Wharf Life, Sept 17-Oct 1, 2025

Page 5


Why fear can be a major obstacle when it comes to the world of dating Page 34

how the annual BGC Group Charity Day raised record funds for good causes as celebrity ambassadors answered the call in Canary Wharf Page 14

Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre

David Bowie Centre - Third Space + Hyrox

Landing Canary Wharf - Kew Bridge Rise Together In Electric Dreams - Sudoku The PA Show Autumn - Crosswords Excel London - Badger Badger Riverscape - JWD Lamian Noodle Bar

GIG | Mo Pleasure

Listen to the

Canary Wharf

SEE | Traces

Over four Wednesdays, visitors are invited to explore the stories of London’s bus passengers through items of lost property. From Oct 15, 1pm-5pm, free, londonmuseum.org.uk

lm follows a young

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place Where? Everyman Canary Wharf

Welcome to issue 146 of Wharf Life. There’s a theme of development, renewal and regeneration in this issue, whether it’s the positive impact of charitable giving at BGC Group, new facilities at Third Space or more room for events at Excel London and 12 Bank Street. Find out much more within...

woman and her hearing partner as they navigate becoming parents without knowing whether their child will hear. Oct 8, 6pm, £20.50, everymancinema.com

venues going to help you source the best slots wharf-life.com

Scan this code to read our rst Party Season pull-out and get those festive celebrations sorted in good time...

on the radar

need to know

Wharf Life understands music venue, bar and eatery Amazing Grace is on course to open its doors on October 16 on the ground oor of 12 Bank Street as the Eden Dock building bursts into life over autumn. Find out more about Landing Canary Wharf on Page 10 amazinggraceldn.com

Larkin, Sugar, Sinclair. It can only be a double bill at The Space on the Island 32

We’re starting to get a bit excited as Cafe Seek is reportedly set to open its doors at 8 Harbord Square in Wood Wharf on October 4. Expect French patisserie techniques married with Japanese avours from the bakery and refreshment spot cafeseek.co.uk

38

Bowie in space: V&A East Storehouse has o cially opened its David Bowie Centre, housing a remarkable 90,000-object collection, all available to view for free

TRIED + TESTED

Braised Beef Brisket Noodle Soup

JWD Lamian Noodle Bar

@jwd.noodle

There’s a real slickness to JWD Lamian Noodle Bar, recently opened on the dock side of Bank Street next to Oysteria.

This is fast food, done well. Diners order from touch screens, which o er a selection of around eight mains (mostly beef-based) plus sides and soft drinks.

The sta call out order numbers as soon as they’re ready, which is generally pretty rapidly, before guzzling begins at a series of shared tables adorned with teapots full of soy sauce and reservoirs of chilli oil. It’s a little too brightly lit, but this isn’t really intended as

The soup costs £16.80 although the venue is o ering 20% o until September 23

a place to linger and relax. A team of clean-up sta are on hand, ready to whip crockery away once nished with and then, no frills, it’s out into the night.

The food is decent. My soup is plentiful, a zzy, spiced broth packed with tender chunks of beef, a tangle of hand-pulled noodles and a mound of steaming, pickled cabbage.

It’s impressive stu , but for nearly £17 it should be. This is really where the problem lies. Similar fare is on o er at Wharf Kitchen for £1 less, or £3.80 cheaper on the Island.

Jon Massey

doing the deals

get more for less on and around the Wharf

Spend over £15 at Indi-Go Rasoi in Jubilee Place’s Wharf Kitchen and get a free Masala Chai to enjoy with your lunch or dinner. Terms and conditions apply indigostreetfood.com

20%

33 subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly

Enjoy free gaming at Badger Badger until December with its o er

Get up to 20% o on selected items in the LK Bennet sale while stocks last. View the range in person at the brand’s Jubilee Place store or shop online lkbennett.com

Immigration Solicitors

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

It’s staggering how AI dominates so much of our lives, not least our news and social media feeds. I grew up in an era without the Internet and mobile phones. Working for a global company in the early 1990s, when you wanted to send a message to all the employees, a secretary would type it, make photocopies, and stick a copy in each person’s pigeonhole. Then it would be faxed to the other o ces around the world for distribution.

Now look at the world – instantaneous global communication with a multitude of ways to receive messages. It’s overwhelming – email, texts, multiple messaging and social media apps, not to mention old-school voicemail. Now there’s AI summarising those streams and helping with replies. No wonder we don’t get much time to contemplate any more.

But we all need a break from the digital, AI and connected world. My break is running. It’s the place where I try to not be connected (although my watch and phone are usually with me, of course).

Flying is another place where I get my ‘disconnected’ break, although that’s changing with more airlines now providing Internet access.

I use my runs as a time to re ect – I often nd myself thinking about things in a di erent way

I use my runs as a time to re ect – I often nd myself thinking about things in a di erent way and coming up with ideas that I know I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Inevitably, the digital world creeps in though. “Wow”, I thought the other day. “I could record my ideas and have them transcribed and summarised as I run in case I forget something...”

And there I was, back in the digital world. There’s no escape from it. But we do need a break, otherwise there’s a real risk we become more and more like computers and less human.

The reason I love running is that it gives me a chance to live in an analogue world for a short time, rather than one ruled by ones and zeros. I may forget some of the thoughts I have while exercising, but that’s the great thing about it – if I forget something, then it can’t have been that important.

Make sure you take those breaks.

Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square

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

diary dates, listings and ideas to make life in Canary Wharf sweeter..

SPARKING UP

Cuban Robusto Championship Boisdale Of Canary Wharf boisdale.co.uk

Fans of cigars can attend the nal of the UK Cuban Robusto Championship at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf on October 29.

After six months of blind tastings, intense competition and expert-led cigar appreciation, the winner will be decided from the highest scorers in the semi- nals.

Those participating will heat,

OPENING DATE

Ong Lai Kopitaim Wood Wharf onglaikopitiam.co.uk

Following a period of soft launch, Ong Lai Kopitaim is set to o cially open its doors on September 21.

The Malaysian restaurant is inspired by the country’s co ee shops and will serve imported beverages alongside dishes such as Kolo Mee and Nasi Kerabu.

Located on the ground oor of 8 Harbord Square, overlooking the park, the restaurant builds on the foundation of street food brand Eat Lah, already a regular at Canary Wharf’s summer Thursday Lunch Market in Montgomery Square.

Guests can expect a nely tuned menu complete with snacks such as Roti Boy and Karipap as well as plenty of co ee.

taste and score two premium Cuban Robusto cigars to help determine the ultimate champion.

