Bringing a dose of personality to Canary Wharf’s wave of tower blocks and bland buildings, editor Sophie Ritchie spends the night at the sleek Lincoln Plaza London
Canary Wharf is the true definition of a concrete jungle. It’s a world of studded sky high buildings, plasma screen after plasma screen and a distinct lack of natural greenery (unless you count that little patch of park by the tube, which I do not).
Although it’s not a destination for nature lovers, it does house a few luxury gems in other forms – one of these being Lincoln Plaza London, a towering hotel offering the modern city slicker everything from contemporary interiors to delectable Indian cuisine.
A high-rise development comprising luxury apartments and this sleek hotel, it’s not the intriguing patchwork exterior that first gets my attention but the roof.
Mainly because it’s been pouring with rain, a surge of water sweeping through London, and I can’t wait to get out of the wet. But the warmth is also emulated from the reception staff, who greet me with a smile and a speedy check-in before I’m directed to my 8th floor abode.
The Room
Opening the door to my Keeler room reveals a large and luxurious space, filled with modern furnishings and a stylish but laid-back feel. The 129-room property offers 5 different room styles, ranging from the simple Tillerman to the broader Bargemaster.
Design details feature pale wood surfaces, oval mirrors and the occasional Anthony Gormley-esque bronze resin bust, which all add character to the room.
The views peer out over London’s twinkling horizon and into the opposite apartments, which are so close I can practically see what some residents are having for tea.
As well as a 46-inch HDTV and free easy access WiFi, other perks of the Keeler room include a complimentary minibar and more space than lower tier options. I also waste no time in putting the Nespresso machine to work, sitting back and enjoying the skyline with an Americano in one hand and magazine in the other.
The bathroom boasts a huge rainfall shower, as well as high-end toiletries and fluffy robes. All the essentials for a night of relaxing and reclining.
The Food & Drink
There’s a choice of two restaurants at Lincoln Plaza London – The Food Store and Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, headed up by chef and TV personality Cyrus Todiwala. The latter offers delectable Indian cuisine whilst the former serves a more casual purpose, with trendy foliage-filled interiors and simple dishes.
Once my guest arrives, we feast at Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, which is beautiful but sadly almost empty on a Friday night (a Canary Wharf curse as office workers file out for the weekend).
We go a la carte for the experience, although there’s a gourmet tasting menu (£70pp) on offer for those seeking a culinary excursion.
With a number of curries, tandoori, appetisers and small dishes on offer, you could deliberate for hours. I thoroughly recommend the Beetroot & Coconut samosas (£9) which arrive as a trio of diced beetroot and potato packaged in delicately flakey pastry and topped with coconut.
It’s completely different to traditional samosas and utterly gorgeous – so much so that I order another round.
The Tadka Daal (£8.50) is good for a mild mix of pink and yellow lentils, but I especially like the Baingan Bharta (£10) a plate comprised of smoked aubergine simmered with garlic, tomatoes, chunks of green chilli and onions. It arrives smothered in coriander, which is tasty if you like the stuff.
Another vegetarian must-bite is the Aloo Gobi Matar (£9.50) a Rajasthani style dish of cubed potato, cauliflower and green peas. It’s crunchy and creamy all at once, bursting with spice from the red chilli and cumin.
If you’re a carnivore, there’s also plenty of meat-based dishes at Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen – dig into Keralan Duck Tikka, classic Chicken Tikka and a fire-loaded Beef Xacuti, to name a mere handful of options.
Breakfast opts for a less spicy approach and is served in The Food Store. With an a la carte menu offering, start the day with fresh fruit salads, bashed avocado & poachies, as well as the traditional (and stomach-widening) Full English.
Things to do
1 Take a dip in the hotel’s on-site 18-metre pool or work up a sweat in the basement gym.
2 Head to the ultra sultry Jacks Speak bar for a tipple in 19th century Officers’ Mess-inspired surroundings.
3 Post-dinner, head to the nearby Bōkan bar for even more cocktails on the 39th floor. Striking views and delicious sips await.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Bringing a dose of personality to Canary Wharf’s wave of tower blocks and bland buildings, Lincoln Plaza London will leave you feeling relaxed and ready for a city adventure. Kick back, eat up and enjoy the sleek serenity.
Make it happen
Where: 2 Lincoln Plaza, Canary Wharf, London E14 9BD.
Cost: Rooms from £143 per night based on two people sharing.
How: To make a reservation, please click here or phone 020 7987 1157.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, Editor
