend.”

PARTY | Skylight The venue’s rooftop bar is set to open featuring games, drinks, cocktail masterclasses and a Saturday extension beside the canal to boost its footprint.

From Apr 12, bookings advised, tobaccodocklondon.com Where?

The Narrow Limehouse

DINE | Outdoors Help staff at The Narrow recover from a torrid year, not because Gordon Ramsay needs the cash, but because it’s a great place to drink on a sunny day.

From Apr 12, gordonramsayrestaurants.com Where?

Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping

STAGE | Attenborough And His Animals All the usual caveats about cancellation, but if the show goes on, expect a five-star display of clowning and physical theatre for ages six and upwards.

May 31-Jun 5, from £9, wiltons.org.uk

order in

their Limehouse home The Game In a nutshell, players pick one of six characters to play, each with their own skills and abilities. They then work their way through a crypt searching chests for treasure (items that boost your stats) and fighting monsters along the way.

After finding the Lost Sword and Key Of Freedom, players must defeat a dragon to escape the crypt via the exit.

No Chance “I’ve created a dungeon crawler that is unique each time you play it,” said Steve.

“You have the same chance – a slim one – to win every game. You should be able to, if you play it absolutely right. It’s mostly strategy rather than luck.

“I’m not a fan of dice rolling games where everything is down to luck, so this game doesn’t use them at all.”

With this game, we were looking for something you could set up in minutes that would take less than an hour to play Kath Lloyd Jones Crystal Dagger Games

Play as Baleblood The Orc, left, Wolfhowl The Barbarian, Vixenblade The Warrior, Archmagana The Mage, Chryanthia The Dark Elf or Evenelith The Forest Elf. Cosplay is optional

We can’t recommend the simple, hot treats of Waka highly enough. Its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in the Nikkei style is a breath of fresh air amid the lockdown diet of pizza and curry waka-uk.com Scan this code for Waka’s full menu, available to order or to take away from its Thomas More Square shop want more? @wharflifelive

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Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

The cafe serves coffee from Notes, pastries and treats and will have food featuring Ecuadorian and Mediterranean flavours when fully open

Sophia trained as a barista with Well Grounded before going on to open her own cafe and toy shop in Chrisp Street Market

how Carmen’s Family Coffee House connects past to present in name and spirit, plus a load of toys

by Jon Massey

T

he cafe is named both for my mother and my daughter,” said Sophia Bayram, founder of Carmen’s Family Coffee House in Poplar’s Chrisp Street Market. “The grief after my mum passed away has fuelled me and I have little Carmen now – this is all for her, she’s the boss really.”

Sophia can’t wait to fully open the cafe, which was ready to launch in October last year before the second and third lockdowns were imposed.

While it’s currently open for takeaways, its full potential won’t be realised until later this year when restrictions are relaxed.

That’s because it’s much more than ust a place serving coffee it has been designed specifically to cater for the needs of children and their parents with a sizeable dedicated play area filled with e uipment and an extensive toy shop.

“The idea grew from seeing a gap in the market,” said Sophia.

“Growing up, I was always in coffee shops my dad, ayram, was a builder and was always in and out of cafes. While I was pregnant I was visiting them right

tasty play, pastries &

treats

up until I had Carmen and then it wasn’t the same experience at all.

“You have a big buggy to manoeuvre into the shop and a crying baby who needs to be fed.

Then it’s a toddler who wants to play and doesn’t want to sit down.

“While there are lots of lovely venues around here, they were not all family-friendly and I didn’t always feel very welcome as a mum. I always felt that I needed somewhere to go other than being at home.

“So I wanted to open a place locally that had a home-from-home feeling where people could feel happy, relaxed and welcome.”

Sophia, who has lived in Poplar since 2009, said her journey began when she found a poster for Well Grounded – a social enterprise that offers free speciality coffee training

“

Coming here every day, I feel my mother’s here with me. She was the best person I’ve ever known and the shop keeps her spirit alive Sophia Bayram, Carmen’s

for vulnerable adults or those at risk of long-term unemployment. ’d really, really wanted to find a barista course,” she said. “I told them what my big plans were and they said OK. “Since then they’ve been so supportive – other people brushed off my idea so it was really nice to have someone accept it. It’s been a big journey to get it to this stage.