The blind tasting will be overseen by Hunters And Frankau on the venue’s Members’ Cigar Terrace and all attendees will be presented with a gift pack. Once the scoring sheets are collected, there will be the big reveal on which Habanos Cigars have been tasted on the evening

The nal kicks o a 6.15pm. Tickets cost £58 or £38 for Boisdale Club Members.

RUMOUR MILL JP Morgan Canary Riverside jpmorgan.com

Uncon rmed reports suggest JP Morgan may nally be getting ready to build a new headquarters on the Thames at Canary Wharf.

Having outgrown its current tower at 25 Bank Street, the company is already leasing overspill space in Credit Suisse’s former building in Cabot Square and is examining options for the future.

The bank has reportedly appointed Foster + Partners to draw up 2million sq ft plans for Riverside South, a site it has owned for nearly two decades on the edge of the river close to Canary Wharf’s Thames Clippers pier. JP Morgan had intended to move into a pair of towers set to be built there (one of them a metre taller than One Canada Square), but opted for Lehman Brothers’ former block instead.

Despite planning permission being granted and works on the foundations completing in 2014, not much has happened on the site since. Foster + Partners designed JP Morgan’s new global headquarters in New York. Neither the bank or the architects have commented on the reports.

virtual viewpoint by Chris Ezekiel
Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at
Chris Ezekiel, Creative Virtual

how Third Space Canary

Wharf has embraced Hyrox with a dedicated training space and focused classes

Hyrox is a juggernaut. When the Germanfounded fitness race first took place at Excel London in 2021 – its UK debut – just 613 people took part. In 2023, that was 24,000 and, for this year’s December event, the number of athletes competing is expected to be around 40,000.

For the first time, contestants will use a 1km indoor course at the Royal Docks venue, running a total of 8km while completing eight fitness challenges between the laps. It’s a discipline that’s caught the minds of gym-goers and, with its finger on the pulse, an opportunity for Third Space Canary Wharf.

Europe’s largest luxury health club recently unveiled its Hyrox Training Space, a studio facility specifically tailored to those following the discipline, complete with a six-lane sled track, SkiErgs, rowing machines, treadmills, and a full suite of functional equipment.

As an official training partner, the club’s timetable has seen five classes brought in for members aimed at honing different aspects of fitness for those preparing for events or working their way to taking part in future.

“We saw that people training in the gym were increasingly adhering to Hyrox protocols,” said Chris Stanton, sport and performance master trainer at Third Space. “We wanted to provide the best environment for those individuals to train, all together in one space.

“We know people want to be part of something as it grows and it’s great we’re able to stay at the forefront of innovation and trends for our members at Third Space.

“Everyone leading the business is immersed in fitness and wellbeing and that allows us to rapidly make decisions to put in new facilities in response to what’s happening – responding to member feedback.

“With Hyrox, we were one of the first affiliate clubs. That gives us access to their courses for our coaches and the partnership continued on Page 8

8km

Distance competitors run during a Hyrox contest, with exercise challenges undertaken after each kilometre

rocks

Image by Jamie McGregor Smith
the studio that
Third Space Canary Wharf’s new Hyrox Training Space is designed to help members hone their performances
Image by John Payne

from Page 6

is very strong. They’ve already expressed an interest in filming in the studio and some of their staff have come down to visit.

“It’s a thriving collaboration and they see us as an organic part of their event. It allows us to tap into what they’re doing and to get early access codes for our members who want to attend their events to compete.”

The partnership is about more than sexy neon lights. Third Space’s suite of classes is laser-focused on resulting in a positive performance. That’s something that taps into Chris’ own hybrid career.

While sporty as a youngster, his other passion led to a career in acting and musical theatre (his mum was a big Gene Kelly fan), which included spells on stage in the likes of High Society and three years in the cast of Legally Blonde.

“A little over 10 years ago, I did my first triathlon and was involved in health and fitness alongside my theatre and film work,” he said. “In 2019, when my son was two, I made a conscious decision to pursue a fitness career – I felt I was just missing out on the more routine parts of being a dad. In 2020, I was offered this role and I find real satisfaction in it – I’m leading classes, I’m involved with education for our trainers and our creative programming.

“There’s a skillset that comes across from the discipline and adaptability of an actor and I see that when other performers come into the industry too – they have the ability to present and to keep the show going.”

As Hyrox is a relatively new discipline and a sport that’s still very much growing and evolving globally, the question of how to train for the events is also a developing field. However, Chris and the team, in partnership with Hyrox, are delivering a programme that’s aimed at putting Third Space members on the cutting edge of the contest.

“The first time I did an event, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was extremely challenging in certain areas,” said Chris.

As for the event itself, the fact Hyrox takes place indoors in a closed environment. It feels as though you’re interacting directly with spectators

Chris Stanton, Third Space

Hyrox-focused classes now on o er at Third Space Canary Wharf

“From the moment you cross the start line and run 100m, you’re really on your own despite all the other people. You might recognise one or two faces on your way but you quickly get immersed in the challenges. Then, when you come to the finishing line you just feel phenomenal.

“My first event was tough, but I also realised, from a sporting perspective, it was something you could train for and potentially make big gains. How can you find an extra 2cm in a jump? How can you get a bit of extra speed? How do you boost your anaerobic strength, power and endurance, your aerobic ability and then find consistency?

“We have five different class concepts within Hyrox to help members try and answer some of those questions. Hyrox Run tackles the biggest part of the race – it’s 50% of the event, so you need to be effective.

“Hyrox Power is about 75% cardio-focused, with 25% spent on movement and skill with a high metabolic output. Hyrox Power is a combination of endurance and making sure participants can dominate the various stations.

“Hyrox Train is a 12-week progressive programme aimed at developing functional fitness to get race ready.

“Finally, Hyrox 90 is our most popular option – 90 minutes is an average time for people to complete a race and the class is about participants understanding how they can get past an hour of work. It’s not necessarily a simulation of a race but is structured around working blocks with a desired outcome.”

The Hyrox classes can, of course, also be an end in themselves. The physical and mental gains have a great deal of crossover with other sports and can simply be enjoyed in isolation as part of a wider fitness programme.

Chris said: “There’s a direct

correlation, for example, between training for Hyrox and triathlon.

“Developing an engine is a true aerobic ability and applies to many different sports.

“The most enjoyable aspect of coaching for me is when I connect with an individual and see them change and realise their goal. That I helped facilitate this is amazing. It’s about challenging people, giving them choices and making it fun.

“Not everyone will reach the highest levels of performance but health-wise, Hyrox is about efficiency and discovering different ways to do things – everyone will get from A to B in varying ways.

