A short guide to Docklands
By Collette Delle Grazie (Sponsored Post)
The gleaming glass and steel of high-rise buildings, fantastic river views and some of London’s best places to eat, drink and have fun make Docklands a unique, exciting and convenient place to live.
Redeveloped in the 1980s, Docklands had previously been a major shipping centre for British industry. After reaching its peak in 1961, tonnage at Docklands declined year after year as ships opted to dock downstream at the deeper Port of Tilbury.
In 1981, development was kick-started in the area and Docklands has transformed itself into one of Europe’s biggest financial centres, boasting the offices of many of the world’s top banks, as well as one of London’s most desirable places to live.
Today, it’s one of London’s fastest-growing areas, not just for big businesses but also for pubs and restaurants, shops and residential developments. Each year, Docklands attracts more people from elsewhere in London, and it’s easy to see why. You can find a detailed guide to London’s Docklands here.
Centrally located and convenient
Located east of the City of London and served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Docklands has a convenient location that makes accessing the rest of London simple and straightforward.
Local hubs like Canary Wharf make getting around London a breeze, and the area’s numerous river boats make it easy to get to and from Central London using a more scenic route.
Add some of the best river views in London into the mix and it becomes clear why Docklands is quickly becoming a hot spot not just to work and hang out, but also to live.
A great selection of cafés, restaurants and bars
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Docklands was widely viewed as a place to work first, and a place to have fun second. Over the last decade, however, it’s grown into one of London’s most diverse and interesting dining and nightlife areas.
From small eateries to luxurious establishments, Docklands has a dining option for every budget. Small, quiet hangouts like First Edition and Lime Bar and Restaurant offer excellent dining around Canary Wharf, while Plateau offers a great view of the Isle of Dogs from the fourth floor of Canada Place.
First Edition – Pic taken from http://canarywharf.com
Add a variety of great local pubs and cocktails bars into the mix and it’s clear why Docklands isn’t just a place to work anymore. For one of the best views of the area, try The Attic, located on the 48th floor of Pan Peninsula.
On a strict budget?
While the biggest visual landmark in Docklands might be Canary Wharf’s towering skyscrapers, it’s not at all challenging to find affordable pubs and restaurants in the area.
Established in 1585, The Grapes is a traditional Victorian local pub on Narrow Street with a great selection of ales and pub meals. The Cat and the Canary is a popular pub in Canary Wharf offering a great selection of beers, cocktails and pub favourites.
The Grapes LimeHouse – Pic from thegrapes.co.uk
No shortage of retail shopping opportunities
With four shopping malls at Canary Wharf alone, Docklands is one of London’s best areas for retail addicts. From high-end to high street, Docklands has a great variety of shops to suit every taste, style and budget.
Add its close proximity to East London’s famous vintage shops and Dockland’s isn’t just a great place to shop – it’s also a great hub for accessing London’s other leading retail areas.
Whether you need to travel into the City or prefer to shop in and around home, it’s easy to access the rest of London from Docklands, whether you like to travel by rail or river.
Shopping mall at Canary Wharf – Pic taken from group.canarywharf.com
Author Bio
Collette Delle Grazie is a Senior Copywriter at Galliard Homes specialising in London locations and has worked in Digital Content Marketing for over five years. Founded in 1992, Galliard Homes is London’s largest privately owned residential developer, operating across the capital and Home Counties. Galliard Homes delivers high quality residential and mixed-use projects in prestigious addresses and helps to regenerate up-and-coming locations.
