A hub of commercial and residential activity, the highly prosperous area of Canary Wharf is just a short walk from the luxurious Lansbury Heritage Hotel.

It is little wonder that we regularly host affluent travellers and business people keen to make the most of their time in this bustling place beside the Thames.

Deepen your knowledge before visiting as we present our 10 fascinating facts about Canary Wharf.

#1 Canary Wharf was one of the world’s busiest docks between the 19th and early 20th centuries. Popular products including sugar and rum were shipped to and from the docks during this period. You can see sugar warehouses dating back to 1802 when standing upon the floating pontoon bridge of Wren Landing.

#2 Canadian property tycoon Paul Reichmann provided much of the funding for the development of Canary Wharf. He conducted talks with various members of London’s business community in 1987; establishing the widespread desire for the change of premises. Construction began the following year.

#3 Designed by Caesar Pelli and completed in 1991; One Canada Square stood as the tallest building in London (244m) until the construction of the Shard in 2012. With its matte stainless steel structure, this awe-inspiring building is a symbol of Central London’s economic regeneration.

#4 The Canary Wharf Group (CWG) have taken the lead in creating an action plan for the encouragement of local biodiversity. They have installed a range of ecological features including bird boxes, bee-hives, and insect hotels in the newest residential developments.

#5 There has been significant investment and development along the eastern waters of the West India docks and stretching to Wood Wharf. A complex of residential, entertainment, and commercial buildings has been built in this affluent area.

#6 The Jubilee Park garden sits atop the roof of the Jubilee Line Station. With its mature Metasequoia trees and channelled water features, this garden is a popular lunch-time resting spot.

#7 The quadrangle Cannon Workshops are just a short walk away from the main dock area. Previously used for the storage of traditional work tools, these units feature distinctive red doors, which can’t be painted over due to the Grade II listing.

#8 The magnificent skyscrapers of Canary Wharf are home to some of the world’s best-known financial institutions. Employees of HSBC, Citigroup, and other major banks make their way to the wharf each working day.

#9 There are an estimated 100,000 employees working for the businesses of Canary Wharf. Further growth is expected following recovery from the pandemic.

#10 A new Crossrail station is set to be opened by the close of 2022. This will connect Canary Wharf to Heathrow Airport; with an estimated travelling time of 40 minutes. The Crossrail station has an underground tunnel, with a multi-coloured mural painted by contemporary artist Camille Walala.

Whether you’re planning on visiting Canary Wharf for business or pleasure, you really should consider booking one of our fabulous luxury boutique rooms at the Lansbury Heritage Hotel.

Give us a call on 0203 489 5050 or email info@lansburyhotel.com with any questions before your stay.