Does anyone live in Canary Wharf?

Hi All,

I will be working in Canary Wharf, but from what I've been reading it's the financial center hub.  More of a business district.  Most business / financial districts I know of (ie: NYC, San Jose, etc..) become a ghost town after 5p.  Is Canary Wharf like this?  I keep reading it is on a brand new subway line - I'm hoping there are shops in the area.  I will live 10 min from my office building, by foot, so I won't have to take a tube to work.

Thanks!

It does get dead after business hours.  I would not suggest living there if you can help it.  You can always live somewhere on the Jubilee line (like West Hampstead) and have a much better social life.

It's pretty soulless around there although the housing is reasonably priced and of a good standard. But I'm with onetiger, find somewhere near the Jubilee line, West Hampstead/Swiss Cottage/Finchley Road are good bets, Kilburn too. 

I was afraid of that.  Ugh.  My company is actually providing corporate housing for me in that area so I don't really get a choice.  I'm greatful they are even providing a place!

Are there still shops I could go to and pick up food at night or is it completely dead?

There is a big shopping mall there but am not sure what time the shops shut.  There are some good restaurants and takeway food places there, incl a Chilis and a Krispy Kreme!

More info here: http://www.mycanarywharf.com/

That's a shame - well at least you will be able to easily get into the city to hang out - and I'm sure that there will be a few small shops around that will be open...

Although I don't live in Canary Wharf, I live pretty close to there and I don't think it's that bad actually.  There are grocery stores - there's a Tesco's and a Marks & Spencer's Simply Food which are decent sizes.  But the best is the HUGE Waitrose which is like 3 stories and much better than my local Waitrose.  They have tons of everything you could ever want - fresh fruit & vegetables, household stuff, dairy, wine and ready to eat stuff as well.  They've got a sushi bar and what looks like a pretty nice deli that serves hot food as well.  There are plenty of restaurants also as I think they are trying to keep the business types around after 5pm.

There's a pretty big mall that's mostly underground with all the typical stores you'd want here - Boots, Next, Gap, Pink, etc.  I did a fair amount of my Christmas shopping there since it's closer to me than the West End.  There's also a decent sized movie theater (sorry, that's cinema over here) which I haven't yet checked out.

I'm sure you'll be fine...I live in the City and I do feel it's pretty dead on the weekends.  But I think Canary Wharf's getting better all the time.  Hope this helps - feel free to write again with any more questions! 

Thank you all for your input!  Looking forward to being on the other side of the pond

I work in Canary Wharf and can tell you it is pretty much dead on the weekends.  However, on work nights, most bars, pubs are busy until closing. 

The main reason I don't live in Canary Wharf is due to the fact that I don't want a view of my office when opening my curtains on a weekend morning.

I live near Canary Wharf and I really like the area - it's new, clean, there are shopping opportunities and best of all - it's near the Thames!  Love jogging along the river...  It's not "old London" but it's got some pubs and bars and decent socializing opportunities if you live there.  I do think the flats IN Canary Wharf are overpriced but if the company's paying, then hey - enjoy it .

Good luck!

k