“I don’t know whether it’s my upbringing or where I grew up, but you tell people what you want to do, they say ‘bless’ and it doesn’t go any further. That can be very discouraging. After I did the course, I went about asking people for help – I harassed the market manager for a lease in one of the empty shops and spoke to loads of parents. I ran a parents’ group at the local children’s centre and got lots of support.

“Eventually, the market manager, who had said no so many times, said it was a good idea and that, as I was a local, they were happy to support me. Once I had heard a few ‘yeses’, that things started to progress.

“I met Rob Robinson of Notes Coffee oasters nd ars, which has branches in Canary Wharf and across London, through Well Grounded and he became my mentor. Without his help and

support, I don’t think I would have got to this point.”

The other key person in the story is Sophia’s daughter Carmen ged five, she is in charge of picking products to stock in the shop, looking after the play area and pretty much everything, really.

“Doing this as a single mum has been di cult, said Sophia “But Carmen is really chilled and has so many great ideas – she tells me and my dad what to do and sometimes I need that.

“She can’t wait to welcome the other kids – I’ve promised her an endless supply of new friends and we haven’t been able to have them in yet.”

The legacy of Sophia’s mother is also infused throughout the cafe, from the food to the mountains painted on the walls, recalling the landscape of Ecuador.

“Coming here every day, opening up, I feel she’s here with me,” said Sophia. “She was the best person I’ve ever known and the shop keeps her spirit alive. She was from Ecuador, so when we’re open properly we’ll launch a menu that has lots of Ecuadorian food. My dad’s Turkish, from Cyprus, so there will be lots of editerranean avours too Mix in the toys and fresh coffee from otes and Carmen’s is set to be filled with play, pastries and tasty treats.

Scan this code for to see Carmen’s Insta profile

Some of the toys for sale, hand-picked by Carmen, for the shelves

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

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Isle Of Dogs - Poplar - Blackwall

11

Years this year, since Sophia moved to Poplar where she has opened Carmen’s Family Coffee House

Sophia’s daughter Carmen is responsible

four focus

for selecting products

support your local institutions

for the cafe’s toy shop, looking after the play

Where?

La Nina Isle Of Dogs

area and making pretty much all of the decisions

SHOP | Italian Flavours Check out this recently opened cafe and food store on the Island offering ingredients, hampers, online shopping, takeaway treats and ready-made meals.

Mon-Sat, 9am-6.30pm, laninacaffemercato.co.uk Where?

The Waterman’s Arms Isle Of Dogs

VISIT | Outdoor Drinking And Dining Support the island’s newest pub as it brings tables outdoors so customers can sup and quaff in the fresh air beside the Thames. First-come, first served.

From Apr 15, Thurs-Sun, thewatermansarms.co.uk Where?

The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | Lovefool In the future, but this irreverent play – asking why we groom teenage girls to meet the patriarchy’s expectations – may be a return to live theatre.

May 21-22, 7.30pm, £15, space.org.uk

view online

Images by Matt Grayson – find more of his work at graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

How To Save A Rock – a digital kids show for those aged 7-16 – is set to come to Poplar Union’s YouTube channel on April 25 from 10am-11am. Help Pigfoot Theatre save the last Polar bear. Pay what you feel poplarunion.com

Carmen’s has a large play area and a toy shop as well as a cafe

Scan this code for more info on the carbon-neutral theatre company and their latest production want more? @wharflifelive

34

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

2 how Guitar Hospital is equipped to set up and repair any make or model to help players sound their very best

four focus

support your local institutions Where?

Creekside Deptford

LISTEN | AAJA Deptford Listen to this community radio station featuring an eclectic mixture of sounds that can really help take the edge off lockdown. Tune in, calm down.

Ongoing, aajamusic.com or @aajamusic on Insta Where?

Surrey Quays Rotherhithe

TRY | Crux Coffee N’ Food There are myriad sweet reasons to visit this street food van outside the shopping centre, not least the chocolate cannoli. Then there are the crepes...

Daily from 7am, @cruxcoffeenfood on Insta Where?

Throw Me Down Bermondsey

ONLINE | Stitch Your Own Leather Card Holder Join Bermondsey-based maker Angie Johnston for an hour-long session where participants will make a sleeve for their plastic. Materials included.

