How Canary Wharf is soon to get a new scent shop Page 3
celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
inside issue 143
London Shoeshine Ltd - Sudoku Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf - WeSwim Tower Of London River Tour
Shah’s Halal Food - Crosswords The Hunger Games On Stage East London Printmakers Excel London - NHG Homes Stories Wharf
Call our team on 020 7205 4021 or email cmiller@kiddrapinet.co.uk, ypatel@kiddrapinet.co.uk or mzvarykina@kiddrapinet.co.uk Call our team on 020 7205 4021 or email cmiller@kiddrapinet.co.uk, ypatel@kiddrapinet.co.uk or mzvarykina@kiddrapinet.co.uk
by Brassworks / Woolwich Works
Where?
Canada
Square Park
Canary Wharf
THEATRE | National Theatre: Dr Strangeglove
Steve Coogan plays four roles in this stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s nuclear satire live from the South Bank. Just stop worrying and love the bomb... Aug 25, 2pm, free, canarywharf.com
Where?
Canada
Square Park
Canary Wharf
FILM | Mamma Mia! (PG)
Spread the picnic blanket for a free performance of the ABBA crowd-pleaser takes east London to a picturesque Greek Island for a wedding. Aug 26, 7pm, free, canarywharf.com
SPORT | Run The Wharf
Where?
Canada
Square Park
Canary Wharf
Take on a 5k in the heart of Canary Wharf at pace or as a party run at this event and social. Roads will close and there will be food and drink pop-ups. Sept 4, 5pm, £35, canarywharf.com
alongside a wide selection of avourful dishes. Expect plenty of blue rice onglaikopitiam.co.uk
interview with Ong Lai Kopitiam co-founder Robert Ngo online at wharf-life.com
Welcome to issue 143 of Wharf Life. There’s a avour of ways to look and feel your best in this paper, whether it’s getting your footwear spruced with London Shoeshine, having your dog pampered at Pawsome or volunteering to help disabled swimmers in Canada Water. Turn the page for plenty of ideas...
We catch up with East London Printmakers in Mile End to nd out more about the studio, the collective that runs it and the many courses available locally
is
Homes presents myriad
on the radar
need to know
Something sweet smelling is set to arrive in Canary Wharf. We don’t know exactly when, but The Fragrance Shop will be opening a branch in Canada Place. Wharfers can expect a wide range of perfumes, aftershaves and colognes as the brand expands thefragranceshop.co.uk
As Wood Wharf continues to come alive, we’re excited to see the logo for Mama Li appearing on signs around the area. The Cantonese roast meat specialist will hopefully be bringing duck, chicken and pork over to the estate as it expands mamali.co.uk
Excel London unveils its extension as it hosts Formula E races
Charity WeSwim is set to launch a club at Canada Water Leisure Centre when it opens its doors and is looking for watercon dent volunteers to assist disabled people in the pool
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf’s Vodka Martini is unquestionably best enjoyed on its botanical terrace. The storied restaurant, bar, music venue and cigar library is unlike anywhere else on the estate.
Despite the comfortable leathers and tartan carpet, there remains a risque quality about it – a kind of danger that sipping a drink might lead to adventures perilous and glorious. This drink is probably the right way to start. Sipped underneath a canopy festooned with foliage, when ordered “too dry with a twist” it arrives perfectly chilled
and glistening with promise. Based on Belvedere Vodka, there’s just a very faint hint of vermouth lurking beneath the tart spritz of lemon oils from the citrus fruit’s esh. It’s a muscular but subtle drink. The spirit lifts the heavy weight, stylishly o set by the supple curves of the zesty skin. The lack of a fth star is purely in recognition of the fact that the perfect Vodka Martini is an eternal quest rather than something actually achievable. Make no mistake, it remains one of the best cocktails on the Wharf.
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
Get 50% o your rst sneaker deep clean with London Shoeshine Ltd’s pick up and delivery service when mentioning Wharf Life. More details on Page 6 londonshoeshineevents.co.uk
Tower Of London set to launch river tours as it teams up with Woods
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Jon Massey With you from the start
Our immigration team has earned its strong reputation for providing expert legal advice and practical support on a wide range of immigration issues. Trust us to help you make the right application. 020 7205 2896 kiddrapinet.co.uk
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write me words you don’t know you need naytion
noun, fake, from Latin
A place de ned by rather arbitrary lines on a map that somehow gives rise to the idea that the children of the often random people who have come to live within its con nes share some kind of siblinghood that sets them apart
dreep
verb, real, from Scots
This verb means to lower oneself from a height and then drop to the ground, but is also used to refer to the draining of wet items, especially potatoes. Keep this term handy if you’re ever trapped on the rst oor of a building...
ALBUM LAUNCH Fun Lovin’ Criminals Boisdale Of Canary Wharf boisdale.co.uk
On August 28, at 9pm, the latest line-up of the band will step onto the venue’s second oor stage in celebration of the release of A Matter Of Time. While Huey Morgan may no longer be the man in front, Brian ‘Fast’ Leiser, Frank Benbini on drums and guitarist Naim Cortazzi promise a fullbodied performance featuring many of the band’s hits such as Scooby Snacks, Loco and Love Unlimited Tickets start at £35 for the show only or at £89 including dinner
CAST REVEAL
The Hunger Games On Stage Troubadour Theatre, Wood Wharf thehungergamesonstage.com
Don’t be surprised to see former footballer and pundit Jamie Carragher strolling around Wood Wharf this autumn following the announcement that his daughter, Mia, will play the lead role of Katniss Everdeen at the Troubadour Theatre when The Hunger Games On Stage opens at 7.30pm on October 20. Mia, known for Channel 4 series The Gathering, will be joined on the Wood Wharf venue’s stage by fellow Tring Park School for the Performing Arts graduate, Euan Garrett, as Peeta and National Theatre and West End veteran, Joshua Lacey, as Haymitch. A few tickets for the opening night are still available with prices starting at £30. Dates are currently available into February.