“As for the event itself, the fact Hyrox takes place indoors in a closed environment is so special.

“There’s a lovely moment when you’re doing an event where it feels as though you’re interacting directly with spectators because you’re so close to them – you’re not in an arena. It’s amazing for them too because they can see everything that’s happening.”

key details

Membership at Third Space Canary Wharf costs £245 per month inclusive of all classes including Hyrox-focused sessions and all fitness facilities.

The Wharf membership also covers full access to Third Space Wood Wharf.

Recently Third Space also launched Recovery and Recovery Plus memberships for those seeking to regularly access its Red Light, Cryotherapy and Vibroacoustic Bed facilities, all available at its Canary Wharf Recovery Spa. These start at £115 per month.

Go to thirdspace.london for more

this code to nd out more about Hyrox at Third

Scan
Space
Image by John Payne
Image by John Payne
Image by Jon Massey
The facility boasts six sled tracks
Third Space’s Chris Stanton
All of the Hyrox disciplines are covered in the new classes

Maximum capacity of Landing Canary Wharf on Eden Dock

how Broadwick is working to make Landing Canary Wharf a compelling event space

At the heart of Canary Wharf sits a building like no other. The rippling sheen of 12 Bank Street’s cladding sets it apart – a finish created by Japanese architect Jun Aoki as a response to the waters of Eden Dock on which it sits.

It’s a structure cloaked in intrigue, its terraces and windows partially concealed by its own design. Soon, however, 12 Bank Street will come to life.

The building’s lower level will house bar restaurant and live music venue, Amazing Grace, as it expands east – riding the success of its converted church in London Bridge. The building’s upper levels will be taken by maximalist hotel chain House Of Gods as it branches out from Scotland.

But perhaps the most intriguing component will be the filling in the sandwich – newly minted events venue, Landing Canary Wharf. The space has been taken by Wood Wharf-based Broadwick, which also operates The Pelligon and Broadwick Studio on the estate.

While both of these offer almost completely blank canvases to

organisers, Landing Canary Wharf will serve a different need.

“We’ve named it to reflect the success of our Landing Forty Two venue at The Leadenhall Building in the City,” said Simon Tracey, CEO of Broadwick. “We opened it 10 years ago and it really answered a need for high-end corporate functions, product launches and brand events.

“We think that’s what Landing Canary Wharf will do as well. There are a multitude of big organisations based here, many with their own event spaces, so it was important that we designed something to not only match what they have, but eclipse anything they can do in their own buildings.

“The Wharf’s amazing transport infrastructure also means the venue will service a much wider area and we’re expecting to attract corporates and brands from across London and beyond.”

When it launches in November, the venue will be able to handle events with up to 450 guests in surroundings that will be both adaptable and flush with facilities.

“Jun Aoki’s design is really interesting from the outside, but the inside will be even better,” said Simon. “We know the location well and our interest was

exploring

in designing spaces that would be very flexible, but with the sort of furnishings you might expect in a hotel.

“The scale of Landing is great and it’s a bit more defined than our other Canary Wharf spaces. This will be attractive to clients who want to book off-sites and conferences.

“There are meeting room spaces and pods for privacy as well as the main space and a massive wraparound terrace.

“It’s also going to be very hospitality-led. Unusually, for an event space, we’ve decided to create a fully-equipped kitchen so we’ll be able to deliver restaurant or hotel-level catering.

“At lots of venues across London, food is produced off-site and just finished off before serving because space is at a continued on Page 12

Broadwick CEO Simon Tracey and, above, work continues to fit out Landing Canary Wharf
Soon, 12 Bank Street will come alive thanks to Amazing Grace, House Of Gods and Landing Canary Wharf
Images by Jon Massey

from Page 10

premium. But we had the room for full facilities here and we thought this would be an important addition.

“One of the other things that really attracted us as an operator was the other tenants in the building. Amazing Grace will bring life to 12 Bank Street, while House Of Gods is a very decadent brand and the Wharf needs more hotel accommodation.

“Having that is going to give us the opportunity to package up events with a place to stay, which is really attractive to lots of event organisers – especially people coming from overseas.

“The building has been designed so that you can arrive, check into your hotel room with easy access straight into the event space and then, after the event, go upstairs again or even to the roof terrace for a drink. We’re really excited about the building as a whole.”

When it opens the venue will be Broadwick’s 24th in a portfolio that includes the likes of Magazine London, recent acquisition Troxy in Limehouse and 2025 opening Corner Corner in Canada Water. The latter boasts a vertical farm alongside a live music venue and street food offering.

With three spaces in Canary Wharf, Simon said he also saw scope for the estate to act as a campus for some events.

He said: “We’ve hosted the Future Resilience Forum, for example, at The Pelligon and it’s an event that’s growing, so being able to use the space at Landing Canary Wharf enables us to accommodate that expansion.

“It means larger events can come to the area and make use of its transport links and hotels – it’s secure, it’s clean and there are now so many restaurants, bars and other facilities to attract people.

“I’ve been working in Canary Wharf for more than 20 years and it’s unrecognisable. The footfall is now spread throughout the day and weekends are sometimes busier than weekdays. It really is thriving.”

key details

Landing Canary Wharf is set to officially open its doors in November, meaning its facilities will be in place for the busy festive season. The venue can handle up to 450 guests. Go to landingcanarywharf.com Scan this code to nd

Venues now operated by Broadwick including Landing Canary Wharf

features a

Canary Wharf
Images by Broadwick
A series of artist’s impressions show
Landing Canary Wharf as it will be
The venue
large, wraparound, covered terrace
CANADA PLACE & WOOD WHARF
how the BGC Group Charity Day continues to generate funds and awareness for good causes

You start the day by thinking back to those terrible events, 24 years ago,” said Sean Windeatt, BGC Group’s co-CEO and COO as I ask him how the company’s annual Charity Day feels.

Occupying four floors of the World Trade Centre’s North Tower, BGC’s parent company Cantor Fitzgerald lost 719 employees in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From the firm’s London office, brokers listened as their New York colleagues used the squawk box to pass messages through to their families in what became their final moments.

In the aftermath, BGC created Charity Day as a memorial to honour colleagues, friends and loved ones. Held on September 11 each year, the brokerage donates all revenues and broker commissions to charity, with celebrity patrons manning the phones and collecting contributions on behalf of the organisations they represent.

Since its inception in 2005, the initiative has raised more than $234million for good causes including a record-breaking $14million this year.

“Those thoughts of 2001 quickly pass because you start looking around at all the charities who are in attendance and you realise how wonderful Charity Day is,” said Sean. “So much good comes out of it.”