Apr 22, 6pm, £55, eventbrite.co.uk

new nursery

Bilingual early-years provider Hatching Dragons is set to open a Mandarin and English nursery school at Rotherhithe’s Lavender Pumphouse on April 6 with a wide range of facilities hatching-dragons.com Scan this code to find out more about how Hatching Dragons is giving Lavender Pumphouse a new life want more? @wharflifelive

T

he eight pulsed chords of the intro to The Clash’s Should I Stay Or Should I Go pulse from the strings of the Martin acoustic in the hands of “Deptford” John Armitage.

Although actually playing the instrument is a bit of a busman’s holiday for him, a smile spreads across his face.

Tucked away on the banks of the Thames, more or less on the northern tip of the Rotherhithe peninsula is the London branch of the Guitar Hospital – the other being further down river in Whitstable.

Inside, instruments wait patiently on stands or hang on the walls, details tucked under the strings, waiting patiently to go under the spotlights on the workbench. These days, with more than four decades in the music business, if you need something done to a guitar, John’s the man to do it.

But while he’s looked after musicians with an astonishing number of acts – think Iron Maiden to Take That via The Streets, Motorhead, The Verve, Sarah Brightman, Robert Palmer, Kylie, Craig David and even Spinal Tap – his expertise having been won through self-education and experience. started off as a drum tech, but I found that no-one took their drum techs to America,” he said. “I’d never been there, so that’s where I wanted to go – I thought I’d do guitars.

“The bands said they’d take me, so I thought: ‘Brilliant’.

I landed in a T-shirt and a pair of jeans in three foot of snow.

“I’d only ever seen America on television and I had no idea it got so cold.

“I remember on that tour I had to get a part – a nut, which goes at the top of the fingerboard of a guitar.

I went to the shop and the guy asked what make and model it was for – a Fender Strat.

“The he asked if it was pre-CBS, post-CBS

and whether I wanted pre-cut, bone, graphite, composite. I had no answers, so I went back to the show and told them they’d run out. I knew I needed to know a bit more about the instrument – there was more to it than met the eye.

I hadn’t realised how technical it was.”

Courses and research in libraries followed, as John continued to tour with bands – mastering jobs as a guitar tech that he’d previously had to give to others. “ It was trial and error,” he said.

“But there was always a bloke I could take it to if I messed it up – now I’m that bloke.

“I toured with bands for years and years, but there were a lot of jobs I couldn’t do when I started – so I had to take that or leave them with someone else,” he said.

“But touring is a younger man’s game – there are people older than me who are still doing it, of course, but I wanted something with a bit of longevity. t first decided to have guitar repairing as a side hustle – 10% of what I did – and the rest touring.

“Gradually the balance shifted until, in the end, I was mostly too busy to tour much – I’d do it just in the summer or only on weekends or for festivals.” uitar ospital offers an e tensive range of services, whether it’s simply changing a string, having an instrument set up or rescuing a beloved heirloom from a mishap.

“Now and again something comes in that’s an eyebrow-raiser, but people

Like The Stig drives: John plays to test each guitar’s limits have terrible accidents with guitars,” said John.

“A kid doesn’t know they’ve got a £10,000 guitar when they pick it up and fall down the stairs with it. But mainly it’s maintenance, like cars.

“Having a guitar set up properly will make a difference that you wouldn’t really appreciate until you’ve had it done. It’s like going

Branches of Guitar Hospital – one in Rotherhithe and the other in Whitstable

Find out more about Guitar Hospital at guitarhospital.co.uk or @guitarhospitaluk on Instagram

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

35

Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey

“

No-one should start with a really expensive guitar because it puts a lot of pressure on the player.

Buy an entry-level one and get it set up John Armitage, The Guitar Hospital

up time for a tune

to a shoe shop – you might think there’s nothing wrong with your shoes, but then you put on a brand new pair. I try to improve every guitar I work on. Some people know what they want and just don’t have the time or tools. Others attempt it themselves, make a pig’s ear of it and bring it to me.

“I don’t really have a favourite kind of guitar to work on. A wellmade guitar is a thing of beauty – but cheap ones can be a lot of fun.

No-one should start with a really expensive guitar because it puts a lot of pressure on you.