Vertus 50 + 60 Charter Street thisisvertus.com
Vertus has o cially unveiled details of the rental properties in two of its new towers in Wood Wharf. Connected on their lower levels, the 34 and 49-storey structures at 50-60 Charter Street house some 756 residential apartments ranging in size from 463sq ft to 1,397sq ft, with both structures and interiors designed by Grid architects. In addition to the homes, the structure also features 14,000sq ft of amenity space including a games room, gym, lounge, private dining rooms, meeting rooms and six guest suites for visiting friends and family.
Alastair Mullens, managing director of residential at Canary Wharf Group, said: “50-60 Charter Street represents our direct response to how Londoners live and work today. This building doesn’t just o er outstanding apartments, but creates a complete lifestyle experience. This is rental living, elevated.”
Those interested in renting a home in the towers can register for more information via Vertus’ website.
NEW HOMES
Mia Carragher will play Katniss Everdeen
The new towers are located in Wood Wharf
The band are set to play tracks from their new album at Boisdale
why
London Shoeshine Ltd has launched a pick up and delivery service for cleaning and repair
by Jon Massey
You know what I’m using?” said Jock Kennedy, his arms a blur as a piece of black fabric is drawn repeatedly across the cap of my right shoe, buffing it to a glossy shine. “It’s a new pair of ladies’ tights. That’s a trick I picked up from Kiwi George when we shared a licensed shoeshine pitch in Regent Street in the 1990s.
“He was a legend in the business – still working in his 90s and sponsored by Kiwi shoe polish – he taught me a lot and was full of stories about making money from American GIs during the Second World War who went crazy for his service.”
The founder of London Shoeshine Ltd, Jock’s own journey into footwear care began when he came down to the capital to join a friend who was working in Leadenhall Market in 1993.
Not long afterwards, he relocated to shoeshine chairs in Canary Wharf as Camille Waxer and Sir George Iacobescu sought to attract services to the estate that would rival the City and help tempt financial services firms east.
Working four chairs in the malls and numerous pop-ups at the likes of Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, business was good.
But spend time with Glasgow-born Jock and you’ll quickly realise that amid the energy, the chat and the smiles there’s real drive. Realising that getting people to sit down for 10-15 minutes represented more than just a chance to polish their footwear, he created London Shoeshine Events in 2010.
Clients hire Jock and his team to work on their stands at exhibitions, trade shows and expos, with visitors invited to sit in deep leather armchairs while getting their shoes cleaned or sneakers refreshed for free.
That gives the brand which has hired his services time to pitch ideas and products to potential clients and generate leads. The business was a success with Jock and the team working events as far away as Canada and the USA as well as across Europe.
“Everyone at an event is a delegate so the question is how you get them to keep still and pay attention,” said Jock. “We do that and then it’s about pampering
50%
Get 50% off your first sneaker deep clean with London Shoeshine Ltd by mentioning Wharf Life when booking
them. While we’re shining their shoes, other delegates are taking pictures and videos so it’s also about content creation and brand awareness for our client too.
“It gives the company a real opportunity to speak to people rather than just handing out free pens to them.”
With the pandemic leaving a significant dent in the events industry, Jock and his long-time business partner Nicky are seeking to build up their operation again. Alongside that project, Jock has returned to Canary Wharf in partnership with James Shoe Care to run its Cabot Place shoeshine chairs while simultaneously launching a new venture.
“Sitting down and having your shoes shined isn’t for everyone,” said Jock. “That’s why we’re launching a pick up and delivery service to clean shoes and sneakers and also repair footwear and leather items.
“People want convenience, whether it’s dropping a pair of shoes off with us or having us collect them and deliver them back, cleaned or repaired. We see that as our new big thing.
“We’d also be open to sponsorship of the chairs in Canary Wharf if a company would like to use them for lead generation.”
At the core of the business, however, remains a passion for shoe care. Jock uses specially made products, a wealth of specialist tools and is able to draw on more than three decades in the industry.
“Having your shoes professionally cleaned should make you feel pampered – it’s the finishing touch to an outfit,” he said.
“For leather, it’s about nourishing. The first thing I put on is shoe cream to moisturise it – it’s like skincare.
“Then we apply polish to bring out the shine. We also offer repairs and other treatments such as re-soles, re-heels, stretching, patching and dyeing.”
Although Jock’s talents result in my tan Barkers coming out shinier than they’ve ever been and perfectly acceptable to my untrained eye, he spots a scratch on the left cap that might warrant further attention.
“If you bring that to us, we can put it through a machine that takes off just the very top level of the leather,” he said. “Then it can be dyed and it will look like new.
“If you buy good quality shoes once your feet have stopped
Jock and the team also offer sneaker cleaning
London Shoeshine founder Jock Kennedy
Own-brand products
Image by Kaique Rocha
Of course, trends in footwear change. That’s where our sneaker cleaning services come in. They’re especially relevant to local residents Jock Kennedy, London Shoeshine Ltd
growing and have them regularly cleaned and maintained, they should last forever.
“Of course, trends in footwear change. It was about the year 2000 with the Dot Com boom when people started dressing down –the companies wanted to attract techie people.
