Local features of interests
Millennium Dome, Canary Wharf, ExCeL Exhibition Centre, West End, Doclands Sailing Centre,

A GUIDE TO THE LOCAL AREA
Culture and heritage
Originally part of the Port of London, in its heyday the biggest working docks in the world, the loop in the Thames that is known as the Isle of Dogs (the 'Island') has now become a commercial and business area as important as the City itself. Where bananas once landed by the boatload at West India dock, banks, media and insurance companies now enjoy the fruits of their labour. Extensively bombed during WWII the entire area became run down and largely derelict until a new vision saw the development of the Canary Wharf estate, including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) that opened up easy transport from Tower Hill in the West, Lewisham in the South and Stratford and beyond to the North.

 As businesses and jobs came so did people, housing, and the infrastructure required to support an extended modern community. And the community is still growing. Yet more jobs will develop and yet more people will need yet more accommodation. The investment prospects here will remain strong for years to come.

Environment
Today the 'Island' is quite simply a great place to live. On virtually all sides you have water – if not the Thames, then one of the gentrified refurbished docks. In some respects it feels like Venice with a modern spin. There are open spaces to sit, eat and drink, and open-air events and music. Altogether it's a sophisticated and cosmopolitan lifestyle, and much sought after by a young and upmarket entrepreneurial crowd who come here to make their fortune before buying a weekend place in the country.

Shopping
The Canary Wharf tower not only sits astride the station but houses a large shopping centre designed to provide both day to day necessities and those luxuries that typify the varied lifestyle of the workforce. There is also a large supermarket just down the road. For more extensive options the West End is less than 30 minutes away.
Transport
The DLR is an extremely effective way of linking into the Transport for London network. River travel has recently made a major comeback and the Thames Clipper boat service will get you to the West End in 20 minutes. London City Airport is virtually on the doorstep, and Stansted is easily reached by coach to Stratford and then a bus service. The extension of the Jubilee underground line from Waterloo through London Bridge and Canary Wharf to Stratford gives even greater access.
Leisure
People on the 'Island' work hard and play hard and Canary Wharf has become a major party centre with some fabulous restaurants and bars springing up. The area around the main pier at Westferry has a range of waterfront watering-holes and eateries. There is a strong evening 'cocktail' scene most nights, and the trip 'up West' for cinema or the theatre is easily made. Weekend brunch has become popular. The more traditional atmosphere of Greenwich is right across the river. There are some fantastic old pubs.
The 'Island' has many health clubs, and you can play tennis and 5-a-side football. Across the water by the Dome you'll find the home of Charlton Athletic, the premiership football club. Running along the riverfront is popular.

The nearby Excel centre has taken over from Earls Court and Olympia as the major London venue for conferences and exhibitions. The Docklands Arena hosts popular entertainment from pop to boxing matches. Culturally Greenwich offers the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, contemporary theatre, a weekend flea market and lots of antique shops.