“Buy an entry-level one and get it set up to play well – then if you give it up, you give it up.

“Usually the guitars that get brought to me for setting up are just unloved – I perform the MOT. I play all day, but it’s like how The Stig on Top Gear drives.

“I play the same thing – I have a selection of chords and intros to songs that test the limits of the guitar that need to be tested.

“I’ve had bands and my own records, but it’s really like a busman’s holiday for me.

“Everyone needs a creative outlet, but, when you repair guitars, you’re halfway there already. I’ve got quite a few guitars, but I’ve always got one guitar that needs more doing to it – that’s the same for everyone in the repair business whether it’s guitars, cars or whatever.”

H

aving remained open through lockdown – collecting customers’ instruments from the vehicles they’re delivered in to preserve social distancing and peace of mind – John has seen a marked change in what players need.

“More people are recording and doing it at home in lockdown,” said John. “Also, more people are reconnecting with playing guitar.

“Working from home, some have more time on their hands – they’ve got a guitar, so they bring it over to me, get it cleaned up, a new set of strings on it and get it working.

“Some people are buying online, while others are selling their guitars and want them doing up to put on sale. I’m not seeing many people wanting their guitars serviced or repaired or upgraded

In progress: John’s workshop is filled with guitars at all stages of repair and servicing, waiting for their time on the bench to perform, because there’s not that much live-streaming while live performance is on hiatus. I like my job and I’m always happy to do more of it. Someone said to me: ‘You’re the only person who’s making money in the music industry’.

“But I’m in the repair business – often working for people locally.

I’ve got customers from Canary Wharf, Camberwell and Catford – all nationalities and a growing number of women. It varies, but it’s about 30% now.

“Part of the reason I moved the business to Rotherhithe was if you’re walking around with your guitar, you don’t want to lose it – you’ve got a strong emotional connection to it, so getting robbed when you get off the bus would be terrible. Anyone with a decent instrument wants to take it where they feel safe – where they’re not worried about their car or their guitars – and that’s what you get here. I grew up in Deptford so I’ve always known this area – we used to go up to the river on our bikes and throw bits of rubble at each other in the abandoned buildings – it was derelict then. Now it’s completely changed – it’s one of the quietest areas on the Thames.”

As for those considering a career as a roadie and guitar tech, John had this advice.

“Concentrate and pay attention to what people want,” he said.

“But, enjoy it because it’s there to be enjoyed. It’s not for everyone – the music industry is a bit of a hiding place for oddballs – but you can learn a lot about people, tour the world, and get paid quite well to do it.”

Scan this code for more information about John and Guitar Hospital

36

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

One of the vast spaces that Projekt will bring

how The Factory Project will bring a succession of underused and unloved buildings back to life

by Jon Massey

N

ick Hartwright doesn’t look at the city in quite the way most people do. Where some see derelict, unloved industrial buildings ripe for demolition and replacement, he sees spaces that could be teeming with creators and innovation, voids filled, bringing new life to the architecture.

So it’s proved with The Silver Building and so it will likely prove with his company’s latest scheme – The Factory Project.

Awarded £2.8million from the Royal Docks Good Growth Fund – a £13million pot of cash administered by the Royal Docks Team on behalf of the Greater London Authority and Newham Council ick’s firm ro ekt is set to repurpose vast structures on a 5.2-acre site owned by Tate & Lyle.

He said: “It’s a really interesting collection of buildings dating from the 1920s through to the 1990s, so there’s some really great architecture, some beautiful old warehouses – and a couple of shitty old tin sheds. Together they make a striking industrial estate.

“I went past it on the DLR and thought to myself: ‘I wonder what’s happening there?’. I made some calls, found out Tate & Lyle had been using it to store old, unwanted sugar, and was looking for an occupier.”

He put together a proposal for the Royal Docks Team, building on the success of The Silver Building, a derelict brewery awaiting redevelopment that he’s transformed as a base for, among others, fashion designer Craig Green, dance studio House Of Mass and photographic business Silverspace.

He said: “These kinds of spaces are really important and we are losing them. As much as there is pressure on housing, regeneration is not ust about nice clean o ce spaces or ats it’s also about where people make things – a place for creative businesses.