“That’s where our sneaker cleaning services come in. They are especially relevant for local residents in and around Canary Wharf and we’d love to work with concierge services to offer it to those living in developments.
“Already our sneaker deepcleans are very busy. We use a range of specialised products to clean, mosturise and protect them. We can even do customisations.
“We have a lot of experience and are happy to give advice on any footwear. The chances are that if we can’t do something ourselves then we know someone who can”
● In celebration of the launch of its pick up and delivery service, London Shoeshine Ltd is offering all readers who mention Wharf Life when booking 50% off their first sneaker deep clean, making it £15 instead of £30.
key details
London Shoeshine Ltd offers a range of services including shoeshines at the chairs on the lower level of Cabot Place in Canary Wharf.
The business has also just launched pick up and delivery to offices and home addresses for shines and repairs on leather shoes (from £10) and sneaker cleaning (from £20).
The company can also clean and restore most leather and fabric items. Prices for all repairs are quoted on request.
Call or message Jock on 07863 122 289 for more information, to make a booking or get a quote. Go to londonshoeshineevents.co.uk or check out @londonshoeshine on Instagram
Scan this code to nd out more about London Shoeshine
Tools of the trade
Brushing a pair of Barkers to a shine
Jock in action
Jock is currently working in partnership with James Shoe Care in Cabot Place
Images by Jon Massey
how Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa delivers human-level treatments for pups at Wood Wharf’s Harbord Sq
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I‘m originally from Ukraine and I first came to London 14 years ago to study A-Levels,” said Valeriia Istratova. “My first degree is in fashion management and I have masters degrees in marketing and psychology. Somehow I’ve ended up opening a pet grooming salon.”
Having spent time working in marketing and operations across a range of sectors including wealth management, IT and at paper product giant Kimberly-Clark, Valeriia had long had a desire to start her own business.
“I just hadn’t found an idea,” said the Canary Wharf resident. “It was during a holiday over New Year that I was thinking about what to do – perhaps a beauty salon or an Italian coffee shop – but I wasn’t sure because of the competition in the market. That’s when I realised I needed to open a grooming salon.”
In the end, Vincent Van Der Fluff – Valeriia’s three-year-old Pomeranian – turned out to be the inspiration for her venture.
“When I first arrived in London, my college was in Greenwich so I got to know this area,” said Valeriia. “Then my university was in central London so I wanted to move there but a friend was living near Canary Wharf and invited me to come and look round.
“I fell in love with it. England has beautiful little houses but personally I like skyscrapers with nice views, modern facilities and the infrastructure. My husband and I were some of the first residents in Wood Wharf and, because the building is pet friendly, it was finally the moment to get a dog. There are lots of people living here around my age who perhaps don’t have kids yet or who have decided not to, but they do have dogs. With Vinnie,
We’re offering a premium experience for pups. The atmosphere is specifically curated for dogs including the music, the scents and the flavours
Valeriia Istratova, Pawsome
I couldn’t find the right level of grooming service locally so I was taking him to South Kensington –driving him across central London for two hours, waiting for three and then travelling back. I needed to take the whole day off and he finds the car stressful, so in some ways it was crazy.”
However, it was those experiences that sparked the genesis of Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa and Valeriia sprang into action. First she put a business plan together after coming back from holiday and drew on her project management skills to work her way to opening.
“I knew there were lots of dogs living in Canary Wharf and around the local area and we worked out how many might come and what the demand might be,” she said.
“Then I started to look for a space, initially in South Quay, but there was nothing suitable. It was when I took Vinnie to the vet in Harbord Square that I noticed this building was now finished and that the commercial units on the ground floor were available.
“I contacted the agent and we prepared a presentation for Canary Wharf Group, which took place in April. A week later they approved my application and we started to set the business up.”
Pawsome is one of a group of independent businesses to open in Wood Wharf as part of a joint project between Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlets Council to provide affordable commercial space to local enterprises. Ventures launched so far include Wayne Hairdresser Salon, florist The Flower Club, nail bar Awe London, Reformer Pilates at The Island Studio and Italian bakery Signorelli. Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam and Japanese bakery Cafe Seek are set to join Pawsome and the rest soon.
Key for Valeriia in setting up the business was the quality of offering. Pawsome aims to deliver a service for dogs analogous to a human visit to a luxury health spa.
“We’re offering a premium experience for pups,” she said.
“The atmosphere is specifically curated for them including the music, the scents and the flavours.
“We will only ever have a maximum of three dogs in the salon at one time – this isn’t a continued on Page 10
Starting price for the Naturally Pawsome grooming package at the newly opened salon
Dog groomer Nancy Salt gently styles
Rich’s fur
Pawsome offers a range of spa packages for pups
relaxation and
Pawsome founder Valeriia Istratova says she’d always wanted to launch her own business
The pup bath at Pawsome
Rich gets a blow dry ahead of a trim
Pomeranian Rich enjoys a premium haircut at Pawsome as part of a spa package
Images by Jon Massey
from Page 8
factory approach. We have a special playpen for them to relax in between treatments with toys, food, water and beds for them to sleep in.”
Pawsome is also a boutique selling everything from specially curated canine fashions to wine, beer and perfume for pups.
There’s a welcoming area with velvety sofas for their humans to relax on too, although clients are asked to leave the salon during treatments so their four-legged charges remain focused on the experience.
“There was nowhere for me to wait in South Kensington and I often ended up sitting in the car, but there’s so much in Canary Wharf,” said Valeriia.
“Here there are restaurants, cafés and also parks to take a walk in while their pup is with us.
“We offer three core packages that take between an hour and a half and three hours.
