Win a family ticket on a Terrible Thames tour of the capital Page 22
inside issue 141
The Island Studio - Lina Stores
VevetiserTM Café - Peninsula Summer
Summer Splash - Danilo Murru
Crosswords - EBRD Literature Prize
Theatre Royal Stratford East - Sudoku
Neptune Wharf - Wood Wharf
Film Club - Puss In Boots Ballet
The Fire Of London Family Show
seeking
celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
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
Image by Jon Massey
Canary Wharf - West India Quay
Where?
Museum Of London Docklands West India Quay
KIDS | The Great Fire Of London Family Show
Suitable for ages 5+ these shows will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Expect to uncover the stories behind the ve-day 1666 disaster. Jul 29-Aug 28, times vary, free, londonmuseum.org.uk
Where?
Canada Square Canary Wharf
FILM | Yesterday (12)
What if you were the only person in the world who remembered The Beatles? This lm explores a premise rst mooted in Goodnight Sweetheart Aug 5, 7pm, free, canarywharf.com
KIDS | Puss In Boots
Where?
Jubilee Park Canary Wharf
Let’s All Dance Ballet Company presents and a magical new version of a classic tale (tail?) ideal for families with kids aged 2+. Show lasts 40 minutes. Jul 26, 2pm, free, canarywharf.com
is the epic pork gyros at Pittagoras, serving up puns, deeper meanings and food with generations of tradition from Kephalonia in Wharf Kitchen. Find it on the lower level of Jubilee Place pittagoras.co.uk
Scan this code to read our interview with Pittagoras co-founder Ilias Georgatos online at wharf-life.com
Welcome to issue 141 of Wharf Life. This paper is packed with tempting things to try and diary dates, whether it’s a new tness facility – The Island Studio – opening at Wood Wharf, an award-winning book to read or festivals on Greenwich Peninsula to experience, there’s plenty of options to consider...
Why Peninsula Summer’s programme of events needs to be in your diary as Greenwich welcomes pop-ups and festivals packed with performance and music over the coming weeks 26
Swim safely in Royal Victoria Dock’s free, supervised lido
How Canary Wharf is delivering a ordable homes on the estate 29 13
Scan to book FREE tickets
JULY AUGUST
on the radar
need to know
South Asian Heritage Month is set to be celebrated in Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place Roof Garden with installations by Saroj Patel in place from July 18 until August 17, plus workshops from Bengali collective Oitiji-Jo. Check online for full details canarywharf.com
31
Lovestuck is a brilliant reminder of the quality on o er in Stratford
News has emerged that the City Of London Corporation believes around 4,000 new homes could be built on the site of Billingsgate Market to the north of Canary Wharf. There are plans to close the facility although legislation is required to do this cityo ondon.gov.uk
doing the deals
subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly £15
Enjoy two cocktails for £15 in Feels Like June or on its sun-kissed terrace. The o er is available from 5pm-7pm daily on selected drinks including a pair of mocktails feelslikejune.com get more for less on and around the Wharf
20%
28
Looking back to Sardinia with a new photography exhibition in Deptford
22
We’ve teamed up with Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames to o er readers the chance to win a family ticket on one of its oating summer tours through the capital...
Immigration Solicitors
Use code CANARY20 in-store at Charles Tyrhitt in Canada Place to get a fth o your bill at the menswear shop. Access
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
Hotel Chocolat’s VelvetiserTM promises “rich, creamy and decadent” hot chocolate made in 2.5 minutes with a patented process in a machine that will only take up the same amount of space as a kettle on your worktop. It costs just 5p shy of £100.
For those of us who’ve already invested in an air fryer, rice cooker, slow cooker, microwave and Nutribullet, that may not be a practical option. The repayments alone have probably banjaxxed you nancially in any case. Fortunately, you can now get your VelvetisedTM hot, iced or choc shake beverage
The Hot Classic costs £5.25 and isn’t all that large
to go thanks to a new cafe in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place. For £5.25 (a mere 19th of the cost of the VelvetiserTM machine), you can sup a Hot Classic, made with 70% cocoa like the fancy bars that taste overly bitter but everyone pretends to like because they’re sophisticated. It’s a smooth cup, for sure – nobody could doubt the liquid has been thoroughly VelvetisedTM. But with Watch House o ering a (merely) stirred option for £4.20, you have to wonder if that extra £1.05 went on the TM not the choc.
Jon Massey
dates, listings and ideas to make life in Canary Wharf sweeter..
ALFRESCO GIGS
Dockside Sounds Eden Dock canarywharf.com
Canary Wharf’s Friday programme of free gigs continues with performances scheduled weekly from noon-2pm and 2pm-4.30pm.
Next up will be Alex West and Ivanmore on July 11, followed by Sherika Sherarad and Alex Hall on July 18, then Jade Thornton and Modupe on July 25.
Performances will also run throughout August. Find full listings online
how The Island Studio opened its latest branch in Wood Wharf’s Brannan Street near Union Square
advertisement feature
Sol Bouille’s Pilates journey began with injury. The Argentinian dancer and dance teacher suffered a slipped disc and turned to the exercise system to help her recover and strengthen her body.
“I’ve always been interested in movement and I have a degree in musical theatre, jazz dancing, singing and acting and I trained in New York at the Broadway Dance Centre,” said Sol. “I’ve been working as a dance teacher since I was 21 and living in London for 12 years now.
“It was when I started to do Pilates after that injury that I discovered it was wonderful, not just for me but for everyone.
“As a dancer, I train very intensively, but I don’t like the anxiety that comes with training hard in the gym. I found Pilates very calming and mindful –you’re connected and you train very directly in every way.
