Events
Is it too early to talk about Christmas?
…No, we didn’t think so (anyone for a mince pie?). When it comes to planning the perfect festive get together the key is to start early. From immersive experiences and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to a private venue hire for a big bash and team activities, there are plenty of options to choose from in the Royal Docks. Here’s our guide to some great ideas for you consider. And remember – book early!
Where to dine
Al Masar
Vibrant flavours of Lebanon with sizzling grilled meats, fresh hot and cold mezze, and a range of halal-friendly options.
Al Masar, 8 Excel Marina, Western Gateway, London, E16 1AT
www.instagram.com/almasarrestaurant
Bonnane Restaurant
Enjoy traditional Italian cooking with fresh ingredients and simple, delicious flavours.
Bonnane Restaurant, Unit G7 Capital East, 17 Western Gateway, London E16 1AQ
www.bonnanerestaurant.co.uk
Café Spice Namasté
Explore the vibrant flavours of Bombay, Kerala and Goa with Indian and Parsee small plates, perfect for sharing!
Café Spice Namasté, 12 Lower Dock Walk, Royal Albert Wharf, London, E16 2GT
www.cafespice.co.uk
Fremantle Bar & Kitchen
Enjoy Australasian-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting, ideal for dining, drinks and good times.
Fremantle Bar & Kitchen, Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London, E16 1AL
www.fremantlebarandkitchen.com
Galyons Bar and Kitchen
Famous for its Sunday roasts, this stunning Grade II-listed bar and kitchen is serving festive Christmas sharing boards with options of seafood, meat, cheese, veggies and charcuterie, perfect for everyone at the table.
Galyons, Albert Basin Way, London, E16 2QS
Heroica Lounge
Heroica Lounge is an Italian restaurant with a unique twist, offering dining on the top deck of a double-decker bus! You can also book a cosy igloo for up to seven people, decorated with faux-fur blankets and fairy lights!
Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock London, E16 1FA (next to the IFS Cloud Cable Car)
Nakhon Thai Restaurant
Authentic Thai dishes with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Save room for dessert! Try the mango sticky rice - an alternative festive treat!
Nakhon Thai Restaurant, 1 Dock Rd, London E16 1AH
Sad Meli
Dine at Sad Meli, a family-run Georgian restaurant and enjoy comforting traditional dishes paired with natural, additive-free wines.
Sad Meli, 4 Silley Weir Promenade, London, E16 2AJ
Sunborn London
Step aboard Sunborn London, the UK’s only luxury superyacht hotel. Permanently moored at Royal Victoria Dock, it offers fine dining, afternoon tea and signature cocktails at the Sky Lounge on the top deck.
Sunborn London, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AA
Yi Ban
Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at Yi Ban, famous for its irresistible dim sum and stunning riverside views. One of the best dim sum places in London, according to Time Out!
Yi Ban, London Regatta Centre, 1010 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QT
Where to go for activities and experiences:
Brick Lane Music Hall
Experience the true spirit of Christmas with a show at Brick Lane Music Hall. It’s variety show performances offer a joyful blend of singing, dancing, comedy, live music and festive fun. With options for a three-course dinner, lunch, or afternoon tea, the cabarets provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere that evokes the charm of a classic, old-time Christmas feel. Advance booking required.
Brick Lane Music Hall, 443 North Woolwich Road, London, E16 2DA
Immerse LDN
Discover world-class immersive experiences at Immerse LDN including The Last Days of Pompeii, FRIENDS™ Experience, Squid Game, Fame Factory and Elvis Evolution. Plus enjoy nearby dining at Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar.
Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1FR
Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL
www.waterfrontkitchenldn.co.uk
Rise Climbing
Book a team activity at Rise Climbing, an independent climbing centre in Canning Town. With a variety of bouldering, traverse, and training walls, it’s the perfect place to test your strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. After your climb, relax with drinks at the cosy on-site café.
Rise Climbing, Unit 6 Caxton Works, Hoy St, E16 1ZA
Rocket Padel Beckton
Gather you colleagues or friends for a game of padel. The racket sport is a mix of tennis and squash, where the ball can bounce off the walls on an enclosed court. Rocket Padel Beckton features five brand new premium indoor courts, a comfy lounge and vibrant restaurant and bar. Let the games begin!
Rocket Padel Beckton, 1 Triumph Rd, London, E6 5LW
www.rocketpadel.com/club/beckton
Bonbon Pottery Cafe
Let your creativity flow at BonBon Pottery located at Royal Wharf. This welcoming pottery studio and café offers a range of engaging workshops - no prior experience is required. Try wheel throwing, learn hand building techniques or relax with a ceramic painting session.
3 Royal Crest Ave, London, E16 2PG
www.bonbonpottery.co.uk
The Fox Excel
Laugh the night away at The Fox Excel, a popular gastro pub set in a Grade II listed former tobacco warehouse. The next monthly comedy night is on 29 November, featuring top comedians from the UK comedy club circuit, seen on TV and live stages. Grab a bite and get ready for an evening of big laughs.
The Fox Excel, 2 Western Gateway (Warehouse K), London, E16 1DR
Where to raise a Toast:
Husk Brewery & Taproom
Head to Husk, a microbrewery, taproom and kitchen just a stone’s throw from Canning Town station. The independent family-owned business serves a range of craft beer on tap with a tempting menu of mouthwatering burgers, hot dogs and crispy fries.
5 Silvertown Way, Canning Town, London, E16 1DH
The Fox Connaught
Book a table at The Fox Connaught, a gastro pub in a charming Grade II–listed Victorian building. Expect hearty pub classics, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and a great selection of beers, wines and soft drinks.
The Fox Connaught, Lynx Way, London, E16 1JR
The Windjammer
Celebrate at The Windjammer, a welcoming riverside pub in Royal Wharf. Serving traditional Christmas dinner plus other fresh seasonal options, it’s a great place to meet with friends or host a festive get-together with colleagues. Contact the friendly team to plan larger celebrations.
The Windjammer, 25 Admiralty Avenue, London, E16 2PN
Where to book a private hire venue:
Looking for your own space to celebrate? From intimate rooms to entire venues, here are some of the best local spots available for private hire:
Freight Café at The Pump House
Located within The Pump House, a new creative hub in Royal Victoria Dock, Freight Café is an intimate contemporary venue ideal for small gatherings or private hire. The café serves artisan coffee, freshly baked pastries, and a selection of lunch options, along with a fully licensed bar.
Freight Café at The Pump House, 30 Seagull Lane, London, E16 1YP
www.thepumphouse.london/freight-cafe
Good Hotel London
This floating hotel offers flexible spaces suitable for intimate gatherings, parties, or corporate functions in a stylish, waterside setting at Royal Victoria Dock. Recently voted one of the quirkiest hotels in the country by The Times.
Good Hotel London, Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1FA
The Oiler Bar
Located at Royal Victoria Dock, this former Royal Navy refuelling barge has been transformed into a unique floating beer garden with a cosy seating area below deck.
The Oiler Bar, Royal Victoria Docks, London, Royal Victoria Beach E16 1AG
Tereza Joanne
Permanently moored barge on Albert Island, the Tereza Joanne offers stunning views of the River Thames and London’s iconic skyline.
Tereza Joanne, King George V Dock, London, E16 2QY what3words ///foods.later.moment
www.tereza-joanne.com
Be the first to know
To hear more about Royal Docks news, events and opportunities sign up for emails at www.royaldocks.london/newsletter