“Naturally Pawsome includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming and a blow dry, Bubbles, Brushes And Bliss includes all of the above plus a full body haircut and styling according to the breed and Fur Season Spa adds on a full ‘pawdicure’ and a blueberry and banana facial.
“We also provide little goody bags for every client and a complimentary accessory depending on your pup’s character.”
Package prices start at £70 and bookings are now being taken online.
“It’s so exciting to have opened,” said Valeriia. “I always
Days a week Pawsome is open at Wood Wharf, from 10am Monday-Saturday and from noon on Sundays
wanted something of my own and I love animals.
“I had a cat as a child in Ukraine and then a chihuahua. When I was a kid, I always said I’d open an animal shelter because stray animals are a big problem over there. I was always bringing puppies and kittens home to feed them.
“Getting Vinnie has changed my life and what I wanted to create was a service here in Canary Wharf that is as good as the one offered in central London salons.
“It’s important to me that both the owners and the pups feel a sense of calm and that they are getting a service they feel is on a par with human spas.”
As for quality control, we’re reliably informed that Vinne (officially Pawsome’s CFO or chief fluff officer) has personally tested and approved all the treatments on offer.
key details
Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa is located in East Lane on the west side of 8 Harbord Square in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf. The business is open on weekdays from 10am-7pm, on Saturdays from 10am-6pm and on Sundays from noon-6pm. A full list of services and prices is available on the company’s website.
Go to pawsome-petgrooming.co.uk for more information
Scan this code for more about services at
Images by Jon Massey
Pawsome
Pawsome CFO
Vincent Van Der Flu
The playpen for pups between treatments at Pawsome
Carefully curated canine fashions
Length in metres of the all-electric Thames Explorer, built at Pendennis shipyard in Cornwall
Scan this code to nd out more about the tour
how the Tower Of London River Tour is set for launch in September on a specially built Woods Tours vessel
by Jon Massey
Something new is sailing this way. The o cial Tower Of London River Tour is now visible on the horizon with its first voyages set to take place on September 15. eparting hourly from 10.45am, the trips last about 40 minutes, leaving from Tower Bridge uay a short walk from the attraction.
Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that looks after the Tower, has partnered with Woods Tours, a company owned by the same family as Woods Silver Fleet with extensive experience operating all kinds of vessels on the capital’s river. That includes the Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames Tours, which operate from the same pier. The Tower tour will be hosted aboard the Thames Explorer,
a 3 -metre craft specially constructed for the job.
Built by Pendennis shipyard in Cornwall, she’s the first all-electric tourist boat to operate on the Thames and makes use of developments in lightweight aluminium engineering alongside a battery bank that can be rapidly charged from a two-megawatt on-shore facility.
“This new vessel represents the bridge between the past and the future of river tourism, building on the generations of experience the Woods family have been operating on the river whilst striving to lead the industry’s push towards sustainability”, said Chris angis, CEO of Woods Tours.
“We are delighted to partner with Historic Royal Palaces for the Tower Of London River Tour
The Tower is one of the most significant London landmarks on
Limehouse - Wapping - Whitechapel - Tower Hill
the river and the perfect match for the tour. The client’s requirement for the vessel is also for it to be fully battery-powered, advancing our own in-house capabilities in this area that, in turn, will transfer to other market sectors that we operate in.”
The tours will take in landmarks including the Palace Of Westminster, Tate Modern, the London Eye, Traitor’s ate and Tower Bridge with a spoken tour experience voiced by actor Martha Howe- ouglas of Ghosts and Horrible Histories fame
key details
The Tower Of London River Tour is booking from September 15 with adult tickets starting at 1 .50 for the trip on the Thames only. Joint tickets for the Tower and the tour start at 54.30 Go to hrp.org.uk for more information
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Matt Berninger
Where?
Troxy Limehouse
The Grammy-winning vocalist and lyricist for The National tours in support of his recently released second solo album, Get Sunk. Aug 27, 7pm, £42.28, troxy.co.uk
Where?
St Katherine Docks Wapping
EVENT | Classic Boat Festival
More than 50 vintage and historic vessels, including some of the Dunkirk Little Ships will be on show at the 16th edition of this event. Sept 6-7, from 11am, free, skdocks.co.uk
FILM | Metropolis (1927)
Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
Enjoy Fritz Lang’s futuristic masterpiece alongside a live performance by pianist and composer Dmytro Morykit. Concert features a variety of works. Sept 3, 7pm, from £12, wiltons.org.uk
Thames River Police Museum holds a wealth of artefacts and information on the
The Tower Of London River Tour will be based on the newly constructed Thames Explorer
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Creative Cuppa
Where? The Albany Deptford
Meet the creative team at The Albany over free tea, co ee and pastries at Ca A – a chance to network, chat and nd out more about the arts centre. Aug 26, 11.30am-1pm, free, thealbany.org.uk
Where?
Deptford
Lounge Deptford
EVENT | Summer Roller Disco
This event features a family friendly session until 8pm with adults only after that until 10pm. Bring your skates for a relaxed, inclusive evening. Aug 21, 6pm, donations, thealbany.org.uk
PLAY | Commander Nights
Where?
Badger
Badger Deptford
These regular sessions o er participants the chance to play carefully crafted 100-card Magic: The Gathering decks in four-way brawls until there’s a winner. Aug 29, 6.30pm-midnight, £8, badgerbadger.org
for the kids
The Albany in Deptford is hosting Zine Making With Froglife on August 13 with two sessions for youngsters aged 8-12 focusing on creative reactions to pond life. The workshops are free but must be booked online thealbany.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the workshops
how WeSwim is set to bring sessions for disabled swimmers to Canada Water Leisure Centre in
by Jon Massey
What our volunteers always talk about is the sense of community and supporting people they perhaps wouldn’t normally meet,” said Rosie Farrer, operations manager at WeSwim. “There’s also networking with other volunteers and participants, but really it’s just the happiness and joy they feel that keeps them coming back.”
