What to do near canary wharf: Eat, drink and Cruise

By Grant Sweeney

Last updated July 07, 2025

Nestled in London’s vibrant docklands, Canary Wharf has transformed from a bustling financial centre into one. Of the city’s most exciting leisure destinations, relaxing under London’s modern skyline. Whilst it still hosts gleaming office towers, it now also hold incredible selection of restaurants, bars, parks, cultural spots and waterways.

With GoBoat’s eco-friendly boat hire, top-notch dining and a thriving cocktail scene so you can turn an ordinary day into a unique adventure within the docklands.

Cruise: Explore Canary Wharf’s waterways with GoBoat

Canary Wharf - Jack's favourite site

GoBoat Canary Wharf offers one of the most memorable ways to explore the area from the water. Forget the crowded pavements and waiting around in queues. Instead, hop onboard self-drive electric boat and navigate the calm waters at your own pace.

All GoBoat’s are easy to operate, requires no previous boating experience or license and each boat accommodates up to 8 people, making it ideal for everyone. Before you set off on your adventure and receive a full map briefing and driving lesson as well.

Depending on how long your journey is, you can all pick from GoBoat’s picnic packages as well as bring your own and slow down to have your picnic on the water. If you run out of drinks and food on the water just order drinks by the QR code and get your food and drinks delivered by the Butler Boat.

Good to Know:

Alcohol is permitted in moderation; up to 2 beers or half a bottle of wine per person.
The captain must remain sober throughout the trip
GoBoat operates seasonally, so they recommend to book in advance, especially for sunny weekends and school holidays.

Eat: Discover the best restaurants in Canary Wharf

showing the food and picnic options at goboat

GoBoat Picnic - Gallio

After your cruise, you’ll have no shortage of places to grab a bite. Canary Wharf’s dining scene is rapidly becoming one of London’s best places to eat, featuring everything from upmarket restaurants to casual canal spots.

Top 3 Dining Spots:

Gallio offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates and sharing dishes in a stylish, airy setting. Their stone-baked flatbreads, kofta and zesty cocktails are made for after cruise meals.
Roka delivers sleek Japanese robatayaki cuisine alongside panoramic views of London Docklands. Don’t miss their signature sushi platters.
Home Pizza serves up Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and fresh, locally sourced toppings.

Drink: Where to sip cocktails and craft pints

Late afternoon at Canary Wharf

As the evening arrives, it’s time to discover Canary Wharf under starlight. It now offers everything from chic rooftop bars to secret speakeasies.

Top 3 must-visit bars:

The Cocktail Club is a fun, unpretentious spot with lively music, friendly bartenders and creative cocktails. The signature concoctions here are as bold as the décor and perfect for a post-cruise celebration.
The Alchemist is known for its theatrical cocktails and riverside views, serving drinks with bubbles, smoke and sparkles.
Pergola on the Wharf is a leafy rooftop space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a lively events calendar. Grab a spritz and a bite to eat whilst taking in more city views.

Plan your perfect day in Canary Wharf

one of the picnic packages in canary wharf

GoBoat Canary Wharf picnics on the water

Morning: Start with a cruise at GoBoat Canary Wharf. Head to Bellmouth Passage and enjoy breakfast on the water whilst taking in the beautiful architecture and calm waterways.

Afternoon: Dock your boat and head to lunch at Gallio or other riverside restaurants. Enjoy the city views on land and look back on the memories created in the morning.

Evening: As even falls, pick a place to wind down. Raise a glass of celebration as the city is filled with starlight and beautiful lights reflecting on the water.

Why choose GoBoat Canary Wharf

GoBoat offers one of the most unique things to do in London allowing you to captain your own boat and discover Canary Wharf from a new perspective. It’s perfect for everything and everyone.

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