You’ll be singing like a canary about how cool this area has become after a tailored stay within Vertus Edit’s modern walls, where flexibility comes first. Offering aparthotel-style accommodation that blends a sleek hotel feel with the comforts of home life, Sophie Ritchie shares how plan a wellness-led city stay before winter rolls around:
It’s safe to say that Canary Wharf is not exactly known for its creative reputation in London. Banking and stone cold business, yes. Enormous branded buildings, yes. The unmistakable waft of money – absolutely yes. But artistic touches and appealing wellness lifestyles? Not exactly.
However, times are changing – and when I hop off the Jubilee line for the first time in about eight years, I’m knocked for six by what a thriving hub it’s become – especially on a Sunday afternoon of all days. Throngs of trendily-dressed people stroll around the streets, coffee cups in hand – most en route for simply mooching and meandering through this waterside slice of London. I’m not imagining its increase in popularity – visitor numbers to Canary Wharf reached an all-time high in 2024, with 72.2 million people paying a visit.
I recently discovered that Canary Wharf actually takes its name from the sea trade with the Canary Islands, whose name originates from the Latin ‘canis’ (dogs). But unlike its hotter sibling, the area’s suited and booted atmosphere has always felt as far from a holiday as it gets.
However, thanks to the introduction of community-focused elements such as chic new dining spots, urban swimming areas at Eden Dock and a vast array of fitness and wellness facilities, Canary Wharf has warped into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood with serious appeal. As well as manicured green spaces and sustainable art installations, I even spot signs for a closed-road 5km race as I pull my suitcase along the streets towards Vertus Edit and get ready for a day of urban exploring.
The Property
Designed to be ultra flexible, the newly-opened Vertus Edit has been curated to offer something for those looking to stay both a single night or multiple months on end, with aparthotel-style accommodation that blends a hotel feel with the comforts of home. Split into two separate buildings with 378 studios in total, room categories here range from the Little and Cozy, through to the larger Roomy and Comfy.
With an upbeat and vibrant feel throughout the mix of sizes and spaces (ranging from 15 sqm – 32 sqm) I stay in a Cozy abode on the 9th floor, which is fairly snug in size but ticks all the appealing aparthotel boxes. The space is modern and impeccably clean, featuring a well-equipped kitchen, full-sized refillable Kankan toiletries in the bathroom and a large double bed.
A few pops of colour here and there bring personality to the room – such as the forest green desk, orange-hued stools and vibrantly patterned ‘Who Gives A Crap’ loo paper awaiting in the bathroom.
As well as the main studios, Vertus Edit has multiple communal spaces to discover during a stay, including chic co-working rooms, roof terraces, a gym and laidback lounges (complete with games and complimentary coffee machines, from which the cappuccinos are surprisingly good). For those who don’t feel like venturing outside, there’s also an honesty pantry stocked with various snack staples (running out of oat milk is never a laughing matter, after all).
Things to try
With so much to discover in this revamped area, prepare for a weekend of city-based rejuvenation, all reached en-foot.
Our highlights include:
1 Reformer Pilates at Island Studios
Limber up and feel the burn with a reformer pilates class at Island Studios. Set in a gorgeously tranquil studio, don’t underestimate the body sculpting power of this slow-paced but deadly hour-long workout. theislandstudio.co.uk
2 Sauna sessions at ARC
Fire and ice merge worlds in this subterranean sauna world. Join a crowd of fellow sauna worshippers and embrace the communal feel of this new wellness hotspot. Sweat it out with a group in the sauna, then take to the ice baths with varying temperatures (depending on your toughness) to test your body’s limits. There’s a mix of contrast therapy-led sessions to book: we recommend the self-guided Free Flow experience for a hefty rejuvenating dose of heat, ice baths, sound therapy, aromatherapy and more. arc-community.com
3 Kayaking or SUP at Eden Dock
Ideal for something a little different, recently-launched public space Eden Dock offers the unique opportunity to try kayaking, SUP and open water swimming in surprisingly crystal clear waters, with a number of various ticketed sessions throughout the week. Pre-booking is essential. canarywharf.com
4 Run the streets
Whip on those running trainers – this building-clad skyline has plenty for the Strava addicts, with a host of regular fast-paced exercise-led events that take place throughout the year on a *chefs kiss* pancake flat terrain. And of course, there’s always the option of a gentle pre-breakfast outing to get the day started too.
Where to eat
For coffee and lightbites: Signorelli
Located just steps away from Vertus Edit, Signorelli provides an excellent cup of java (as well as matcha and other fun caffeinated concoctions for that matter). With a selection of Italian pastries, cakes and other light bites, it’s well-worth a pitstop during a parching day on the go. signorelli.co.uk
For a swanky dinner: Barbarella Canary Wharf
Taking its name from the controversial 1968 Jane Fonda film, Barbarella is both an Italian and interior lover’s dream. The latest opening from the popular Big Mamma group, Barbarella is flamboyant, fun and full of fabulous energy, located on the water’s edge with a beautiful view. Marvel at both the menu and fun artistic detailing – this dual-level restaurant makes a delicious night out (and an excellent excuse to get all dolled up). bigmammagroup.com
The Wordrobe Verdict
You’ll be singing like a canary about how cool this area has become after a stay within Vertus Edit’s modern walls, where flexibility comes first. Offering aparthotel-style accommodation that blends a sleek hotel feel with the comforts of home life, a city stay here is simple and easy.
With a plethora of trendy restaurants, underground malls and oodles of wellness-led activities on its doorstep, escape to this pocket of skyscraper serenity and discover Canary Wharf’s cooler side with this contemporary stay.
Make it happen
Where: 3 & 15 West Lane, London E22 3AA
How: thisisvertus.com
Central London can be accessed within 15 minutes via direct services. London City Airport and Heathrow Airport can be reached via direct services in 15 and 45 minutes respectively.