WeSwim is coming to south-east London. The charity supports disabled people into swimming, pairing them up with volunteers to help them get in the pool and enjoy their time in the water.
Founded six years ago, it’s grown to five clubs and will open two more this year. One of those will be at the newly minted Canada Water Leisure Centre, part of British Land’s extensive project to regenerate and develop the area.
The facility is set to open in early September with WeSwim sessions expected to start shortly afterwards. Consequently the charity is looking for volunteers to help run the sessions.
“We ask people to commit to coming twice a month, especially when first starting out,” said Rosie. “The sessions lend themselves well to a creative mindset because it’s about supporting the person in front of you and problem solving together.
“For example, I was swimming with a guy who had limited mobility on one side of his body and we were figuring out how he could use a float because he couldn’t grip it with his hand. It was fun and collaborative.
“Some participants have particular goals they’re working
need to know
Canada Water Leisure Centre
Canada Water Leisure Centre is set to open its doors on September 1 and includes an extensive gym and swimming pool facilities. As an intro o er, membership costs £20.25 for the rst three months and then £43.99 per month which includes access to all Southwark Leisure sites
September
on, but we have people engaged in a huge variety of activities in every session.
“For some, it might just be about getting in the water. People can turn up really fearing the pool and so the work is about just helping them take those first steps. Then it might be putting their face in the water and learning to just float on their back.
“There are lots of benefits to being in the water. Often the feeling of weightlessness and the support it gives them is really helpful. Alternatively, a participant may be recovering from a stroke and the session might be useful for rehabilitation.
“For lots of participants and volunteers alike, attending is also about the social side. We often focus on the exercise, but for many these sessions are a highlight in their week – getting out and seeing friends.
“The participants and volunteers are a very diverse group – we’re a big melting pot.”
For Rosie, getting involved with WeSwim brought together her passion for working for and with charities as well as her love of the water.
She said: “I have lots of experience of working with charity startups and bodies that fund projects. I’m also a coach and a facilitator who supports people that are perhaps a bit stuck in their lives and help them decide what they want to do next.
“I run women’s retreats too, many of which involve outdoor swimming and walking and I’m an outdoor swim coach too. I love the water and so the job at WeSwim has been great. I’ve been working with the charity for about 12 months to help it grow.
“Personally, I love the sessions. Getting in the water with WeSwim is just so joyful. You can have had a rubbish day at work, maybe it’s a cold January evening and then you find yourself supporting someone who wouldn’t normally be able to swim. It puts the rest of your life in perspective.
“Going to a session and seeing people’s faces always brightens up my day. It feels like the work we do as a charity has a real impact.
“All you need to do to be able to volunteer is to get in the water yourself and be confident swimming. Sometimes people think we are looking for swimming teachers and that’s not really it at all. Sometimes participants want
Minutes each WeSwim session lasts, including about 15 minutes of time to change
Volunteer Jack Cunningham, left, with service user Eddie. Jack will be managing the WeSwim club at Canada Water
says the charity is looking for volunteers to support its rst south-east London club
The new leisure centre opens in September
Volunteers at WeSwim sessions help and support disabled people to use swimming pools
- Deptford - Bermondsey
Our volunteers are wonderful people. They are mostly young professionals who are doing this to bring a bit of joy to their day
Rosie
Farrer, WeSwim
to improve their strokes and we offer training to support that, but it’s definitely not a requirement.
“Potential volunteers might be worried about whether they will know what to do – what disabilities they may be faced with.
volunteers
“Again, we provide training and we also have a strong core of volunteers that operate each club. They’ve been working with the charity for many years and they are very confident and able to support others in the water if there are specific issues as well as providing hints, tips and tricks to help improve participants’ experiences.
“There’s always support. You won’t be expected to get someone out of a wheelchair and into the water on your own, for example.
“For each session there’s always a safeguarding lead who knows exactly what participants’ disabilities are and will be on hand to assist if necessary.
“One of the things that’s important for us, however, is that we don’t want to lead with a participant’s disability. At the sessions, they explain what they can and can’t do themselves – it’s never about the disability really, it’s about the person.
“Our volunteers are wonderful people. They are mostly young professionals who are doing this after work to bring a bit of joy to their day. Some want to support people with disabilities and others are keen swimmers and are passionate about making sure people can access the water.”
key details
WeSwim is set to launch its Canada Water Leisure Centre club in early September. Sessions will take place on Tuesday nights from 6.45pm- pm, priced 2 for disabled participants.
The charity is currently looking for volunteers to help run them. Neither participants nor volunteers need to be members at the centre.
Go to weswim.club for more details
Scan this code to nd out more about WeSwim sessions
Brass bands are set to perform at the free Brassworks 2025 festival in Woolwich
how Brassworks 2025 will deliver a carnival of horns and free concerts at Woolwich Works this September
by Jon Massey
what’s all this?
This is Brassworks 2025, a day-long “festival and carnival of horns” that’s coming to south-east London next month.
blowing its trumpet?
I see what you did there. We are. The event is set to feature a diverse selection of brass collectives performing outdoors and the best thing is, it’s free to attend.
where is it?