Marking 20 years since its creation, this year’s event saw the likes of actor Tom Hardy, Princess Beatrice, boxer Anthony Joshua, former Chelsea captain John Terry, and Britain’s Got Talent star Amanda Holden. Also attending were footballer Mark Bright, presenter Holly Willoughby and actors Ray Winstone, Lily James, Hugh Grant and Will Poulter, among many others. Charities represented included Action Medical Research, Battersea Dogs And Cats Home, Beefy’s Charity Foundation, The Brain And Spine Foundation, Clean Herts Community, Cure EB, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, HVH Arts and Haven House Children’s Charity. continued on Page 28

Raised for good causes up since the Charity Day’s inception in 2005

Actor Tom Hardy closes a deal at the annual BGC Group Charity Day, attending on behalf of TH Foundation
Image by James Perrin – find more of his work at jamesperrin.com
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from Page 14

“It has become a highlight of the year for me and all the traders,” said Sean. “9/11 is a memory – something I’ll never forget because I was actually on the phone with one of my colleagues in New York when the plane hit.

“But then you think about how much benefit we’ve given to the charities over the years. It’s a great thing for the City Of London because everyone comes together – even our competitors who deal with BGC, as they recognise it’s for such a good cause.

“It’s wonderful to have the celebrity ambassadors, because they help us to generate more money – people really want to talk to them.

“But it’s also about inviting the charities themselves and seeing what’s being done with some of the money. It’s such a fulfilling day.

“We aim to support around 40 larger organisations and at least 30 smaller charities with some local to Canary Wharf and east London.

“There are still around 100 people working for BGC who were here in 2001. There are around 1,500 people who have joined subsequently who weren’t working for the company on 9/11, yet every single one of them wants to be involved in this.

“They know they’re working a day for nothing and all they want to do is to make money for the causes we support. They’ve bought into this – Charity Day is part of our DNA, our culture.”

With markets busier again, despite the Tube strike, the latest Charity Day broke records with $14million raised for good causes this year.

Sean said: “We started off by making sure we looked after the families of those who lost their lives while working at the company on 9/11. Then, once we’d achieved that, we started to look at how we could carry things on and support other charities.

“The start of Charity Day coincided with our move to Canary Wharf in 2005 where we remain to this day. We were in Barclay’s building until 2019 and then moved literally next door where we have our name on the building.

“I think this place is fantastic and we’re very happy here – I’m very much a supporter of the Wharf.”

Go to bgcg.com for more

Scan this code to nd out more about BGC Group Charity Day

719

Employees of Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC Group’s parent company, lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks

Hugh Grant, does deals on behalf of the Press Justice Project
Princesss Beatrice trades on behalf of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, which supports people a ected by acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies
Image by Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group
England and Lions rugby captain Maro Itoje attends on behalf of The Pearl Fund

case study: funding Magic Breakfast

While the celebrities graft on the phones to generate as much cash and awareness as possible at BGC Group’s annual Charity Day, its impact extends beyond the steel and glass towers of Canary Wharf and out into the community.

One of the bene ciaries of this year’s event is Magic Breakfast, with actor Will Poulter attending as its ambassador.

The charity’s mission is simple – to ensure no child or young person in the UK starts the day too hungry to learn. It both provides breakfasts directly to schools in a variety of di erent ways and campaigns for change to address child morning hunger.

Emma Feltham spent a decade as a teacher and tutor before becoming an engagement partner at Magic Breakfast. She works in east London to deliver the charity’s services and optimise its provision in schools.

“We’re so grateful to Will and for BGC for including us because these funds mean we can recruit more schools and reach more pupils,” she said. “We always want to expand to place support where it’s needed.

“We know there are so many

bene ts to tackling morning hunger in children and young people. It sets them up for the day – for example, you’ll see fewer kids leaving the classroom because of tummy aches and headaches.

“We also see a knock-on e ect where behaviour and concentration have improved and that has a positive impact on the rest of the class too as there’s less disruption to learning.

“We work across the UK and currently support more than 1,000 schools, providing over 300,000 breakfasts.

“We work in primary and secondary schools and pupil referral units – it’s a real pleasure to work in lots of di erent settings, because we know this is not just something which is needed in the younger years.”

Due to the diversity of schools the charity works with, its services are anything but a one-size- ts-all solution and are instead tailored to t the needs of the youngsters in the setting.

Emma said: “Di erent schools have di erent o ers. We support lots of schools, from small ones with 30

pupils to those with 1,500. Logistically, it does look di erent in every provision.

“They might have a breakfast club, canteen provision or a graband-go option where the young people can take something to eat as they come in. We work with the schools to handle the logistics and put something in that works for them – in some of the older Victorian buildings, over three or four oors, that can be challenging.

“We’ve learnt over 20 years of providing these services that there are families who don’t qualify for support but who need a little bit of help with childcare.

“The other aspect of what we do is social – it may be that the children have a safe place to come and enjoy food in the morning as a nice start to their day. School can be quite full on, from the start to half-past three, it’s pretty much go-go-go.

“We provide an environment where they can come and hang out with their peers and also socialise with pupils in di erent year groups.

“For us it’s about making breakfast accessible to everybody in a stigma-free way, especially for working parents who may be doing multiple jobs to support their family.”

Go to magicbreakfast.com for more information

Actor Will Poulter works the phones on behalf of Magic Breakfast
Scan this code to nd out more about Magic Breakfast

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

GIG | John Grant

The Boy From Michigan brings his latest tunes and some of the hits to east London including sounds from 2024’s The Art Of The Lie. Oct 10, 7pm, from £39.44, troxy.co.uk

Where?

Half Moon Theatre Limehouse

Exhibitors will be represented at the October event

how The PA Show Autumn is all set to deliver a packed programme of suppliers, networking and training

The PA Show Autumn is set to return to Old Billingsgate in October. Aimed at personal assistants office managers, executive assistants, virtual assistants and those in other business support roles, the one-day event brings together more than 90 service suppliers with professionals from ondon and rther a eld.

KIDS | Free Family Fun Day

Returning for a tenth year, this event welcomes in families with kids of all ages for pop-up storytelling, performances, music and more Oct 4, 10am, free, halfmoon.org.uk Where? Troxy Limehouse Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping

STAGE | Parody Of The Rings

Audiences are invited to watch their favourite ring get destroyed live on stage as cinema ushers who have misplaced the visuals perform to a soundtrack. Sept 29-Oct 4, times vary, from £12.50, wiltons.org.uk

There’s just time to catch actor Anton Lesser in the second of his two plays at Wilton’s Music Hall. In A Beautiful Thread he’s joined by musicians and another actor to illuminate the life of Thomas Hardy. Sept 18-20, £17 wiltons.org.uk

Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with Anton to nd out why this is the most enjoyable thing he’s done

Sponsored by SWR Business irect hich o ers com anies travel solutions by rail, the show promises “a dynamic mix of networking, learning, and supplier discovery”.