“It’s not just about being strong. It helps you to walk, to stand, to be flexible, to be mobile. It doesn’t matter what age you are, or what your fitness level is, there’s always an option for you in a class.”
After qualifying as a Pilates instructor, Sol built up her class load until she was full time. Then after a number of years working in studios she realised she was dispensing advice to other instructors and started thinking about starting her own business.
“I wanted to have better ambience, better music and a better space in general,” she said. The result was The Island Studio, a space in Hackney Wick with classes built around Reformer Pilates beds, which use the resistance of springs to support or challenge the body when exercising.
“Initially, I wasn’t a hundred per cent sure about opening my own studio, but a space became available, right next to where I live,” said Sol. “It was spacious and airy, with beautiful natural light and, when I walked in, I knew it was for me. Many studios in London are underground or don’t have many windows, so I continued on Page 8
launching a
Locations The Island Studio now operates following the opening of its Canary Wharf facility this month
Image by Island Pilates
Sol Bouille is the founder and head teacher at The Island Studio
from Page 6
was lucky to find this place. It was perfect, so I started with just nine beds for Reformer Pilates. The classes are small and there’s so much you can work on. It’s an intimate experience, so I now have a lot more friends.”
Opened in November 2022, Sol started as the only instructor, carefully building up the business, discovering the appetite for Reformer was strong in the predominantly residential community at Hackney Wick. After hiring more instructors, her attentions turned to the future and growing the business.
While pregnant, a walk round Wood Wharf inspired her to get in touch with Canary Wharf Group, which was seeking Tower Hamlets-based companies to expand their operations in its newest neighbourhood. Having also expanded to Kentish Town, Sol’s third studio has opened at Brannan Street, close to Union Square, this month.
“I’ve done all that and had a baby five months ago,” she said. “But I’ve always been creative beyond dancing – with colours, design and choreography. I’m doing everything at The Island Studio, I’ve created the role I always wanted.
“In Canary Wharf, just as at our other branches, we are offering small group Reformer Pilates classes. These are dynamic, following the principles of classical Pilates but with a modern approach.
“Each class is a full body workout based on flexibility, strength and mobility. We plan the classes in such a way that everyone is welcome, so you don’t have to be strong or flexible, you just have to be there. You can train at the level you want.
“The advantage of training in a small group is that the instructors can personalise exercises and modifications to your needs –similar to what would happen in a private one-to-one session, but more affordable.”
Reformer Pilates is unquestionably having a moment with studios opening across London and group classes at gyms consist-
The advantage of training in a small group is that the instructor can personalise exercises and modifications to your needs
Cost of The Island Studio’s threeclass introductory pack at its Canary Wharf branch
Sol Bouille, The Island Studio
ently fully booked. The Island Studio offers Wharfers a range of ways to experience its services.
“We have packages and memberships – the more you buy, the cheaper it is,” said Sol. “When clients enter the space they will be greeted by an instructor. Then they take their shoes off and find their machine – the space is very clean and airy.
‘People can buy grip socks from us or use their own. Then it’s simple, you don’t have to remember anything – the instructor will tell clients everything they need to perform every exercise and offer modifications where needed. There’s nothing to worry about.”
key details
The Island Studio is now open in Wood Wharf’s Brannan Street. A three-class intro offer is available for £48. Full details of classes and packaged can be found online. Book your first class now at theislandstudio.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about The Island Studio
Image by Island Pilates
The Island Studio Reformer Pilates classes are dynamic sessions interpreting the discipline in a modern way
Multi-class packages and memberships are available
how the English translation of Sons,
Daughters won the EBRD Literature Prize 2025 at the bank’s Wharf HQ
by Jon Massey
Canary Wharf, known in the public psyche for its tall towers housing companies delivering financial services, has long been much more than that. It’s true essence is defined by the people inside those buildings – their interests, passions and diversity.
The European Bank For Reconstruction And Development (EBRD) Literature Prize – recently awarded at the organisation’s Banks Street offices – is an excellent example. Born of a desire from staff to share in and engage with cultures in the territories where the bank operates, the contest is now in its eighth year and recognises works of fiction translated into English.
Both author and translator are equally celebrated for their efforts, reflecting the prize’s aim – to spread notable writing to as wide an audience as possible. For 2025, an independent panel of judges led by critic and cultural journalist Maya Jaggi chose Sons, Daughters by Ivana Bodrožić, translated from the Croatian by Ellen EliasBursać as the winning work.
“It’s a novel I published in Croatia five years ago, so I was writing it maybe seven or eight years ago,” said Ivana. “It started from me and my own feelings of being locked in and is written from three different perspectives.
“The first is a woman who has locked-in syndrome. She’s paralysed but she has a really strong inner life.
“The second voice is that of a young man. He is transgender and he doesn’t feel like he belongs to his body when he looks in the mirror.
“The third is the perspective of the mother of the first character. She is a woman in her 60s. She was born and raised in the patriarchy and she is deformed by
I’m very pleased the EBRD continues to support voices from many parts of the world by promoting books in this way
Ellen Elias-Bursać, translator
€20,000
The EBRD Literature Prize top award, split equally between author and translator
that system, although she doesn’t even realise it.
“I wanted to tell a story about how we are all locked in ourselves – that we can live and move, but sometimes be paralysed.
“At the time I was writing it was difficult to be part of the LGBT minority in Croatia. It was when the Istanbul Convention was being ratified and there were some really loud parts of society – the right wing and the Catholic church.