“Getting that match funding is vital it’s what gets it off the ground. The whole point is to give people platforms to grow.

“We’re not about a traditional workspace model where you’re trying to maximise revenues. It’s blended, a mixed model.

“I’ve had some sites in central London that are quite expensive and others that aren’t – this enables me to give people space to start their businesses, move them, bring people in, try new ideas.

“This is the type of space that’s really hard to come by. Rich people are scooping up industrial land and selling it on for developers to build 30-storey blocks on.

“What’s really lucky about the Tate & Lyle site is that, as a company, it doesn’t develop land and it’s been here for almost 150 years. Its driver for doing this is

“

Regeneration is not just about nice clean office space or flats – it’s also about where people make things Nick Hartwright, Projekt

The Factory Project site stretches all the way to the Thames and includes two large yard areas

back into use

5

Acres of land The Factory Project site sits on in Royal Docks

that the land is a bit of a problem and needs fi ing we’re aligned with what Tate does.”

As part of the deal, Projekt will match the money it gets from the fund, although Nick envisages the whole scheme eventually costing up to £9million.

W

hen I took this plan to the GLA, Newham and to Tate & Lyle, I spent quite a lot of time explaining what Projekt does,” said Nick.

“In my head it’s quite simple, but not always for everybody else.

It ticks a lot of boxes – whether it’s the security guards working at Tate, who want something more interesting than sugar to protect, or Mayor Of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz, who understands that this is instrumental to the council’s desire to drive community wealth building.

“It works really well for me too, because my organisation needs more space to support the type of people we want to help to grow their businesses.

“Locally it’s also great because it’s a different type of regeneration – not pushing people out, but growing stuff and reusing e isting buildings.”

Contractors are already on-site, engaged in a four-month period of enabling works to clean up and decontaminate the structures – scrubbing out the residue of waste sugar, removing dead pigeons and carefully stripping out asbestos.

“We’ve basically got six units stretching from the gateway at the front of the site to the Thames at the back,” said Nick.

“Unit A – at the front – is a really beautiful 1960s modernist building and will have a similar set-up to The Silver Building.

“There will be a bar, cafe and restaurant downstairs and a wonderful bookable event location higher up for people to use.

Hopefully, people living locally will start to realise that they’re part of this – that it’s not just a parachute drop.

“Then there will be loads of smaller studios, o ce-type spaces,

Nick stands, reflected in a syrup of waste sugar that Projekt’s contractors are already clearing from the buildings

Main image by Matt Grayson – graysonphotos.co.uk or @mattgrayson_photo on Insta

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

37

seeing things

differently

Royal Docks - Canning Town

Empty spaces that The Factory Project has taken over at Tate & Lyle

four focus

support your local institutions Where?

Online Royal Docks

DRAW | Doodling The docks Join Beckton-based artist and illustrator Matt Ponting for a session of guided doodling. You’ll need pens, paper, coloured pens and 15 minutes.

Ongoing, royaldocks.london

or units for artists, ranging from 250sq ft to 1,000sq ft.

“Then we’ve got some really big production workshops, suitable for set-building companies or things like that. There will also be a huge film shoot space and sound stage, although we’re not talking Pinewood.

“There’s going to be a big rehearsal space for touring bands, with three rooms – perfect for groups who want to spend a month before they go out on tour, not necessarily recording, but just getting stuff together “We’ve got some distribution warehouses, with quite famous fashion labels – it will be a whole mi of stuff “You have to have industry to live. I like to think of these as more modern industrial uses in contrast to the big dormitory housing developments that are being built all along the Thames.

“If you don’t have spaces where people are working and doing stuff you’re creating something where people are leaving in the morning for work, coming home and going to bed, and not really engaging with the area.

“I’m hoping what we do will be to create not just a transitional industrial phase, but something that fits alongside the housing

P

rojekt is also focused on making sure the creative workspaces fit well with local residents and their projects, as well as the two charities already based on site – the Community Food Enterprise and Community Links Event Solutions.

Nick said: “As a social enterprise, we’ll make sure we look after them with facilities that are fit for purpose.

“We’ll have a really broad

mix of tenants – with fashion, photography, dance studio space, shoot space, large production warehouses, metalworking and music studios all represented.

