Jubilee at Canary Wharf: Intimate gigs, alfresco dining, minigolf and more

Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square is set to be lit up in red, white and blue in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

The wharf has a host of new activities, events, art trails and exhibitions lined up for visitors to enjoy over the weekend – and with the launch of the new Elizabeth line, it now takes even less time to get there.

Families will find lots of ways to have fun over the four days. Parents can take budding young artists to the Children’s Art Trail for some inspiration, or for more action they can head to the docs to try out GoBoat or get competitive at Montgomery Square’s vibrant new minigolf course or ping pong tables.

Those looking to relax should head to Crossrail Place Roof Garden, a rooftop oasis where people can wander through exotic plants or relax on benches nestled in hidden pathways. On Saturday its 80-seat amphitheatre will host a performance from pop duo Jazz Mino & Clayton as part of its Crossrail Acoustic Sessions, in partnership with Busk in London.

The Summer Screens in Canada Square Park and Union Square will be showing a series of Jubilee events and sport fixtures each day. Highlights include Thursday’s Trooping the Colour, Saturday’s Jubilee Derby and England playing New Zealand in the cricket for the first Test match of the summer, screening across the full long weekend.

To make the most of the sunny days, a number of restaurants have opened their doors for alfresco dining. Visitors looking to make the most of the bank holiday weather should book for lunch or dinner at restaurants including Hawksmoor, Caravan, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, Iberica, Six by Nico, Gallio and Pergola, where guests can play a free game of petanque.

Summer Screens (on now until 22 September)
Head to Canada Square Park or Union Square in Wood Wharf to catch the weekend’s Jubilee celebrations and sporting events on the big screen.

Both locations will be kicking off the bank holiday in traditional style with a broadcast of the Trooping the Colour celebration on Thursday. Union Square’s screenings include the Jubilee Special of the Epsom Derby on Saturday and the Nottingham Open on Sunday, while England’s first Test match of the summer against New Zealand will be playing in Canada Square Park across the long weekend.

Visitors can grab a Jubilee themed picnic from nearby Waitrose and M&S, or a summer refreshment from Canada Square Park’s Grandstand Bar.

For more information visit: https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/summer-screens-may-sept-2022/

Crossrail Acoustic Sessions
Canary Wharf has teamed up with Busk in London to bring acoustic sessions with emerging artists to the peaceful surroundings of Crossrail Place Roof Garden, located directly above the Elizabeth line station.

Head down on the afternoon of Saturday 4th June when Jazz Mino & Clayton, a pop duo of vocals, electric guitar and piano, will be playing an intimate set from 1-5pm.

Minigolf
London’s only free minigolf* is back for another season at Canary Wharf, just in time for the Jubilee. The colourful course has been designed by international artists Craig & Karl who have transformed Montgomery Square with their signature fun, bold and playful style.

Designed to stand out even on grey days, the course boasts a neon orange jump ramp, pink and yellow chequered bridge, pop art style dotted obstacles and bright geometric shapes at every turn.

Find out more at https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/minigolf-by-craig-karl-may-2022/.

Pride
Three bold, colourful murals have been installed around Canary Wharf to celebrate Pride month. German-born artist Lothar Götz has transformed Crossrail Place, Reuters Plaza and the Riverside steps with his abstract, geometric artwork in Pride’s rainbow colours which will be in place until the end of June.

The Estate’s Short Story Stations will produce comic strips for the first time, celebrating queer culture and illustrated by authors Fox Fisher and Lew Hancox.

Cornucopia
Cornucopia is a free exhibit of works by British abstract sculptor, ceramicist and painter Patricia Volk, curated by Jacquiline Creswell. Visitors will find the expansive lobby of One Canada Square transformed into a lively and uplifting environment with an abundance of vibrant colours and shapes.

GoBoat
Explore Canary Wharf from the water by booking out a GoBoat for family or friends. GoBoat is a self-driving boating experience where sailors can choose their favourite route around the Docklands.

For more information or to book, visit https://goboat.co.uk/canary-wharf/

Capital Karts
Capital Karts has opened the UK’s fastest indoor go karting track at Canary Wharf, offering an 800-metre track for both first time karters and seasoned pros.

The 80,000 square foot indoor track is located at 15 Cabot Square and includes elite eco-friendly, re-chargeable electric karts with top speeds of 40mph.

For more information or to book, visit https://www.capitalkarts.com/canary-wharf/

Alfresco dining
Make the most of the great outdoors and dine continental-style as many of the Wharf’s restaurant terraces spill out onto the pavements, squares and rooftop spaces. Diners looking to dine alfresco should head to Hawksmoor, The Ivy in the Park, Caravan, The Alchemist, Wahaca, Plateau, Gallio, The Pearson Rooms, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, Humble Grape, No35 Mackenzie Walk and Pergola which even has its own free petanque course.

The newly opened MMy Wood Wharf – from the creators of Mercato Metropolitano – is made up a variety of diverse food stalls and an international deli with a huge selection of artisanal goods, from organic wine to European cheese. Located next to Harbour Quay Gardens, guests can relax outside with riverside views as they dine.

Find out where to dine alfresco at https://canarywharf.com/alfresco/

Children’s Art Trail
For little ones, the Children’s Art Trail features 12 pieces of art chosen to inspire young minds plus a handy map to show where to find them. The artworks are a selection of over 75 permanently on display all over the Estate, both outside and indoors.

Art Benches: Coming Together
Katrina Adams’ Coming Together’ is an installation of sculptural benches in Crossrail Place, inspired by 2D abstract prints based upon the architecture of Canary Wharf. The benches act to nurture relationships, reconnect, communicate and be intimate.

The colours of the installation aim to spark play and curiosity about the architectural inspiration behind the design, and to trigger talk around our wellbeing and psychological relationship with colour.