Brassworks will take place in the courtyard at Woolwich Works following a parade from General Gordon Square. For those who’d like to dance their way through the town, the promenade performance starts at noon.
then what happens?
Once the march through Royal Arsenal Riverside to Woolwich Works is done the festivities kick off with a set at 12.30pm. Then it’s a succession of live bands from 1pm.
who’s on the bill?
icking off proceedings at 1pm
will be the Crystal Palace Brass Band. Founded in 1 01, this historic ensemble brings more than a century of tradition to the stage with everything from classical arrangements to film scores in their repertoire.
a strong start
And there’s more to come. Bollywood Brass will combine powerful horns with dhol drumming to get the audience moving from 2pm. This will be followed by Blow And Blast, a performance where audience members are encouraged to dust off their instruments, fill their lungs and participate.
what then?
From 4pm, Brassic Parp will perform a set of -style pop medleys dressed as characters from Jurassic Park (for some reason). Expect plenty of ohn Williams themes.
and rounding things o ...
Then it’s up to the London Afrobeat Collective to finish things off with a headline set starting at 6.30pm. Expect a heady blend of afrobeat, funk, jazz and Latin sounds with a performance that promises “raucous energy and danceable grooves”.
We’re thrilled to present an inclusive line-up spanning cultures and genres, alongside opportunities for everyone to get involved
Liat Rosenthal, Woolwich Works
The eight-strong multinational ensemble has a solid following in the capital and has toured across Europe.
they say...
“Brassworks celebrates the power, heritage and future of brass music in London,” said Liat Rosenthal, head of creative programming at Woolwich Works.
“We’re thrilled to present an inclusive line-up spanning cultures and genres, alongside opportunities for everyone to get involved.
“Last year’s inaugural event was a fantastic day and we hope to build on that success this year.”
anything else I should know? Yes, since you ask. You know the Blow And Blast performance at 3pm Well there’s a bit more to say about that.
The project is aimed at reuniting players with their brass instruments that perhaps have lain untouched for some time. To that end, players of all levels are invited to attend a rehearsal session from 1pm-2.30pm at Woolwich Works before having the chance to play the Brassworks stage shortly afterwards.
Those interested can simply show up or find out more about the communal blow via email to rosie.gilbertson@woolwick.works key details
Brassworks 2025 starts at noon on September 6 in General Gordon Square with performances at Woolwich Works from 12.30pm. All are free to watch with full timings available online.
Go to woolwich.works for more information
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Bollywood Brass
London Afrobeat Collective
Young festival-goers try some instruments
Images by Woolwich Works
Brassworks 2025 will begin with a musical parade through Woolwich
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Call Chris Eubank
The former boxer takes his podcast to the stage with an evening of advice, humour and honesty as he tackles life, love and ghting. No youth hosteling... Sept 5, 7pm, from £25.90, theo2.co.uk
KIDS | The Elves And The Shoemaker Suitable for ages 3+, this heart-warming tale revisits a classic fable. Expect comedy, glitter and emotional messages as sparkly wellies take a pivotal role. Until Aug 24, times vary, £17.50, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
EVENT | Sound Bath with Cara Join Cara Stimson for an hour-long immersion in sound featuring crystal bowls made from quartz infused with gemstones and metals. Aug 26, 7pm, £10, repit.art
Greenwich, Woolwich and beyond are set to welcome the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, which runs from August 22 with a programme packed with free performances. Full listings online festival.org
Scan this code to read our interview with festival founder Bradley Hemmings on its 30th anniversary
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
TRY | Crochet With Janki
Whether new or rusty, this workshop covers the basics of the discipline including foundational stitches and pattern reading. Aug 20, 6pm-7.30pm, £3, poplarunion.com
Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs
STAGE | An Intervention Mike Bartlett’s celebrated two-hander comedy about war, friendship and protest returns, in a new revival from director Dom Stephens. Aug 26-30, 7pm, from £16, space.org Where? Poplar Union Poplar
Where? Theatreship South Quay
GIG | An Evening Of Widescreen Pedal Guitar Trailblazing musician BJ Cole, who has worked with the likes of Elton John, Brian Eno and The Orb, is set to play alongside Joe Harvey-Whyte and David Murphy. Sept 6, 7pm, £16.50, theatreship.co.uk
back
KintsÜgi, named for a Japanese method of repairing pottery,is an app created by Isle Of Dogs resident Lizzie Aaryn-Stanton aimed at helping people reset and develop healthier relationships with their phones ugitribe.com
Scan this code to read our interview with Lizzie and nd out more about KintsÜgi, which is available now
Cost of a Philli Cheese Steak at Shah’s Halal Food on the Isle Of Dogs. Save it and spend elsewhere £7.99
by Jon Massey
why the Philli Cheese Steak at Shah’s Halal Food on the Isle Of Dogs is a takeaway best avoided due to imbalance W
hen John Montagu, 4th Earl Of Sandwich supposedly demanded servants bring him meat between two slices of bread in the 1700s, he probably had little idea that this invention would go on to take the casual dining world by storm.
Without it, no subway, no Pret, no burger joints and no Philly Cheesesteak. At its best it’s a finely balanced blend of ingredients presented in a practical consumable form that delivers fine, even taste. But it’s a dish much abused. Sadly, the Philli Cheese Steak from recently opened Shah’s Halal Food on the Isle Of Dogs is one of those abuses. For just £7.99 we might expect the ersatz spelling. But the crime here is really one of ratios and omission. The roll selected to hold the grilled steak is, frankly, horrible. Dry, with a thin fragile crust that suggests at least a day or two of ageing, it’s the kind of white bread that reverts
instantly in the mouth to a chewy white gum, requiring a great deal of grinding between the teeth to get it down.