“We’ll be working with local groups to deliver some of that, including existing organisations such as the Royal Docks Learning And Activity Centre.

“Engaging is about being there on the ground – it takes a while for that to permeate through to the local community but, through our association with the Royal Docks Team, Newham Council and the GLA, we’ll be making those links.

“If people have ideas or want to work with us they should get in touch – we want to hear from them Tate & Lyle senior vice president Gerald Mason added: “We are delighted to support this transformative project.

“We believe it will bring many more opportunities to our local community compared to the other traditional commercial options that we considered for the site.

“For 142 years we have been manufacturing sugar in the Royal Docks. For all of that time we have striven to be an asset to our local community. Our new neighbour – The Factory Project – will continue this tradition by providing new community space and housing local charities, as well as by being a hub for modern creative and maker businesses.

“We hope this will bring great new opportunities for local firms and residents, new and old

Scan this code for more info on The Factory Project

Where?

Excel Royal Victoria Dock

EVENTS | Numerous Shows Remember live events? The first ones are set to return to Royal Docks in June with a clutch focused on business, innovation and marketing tech.

Jun 16-17, various times and prices excel.london Where?

Husk Royal Victoria Dock

DELIVERIES | Beer To Your Door Expressway-based Husk is currently offering deliveries of its beer within three miles on Saturdays.

Order online to taste a local beer at home.

Ongoing, huskbrewing.com

see the artists

Join Art In The Docks as a series of artists take up weekly residencies at a new studio space, each leaving a piece behind for the public to view through the safety of glass during lockdown. Runs until April 18 artinthedocks.com Scan this code for more information about the residencies or Art In The Docks want more? @wharflifelive

38

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

Greenwich - Peninsula - Woolwich

how Enderby House is set to launch its terraces in April

riverside opening onto the

four focus

support your local institutions Where?

The Sail Loft Greenwich

Young’s promises a OPENING | Riverside Pints Fuller’s is set to open the outdoor areas of The Sail Loft from April 12 – should you prefer an alternative venue on the Thames for a drink and food.

From Apr 12, sailloftgreenwich.co.uk

seafood-heavy menu including grilled scallops

Where?

Royal Resistance Woolwich

FITNESS | Outdoor Classes Get outdoors with trainers from Royal Resistance at Royal Arsenal Riverside – expect 55 minutes of resistance training in Wellington Park.

Ongoing, £10, royalresistance.co.uk Where?

Royal Observatory Greenwich

ONLINE | Astrophotography Course Learn to take images of the night sky and space using your SLR camera, lenses and a tripod. This six-week course is delivered via Zoom on Mondays.

Apr 19-May 24, 7pm, £96, rmg.co.uk

by Jon Massey

buy local

G

Whether it’s ordering online or a visit in person, making a purchase from Made In Greenwich is a great way to support local craftspeople, thereby helping to sustain the borough’s economy madeingreenwich.shop Scan this code to view the full range of products on offer at Made In Greenwich from local makers want more? @wharflifelive

reenwich Peninsula is set to get a new riverside pub when Enderby House opens its terraces to the public on April 12, should restrictions be eased as expected.

The Grade II listed structure – dating back to 1835 – has been converted by hospitality group Young’s into a drinking and dining venue set over three oors The building once belonged to the firm of Samuel nderby, the largest whaler and sealer in Britain as well as being a pioneer in the field of ntarctic e ploration t was subsequently used by various companies involved in the manufacture and laying of transatlantic cables two of which were put in place by sambard ingdom

Brunel’s The Great Eastern, which was built on the sle Of Dogs, ust up the river Young’s promises the building’s rebirth will pay homage to its history, including a first- oor octagonal room that features references to Samuel nderby and maps of historic trading routes eers on offer will include Gipsy Hill and locally brewed eantime ales Diners can e pect a standard menu heavy with seafood and specials including cured Winterbourne trout and crab terrine, native grilled lobster with

wild garlic and samphire plus a fritto misto of orfolk asparagus with purple broccoli, scallions and wild garlic aioli. Enderby House is taking bookings now and features two private rooms for up to guests.

Young’s chief e ecutive atrick Dardis said fter the most challenging of years for our industry, we are pleased to announce the arrival of nderby ouse this spring With the reopening of hospitality, we are looking forward to welcoming guests back into our pubs and establishing this new venue at the heart of its local neighbourhood.”