“They wanted to point a finger at transgender people, saying that they were the biggest problem in Croatia and there were only one or two people who spoke out about their experience of living in that situation.
“In this radical metaphor through literature I was hoping that I could connect all those painful stories and make a novel that readers who wanted to be open could understand.”
Ivana first found a love of reading as a child. Growing up she spent five years in a refugee camp where “books were the only thing that told us there were other worlds, which was crucial for me”. She said: “Books and stories became an essential part of my identity from an early age. Writing is connected with my life, not just talent but something I earned.
“I believe we can write about almost everything. What is important is our intention – what we want to do with our stories.
“Do we want to harm or humiliate someone, or do we want to make a larger space for understanding and freedom for human dignity?
“Sons, Daughters is not an easy book to read. All the stories are painful. My intention, when the reader closes the book, is to make them think that they have time to change something in their life, to open up a bit and see where their blind spots are. In that way, perhaps this novel is optimistic.
“It shows you that you don’t need to be so closed, so locked in your own world. Winning this prize gives you the feeling that you’re a real writer and you know what you’re doing.
“It’s wonderful to know there’s a community of readers and what you’re doing means something. Writing can be a lonely job and being translated is very rewarding. Croatia is a very tiny community. It means a lot to know that sometimes I may be able to cross language borders.”
From left, judges Maya Jaggi (chair), Selma Dabbagh and Uilleam Blacker at the ceremony, right, which also recognised Ukraine’s Tanja Maljartschuk and translator Zenia Tompkins for Forgottenness, alongside Poland’s Olga Tokarczuk and translator Antonia Lloyd-Jones for The Empusium
In this instance, the person tasked with shepherding Ivana’s words over the hurdles of understanding was translator Ellen EliasBursać – joint winner of the prize.
USA,
Born in the USA, it was studying Russian that sparked her professional journey.
“Our anti-Soviet professors wouldn’t send us to the USSR, but we were allowed to go to a Slavic country,” said Ellen. “They found a programme in what was then Yugoslavia, and I went for a year.
“I met a guy, finished school, went back and got married in 1974 and lived there until 1990. I had my kids there and became a community translator for many years, getting involved in translating literature towards the end of my stay.
“I met Ivana through the publisher of her first novel, which was about the war in Croatia.”
Ellen said her process for translating a work began slowly before the pace picked up and she’d reach the end of a text. Then a painstaking period of editing kicked in to ensure everything fitted together.
She said: “Different novels require different contextual explanations depending on how much reference there is to local culture. It’s about the sound of the language and the humour too. There’s always loss and always gain with translation, you just
hope there’s more of the latter. It’s tremendously gratifying to win this prize. Our role is to support authors and we end up doing much more than translating. We work with publishers, attend book launches, find people to review and promote things.
“I’m really happy that Ivana’s novel, which deserves attention, is thankfully getting it. I’m also very pleased the EBRD continues to support voices from many parts of the world by promoting books and bringing them to people’s attention – that’s a really valuable gift for everyone.”
key details
The EBRD Literature Prize is awarded annually, recognising both the author and translator of a work of fiction.
It celebrates creativity in the regions where the bank operates and aims to bring writing from a wide range of countries to a wider, global audience. Go to ebrd.com for more information about the prize
● Sons, Daughters by Ivana Bodrožić, translated from the Croatian by Ellen Elias- Bursać, is published by Seven Stories Press UK and is available through Waterstones in Cabot Place, priced £17.99.
Scan this code to nd out more about the prize
Images by Ale Di Padova / EBRD
Joint winners: Author Ivana Bodrožić, left, and translator Ellen Elias-Bursać were awarded the EBRD Literature Prize 2025 for Sons, Daughters, inset
Scan this code to nd out more about Lina
tried + tested: how Lina Stores’ ristorante o ers enriched pasta dishes at a welcome price point
by Jon Massey
There’s a danger with growth, especially when it comes to hospitality brands. A business founded and nurtured with passion by its creators can lose its appeal as economies of scale dislocate a sprawl of branches from the things that made the place good to start with.
It’s understandable. Those seeking a profit margin will always be tempted to trim an ingredient here or there. It’s an equation where small differences can translate into big savings. The risk is how close to tipping the scales does an operation dare go? Will the punters really notice a sauce made with two cloves of garlic instead of three?
How about one?
Fortunately, Lina Stores – recently opened in Canary
Wharf’s Crossrail Place in the unit formerly occupied by The Breakfast Club, is more concerned with value and quality for its customers than making a quick buck. At least, that’s the message it’s sending out on its pale green plates.
There could be a few reasons for this. Firstly, the brand’s lineage is an 80-year-old deli in Soho rather than a beloved restaurant. That brings with it a certain dedication to quality born of a family-run institution that was conceived primarily to supply Londoners with the kind of Italian treats which were a rarity at the time it opened.
The restaurants, which can now be found in 11 locations in London and Manchester, plus three in Japan, aren’t tasked with replicating an existing establishment, but instead aim to showcase produce. The original shop is a jumping off point for this, rather than something to be photocopied.
jumping than something to be
Secondly, the team at White Rabbit Projects, which has worked with Lina to expand the brand, have clearly shed sweat to tread lightly. Italian cooking at its best lives or dies on the quality of its ingredients often in spare, unfussy combinations. There’s nowhere to hide and Lina isn’t afraid to be the neutral backdrop to the stars topping its green and whitestriped serving paper.
