Business
Made in the Royal Docks: local treats to try
Summer is nearly here and more and more of us are starting to return to some semblance of normality – well, almost. Here are some local makers and organisers that are getting us inspired.
Chocolate made in Royal Albert Wharf
The Well Bean Co Cafe serves takeaway coffee in Royal Albert Wharf, baking fresh bread, sourdough and pastries like croissants and cinnamon rolls every day of the week. What’s more, it’s all vegan – not that you’d notice! The Well Bean Bar chocolate, also made locally in Royal Albert Wharf, is the main draw for many. Pre-order coffee and food at the cafe online, or if you’re shielding, the chocolate can be ordered for delivery.
Well Bean Co
Royal Albert Wharf’s Charlie Claydon is delivering sweet treats to your door.
Brunch with all the toppings
Little Hudson is treating the residents of Silvertown with takeaway brunch. One week the special will be brioche french toast with berries and maple syrup, and the next it might be grilled goat’s cheese on mixed leaves with toasted pecans, apples, and a honey dressing. If that didn’t make you hungry, we don’t know what will. Coffees, juices and smoothies are available too; order online for local collection.
A little shop with a big green ethos
Loaf.ly is a zero waste shop with impressive green credentials, servicing the people of the Royal Docks and beyond from its premises in Royal Victoria. Bread, milk, eggs and fruit juice can be brought right to your door, and Loaf.ly will even collect any packaging. They have cheese, vegan honey, and plenty of cupboard staples too. Set up a flexible subscription via the website.
Loaf.ly and Little Hudson
Brunch by delivery? Count us in.
A smorgasbord of wellbeing
The West Silvertown Foundation is running an impressive schedule of wellbeing events. On Mondays there’s meditation with Lucy, providing 30 blissful minutes where you don’t have to worry about anything other than breathing. If you’re after a sweatier wellness practice there’s HIIT (high-intensity interval training) with Rhea on Wednesdays. For a different approach, join on Fridays for adult crafting, a live quiz, and a coffee meet-up, as well as a separate programme for kids with games and story time. The West Silvertown Foundation also supports the Royal Wharf Book Club, which meets every first Thursday of the month, virtually for now. In March they’re reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Discussion topics are posted ahead of time on Facebook, and new members are welcome; to join, register via email.
Good vibes in the cup and on the mat
Goodvibes x Perky Blenders continues to be a lifeline for caffeine-seekers. Their coffee and cocoa near The Crystal are second to none, and there’s an online shop too for those who’re shielding. But this newcomer to the waterfront is also stepping up to the “goodvibes” part of its name by organising wellbeing events. Every Monday and Wednesday there’s an online stretch and release class where teacher Agata helps you take your mind off things and reconnect with your body.
Goodvibes x Perky Blenders
This Royal Victoria Dock spot by Roxanna Lyssa Allardyce is a lifeline for caffeine-seekers, photographed by Tian Khee Siong
Beer with balance
Remember movie nights in Husk Brewing’s cosy taproom? This craft brewer has been a pillar of community ever since they landed in the Royal Docks. If you enjoy a cold one on a sunny evening, you can support local by making it a pale ale, a saison or even a blackberry sour by this family-owned business. Husk are delivering to everyone within a three-mile radius of the brewery or you can click and collect.
A proper stretch goal
The English National Ballet, our neighbours on the Leamouth Peninsula, are offering something wonderful during this lockdown: online dance tutorials. The subscription service provides unlimited access to over 120 classes in ballet, contemporary dance, yoga, barre cardio, and more. You can join as a complete beginner, as well as for professional-level classes. The less graceful ballet fans will also find something to enjoy: you can rent ballet productions to watch, bringing Giselle and Swan Lake straight into your living room. Get a taster on their YouTube channel.
English National Ballet
Liven up your exercise routine with these online dance tutorials. Photos courtesy of ENB BalletActive
From handmade chocolates to mountains of sugar, Royal Docks businesses come in all shapes and sizes – there’s room for everyone here and that makes this place unique. Read more here about the innovative companies who have made the area their base.