This would be bad enough, but for the amount of filling there’s also far too much of it, like a man’s shirt drowning a child. The meat itself is fairly decent stuff, flavourful and richly savoury with the molten cheese blended into the mix. But it’s swamped by its glutinous cocoon.
Looking closer, while there’s a fleck or two of onion, the promised peppers have failed to materialise with the ingredients present delivering at best a half-hearted approximation of an American
classic. Shah’s is a New York-born chain that’s expanding rapidly across London. The menu, which has a picture of a Philli Cheese Steak that bears little resemblance to the reality its E14 branch serves, has all the hallmarks of cheap fast food. Shame it crossed the pond. Fortunately there are plenty of genuine, quality street food options nearby.
key details
Shah’s Halal Food is located at Skylines Village on Marsh Wall. Its Philli Cheese Steak costs £7.99. Go to shahshalalfood.co.uk for more information
Ironically the quality isn’t great...
celebrating the
how more space at Excel London is already bringing a wave of growth with bookings at unprecedented levels
by Jon Massey
Excel London’s extension is o cially up and running in Royal ocks, an opening marked by the successful delivery of the latest Formula E World Championship at the newly expanded exhibition and conference centre towards the end of uly.
Built by Canary Wharf-based McLaren Construction, the extra 25,000sq m of space created boosts the venue’s overall capacity by 25 to 125,000sq m.
The extension includes an expanded international convention centre, allowing Excel to compete to host some of the largest congresses in Europe as well as new exhibition halls, conference spaces and meeting rooms. It is part of a wider 350million investment programme in London’s business and tourism economy by venue owner A NEC roup.
“The expansion of Excel marks a pivotal moment and a strategic investment to drive growth for A NEC roup, as well as reinforce London as a world-leading event destination,” said Humaid Matar Al haheri, chairman of Excel London and
managing director and roup CEO of A NEC roup. “This expansion enhances our competitiveness to attract the largest international events, generating significant economic flows for the city, and supporting thousands of businesses and local jobs.
“The increased space directly translates into higher revenues and profits through improved occupancy rates and the ability to host larger and concurrent events.
“The flexible spaces allow us to accommodate new types of events, increase our annual event count, and attract leading global names in vital sectors such as technology and science.
Scan this code to nd out more about Excel London
“This expansion is the driver of our future growth, enabling us to better serve our clients and strengthen our role as a vital economic engine for London.”
Excel CEO, eremy Rees, added “This expansion is a historic moment of pride not just for Excel in its 25th anniversary year, but for the entire city of London.
“It is not just an increase in space, but an investment in the future and a testament to our commitment to providing a world-class environment for world-class events – fitting therefore that the spectacle of Formula E should be the first.
“Interest and bookings for Excel as a whole are at unprecedented levels, with 10 major international congresses already confirmed for 2026 – a record for a single year – and demonstrating London as a global events destination.” Go to excel.london for more
Royal Docks Centre For Sustainability is set to host a gathering of creative types and educators at UEL for talks, workshops and opportunities. Sept 3, 10am-5pm, free, uel.ac.uk
The team at Excel celebrate the opening of the new venue with chairman of Excel London and managing director and group CEO of ADNEC Group, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Excel London CEO Jeremy Rees and deputy mayor of London for business, Howard Dawber
The extension to Excel London
how East London Printmakers o ers a wealth of facilities to help people create images at accessible prices
by Jon Massey
The plain white walls of Acme’s Copperfield Road studios are a visual amuse bouche for the quiet riot of creativity that lies within. Like the blank sheets of paper used by the image-wrights inside, the possibilities for what might be are limitless.
That’s all due to collaboration and cooperation. Walk through the doors at East London Printmakers (ELP) – located on the building’s ground floor – and you’ll find a large, brightly lit space filled with presses, etching baths and paraphernalia, all waiting to be used. Everywhere there are wire racks to store fresh prints for drying.
It’s a workshop, ready and waiting with the tools for artists to make things – to turn their imaginations into hard copies.
The facility has its origins in a group of artists who began meeting monthly at Pub On The Park in Hackney.
“They were already calling themselves East London Printmakers when I met them,” said founding member, artist and tutor at ELP, Ann Norfield.
“At that time it was hard to find places to print. I’d do courses at the City Lit, but that was only three hours every now and then, so I was certainly thinking it would be great if there was a local studio in east London where I could fit making work in with everything else.
“I became a printmaker because I didn’t have a lot of spare time and it’s something you can do in small bursts. It started when my children were small about 33 years ago and I’ve made artwork all through my adult life. I was an art teacher for 40 years and I retired five years ago. Since then, I’ve been able to concentrate on my own practice.”
The 10 or so people in that nascent ELP group all felt the same and, after setting up an interim space with Bow Arts, found a more solid home established through Space Studios near London Fields. The deal was that in return for a contribution towards equipment, ELP would rent a studio and provide facilities and community access to them.
Opened in 2003, the collective effort was a success, with the facility and membership growing
Everything had been done on the premise that we wanted to provide somewhere a ordable for people to work
as well as the introduction of courses to educate local artists and designers.
“Everything had been done on the premise that we wanted to provide somewhere affordable for people to work,” said Ann. “But then the rent suddenly shot up in 2016 and we realised that would be impossible unless we moved.
“Fortuitously, Acme in Mile End had a space recently vacated by an art gallery and we were able to take it on. It took us 14 weeks to move into the unit and then pull a studio together to get it up and running for the community again.
