Park Pavilion,
40 Canada Square,
Canary Wharf,
London,
E14 5FW
0845 468 0100
The ViewLondon Review
City slickers can now head to The Parlour after work to enjoy a slice of Shoreditch styled socialising within the heart of Canary Wharf.
The Venue
One of the most common complaints when it comes to Canary Wharf bars is that they are so formulaic and severely lacking in any soul. Thankfully, that balance is being redressed at The Parlour. City workers can now enjoy an after work drink and a bite to eat in stylish surroundings without running the risk of scuffing their shoe leather in Shoreditch or straying out of their Canary Wharf comfort zone.
The seating outside is just as popular in winter as summer months thanks to the outdoor heaters which allow the many smokers to opt for spending their socialising time outside. Inside, the Shoreditch styling is successful for the most part. The lower level is cosy and intimate with banquette seating, pots of brightly coloured plants on the tables and alcoves housing brightly coloured bone china tea cups set into the rough wooden clad walls. Upstairs on the main floor, the space is vast with a bar stretching down two thirds of the room.
At the back, a bustling open kitchen adds a cosiness that you rarely find in Canary Wharf bars and the mis-matched seating that includes the odd Eames rocking chair is appealing eclectic. However, it wouldn’t be Canary Wharf without plenty of standing room to savour a few glasses of post-work wine within easy reach of the bar and a good proportion of the main bar area is given over to tall, long tables to set your drink down on between sips.
The Atmosphere
Those who work in the area know that every night is an excuse to get dressed up and have fun in Canary Wharf and The Parlour is the latest hotspot. The girls are groomed to within an inch of their lives (evidence of time dedicated to a gossip and getting ready session in the work loos before heading to the bar) and everywhere you look there are flawless fake tans, false eyelashes and lashings of mascara, big hair, highlights and WAG-tastic outfits. Don’t be surprised to find groups of friends whipping out a bottle of nail varnish and finishing off their manicures as the suits busy themselves with loosening their ties and getting the rounds in.
The Drink
Wine fans will be in their element at The Parlour with plenty of glasses starting at just £3.65. The most expensive 175ml glass is the French Sancerre Rouge Vincent Pinhard 2007 at £8.75. It’s refreshing to see more inventive sparkling wine options in addition to Champagne too. The Prosecco Dal Bello Extra Dry (£5.75 a glass, £17.50 a bottle) and the pale lemon, floral yet fruity homegrown Chapel Down Brut hailing from Kent (£6.95 a glass, £27.95) are both highly recommended alternatives. The rest of the menu is divided into wine by flavour and intensity which makes it easy to pick a glass without spending precious minutes poring over the list.
The Last Word
Canary Wharfers just got one small step closer to Shoreditch. With its cosy open kitchen, carefully chosen wine list, eclectic design and friendly service, if you work in the area don’t be surprised if The Parlour quickly ends up becoming your home from home.
The Parlour has been reviewed by 19 users