The aesthetic of the Canary Wharf restaurant follows this pattern. Head up stairs from the ground floor deli and you’ll find a bright, airy space with a barrelvaulted ceiling. Everything is in shades of pale green save the floor – marble the shade of emeralds at night. There’s an open kitchen continued on Page 21
Venues in one. Lina Stores houses a deli, Bar Lina and the restaurant, which we are concerned with here
Grilled prawns come with fresh tomatoes, lemon and garlic. Expertly singed, they yield sweet morsels of meat with little e ort...
a serving of
Image by Jon Massey
photocopied.
Lina Stores’ restaurant is located on the rst oor of its branch at Crossrail Place
Fresh green Bella Di Cerignola olives are ideal nibbles
Stores in Canary Wharf
from Page 12
too, with stools for diners who want to watch the magic happen. It’s a minimal scheme akin to the slender black picture frames used to contain the delicate art on its walls.
This is because Lina saves nearly everything for the eyes and mouth. To start, we crunch the flesh of fresh green Bella Di Cerignola olives (£4) while making up our minds.
Burrata (£10) comes bathed in a little pool of extra virgin olive oil and dusted with black pepper – a simple, creamy delight on the tongue with a pleasant tang.
Next comes the grilled prawns (£13) – three chunky specimens that arrive with a wedge of lemon and dressed with fresh tomatoes and garlic. Expertly singed, these give up their meat without effort in sweet little chunks – an excellent way to whet the appetite for what we’re really here to try.
Lina in Soho is known for its fresh pasta, trays of which in its windows have been tempting passers-by through the doors for decades. So what of the restaurant offering?
We order three due to greed and the desire to be comprehensive – the Jerusalem artichoke and ricotta ravioli (£10.50), the lamb sausage ragu pappardelle (£14.50) and the 30-egg yolk tagliolini with black truffle (at £17.50, the most expensive option on the menu).
The portions are sensible, the kind you might actually get as a first plate in a restaurant in Italy. But the flavours are outsize. The ravioli is earthy and vegetal, the tagliolini a fabulous overload of truffle, but the star of the show is the deep, rich pappardelle shot through with seasonal greens and chilli. Great value, high quality. When the staff have relaxed into things – clearing away the plate for discarded olive pits without asking while I was still chewing, was a minor misstep – Lina is shaping up to be very good indeed.
key details
Lina Stores is located at street level in Crossrail Place. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30am-11.30pm. The deli is open from 8am-5pm on weekdays and from 9am-5pm at weekends. Bar Lina is open from 5pm to midnight, Tuesday-Thursday and from 5pm-1am, Friday-Saturday. Go to linastores.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about Lina Stores in Canary Wharf
Price of the most expensive pasta dish on Lina’s menu, the tagliolini with black tru e
Burrata
Pappardelle
A fabulous overload: Lina’s 30-egg yolk tagliolini with black tru e
Ravioli
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | I Said What I Said
Where?
Troxy Whitechapel
The Nigerian podcast, hosted by Feyikemi Abudu and Jola Ayeye – aka FK and Jollz – shows up in London for a live recording. Expect cultural commentary Jul 27, 4pm, £36.57, troxy.co.uk
Where?
The George Tavern Whitechapel
GIG | Hot Freaks
Late night loft vibes return to the Whitechapel venue thanks to Proteus, Lifeloose, Lover1k and more. Is this Berlin in the 1980s? Aug 2, 11pm, £6, thegeorgetavern.london
STAGE | Macbeth
Where?
Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
With a cast of seven, The Dukes Theatre Company take on the Scottish play, bringing a contemporary edge to ambition, murder and madness. Jul 30-Aug 1, times vary, from £12.50, wiltons.org.uk
always shaken
Wilton’s Music Hall is set to host the London premiere of Bonding, a one-man show about 007, showcasing 60 years of the the world’s most famous spy in 60 minutes. Move fast, one performance on July 11 only.. wiltons.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the show or to book tickets starting at £10.50
Years the Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames tours have been running on the river from Tower Bridge Quay
The show takes in the Tower Of London
Each tour lasts 45 minutes with a cruise up to Westminster
entertaining
Scan this code to nd out more about the tours
join the Terrible Thames crew for an opportunity to meet historical
by Jon Massey
London’s historical river tours
with Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames are set to return from uly he floating show which takes in the capital’s riverside sights while showering audiences in horrifying funny and shocking tales of days gone y is also cele rating its fifth year on the waterway.
o mark that anniversary passengers are eing invited to ook sailings on a special day of cele ration on uly where they will meet royals and repro ates he likes of ueen oudica ing enry ueen nne oleyn uy awkes aptain idd laf he iking and ulius aesar are e pected to e lurking near the tour’s point of em arkation ower ridge uay during the event.
lso visiting on the day to meet fans will e erry eary author of Horrible Histories the series of gore soaked ooks that not only sparked a passion for the past in the minds of countless youngsters ut also inspired the erri le Thames theatrical tour.
The show itself is performed on the top deck of ilver ockeye a ship in oods ilver leet which takes a minute route right through central ondon eginning and ending just east of ower ridge udiences can e pect to see leopatra’s eedle hakespeare’s lo e the ouses f arliament the ondon ye and dive into the stories of ecution ock ack he ipper and the loody goings on at the ower f ondon amid a multitude of harrowing tales assengers are guided in their journey y a teacher and pupil on a trip to the capital awarded as a pri e for e cellence in history ut quite who is schooling who ecomes a matter for de ate
win
a family ticket to see Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames
>> For a chance to win a family ticket (one adult and three children or two adults and two children) to see the show this summer simply answer this question: Who wrote Horrible Histories? To enter email your answer to info@wharf-life.com with the subject line Terrible Thames Competition.
