Pergola on the Wharf

Pergola on the Wharf is situated upon the Crossrail roof garden, and whilst seasoned Pergola fans might find it a little different to its sister sites, what it lacks in street-food it makes up for with a sleeker style.

The table-service menu offers that ‘something for everyone’ vibe that makes Pergola so perfect for after-work socialising with a crowd. We gave the big plates a miss this time, instead choosing to go for a range of little plates - the aubergine fritti, which was vegan and gluten-free, was crisp and moreish, and the thyme-infused maple drizzled was set off perfectly by a tomato and chilli jam. This was easily our favourite cocktail accompaniment (spicy mojitos were our weapon of choice) and the perfect light starter to graze on whilst socialising.

The blistered padron peppers came dusted with pecorino cheese and were served with a caesar dip - a pairing that sounded bizarre enough that we were compelled to order it, but trust us, it worked. The Launceston lamb bites are sure to be a winner with meat-eaters everywhere - tender and succulent hunks of slow-braised lamb and caerphilly cheese, encased in a crisp breadcrumb and served with a harissa mayo - we could have easily tucked into those all night. We also ordered the crispy crackling squid - intrigued by the combo of pork crackling coated squid, but this dish didn’t quite live up to our imagination. The presentation was perfect and the accompaniments - asian slaw and cucumber kimchi, as well a spicy dipping sauce - added to the dish, but it couldn’t compare to the other plates on the table when it came to balancing flavours.

We thought this spot - with it’s Instagram-ready aesthetics, complete with aged wood surfaces, industrial chic decor and many, many plants, plus the essential roof terrace with views across the dock - is a great atmosphere for a post-work catch up and grazing session with colleagues and friends, especially if you’ve only seen them on Zoom lately.

With room for 700 guests, Pergola on the Wharf is a vast eating and drinking destination in Canary Wharf which offers the perfect place to socialise after work. The terrace alone – with its sweeping views of the financial district and the wider London skyline – can accommodate 200 people.

While such a spacious size might seem ambitious, it’s a tried and tested formula. The brand already operates several sites across London, including Pergola Paddington, The Prince and Lost in Brixton. In cooler months there are outdoor heaters to ensure all guests are kept comfortable, while indoors, floor to ceiling windows mean cracking views whatever the weather. Décor wise there is an abundance of colour introduced through lush planting, and clusters of different seating areas mean a spot for all kinds of groups and gatherings.

As with the brand’s other locations, Pergola on the Wharf has a whole host of drinking and dining options for guests to choose from. Two bars - one of which is an island bar - serve a mixture of cocktails, beers and soft drinks as well as selected snacks. Aside from the various snack options, there is also a dedicated kitchen for the space with an a la carte menu. An on-site shipping container is home to a rotating offering of street-food, showcasing new cuisines and concepts through temporary residencies.

Entertainment wise there are regular appearances from DJ's and live bands to keep weekend evenings interesting. For larger groups or more intimate gatherings there is a private dining room available to hire. For large functions there’s an area with access to the terrace and its own bar, which can hold 150 guests. 

Owned by Incipio Group, Pergola on the Wharf’s aim is to take guests ‘somewhere else’ and offer an escape from hectic city life. The group specialises in dynamic food and drink venues and prides itself on beautiful interiors and lifestyle concepts.