A once sleepy Docklands neighbourhood is transforming into a lively waterside hub. Living in Canada Water means access to flashy new homes, shops, restaurants and open spaces.

Canada Water is undergoing a transformation that will essentially make it the town centre of the local area. The regeneration project is led by the same person who rejuvenated King’s Cross. And it’s already well underway, making the SE16 postcode one of the most intriguing in London.

Lodge.space

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Find your zen at Lodge.space, a yoga studio in the heart of Canada Water. The site offers three spacious studios that host a range of classes, including yoga, Pilates, aerial yoga and gong baths. There’s also a zen garden, which overlooks the local park and offers peaceful views.

Other benefits at Lodge.space include two private treatment rooms with the latest holistic therapies and massages. If all that peace-finding works up an appetite, be a healthy hedonist and treat yourself to a snack at the café.

Find at The Lodge, 120a Lower Road, London SE16 2UB
Phone no: 020 7231 1088
Email: [email protected]
Follow @thelodge.space

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is at the heart of the area’s development. It continues to receive improvements that will make it one of London’s best shopping centres and currently features a wealth of popular chain stores.

Eat, drink and shop at places like Frankie & Bennie, clothes store Yours and Starbucks (because there’s always a Starbucks). Catch a flick at Odeon cinema, while Hollywood Bowl and Buzz Bingo bring the old-school entertainment.

Find at Redriff Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 7LL
Follow @SurreyQuays

Canada Water Theatre

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Canada Water Theatre is a cultural space in the heart of SE16 that is known for its culturally diverse performances. Designed by world-renowned architect Piers Gough, the theatre features 150 seats and showcases new work and emerging artists.

There’s more to this venue than a theatre, though. A state-of-the-art library is front and centre of local community life. While there are meeting spaces for hire and a café where you can enjoy a snack or two.

Find at 21 Surrey Quays Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 7AR
Phone no: 020 8692 4446
Email: [email protected]
Follow @CW_Theatre

The Yellow House

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Much of Canada Water can be described as “off the beaten track”, and the same applies to The Yellow House. This hidden bar and restaurant has been going strong for 16 years, serving up a treat or two for those living in Canada Water.

The Yellow House sources fresh ingredients and seasonal produce and makes all sauces, bread, pasta, cakes and pudding onsite at the premises. There’s also an outdoor seating area so that you can enjoy a meal and drink outside during the warmer months.

Find at 126 Lower Road, London SE16 2UE
Phone no: 020 7231 8777
Follow @theyellowhouserestaurant

Canada Water Café

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Since opening in 2014, Canada Water Café  has become a staple of the local community in SE16. The Italian restaurant cooks up a range of pizza and pasta, as well as special pies of the week. La Cafona is a favourite and is made with Italian sausage, rosemary, smoked cheese, baked potato and mozzarella.

The coffee is a big hit here too: beans are sourced from some of the best London roasters. There are also the occasional latte classes offered to customers, just in case you wanted to learn how to make a mean hot brew.

Find at Canada Water, 40 Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 7DX
Phone no: 020 3668 7518
Email: [email protected]
Follow @CanadaWaterCafe

Canada Water Studios

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

If you’re living in Canada Water and are looking for somewhere to work out, get yourself down to Canada Water Studios. From fitness classes to dance studios, there’s a multitude of ways to find your fit at this local fitness centre.

Exercise to some grooves in the form of dance and Zumba classes. Or take a fitness course that features three workout sessions per week. If you’re after something more tailored to you, personal trainers can design a bespoke fitness programme to help you reach your goals.

Find at Vancouver House, Surrey Quays Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 7BW
Phone no: 020 7127 0676
Email: [email protected]
Follow @CWDancestudios

Stave Hill Ecological Park

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Get back to nature at Stave Hill Ecological Park, which spans 5.2 acres and is part of the Russia Dock Woodland. The nature reserve features woodlands, grassland, scrub and wetlands to explore.

Spot a variety of local wildlife while on a scenic stroll. Once a derelict space of compost and dirt, today the area is a peaceful nature reserve. And it offers those living in Canada Water the chance to enjoy the great outdoors.

Find at Timber Pond Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 6AX
Phone no: 020 7237 9175
Email: [email protected]
Follow @TCVtweets

Greenwich Market

Living in Canada Water: A New Riverside Neighbourhood | Essential Living

Nearby Greenwich is a popular spot for anyone who enjoys a bustling neighbourhood, especially when it comes to markets. There are 120 stalls to explore at Greenwich Market, including antiques, arts and quirky items that would fit nicely in your apartment.

The food market is also popular with visitors, thanks to stalls that serve everything from pizza to Ethiopian food. What's more, a fashion section means you can shop for the latest trends from independent designers.

Find at 5B Greenwich Market, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9HZ
Phone no: 020 8269 5096
Email: [email protected]
Follow @greenwichmarket

Living in Canada Water

Canada Water is quickly becoming an important London hub, providing community vibes that are often lacking in nearby Canary Wharf.

So with more great entertainment amenities and snazzy apartments to come, there’s never been a better time to call SE16 home.

Mark Flint

Author

Mark is a regular contributor to the Essential Living blog and shares all the latest news and sourcing the very best content for our customers.