>> Prize is tickets only, subject to availability. Transport to Tower Bridge Quay is at the prize winner’s expense. There is no cash alternative. Entrants agree to have their data shared with Terrible Thames. The closing date is July 23, 2025.
The show is led by a teacher and student schooling each other on London’s sites
gures as sailings return
nique on the hames the show changes with the tide which alters the time taken to sail up and down the river for each performance meaning the actors have to constantly adapt the tour to suit the progress made t is performed y mem ers of the irmingham tage ompany known for its adaptations of eary’s works including he est f army ritain returning to the pollo theatre this summer.
key details
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames is taking ookings from uly for daily sailings until eptem er dult tickets cost while children aged cost each amily tickets cost with two adults and two children or for one adult and three children hose aged or over can sail for Go to terriblethames.com for full details and bookings
how Mudchute Park And Farm is currently hobbled by the lack of a long lease to ensure its growth and success
by Jon Massey
In the 1970s, the tract of land now occupied by Mudchute Park And Farm was earmarked for a high-rise housing development. Under that deal it would have een handed off to the Greater London Council by the Port Of London Authority, which had realised Millwall Docks’ days were numbered. Instead, local residents rose up and fought a successful campaign to ensure the 32 acres would become public open space.
There are very few living locally who would argue that the park, farm and allotments – which have served generations in the community five decades are anything other than a source of enormous social enefit to those living and working locally.
It’s a site on which children can be face-to-face with real sheep, cows and pigs, where dog walkers can socialise their pets and where walkers can experience the pure joy of coming across a llama with a sceptical look on its face. There’s also the farm’s work to support and nurture rare breeds and its efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment. It’s free, fun and accessible to all. While there’s always room for improvement, it’s a site that rightly attracts plaudits as one of the borough’s gems.
However, it’s also an operation that’s currently hobbled. The charity that runs the farm and looks after the site it sits on – the Mudchute Association – has been in negotiation with Tower Hamlets Council (which owns the land) to renew its long-term lease on the site since 2019.
However, that process has not yet resulted in an agreement between the two parties and the existing 20-year lease ran out in June 2024. The charity currently has the right to continue operating on the site while it works to reach an agreement thanks to the Landlord And Tenant Act 1954, but this leaves it in a tricky position. While the day-to-day operation of Mudchute Park And Farm continues, plans to improve and develop its offering for the future are severely impacted by the delay.
“We can’t apply for grants and funding because we have no lease in place – that’s especially a problem for large capital projects,” said Sue Mortimer, chair of the board of trustees overseeing the Mudchute Association.
“As a charity, we are heavily reliant on fundraising and volunteers – the farm is totally free at the point of delivery, a community asset that enefits everyone who lives, works and visits the area.
“We welcome 250,000 people every year, including more than 10,000 school children, care for rare reeds offer volunteer training programmes and provide access to beautiful green space.
“The income we receive – from letting space to Muddy Boots nursery, for example – goes on feeding and looking after the animals and running the farm. Since the lease expired, we live hand-to-mouth.”
Sue said the farm would like to agree lease of at least 30 years with the council to enable the charity to apply for funding to further improve the farm and open up new revenue streams from developers locally.
“Mudchute is one of the few areas in Tower Hamlets where organisations engaged in construction can offset the loss of flora and fauna by investing in new habitats resulting in biodiversity net gain,” said Sue. “But we have to have a lease in place in order to enefit from those arrangements.”
While Sue and Mudchute are at pains to stress there are currently no plans to close the farm or to alter how it operates, just continuing with the status quo will increasingly cause the charity problems and potentially force it to make hard choices. That could mean charging for services and activities or even entry to the farm.
Negotiation between the council and the charity is seemingly at an impasse. The authority’s published policy on renting assets to voluntary and community sector organisations is that it will normally only grant a lease of up to five years to such groups
However, there is provision in that policy to accommodate longer leases for organisations “where there is an opportunity to seek grant funding from organisations outside the council e.g. Big Lottery Fund” where those applications can only be made on longer leases, typically 25 years or more. On the face of it, this may apply to the Mudchute Association and the council’s current position on the matter is unclear. As the only 32-acre farm in the borough (one of the largest city farms in Europe, for that matter) it could well be considered a special case.
“I don’t really understand what
Years was the length of the Mudchute Association’s previous lease agreement with the council
lease ghting for a
Park And Farm is one of the largest urban farms in the whole of Europe
Mudchute
We’d love to have this settled amicably without going to court. We’re all so passionate about the farm and, with a long lease, we could do so much more
Sue Mortimer, Mudchute Association
the council’s position is, apart from the fact that they don’t like to give long leases to any organisations,” said Sue.
“That seems a bit short-sighted in my view, considering what we do here. There’s also been the suggestion that we pay rent for the first time in our history eyond the peppercorn levy of our old lease.
“We are a charity and we don’t have a lot of excess money, but that’s something we may have to look at – the important thing is we have a fair offer from ower Hamlets. We can’t agree to a rent that in five years time could go up e ponentially and we can’t afford to pay. But we will look carefully at any offer we get Sue and the charity are hoping to resolve the matter with the council through negotiation, but given the past lease’s expiry and the slow pace of dialogue, they are also preparing to go to court over the matter if necessary. They have launched a fundraising campaign to generate £75,000 with the intention of forcing a renewal – likely a 15-year term, at most.
The charity has also garnered extensive local support – expressed in a petition of more than 6,000 signatures – to raise the matter at a council meeting on July 16 to address both the lease extension and the principle of charging the charity rent for the first time Sue said: “We’d love to have this settled amicably without going to court. We’re all so passionate about the farm and, with a long lease, we could do so much more.”