Running from 9am-5pm on October 9, visitors are free to explore a packed exhibition space featuring the likes of Addison Lee, TAG, National Theatre Events, Leeds Castle, Flight Club And lectric Sh e air ame and At The O2 among many others.

“Our exhibitors are carefully selected to ensure they deliver real value to executive support professionals,” says Lisa Farneld sales event director or he PA Show.

he event rovides an efficient inspiring way to discover solutions that can enhance productivit streamline or flo s and create memorable corporate experiences.”

Beyond the opportunity to connect with suppliers, the show also o ers a ran e o eat res to help keep visitors engaged.

There will be speed networking sessions, enabling attendees to build up contacts as well as the option to have a complimentary headshot taken by a professional photographer for those seeking to sharpen up their online image.

The PA Passport Trail will also be ma in a ret rn o erin visitors the chance to win prizes by engaging with participating exhibitors and to take home a ood ba lled ith i ts once completed.

Our exhibitors are carefully selected to ensure they deliver real value to executive support professionals

In addition to the networking and exhibition, The PA Show Autumn also boasts a packed programme of CPD-accredited sessions held in its Key Skills Theatre.

Each is designed to equip attendees with practical tools they can implement immediately in their careers. Topics include mastering communication and leadership techniques and harnessing new technologies that are reshaping the modern workplace. These are paid-for sessions and can be booked when registering so visitors can secure a spot.

Old Billingsgate is a short walk from either Monument, Tower Hill or Tower Gateway stations for Tube or DLR services.

The show attracts professionals from a wide variety of companies and organisations in the City, Canary Wharf, Greater London and beyond. Those interested in exhibiting should contact organiser, Mash Media.

key details

The PA Show Autumn, 2025, is set to take place at Old Billingsgate on Thursday, October 9, from 9am-5pm.

The exhibition is free to attend or s s s office mana ers and professionals engaged in similar activities. Registration is essential to gain entry. Delegate upgrades are available for those looking to take advantage of the full educational programme. Go to thepashow.com/autumn

The show includes a programme of CPDaccredited training sessions

The PA Show Autumn is set to return to Old Billingsgate
Lisa Farn eld

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

EVENT | Black History Month

Where? Poplar Union Poplar

This October, Poplar Union presents BLX 2025, a programme of dance, photography, lm, live music and food in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council. October, various dates and times, poplarunion.com

Where?

The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | How To Write A Risk Assessment

A struggling ght direction company gets o ered the production of a lifetime, but the future of the rm isn’t the only thing at risk. Oct 21-25, 7.30pm, £16, space.org

| Quinie

Where?

Theatreship South Quay

Step aboard for an evening of songs in the Scottish folk tradition as the singer performs a set with some or more tracks from her latest album Forefowk, Mind Me. Oct 5, 7pm, £11, theatreship.co.uk

back

Isle Of Dogs rower Joseph Lyu has (probably) become the rst person of Chinese origin to kayak across the English Channel to France. Normally to be found sculling on the Thames, here he discusses the challenge... pbdrc.co.uk

Scan this code to read our interview with Joseph about his voyage online at wharf-life.com

how The Space is set to take audiences right back to the 1980s with a double bill of plays on a Saturday night

What sits at the heart of a three-way Venn diagram featuring tech pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair, business mogul turned telly hotshot Lord Alan Sugar and poet Philip Larkin?

The answer, at least on October 4, will be The Space theatre and arts centre on Isle Of Dogs. The Westferry Road venue is set to host a comic stage double-bill that evening from 7pm with both pieces presented set in the 1980s and paying homage to the big British names.

Together In Electric Dreams (7pm) imagines an ersatz summit

between a struggling Sinclair, nearly bankrupt following the commercial disaster of his C5 electric vehicle and his more successful rival, Sugar.

As the pair engage in business brinkmanship in a karaoke café, will Sir Clive have to deal with the devil and, indeed, sing for his supper. Written by Daniel Thackeray, it’s based on an idea by Gareth Kavanagh and directed by Ross Kelly with Steve Cain as Sugar and Thackeray as Sinclair. The latter then takes on the role of the titular poet in Mark riffiths Philip Larkin: Masterspy (8.30pm). Tasked with an audacious piece of international espionage that could alter the course of the cold war, our hero must steal a top secret document from the handbag of Soviet premier

doing the

Mikhail Gorbachev’s wife, but ill the storied r m ll o a turn as the James Bond of Hull? Carly Tarett co-stars as Margaret Thatcher, Raisa Gorbacheva, Queen Elizabeth II and Larkin’s girlfriend, Monica Jones.

key details

The two plays will be performed at The Space in Westferry Road for one night only. Standard tickets for each performance cost £16, with discounts available for booking both plays.

Go to space.org.uk for more

Scan this code to nd out more about the plays

Together In Electric Dreams features Sir Clive Sinclair and Alan Sugar

GIG

There is no cost to play at Badger Badger’s weekly board gaming socials from October 7

The venue has a library of more than 800 games for players to choose from

hosting the

how Badger Badger is celebrating half a decade with a run of free board gaming socials for all of the players

Ho to celebrate a th birthda Normall there s a ca e candles cards and art ba s lled ith to s s eci call desi ned to irritate arents hen the ids brin them home.

o btless ad er ad er ill be hono rin all o these tradi tions ith a dash o cra t beer thro n in or ood meas re. o ever the b co or in s ace and diner is also doin somethin else.

t has decided to r n a ree ee l board ame social evenin at the ven e rom ctober ntil the end o the ear allo in

la ers to sam le some o its l s catalo e ith no char e. t or s e actl the same as o r e istin board ame socials said a statement rom the ven e. ome do n on o r o n or in a ro meet ne eo le and la ames.

o ll be ided thro h the evenin b o r e ert ames sta ho ll be on hand to brea the ice and hel o ic hat to la ne t. hile e do acce t al ins event s aces are limited and are on a rst come rst served basis so lease ma e s re to boo in advance here ossible.

he sessions r n rom . m to 11 m allo in lent o time or artici ants to et to ri s ith several ames or delve more dee l into a sin le contest.

ad er ad er is located on e t ord i h Street and the ree events are or those a ed 1 and over d e to its licensin restrictions.

key details

ad er ad er ill be o erin ree board ame events at its e t ord location on a ee l basis rom ctober in celebra tion o its th birthda ntil the end o the ear. ll details online. Go to badgerbadger.org for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about the o er

thebrunelmuseum.com

take a breath

Some of the issues I nd most frustrating to work with as a therapist are dating and nding a partner. It’s frustrating because I’ve seen many women do all sorts of personal work, soul searching and agonising about why they can’t nd someone – and sometimes I don’t know why, or how to help.

