While Canary Wharf is known for being the banking district of the city, recent years have seen it develop way beyond this. Shaking off the reputation of being a solely corporate destination, it’s now home to a hub of things to do, places to dine and bars to while away an evening. It’s also a fantastic destination to stay, whether for sticking solely in the vicinity, or spending time here and branching out to the rest of the city. TRIBE Canary Wharf opened in 2022, firmly making its mark as one of the best spots to stay.
Design-driven yet functional, it offers so much more than just a place to rest your head. On the day of my visit it’s a crisp autumnal afternoon, when the last days of summer are dragging their feet and the floor is peppered with a multi-coloured tapestry of leaves. The sky is a crisp blue and TRIBE Canary Wharf stands out as a beacon of auburn brick against the backdrop. The building itself is 13 floors, with the hotel occupying six of these. Floor to ceiling glass windows glint in the sun and a large lobby awaits.
The lobby takes over the ground floor of the premises, with plenty of spaces to sit and relax. Comfortable chairs and quirky artwork inject it with flashes of colour, while the air smells of freshly brewed coffee from the 24-hour grab & go counter. The lobby is also home to ‘Feels Like June’ their all-day eatery, serving up a flavour of California hospitality to the heart of the city.
Check-in is simple and we make our way up the lift to our room. There are three main room types here, TRIBE Comfort: A 14 sq m room with city views, TRIBE Comfort Atrium: A 14 sq m room with views of the hotel’s atrium or TRIBE Comfort XL: A 21 sq m corner room with views of Wood Wharf. Each room in the hotel is meticulously designed for your stay, marrying together the ultimate in comfort while also being practical. It’s a hotel designed to both look great but also ensure you have all you need. The room is cosy, yet packs a punch with design, making the most of all the space there is. It’s contemporary and effortlessly cool, like the new kid on the block but one that really knows what they’re doing.
It’s sexy yet understated, with dark wooden floors, a plush velvet headboard in an olive green and smooth brass bedside lamps. There’s a desk ideal for working (though try not to get distracted by the view from the floor to ceiling windows that cover most of the wall) and beautiful photography in slick black frames hung above the bed. Sunlight streams in, puddling over the floor and the bed, a retro style radio plays softly and the air con keeps the room at the ideal temperature. There are no unnecessary frills here, such as scatter cushions or throws that just end up piled in the corner, or minibar items that remain untouched, left to gather dust. Every inch of the room is utilised to its full potential.
The premise of the bathroom is similar. It’s small but functional, well designed and immaculately clean. Here you can pamper yourself with Kevin Murphy amenities, enjoy a shower and make the most of the large mirror, ideal for touching up your makeup before heading out. And that’s not all.
TRIBE Canary Wharf Hotel is also dog-friendly, meaning that just because you want to travel with a pooch, you don’t have to compromise on comfort. Too often hotels can feel out of reach when travelling with your dog, or you’re restricted to Air Bnb’s or properties specifically designed for pets. With this, you get all the usual pampering feel of travelling in a hotel but can bring your best friend with you. You can also work from their 24-hour social hub down in the lobby, where your dog is also welcome. Nearby grassy areas are ideal for taking them for a walk when you need a break.
Dining wise, be sure to head to Feels Like June, a stunning Californian-inspired all-day dining destination. Neutral coloured walls lend a refined, pared-back touch, while plenty of foliage and brightly coloured furniture whisk you away to the sunnier Californian shores. You can perch on an auburn, leather-topped bar stool and sip on an array of cocktails, or sink into one of their sumptuously comfortable arm chairs for a meal with your other half, friends, or even a solo dining date.
The menu focuses on family-style dining, with a range of small plates to share between you, as well as large plates, salads & bowls, grilled dishes and sides. We choose a few small plates to share between us – a gooey mac & cheese covered in hot melted cheese and drizzled with truffle oil, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, sticky balsamic & fresh basil and toasted sourdough bread that’s warm enough for the butter to melt as you slather it on.
For mains I opt for the chicken milanese, a beautiful dish accompanied by truffle oil, parmesan, mixed leaves and burnt lemon, while my partner selects the FLJ burger. A thick patty sandwiched between fluffy bread is topped with melted cheddar cheese, caramelised onion, pickles and homemade burger sauce. It’s quickly declared one of the best burgers he has ever eaten and I’m quick to agree about my dish. We accompany our meal with a bottle of white recommended by the water before rounding off with a cocktail each. As with everything in this hotel, it’s unfussy but perfectly executed, showing you can have the best quality but there doesn’t need to be an over-the-top fanfare about it.
In terms of other facilities, TRIBE Canary Wharf is about to become home to an elite wellness experience, as they team up with their new partners Third Space to open a new gym inside the hotel. Until it opens, guests can purchase a discounted day pass to their high-end, high-tech luxury training facilities and amenities a couple of minutes’ walk from the hotel. Facilities include pool, sauna and spa as well as their signature state-of-the-art gym.
As night falls, I lay on the sumptuously soft bed – it’s one of those where the pillows seem to mould into your head and the duvet wraps you in a warm hug – and feel completely relaxed and peaceful. I leave the curtains open just a chink so the moonlight slices through and I can feel the energy of London just below.
TRIBE Canary Wharf is a hotel that ticks all the boxes and has thought of everything from the big details to the tiny ones. It takes care of its guests in a meticulous way while also letting you just get on with it. Whether heading for a work trip, a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with friends, TRIBE Canary Wharf is the ideal spot. You can eat and drink to your heart’s content, relax, use the nearby wellness facilities or get some emails fired off in the workspace. No matter your reason for visiting, it’s somewhere you know won’t let you down.
Things to do in Canary Wharf
- Electric Shuffle – Electric Shuffle offers a modern take on shuffleboard, using technology to create a range of fun games and challenges to play. You can order drinks to your table and it’s a great way to spend time with friends.
- Fairgame – Fairgame is an immersive, fairground-themed entertainment venue that brings the fun of carnival games to Canary Wharf. Think of a modern take on classic fairground attractions like hoop toss, ring-the-bell, and duck shoot. It’s a super fun way to spend your time in the area.
- Crossrail Place Roof Gardens – Located above Canary Wharf’s Crossrail station, this hidden gem is a beautiful, tranquil rooftop garden that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life below.
- GoBoat – GoBoat allows you to explore Canary Wharf and its surrounding areas from a new perspective—on the water. This self-driven boat experience lets you and your group be the captain as you cruise around London’s canals.
- London Docklands Museum – The Museum of London Docklands explores the rich history of the River Thames and the Docklands area, from Roman times to the present day. It’s housed in a converted warehouse and offers fascinating exhibitions and an insight into the area’s rich history.
- The Cube Canary Wharf – Inspired by the TV game show “The Cube,” this interactive experience is a test of skill, nerve, and problem-solving. Visitors can take on a series of physical and mental challenges inside high-tech, immersive pods that resemble the iconic glass cube from the show.
TRIBE Canary Wharf
15 Water St
London
E14 5GX