Go to enderbyhousepub.co.uk

Scan this code to find our more about Enderby House

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

39

Stratford - Bow - Hackney Wick

free

Price of watching Hysterical online via Stratford East Hysterical is available to stream online now

four focus

support your local institutions where?

London Aquatics Centre Stratford

EXERCISE | Go For A Swim Delayed a bit for Olympic trials, all pools at the London Aquatic Centre will be open again from April 19 – assuming restrictions are lifted.

Apr 19, londonaquaticscentre.org where?

The Beer Merchant’s Tap Hackney Wick

diagnosis

OUTDOORS | Sup A Beer While this craft beer temple is already serving customers as an off licence, its garden is set to reopen for seated drinks on April 12.

From Apr 12, beermerchantstap.com where?

Roof East Stratford

exploring a suspect

see Rebecca Buckle deliver a comedy lecture on hysteria

by Jon Massey

H

ysterical! The Hilarious History Of Hysteria – now available to watch for free on Theatre Royal Stratford East’s website – promises a riotous exploration of the history of the diagnosis.

Written and performed by self-proclaimed hysterical woman, Rebecca Buckle, the show takes viewers from Plato to Freud, while also offering them the chance to follow its author’s personal quest to shake off a label that has been placed on women for more than 2,500 years.

Theatre Royal Stratford East artistic director Nadia Fall said: “We’re really excited to be collaborating with Rebecca.

“Her story, which is rooted in her own experiences, is told with

great wit while also shedding light on an alarming history of women being ignored, patronised and misdiagnosed.

“Hysterical also forms part of our ongoing ambition to champion deaf and disabled artists and work.”

Rebecca is a writer and theatre maker based in the East Of England whose work often features autobiography and the representation of marginalised communities. She specialises in exploring pain and disability on stage while also finding humour in the bleakest of situations. Viewers can expect to see some of the puppets she has made featuring in the film To create the film of Hysterical, Rebecca has teamed up with director Mimi Barber, who has worked extensively for the BBC as well on Theatre Royal Stratford East’s production of King Hedley

II. Most recently she was assistant director on the Olivier award-nominated Upstart Crow as the Ben Elton-penned BBC sitcom starring David Mitchell transferred to the Stage.

The production was filmed and edited by Ben Pugh. Versions that have been captioned, feature audio description or British sign language are also available.

Also coming up at Theatre Royal Stratford East is artistic director Nadia’s new play Welcome To Iran, which is set to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on April 11 at 7.30pm.

For more on the venue’s reopening go to stratfordeast.com

Scan this code to see Hysterical on Stratford East’s website

VISIT | Drinks And Games Maintaining your bubble, why not pop up to Roof East, which is set to reopen from April 12. Expect fresh air, bowls and golf. Bookings are open.

From Apr 12, roofeast.com

pup here

Check out recently opened Barkney Wick – a community centre for dogs and humans, now operating in Fish Island with a plant-based cafe and a forthcoming pup-friendly bar called After Bark barkneywick.com Scan this code for a full list of services on offer at Barkney Wick including puppy training sessions want more? @wharflifelive

40

Wharf Life Mar 31-Apr 28, 2021 wharf-life.com

SUDOKU

Crossword - Sudoku

Very Hard

1

7

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2 9 7

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SUDOKU

You can find more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection ofTo others available in apps and books at str8ts.com. This complete Sudoku, fill the board Sudoku is supplied by Syndicated Puzzles. by entering numbers 1 to 9 such

No. 938 that each row, column and 3x3 box

3

3

6 2 4 5

9 2

5 1

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

contains every number uniquely.

Notes

1

7

Very Hard

6

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

6

If you like Sudoku you’ll really like ‘Str8ts’ and our other puzzles, Apps and books. Visit www.str8ts.com

7

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Notes

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4.

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Down

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Cryptic Solution

1.

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9 2 8 4 3 1 6 7 5

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Across

4

beating 2 4 5

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1 6 5 9 8 7 3 4 2

2 9 7

crossword The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

last issue’s solution

Previous solution - Tough Mar 3-17

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

3

Previous solution - Tough

Quick Solution

No. 938