Nobody from Tower Hamlets Council was available for interview for this piece, however the authority did send a statement.
A spokesperson said: “We remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable lease agreement with the Mudchute Association that supports their work and enefits the community and we are engaging through the appropriate legal processes to ensure a fair outcome. As part of this ongoing dialogue, our chief executive and our corporate director of housing and regeneration will visit the farm to help move discussions forward.”
key details
ou can find out more a out Mudchute Park And Farm and its campaign for a new lease online.
The Tower Hamlets Council meeting on July 16 will take place at 7pm in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Whitechapel, for those wishing to attend. Go to mudchute.org
Scan this code to nd out more about Mudchute’s campaign
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
FILM |Baby Cino
This lm club is for parents with babies aged under 12 months who enjoy a good movie. Next on the programme is The Last Showgirl. Jul 25, 11am-1.30pm, £4, poplarunion.com
Where? The Gun Coldharbour
STAGE | Wind In The Willows
There’s simply nothing half so much worth doing as messing about at The Gun. Even better when Old Joint Stock Theatre Co bring a beloved tale to its terrace. Jul 29, 2.30pm, 8.30pm, £22, thegundocklands.com Where? Poplar Union Poplar
| Songs On The Water Listen and share songs, stories and histories, with a focus on traditional ditties. Expect ballads, protest songs, shanties and more in sing-a-round fashion. Jul 28, 7pm, from free, theatreship.co.uk Where? Theatreship South Quay
fast
Theatreship is set to host the rst in a series of concerts by Modulus Quartet this month – Modulation #1. Specialising in performing new music, the group will perform their rst programme on July 18 at 8pm, tickets £23.66 theatreship.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about Modulation #1 via our interview with Craig
Stratton of Modulus
GIG
Sue Mortimer, chair of the board of trustees overseeing the Mudchute Association
heating up for the
how
Peninsula Summer is bringing a wealth of attractions to Greenwich
by Jon Massey
Greenwich Peninsula buzzes with life in the Summer, from leisurely weekend brunches by the river, to vibrant foodie experiences and unmissable performances from some of the UK’s hottest talents at our iconic jazz and food festival, Rhythm And Taste,” said Laura Flanagan, director of Greenwich Peninsula, as the area looks forward to a season of entertainment and events.
“Our 5,000-strong residential community enefits from free art music and culture right on their doorstep and, each year, we curate a varied programme of diverse cultural experiences for everyone to enjoy and get involved with.
“Peninsula Summer is a celebration of the very best of the Peninsula, against a backdrop of – hopefully – a Great British summer.”
Running from July 10 to August 31, the south-east London neighbourhood is set to welcome a host of attractions, celebrations and entertainments. Here are the highlights for your diaries.
Charity Super.Mkt
Now Gallery
Jul 10-Aug 31- free
The brainchild of fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and Traid CEO Maria Chenoweth, this seven-week pop-up shop will sell pre-loved fashion with all proceeds going to charitable causes. Purposeful retail that aims to do good things for people and the planet.
Wild Swing Mini Golf
Canteen Courtyard, Design District
Jul 10-Aug 31- £4
The art duo Graphic Rewilding are dedicated to bringing outsize flora and fauna into ur an spaces and here present a floral mini golf course for visitors to enjoy with friends. Pay and play...
Summer Street Eats
Peninsula Square
Jul 10-Aug 31- free omplementing the offering at Canteen Food Hall And Bar in Design District, visitors are invited to discover the flavours availa le at a pop up fleet of street food trucks during Peninsula Summer. Doughnuts, ice cream, pi as pick’n’mi crepes wa es and churros will all be available for hungry punters.
The Chromatic River Walk
Thames Path
Jul 10-Aug 31- free nspired y neon lights reflecting on the Thames at sunset, designer and artist Kitty Joseph presents a multicoloured art installation. Revel in this soul-booster.
Firepit Gallery
Firepit Gallery
Jul 10-Aug 31- free
Open Tuesday-Saturday, this artist collective and gallery will be hosting workshops, events, exhibitions, performances and community projects throughout the summer.
Rhythm And Taste
Design District
Jul 26, noon-9pm - free
The jazz and food festival promises a whole nine hours of music, roaming performers, street food, markets and meet-ups.
The programme includes shows from jazz collective Steamdown, Shunaji And Knats, Design District’s radio community Loose. fm, DJs Tim Garcia And Tina Edwards and many more. lso on offer will e wine tasting, workshops and a pan-Asian street food and craft market.
GDIF
Peninsula Square + Design District Aug 30-31 - free
Rounding out Peninsula Summer will be the return of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, this year celebrating its 30th edition.
This year, Greenwich Peninsula will host a series of performances over two days including Turning Worlds, Ripple, Walking On The Wall, The Scale and Robopole
Audiences can expect acrobatic feats, circus skills and weightless movement on a rooftop basketball court.
getting there
Greenwich Peninsula is easily accessed by Jubilee line to North Greenwich, cable car from Royal Victoria Dock, numerous bus services across south-east London and Uber Boat By Thames Clippers along the river to Greenwich Pier.
key details
Peninsula Summer is set to run from July 10 to August 31 on Greenwich Peninsula. Full listings for all festivals and events featured are available online. Go to greenwichpeninsula.co.uk for more information
Weeks Peninsula Summer is set to run in Greenwich with performances, pop-ups, exhibitions and much more...
