Living in Canning Town: A riverside East London neighbourhood
Established in the first half of the 19th Century, Canning Town is a charming neighbourhood of East London. It is situated north of the River Thames and is a part of the vibrant River Docks. With a unique industrial history, Canning Town is known for its Thames Iron Works and famous ship building heritage. Today, this area is evolving into a cosmopolitan and popular district, attracting attention for its regeneration. Given its prime location with excellent connectivity, Canning Town is a short journey from many of London’s hotspots including Canary Wharf, the city and attractions such as the Tower of London.
Living in Canning Town offers many new adventures at your doorstep. We have prepared a list of top spots to eat, enjoy a drink and visit to get you started!
Eat
There’s plenty of restaurants serving up cuisine from around the world in Canning Town, offering residents a chance to try something new.
For those craving Thai food, dockside restaurant Nakhon Thai is the ideal place to enjoy favourite dishes with your friends as well as a nice cocktail. Or why not try a fully immersive Ukrainian experience at Restaurant Albina, a hidden gem that offers a lively atmosphere, especially on Saturday nights when they play Ukrainian music while you eat. While neighbourhood staple, Petit Café offers Lebanese food all day from speciality breakfasts and falafel wraps.
Drink
You will have a variety of options when popping for a pint with your friends and relatives around Fizzy East16.
One of the most popular pubs in Canning Town is Princess Alexandra, with a large selection of beers and great music, you’ll definitely get well acquainted with the locals, who love coming to this neighbourhood staple. Or there’s the authentic Streeties, a three minute walk away with a laid-back atmosphere and a pool table. For more options on drinking venues see our blog on where to go for a pint here.
Visit
For something more action-packed why not take to the water at WakeUp Docklands that offers waterboarding and paddle boarding lessons. It’s the only cable wakeboard park within London offering a place to learn some river tricks in an inner city environment. Or for those who are not scared of heights, why not take a short boat ride across the River Thames to the O2 arena, one of the most popular entertainment venues in the world, where you can have a guided expedition over the roof! Equipped with a climbing suit, shoes and safety harness, you and a Climb Guide will be able to take the journey to 52 metres above ground level.
Football fans can visit West Ham Football Stadium on match day or shop till your hearts content at Canary Wharf Shopping Centre both a short journey away by tube.
For the culturally-minded the Museum of London Docklands, a historic warehouse that has been converted into a museum tells the tales of London going as far back as the Roman conquest. Its latest exhibition, Port of London traces 200 years of extraordinary experiences on the river. Or tap into your creative side by taking a trip to London’s only dedicated public art walk, The Line. Upcoming artists include Rana Begum, who uses colour and light to produce unique artwork and Yinka Ilori best known for creating large chair sculptures. You can explore this exhibition, a short journey from Canning Town, free of charge.