“We had about 40 people work on the project and then, after moving the presses – some of which are very heavy – we had to get specialists in to ensure they were set up and aligned properly. We also had to build some new walls and replumb the place – it was all done voluntarily with a huge amount of communal goodwill.”
Today, the membership has grown to around 50, with about 200 associates using the facilities. There’s also a wider community who attend courses, talks and events. For printmaker and ELP member, Paul Lincoln, it’s a place where he can get his hands dirty.
“I trained at the City Lit and I’ve done courses here too – I’ve been involved for about five years,” he said. “As an editor I’ve always worked with graphic designers and so visual communication has always been an interest for mine.
“I’ve done printmaking off and on for about 20 years, but I’ve taken it more seriously recently. Right now I’m doing silkscreen prints based on photography. I take an image, manipulate it digitally, then output it onto an acetate using a machine, scan it on a lightbox and that fixes the image as an emulsion.
“It starts as digital and then becomes entirely analogue. You
making public
Years since East London Printmakers relocated to Mile End from its original home in Hackney
Ann Nor eld, East London Printmakers
Artist portraits by Jon Massey - Artworks by artists as detailed
Artist and founding member of East London Printmakers, Ann Nor eld, works a press at the collective’s extensive Mile End facility in Copper eld Road
Artist and ELP member Paul Lincoln with his screenprint work Melting City, left
ink up the screen and then you can select the colours and print on paper.
“Last year I also got quite excited about printing on fabric, making long hangings. Mainly my focus has been on buildings, such as tower blocks in the City, and the stuff I’m doing today involves maps and images imposed on them. I like how messy it can be and it’s nice to see things happen by chance – most of my career has been digital and precise.
“You can work quite fast, it’s about poster-making techniques, or you can do layering. I also like working with collage, making things and exhibiting them.”
Having made use of many printing techniques over the years, Ann is currently working on a series of etchings.
She said: “They’re images of crumbling shorelines eroded by the sea. I’ve made a lot of images recently about people making channel crossings and how they cross water.
“This latest series came about because of what you see as the coast comes into view and think about what kind of greeting you will get. For the etchings you take a metal plate and coat it with a substance that resists a corrosive solution. Where you remove that substance, the solution bites into the plate and they hold ink –that’s what you use to make the print.
“I think there’s an elemental quality about what we do as artists here – constant making is a human need and people really love to do things with their hands.”
Paul and Ann’s stories are simply a snapshot of the kind of creative endeavours ELP enables.
To showcase the collective’s wider work, it organises a Festival Of Print, which this year is set to take place from November 21-30 at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park.
Paul, who is one of the festival’s organisers, said: “It’s a celebration of print and we have room for 98 printmakers. Most people at ELP have a connection with east London, Tower Hamlets or the City, and so we’ll be pitching it as a major celebration of print to people in this area.”
The collective is also keen to branch out and make connections with other local organisations following its successful collaboraton to supply Canary Wharf’s aparthotel, Vertus Edit, with 50 works for its interior decor.
For those who fancy a go themselves, a wealth of courses are currently on offer covering everything from etching to collagraphy, wood cuts, screen printing, lithography and monotype. Courses are open to all.
key details
East London Printmakers is located in Copperfield Road in Mile End and hosts Community Access sessions on Thursdays from 10am-2pm and 3pm-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. These cost £25 for non-associates and £22 for associates.
Full details of all courses and memberships, including prices, are available online.
Go to eastlondonprintmakers.co.uk for more information
Scan this code for more about East London Printmakers
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
DANCE | Dancing City
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival returns to Stratford with a packed programme of movement at various locations across the area. Sept 9, times vary, free, festival.org
This mini festival will feature DJ sets from Groove Armada and Sam Devine, street food and saunas and cold plunges for those attending. Sept 7, 10am-8pm, from £50, daybreaker.com COMEDY | Katherine Ryan
The comedian and writer brings her critically acclaimed show, Battleaxe, back to London for one night only. Sharp and deadly. Aug 29, 7.30pm,£30 , stratfordeast.com
Scan this code to nd out more about the collaborative show or to book tickets EVENT | Daybreaker
Stratford East and Sadler’s Wells East have teamed up for a multidisciplinary reimagining of Romeo And Juliet. Catch it at the former from August 7-9 with tickets starting at £10. Performances last 90 minutes stratfordeast.com
East London Printmakers is located on the ground oor of Acme studios
Above, Tanaka Mazivanhanga’s Untitled II Landscapes made with mokulito and watercolour. Below, the artist at work
Jazz Owl by Steve Edwards using lino print
Above, Ann Nor eld’s Blue Chasm screenprint. Right, Canary Wharf by Bob Johnstone
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
beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy
Cryptic Quick
Down
Anywhere for eggshaped cricket? (5)
Peaceful sea? (7)
These used to be taken back for cash (7)
Shortest distance between points in order, we hear (5) 10. Confusing time? It’s a thing (4) 11. About online books? Fire them up again! (8) 13. Sounds like musical animation (4) 14. Return of Verne’s captain – it’s a sign (4) 16. A clock’s skill is creative (8) 17. Reshape a neat volcano? (4) 20. Prevent Joseph? It’s instrumental (5) 21. It’s not always stirred (7) 22. Eat posh? Beverage place, really (7) 23. What Higgs found! (5)
1. First move might be risky (7,6)
2. This fruit contains a program (5)
3. Whizz your legs round! (4)
4. Astrological observation of pastry, we hear (6)
5. Mum’s burning with charm! (8)
6. Sounds like a feminist liberates Daniel (7)
7. Putting your mind to a hundred portion scam (13)