It’s a bit of a cliché, of course, but a lot of men have a fear of commitment, and that’s the thing that prevents the relationship from progressing further. But what causes that fear of commitment?

Quick disclaimer here, I’m going to be presenting this in a very heteronormative kind of way, because that is where most of my personal experience lies. But fear of commitment can a ect anyone regardless of their gender or sexuality.

So let’s look at some reasons for that inability to commit, the rst one I tend to call Peter Pan Syndrome. Men are often sold this idea that they don’t have to grow up, and the external pressure to do so is an unfair threat.

This is a ne line to walk – we need to stay young at heart and preserve a sense of fun in our lives, but increased responsibility always requires us to make sacri ces. If you never compromise on your fun, it’s a sure way to take all the fun out of a relationship.

No-one is a perfect match and, if you’re holding out for a fairytale, you’re going to be waiting a

very long time

Then there are Bad Role Models. Our rst experiences and expectations of relationships is formed by what we see when we’re young. If we have a positive experience, we might try to recreate that, and even look for a particular partner that ts a certain parental mould.

But if we have a bad experience, it can be hard to expect that relationships could ever be a good thing. Even if the conscious attitude is that we want a relationship to last, the unconscious belief is that it never will.

Lastly it’s FOMO or Fear Of Missing Out. Some people are just always looking for the greener grass. If you are in a relationship for long enough, there will be cracks. There will be times where you feel like you just cannot be happy with the other person. That’s normal. No-one is a perfect match and, if you’re holding out for a fairytale, you’re going to be waiting a very long time.

David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf

Follow @davetheyogi on X and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB

Scan this code for information about David’s work as a transpersonal counsellor and psychotherapist

how

Troubadour Theatres is set to open a new performance complex on Greenwich Peninsula in 2026

There’s a gentle interplay of inspiration between Canary Wharf and Knight Dragon’s Greenwich Peninsula regeneration. Both have hosted London In The Sky – restaurant tables dangling from cranes 100ft in the air – and installations from artists Yinka Ilori, Camille Walala and Graphic Rewilding.

Now there’s news the two areas will soon share a cultural link. Preview performances of The Hunger Games: On Stage are set to start this October at the newlyminted Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre.

The 1,200-seat venue has rapidly risen from the ground on land that is earmarked for future development, but may well be in place for many years to come.

Having cut its teeth with a successful revival of Starlight Express at its Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, the group is set to expand with a new o erin in so th east ondon.

Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre is set to open on the riverbank close to the Thames Cable Car in autumn 2026 and will feature two auditoriums with space for up to 1,500 seats in each.

That means potential for an extra 3,000 visitors to the area to see shows, additional to the 22,300 that can already see shows at The O2 Arena, Indigo At The O2 and Mamma Mia! The Party

The new venues will act as receiving houses – theatres that stage touring shows rather than generate their own content. Each will feature “cutting-edge technical capabilities and modern front-of-house facilities” and have been desi ned ith fle ibilit in mind to host large-scale, dynamic productions.

A statement from Troubadour

Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre will be a powerful new home for creativity, strengthening the area as a destination

Laura Flanagan, Knight Dragon

Theatres joint founders and CEOs, Oliver Royds and Tristan Baker, said: “We believe in creating spaces that inspire both artists and audiences.

“The launch of Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre, with the development of two additional 1,500-seat venues, represents a thrilling new chapter for us.

“London remains one of the world’s great theatre capitals, and we’re proud to be expanding its cultural map with bold, versatile venues designed for the next generation of live performance.

“As the waiting list for West End theatres gets longer, we’re delighted that these new theatres will allow us to welcome even more ambitious productions and provide audiences with unforgettable live experiences. We can’t wait to share what’s coming next.”

Knight Dragon director Laura Flanagan added: “Culture and community are at the heart of Greenwich Peninsula - it’s what brings people together and gives this place its spirit.

“Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre will be a powerful new home for creativity, strengthening the area as a destination where residents, visitors and businesses can share world-class cultural experiences in a unique location right on the river.”

The theatres are part of an ever ro in o erin at reen ich Peninsula as Knight Dragon continues to regenerate the area. So far those endeavours have resulted in a local population of more than 5,500 people, with around 180 businesses now based in the south-east London neighbourhood.

The peninsula is well connected with its bus station, North Greenwich Tube on the Jubilee line, the cable car and river bus services from Uber Boat By Thames Clippers.

key details

Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre is set to open in autumn 2026 with two auditoriums each with space for 1,500 seats.

Go to troubadourtheatres.com for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about the new venues

Total number of people who will be able to watch shows on a given evening seated at the new

David Lefebvre Sell
Dating can be frustrating

raising the

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

GIG | Architects

Riding high o the release of The Sky, The Earth And All Between, the metalcore band are set to rock the tent with support from Wage War. Oct 12, 6pm, from £49, theo2.co.uk

STAGE | Blue/Orange

Joe Penhall’s sharp classic comes to south-east London, examining mental health, ethics, race and prejudice as the colour of fruit is questioned. Oct 1-25, times vary, £16.50, greenwichtheatre.org.uk

| Ironing Board Man

One man, 10 ironing boards. Jody Kamali stars as Jeremy Irons in a Hollywood-style, action-packed romance with emotions as deep as creases. Oct 10, 7pm, £14.85, woolwich.works

Punchdrunk are at it again in Woolwich, announcing Lander 23, an immersive video game for four players that opens on September 17. Tickets cost £40pp for available slots later in the year punchdrunk.com

Scan this code to nd out more about Lander 23 or to book tickets for the experience

COMEDY
Above and top, an artist’s impressions of how the new building will look when work is completed next year
Left, the theatres will be located overlooking the Thames on the eastern edge of Greenwich Peninsula

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

EVENT | Creative Open Day

Where?

Royal Albert Wharf

Royal Albert Dock

Join Bow Arts, Caramel Rock and Art In The Docks as they throw wide the doors of their studios and welcome the public for tours and chats.

Oct 4, 10am-7pm, free, royaldocks.london

Where?