Knats will bring Geordie jazz to Rhythm And Taste
The Chromatic River Walk by Kitty Joseph
Charity Super.Mkt
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
The veteran country blues funk out t bring avours of New Orleans and jazz to south-east London as they prepare to play the hits from a storied career. Jul 29, 7pm, from £48, theo2.co.uk
| The Three Musketeers Villainous panto creator Anthony Spargo turns his hand to Dumas’ classic with plenty of swashbuckling and a suitably evil Cardinal Richelieu. Jul 24, times vary, from £25.50, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
Greenwich Peninsula is set to welcome the London Craft Beer Festival which moves to Magazine for its 13th edition. Expect more than 800 brews on tap with tickets covering all beer consumed during a session londoncraftbeerfestival.co.uk
GIG | Little Feat
EAT | The Original Jerk Cookout Enjoy food, comedy, music, arts, crafts, DJs and bars at this festival, migrating to Woolwich from the Horniman Museum after 18 years.
STAGE
Images by Greenwich Peninsula
Steam Down will play Rhythm And Taste on Greenwich Peninsula
Wild Swing Mini Golf
Summer Street Eats pop-ups
Scan this code to nd out more about Peninsula Summer
Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Creative Cuppa
Where? The Albany Deptford
Gareth Gardner Gallery in Deptford is free to enter and welcomes visitors at weekends
a vision of an
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.
Jul 28, 11.30am-1pm, free, thealbany.org.uk
Where? Brunel Museum Rotherhithe
TRY | Herbal Remedies
Join Nat Mady from Hackney Herbal for a workshop as part of the museum’s summer of sustainability
Learn of health bene ts and craft your own tonic Jul 23, 6pm-8pm, £20, thebrunelmuseum.com
COMEDY | Millwall Jew
Where?
The Pen Theatre South Bermondsey
Comedian Ivor Dembina presents a comedy show about how at the age of 71 he decided to swear allegiance to his local club. Jul 25, 9pm, £7.50, thepentheatre.com
catch it
American comedian Liz Guterbock is set to perform her work-in-progress, Nice at The Pen Theatre in South Bermondsey on July 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7.21. Expect a meditation on nastiness and kindness thepentheatre.com
Scan this code for more information about Liz’s forthcoming show at The Pen Theatre
One of Danilo Murru’s images from his forthcoming exhibition at Gareth Gardner Gallery
how The Furthest Point Was Home shows another side to Sardinia though Danilo Murru’s
by Jon Massey
Idrove to remote and rural villages where I have never been before – I wandered for hours, barely seeing a soul, sometimes nobody at all,” said London-based photographer Danilo Murru, on the trip to his native Sardinia that yielded the images for his forthcoming exhibition in Deptford.
“It was a journey without a beginning that shifts, drifts, evolves, falters and ows, evolving piece by piece in small, intimate ways.”
His photographs are set to go on show at Gareth Gardner Gallery in Deptford this month as part of the Deptford X festival fringe under the title The Furthest Point Was Home.
Billed as a “series of spatial fragments, inscrutable moments and insigni cant details, as well as unexpected encounters with people Danilo met along the way” the project aims to avoid the tourist cliché of the island as a Medi-
photography
terranean holiday paradise. Instead, Danilo roamed the streets of his home city, Cagliari, and beyond with his camera at the ready.
The exhibition is presented here following a successful showing in Sardinia’s Il Ghetto arts centre with fresh curation and selection of images by Gareth Gardner in partnership with the photographer.
key details
The Furthest Point Was Home is on show at the Gareth Gardner Gallery in Deptford, open on weekends from 2pm-6pm and by appointment. Entry is free.
Go to garethgardner.gallery for more information
Scan this code for more information about The Furthest Point Was Home and Danilo
Hours of free swim time will be available at Summer Splash daily from July 25 to August 17
getting in the
the refreshing coolness of Royal Victoria Dock is set to become accessible to all as Summer Splash returns
by Jon Massey
Royal Docks pop-up lido is set to return this summer, with visitors able to access the cool waters for free. Summer Splash 2025 is set to arrive at Royal Victoria Dock from July 26.
The facility is family friendly and o ers lifeguard-supervised swimming, sandpits, deckchairs and shady areas for those who prefer to relax away from the
glare of our nearest star. With the lido open until August 17 there will also be a programme of Swim Safe sessions held over the coming weeks, teaching children how to stay safe in the water. In addition to the pop-up, the location will also host a series of free family activities including knitting, crafting and artistic workshops.
Visitors can also expect puppet shows, a drumming workshop and dance classes.
On selected evenings, live DJs will play sets at the Disco Shed,
although the lido will be closed during these times.
key details
Summer Splash 2025 is set to run from July 25 until August 17 from 11am-5pm. Swimming sessions are free and not ticketed although a system of timed wristbands may be used at busy times. Activities and workshops are free to access but participants will need to register to secure their place.
Go to royaldocks.london for more information
CLUB
Image by Royal Docks Team
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PUBLIC NOTICES PREMISES LICENCES
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE
Notice is given that: Yummzy Ltd
Has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003
The sale of alcohol for consumption on and o the premises, Monday to Sunday: 11:00-23:00
Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ or by email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 5008
Representations must be received no later than 23/07/2025
The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address.
It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne).
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE
Notice is given that: SBS Film Ltd (T/A Pick Pic)
Has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003
Premises details: 138 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 6DG
The licensable Activities And Timings Are:
● Sale of alcohol (on the premises):
Monday to Sunday – 12:00 to 23:00
● Recorded music (indoors): Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 12:00 to 23:00 Friday and Saturday – 12:00 to 24:00
Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ or by email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Tel: 020 7364 5008
Representations must be received no later than 30/07/2025
The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address.
