I spent a wellness weekend in Canary Wharf – and it completely changed my opinion of London’s business district.

When you think of Canary Wharf, wellness probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind.

For years, I’ve always associated it with towering skyscrapers, suited commuters, and the fast-paced world of finance.

But after spending a weekend there during Wharf Wellness – Canary Wharf’s month-long festival dedicated to fitness, well-being, and connection – I discovered a completely different side to one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

From incredible food and luxury accommodation to immersive theatre and a wellness experience that genuinely left me feeling calmer, it was the perfect reminder that sometimes you don’t need to leave the city to completely switch off.

A luxury apartment that felt like home

My stay began at Vertus Edit, Canary Wharf‘s stylish aparthotel, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better base.

Rather than feeling like a standard hotel room, it felt like a home away from home.

Vertus Edit provided a stylish apartment base in the heart of Canary Wharf. (Image: NQ staff)

The apartment was beautifully designed with everything I needed, from a fully equipped kitchen to comfortable living space, making it ideal whether you’re visiting for one night or planning a longer stay.

Waking up surrounded by the impressive glass towers of Canary Wharf was a real experience in itself.

The fully equipped kitchen at Vertus Edit offers all the comforts of home (Image: NQ staff)

The contrast between the sleek skyline outside and the cosy, welcoming apartment inside made it feel incredibly relaxing, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating throughout my stay.

The Hunger Games: On Stage completely blew me away

One of the biggest highlights of my trip was seeing The Hunger Games: On Stage.

I knew it would be impressive, but nothing prepared me for the sheer scale of the production.

The purpose-built theatre is unlike anything I’ve experienced before, with a spectacular in-the-round stage that places the audience right in the heart of the action.

Every seat feels close to the performance, creating an immersive atmosphere that had me hooked from beginning to end.

The Hunger Games: On Stage delivers an immersive theatre experience in Canary Wharf (Image: NQ staff)

The set design, special effects, and choreography were breathtaking, while the storytelling stayed true to Suzanne Collins’ much-loved world.

There were several moments where I genuinely forgot I was watching a stage production because it felt so cinematic.

I left completely speechless and would recommend it to absolutely anyone, whether you’re already a fan of The Hunger Games or simply enjoy spectacular live theatre.

A meal at Hawksmoor I’ll be thinking about for a long time

After the show, it was time for dinner at Hawksmoor.

I’m usually someone who enjoys trying new restaurants rather than returning to the same places, but Hawksmoor may have changed that.

Everything we ordered was cooked perfectly, from the beautifully prepared steaks to the indulgent sides and desserts.

Hawksmoor impressed with premium steaks and classic sides during the weekend stay (Image: NQ staff)

Every dish was packed with flavour, the service was fantastic, and the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between elegant and relaxed.

What surprised me most was the value.

Considering the quality of the food and generous portions, I genuinely thought the meal was incredibly reasonable.

It’s rare that I leave a restaurant already planning my next visit, but this is definitely somewhere I’ll be returning to.

A little retail therapy

No trip to Canary Wharf would be complete without a browse around the shops, and I couldn’t resist popping into Space NK.

A visit to Space NK added a touch of retail therapy to the city break (Image: NQ staff)

Armed with a shopping voucher, I treated myself to a few skincare and beauty products I’d had my eye on for a while.

With so many premium brands all within walking distance, it’s dangerously easy to spend more time—and money—than you planned.

Ending the weekend with complete relaxation

The final part of my weekend took me to ARC for its guided contrast therapy and journalling session as part of Wharf Wellness.

I’d never experienced anything quite like it before.

ARC’s contrast therapy offered a relaxing finale to the Wharf Wellness experience (Image: NQ staff)

The extended class combines structured sauna sessions, invigorating ice baths, and immersive sound therapy, all carefully designed to slow the body down and help regulate the nervous system.

Moving between the heat and the cold initially sounded daunting, but with expert guidance throughout the session, I quickly found myself embracing the experience.

Each round encouraged me to become more present, allowing both my body and mind to gradually relax.

The session ended with a beautiful sound bath, where gentle frequencies and vibrations created an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.

Wharf Wellness encourages visitors to slow down, reconnect and explore Canary Wharf (Image: NQ staff)

Afterwards, we were invited to take part in a guided journalling exercise using thoughtful prompts designed to help process the experience and reflect on how we were feeling.

It wasn’t just another fitness class — it genuinely felt like an opportunity to disconnect from everyday stresses and reconnect with myself.

I arrived feeling busy and mentally switched on, but left noticeably calmer, clearer, and more grounded.

More than just a wellness festival

Wharf Wellness has become one of Canary Wharf’s biggest annual events, transforming its parks, rooftops, and waterside spaces throughout June with everything from rooftop Pilates and yoga classes to outdoor Barry’s workouts, run clubs, panel discussions, and after-dark sauna experiences.

This year’s focus on social wellness felt especially fitting.

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Every event encouraged people to connect, whether through movement, conversation, or simply taking time to slow down together.

I came expecting a relaxing weekend, but I left with a completely different perspective on Canary Wharf.

It’s no longer just London’s financial district in my eyes—it’s somewhere you can eat exceptionally well, enjoy world-class entertainment, indulge in a little shopping, and genuinely prioritise your well-being.

If you’re looking for a city break that offers a little bit of everything, I’d recommend Wharf Wellness without hesitation.

I’ll certainly be back.