Compressor House

Royal Albert Dock

FILM | The Newham Plays

See a series of powerful short lms by writer and lecturer, James Kenworth, developed and shot through community collaboration. Oct 2-4, times TBC, free, royaldocks.london

EVENT | The Docks Factor

Where?

Royal Docks Location TBC

This live showcase of performers aims to spotlight local talent in the Royals and Newham. Tickets are free but attendance must be registered online. Oct 3, 6.30pm, free, royaldocks.london

ash back

Ahead of Cody Dock’s Lighting Up The Lea event on September 20 (11am-6pm), we caught up with artist Zhiyan Cai who will unveil her Cabinet Of Curiosity inspired by the river’s pre-industrial history codydock.org.uk

Scan this code to read our interview with Zhiyan and nd out more about the celebratory event

Yearly increase in visitors to Excel London since the Elizabeth Line started serving the area 20%

impact multiplying the

wharfwhispers
Excel London CEO Jeremy Rees, left, is joined by deputy Mayor Of London for business Howard Dawber, centre, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, chairman of Excel London and managing director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group at the new venue’s rst event

how Excel London’s

extension delivers a halo effect for London’s

economy

People of greater seniority, plus time, results in events that do more for those attending and their organisers. It’s this equation that underpins the expansion of Excel London in Royal Docks and the reason it’s already proving popular with brands from across the world.

Opened earlier this summer, the new facility saw early action hosting Formula E as its debut.

Built by Canary Wharf-based McLaren Construction, the extra 25,000sq m of space boosts the venue’s overall capacity by 25% to 125,000sq m. That’s golden acreage for organisers to use, especially with the Elizabeth Line working as a major artery to deliver an ever increasin flo o people to the venue.

“Since it started running and now everyone’s become familiar with it, visitor numbers have risen 20%, dwell time has gone up by 20% and there are substantially more senior people from organisations coming to events here,” said Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel London.

“The data is now backing up what we’ve been observing. If we’re in the business of connecting people, we’re doing that ith an a dience that s a th bigger, is more senior and for a period of time that’s 20% longer. hat m lti lier e ect is ver substantial.”

ith s ch ositive res as a foundation, it’s perhaps little wonder that an enhanced Excel is proving very popular following the introduction of the new facilities.

The extension includes an expanded international convention centre – allowing the venue 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 ADNEC Group.

“Our customers are saying the extension transforms the way they can use Excel,” said Jeremy.

“There are 37 rooms, you can have 7,000-8,000 delegates in the new space alone in a very cost e ective and efficient a . By using its external terraces, organisers can also create more of an emotional impact.

“Around 60% of our corporate market now is coming out of the USA – large tech, pharma and

life sciences events. It’s exactly for them that we have built this facility. The encouraging trend is that they like it, they’re booking it and they’re going to be bringing tens of thousands of people to ondon or the rst time.

“The market is speaking, everyone is moving forward with intent and the space is already getting booked up. It will be fascinating to see what happens over the coming months.

“Our owners in Abu Dhabi are wholeheartedly committed to investing in the experience economy in London. They’re extraordinarily proud of what’s been achieved so far.

“Opening the extension was de nitel a histor ma in moment.”

There’s a wider story here, however. While greater provision of facilities at the venue is good news for Excel, its owners and their clients the bene ts e tend ell beyond its walls.

“The new facility is a very substantive step forward in terms of regular employment and ro le or the area and thin the halo e ect ill contin e to ripple through the estate and rther a eld into Ne ham and the surrounding boroughs,” said Jeremy. “It’s an increasingly attractive proposition to invest in hospitality and the experience economy in and around Excel.

“When you look at Canary Wharf and London City Airport, the wealth building agenda in Newham and beyond with the GLA, there is a really coherent strategy to maximise the experience for visitors and the returns of investors and investees in London.

“There’s a real sweet spot at the moment and there are big players investing heavily in infrastructure – we’re one of those – to make sure as a city we stay ahead of the game compared to our European competitors.

“We’re already leading Europe and, globally, with this new facility, we are very much in the

top percentile of venues that have ever thin to o er e hibition and convention space, amazing transportation as well as fantastic hos italit o erin s. sense is that, until the next venue is completed in a tier one city, Excel is the place to come to.

“It’s fashionable, practical and commercially resonant for everyone that uses it. This new extension allows us to present a new kind of space that’s not existed in London before – it’s genuinely transformational for the city.”

Excel, of course, isn’t standing still. Future plans include investment in its digital infrastructure, its hos italit o erin and o tside areas. This will build on the success of Immerse LDN, a series of spaces of chapters on the edge of the dock that have been generating a steady stream of visitors to immersive attractions celebrating the likes of Formula 1, Egyptian history, Friends and Squid Game

“There are regularly around 6,000 people a day visiting these and they’re here for a very di erent r ose than those coming to events at Excel,” said Jeremy. “They are coming to be entertained, for fun, for enjoyment and they’re bringing their families.

“It means bars and restaurants can build really quite compelling business cases to locate here with consistent trade flo in tho h on a daily and weekly basis.

“It’s not just Monday-Friday, it’s also the weekends and it extends into the evenings too. In terms of driving a more vibrant estate, it brings life to these spaces on a consistent basis.

“I believe London has deserved more substantive, more modern and fle ible in rastr ct re and it now has that. We all need to work very closely together to attract more inbound business, which ultimately creates a substantial e ect thro ho t the visitor economy, advantaging so many of our businesses and organisations.”

key details

Full venue details for those interested in hosting events at Excel London can be found on its website alongside extensive listings detailing what’s on in Royal Docks. Go to excel.london for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about Excel London

The recently opened extension
One of the new terraces
Formula E at Excel

how the David Bowie Centre is both a celebration of one man’s creativity and a deep resource for enthusiasts

This archive, which has 90,000 items in it, shows David Bowie as an interdisciplinary artist, musician and cultural icon – an advocate for self-expression and reinvention,” said Dr Madeleine Haddon, curator at V&A East. “The David Bowie Centre makes this collection accessible to everyone.”

As she speaks at the launch of the dedicated, permanent exhibition space, a huge video wall plays clips from the artist’s long and storied career. There’s a flavo r o orshi abo t the lace erha s even dei cation.

Madeleine speaks of Bowie’s wide and far-ranging impact on other artists, his varied creative processes and his willingness to experiment and collaborate with others in a reverent fashion as we gaze up into the mismatched eyes of the Thin White Duke, Ziggy Stardust and the rest.

In many ways, it’s not an unreasonable response. One of Bowie’s singular drives, it seems, was a desire to constantly archive and catalogue his endeavours.