It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne).
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO VARY A PREMISES LICENCE
Notice is given that: Catherine Sinden
Has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for variation to a premises licence under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003
Premises details: Market Co ee House, 50/52 Brush eld Street, London, E1 6AG
The proposed variation is:
O sales of alcohol. Sunday Opening Hours: 9:00-23:00 Sunday Supply Of Alcohol: 10:00-22:30
Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ or by email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 5008
Representations must be received no later than 05/08/2025
The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address.
It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne).
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE
Notice is given that: Starry Mart London Dock Ltd
Has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003
Premises details: Starry Mart London Dock Ltd, 156 Vaughan Way, London, E1W 2AF
The licensable Activities And Timings Are: ● To play recorded music from: 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday to Saturday ● To sell and supply alcohol from: 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday to Saturday
Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ or by email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Tel: 020 7364 5008
Representations must be received no later than 25/07/2025
The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address.
It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne).
by Jon Massey
James Cooper and Jamie Morton aren’t above a cheap laugh or two.
After meeting at Leeds University, they rose to fame as two thirds of the troop behind blockbuster podcast
My Dad Wrote A Porno. For that show – downloaded by hundreds of millions worldwide – they took ham fisted erotica penned y Jamie’s father under the pen name of Rocky Flintstone and skilfully milked the unintentionally hilarious source material for all it was worth.
Its success was born both of the genius of Morton senior’s epic story of constant titillation, Belinda Blinked, but also of the presenters’ unabashed joy in creatively revelling in the quirks and oddities found in the sexual fantasies of a retired Northern Irish builder.
Comedy musical Lovestuck, which recently ran at Theatre Royal Stratford East, feels like the product of a similar process.
Spoiler alert. It’s loosely based on the true story of a young woman who went on a date with a Bristol University student, then panicked when her poo wouldn’t flush on a visit to his toilet anicking she tried to fling the tissue-wrapped turd out of the bathroom window, only to have it hit a further pane of glass on its way to freedom and plop down into the foot-wide gap between the two frames. After confessing to her date, she then took it upon herself to attempt a rescue, diving head first into the gap while he went seeking tools to help, and became wedged between the windows. Eventually she was rescued y firefighters
For Lovestuck, writer James and director Jamie – with assistance from music men Bryn Christopher and Martin Batchelar – have taken that deliciously awkward tale and polished the turd into a fabulous meditation on love.
Our heroine, Lucy (Jessica Boshier), is a nerdy nurse, single and tragic, but beloved by patients and camp colleague Reece (Marcus Ayton).
Our hero, Peter (Shane O’Riordan), is a nerdy Irish larper and fan of the elves forced to find a new home after faux friend David (played with all the pomposity of a young Matt Berry by Johan Munir) boots him out.
After an abortive meet-cute, where our boy vomits on Lucy’s shoes following one too many, the couple hook up on a dating app and arrange to go out for a Mexican. But our girl is plagued by insecurity after a chance encounter with an old schoolfriend turned social media influ encer, who doubles up on stage
Bridgette Amofah as Misaerie
expertly
live on stage
how Lovestuck at Stratford East turns a shitty tale into comedic, musical gold
as hectoring inner voice Misereaie (an imperious Bridgette Amofah). fter a flirtation with “becoming basic” Lucy thankfully reverts to type over burritos and all looks good for the young couple as they head back to Peter’s eccentric new pad. But the spice is too much and poogate ensues just before the big romantic kiss kicking off a tsunami of events that feature social media humiliation and a dance with multiple cats before eventual reconciliation and love winning out on Luton’s local TV station this is fiction after all All-in-all it’s a belter of a show and a real ensem le effort he leads are excellent, especially O’Riordan as the credulous, loveable optimist. His dance and celebratory number with chorus member Callum Connolly as a dismissive estate agent, is nothing short of heart warming.
and even Alison Steadman’s pre-recorded, blunt narration all add gold to the richness of the show. Special mention too, to Tom Rogers’ subtle but spare set, which literally puts the audience in the frames with hapless, trapped Lucy.
It’s a reminder that there’s often real West End quality to be found on an East End stage in Stratford.
key details
While Lovestuck’s run at Theatre Royal Stratford East has come to an end, more updates on its future can be found on Instagram via @lovestuckmusical. Full listings of future shows in Stratford can be found on the theatre’s website. Go to stratfordeast.com
Scan this code to nd out more shows at Stratford East
Images by Mark Senior
Shane O’Riordan as Peter and Jessica Boshier as Lucy
Sudoku
How to play
To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
More to play
You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca
Notes
crossword
Cryptic Quick
Take a break from that phone Across
1. Get on this in Hackney to annoy (4)
3. Try blues for bad weather – it’s confusing (8)
8. Take these two needles, you idiot, we hear! (4)
9. The small measure of worried memory (8)
11. Find brown or scarlet; they’re no burden (12)
13. Could be a location for 3 across? (6)
14. Slang for a celebration in Barnet (6)
17. Atmospheric larceny is refreshing (6,3,3)
20. End of the day for a level sea? (8)
21. South American city messes up the mail (4)
22. Matthew loves the ullfighters we hear
23. They sometimes have it (4)
Down
1,15. Get conscious (under my skin?) (4,2,2,7)
2. Monstrous bell for the Royal Academy? (7) 4, 12. Antony’s auricular request for a loan (4,2,4,4)
5. Scots know the English are ‘without aches’ (10)
6. Sounds like a ghostly nest? (5) very fifth month could be edible tuber season (4)