This is evidenced by the artist’s numerous yellow post-its s estin classi cation and categories that adorn much of the material.

Thus the David Bowie Centre at V&A Storehouse at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Here East campus might, in some senses, be viewed as the one true repository of the icon’s relics.

“Behind me is a two-hour lon lm that traces o ie s live performances, music videos arranged chronologically, so you can see his evolution as a performer,” said Madeleine.

“We also have in here 200 objects from the archive that are on display, that trace his life and career, his creative processes arranged in these nine bays that look at his transformative creativity as a musician, a visual artist, a writer, designer and actor.

“Six will be on display for two years while the objects in the other three will rotate every six months in dialogue with contemporary issues we are exploring across V&A East.”

These are diverse altars of public worship, with costumes, notes and slices of his life. Nile Rogers – who produced Bowie’s

90k

biggest-selling hit, Let’s Dance – has guest curated one, while another features Omikron: The Nomad Soul, a video game from 1999 that David did the music for, as an example of his futurism.

There’s lots to inspire and divert here, but really these displays are just a nod to the real function of the centre, one only made possible by its subject’s near fanatical amassing of his own story and its artefacts.

This is the astonishingly rare opportunity to really delve deeply into the granular residue of his creativity.

The centre includes a dedicated study room where anyone – not just academics and researchers –can, for free, order any item in the archive to view by appointment. This is an extension of a service that’s available throughout the V&A’s massive collections.

Due to the depth of the Bowie archive, however, this presents a tantalising prospect for enthusiasts.

Of the 90k objects in the archive, 70k are pieces of paper that David and his team had already organised to some extent. There are hand-written song lyrics, annotated scripts and sketches of ideas, costumes and props for various projects.

Their existence means that, for much of Bowie’s extensive output, there’s background material available to the public – concepts that never made it, comments from the time of creation and thoughts on the future.

At the centre’s launch event, for example, I’m shown a series of designs for clothing and puppets to be used on Bowie’s 1979 appearance on Saturday Night Live with Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias as backing singers. It’s the one where he sang The Man Who Sold The World

There really is a thrill in seeing simple sketches by someone who achieved such success in their lifetime juxtaposed with the kind of doubtful notes we all might make on a pad of paper. The crossings-out are a light reminder that Bowie was human, after all. t the centre o ers more than this. Also in the study room when I visit is the actual costume Bowie wore for the show. Modelled after Nomi’s aesthetic, the angular tux prevented David from walking, so he had to be placed before the mic by his artistic accomplices for the performance.

This is the magic. The oppor-

The number of objects in the archive of the David Bowie Centre at V&A Storehouse
Image courtesy of the V&A

Bowie saved everything from scribbled notes to elaborate sketches and is a powerful reminder that no idea is too small

tunity to see one-to-one designs s rin in so vibrantl o the a e and into realit . here s a eelin visitors co ld ith a bit o research re licate this ith so man o the ob ects in o ie s archive discoverin the ori in stor o each iece.

o ie saved ever thin rom scribbled notes to elaborate s etches and is a o er l reminder that no idea is too small and that the creative rocess is orth doc mentin at ever stage,” said Madeline. “You get to see that behind the scenes here at the avid o ie entre.

his a roach is one that is a rich le ac or all artists in all disciplines and all backgrounds ho e ho e ill come and visit s here.

t s orth notin erha s that hile the o ie archive does lend itself to detailed exploration, those visitin Storeho se ho sim l ish to dro in ill still be rewarded.

he centre or s on man levels. here are easil accessible co ies o some o the archive s o lar doc ments on sho and the ba s o e hibits to en o . here s also the seemin l endless barrage of images from the video screen and an es eciall c rated so ndtrac o o ie s son s. t most o all visitors ill be le t ith the nmista eable impression of complexity.

s an artist no n or his constant reinvention seein the or in behind the ill sion onl im resses at the sheer relentless ener it m st have ta en to achieve so m ch.

key details

ntr to Storeho se at ere ast in the een li abeth Olympic Park is free and includes access to the avid o ie entre. he m se m is o en rom 1 am daily and usually closes at 6pm e ce t on h rsda s and Sat r da s hen it s o en ntil 1 m. Go to vam.ac.uk/east for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about the David Bowie Centre
Above, photographer Mick Rock captures Bowie in the recording studio in 1973 Left, the costume designed by Mark Ravitz and David Bowie, worn by David on Saturday Night Live in 1979
Image by PA Media
Image by PA Media
Image by V&A
Image by V&A
Image by Mick Rock
The David Bowie Centre is now open to visitors

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 Quick

Across 7. This addition marks the spot (5)

8. Top of range gallery made of plastic? (7)

9. EU drunk is confused Czech writer (7)

10. Short lawyer? (5)

12. A judge for download speeds? (10)

15. Take-away conclusions from clues (10)

18. Rearranged pipes are not the real thing (5)

19. Naval officer held in high regard? (7)

21. Upset tears in Europe? It’s strict (7)

22. Beam working? It’s material (5)

Down

1. Financial delay? It’s criminal (4,6)

2. Mix up a nine? It’s stupid (5)

3. Twisted Alex makes the wheel rotate (4)

4. A sausage greeting, sort of? (6)

5. Scarlet nobleman flies the skies (3,5)

6. Entertainment miscellany (7)

11. Dismissal queue? (6,4)

13. Acceptable pronounced speech (8)

14. A poised person may be overweight (7)

16. Pascal’s confused about a girl’s ringing name (6)

17. Sounds like a hunter appeals to a deity (5)

20. Take note of this blemish (4)

Consumed (5)

Mechanical piano (7)

Beyond the norm (7)

Horse trainer (5)

Destroyed (10)

Verbal description (10)

Material (5)

Tolerant (7)

Northern town (7)

Grand house (5)

Remembers (10)

Nation (5)

Against (4)

Greek city-state (6)

Female relative (8)

Groups of soldiers (7)

Controllers (10)

Time everlasting (8)

Completely cover (7)

Natural skill (6)

Hair dye (5)

Designate (4)

Sparta;
Smother;
Talent;
Henna;
Name.
Across: 7 Annex; 8 Acetate; 9 Kundera; 10 Brief; 12 Arbitrator; 15 Deductions; 18 Pepsi; 19 Admiral; 21 Austere; 22 Rayon.
Down: 1 Bank Holdup; 2 Inane; 3 Axle; 4 Salami; 5 Red Baron; 6 Variety; 11 Firing Line; 13 Received; 14 Adipose; 16 Isabel; 17 Preys; 20 Mark.

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