Art & Culture
Shop locally this Christmas in the Royal Docks
The countdown to Christmas has begun. Here’s our guide to local shops, independent businesses, markets and events in and around the Royal Docks to help you find the perfect gifts for family and friends.
Shopping locally is greener, boosts the local economy and helps preserve the heart and soul of the community. It also a great way to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. Happy shopping!
Bonbon Pottery Cafe
For craft enthusiasts, book a session at BonBon Pottery located at Royal Wharf. This pottery studio and café offers a variety of workshops for all ages and abilities. Try wheel throwing, get creative in a pottery taster class to learn the basics of hand building clay or enjoy a ceramic painting session. It’s a fantastic place to get creative, sip artisan coffee, and enjoy a sweet treat – plus dogs are welcome too!
3 Royal Crest Ave, London, E16 2PG
www.bonbonpottery.co.uk
Cody Dock Frost Fair
Head to Cody Dock to stock up on Christmas presents at their Frost Fair, Saturday 30 November, 12pm – 5pm. The free event is inspired by frost fairs held between the 1600s and 1800s in London’s coldest winters when the River Thames would freeze over. Local artists and makers will be selling a range of unique handmade crafts. The fair also includes festive workshops, live music, seasonal games, exhibitions, mulled wine and more.
Cody Dock, 11c South Crescent, London, E16 4TL
www.codydock.org.uk/frost-fair-2024
Cody Dock Frost Fair
Immerse LDN
For a unique Christmas gift, book your loved ones tickets to Immerse LDN – a world-class immersive experience in Royal Victoria Dock. Fans of the US hit sitcom Friends will love The FRIENDS™ Experience featuring recreated sets, the iconic fountain and the famous couch in Central Perk.
Alternatively, tickets to The Formula 1® Exhibition are the perfect present for motorsport fans. This immersive experience includes iconic pieces such as Sir Lewis Hamilton’s 2018 Championship-winning Mercedes AMG F1 W09 and Ayrton Senna’s legendary 1988 McLaren MP4/4.
Fans of the king of rock and roll will cherish Elvis Evolution celebrating the life and work of Elvis Presley. Combining cutting-edge digital technology, live actors and musicians, mind-blowing multimedia and heart-pounding music, Elvis Evolution lets you relive the King's iconic moments.
ExCeL Waterfront Excel London, London, E16 1XL
www.immerseldn.com
Immerse London
London Lighthouse Gallery and Studio
For art lovers, checkout the London Lighthouse Gallery and Studio. Located at London City Island, the art gallery, photography studio and gift shop offer unique and exciting pieces from emerging and established creatives.
Another excellent Christmas gift idea is to book a photoshoot. A professional photographer can capture adorable family portraits, individual shots or more in the state-of-the-art photography studio. Also, browse the gift shop for artful gifts featuring vibrant designs, including homeware, books, handmade pottery, vases and candles. They also stock the perfect presents for dogs!
18 Lyell Street, London City Island, London, E14 0SZ
www.londonlighthousestudio.com
Nourish London
Give the gift of glowing skin with organic, vegan and cruelty-free products from Nourish London. Based in Canning Town, the independent skincare company offers scientifically crafted skincare powered by ingredients from nature.
The range includes facial oils, serums, eye creams, masks, moisturisers and more. You can also pop into the factory shop. Don’t know what to choose? No problem, Nourish London also offer digital gift vouchers or physical ones that their lovely team will pop in the post directly to your friends and family. Enjoy 20% off with code LOCAL20.
Unit B2, 19 Silvertown Way, London, E16 1DH
www.nourishskinrange.com
Plant Lovers London
For green fingered family and friends, head to Plant Lovers London located in Custom House. A lush selection of house plants are on offer plus gift hampers starting from £10. You can pick up a Christmas wreath and Christmas trees here too. This charming shop is also a café so it’s perfect for taking a breather from Christmas shopping. Enjoy a cuppa alongside homemade cake, samosas and authentic biryani.
29 Freemasons Road, London, E16 3AR
www.facebook.com/PlantLoversLondon
Plant Lovers London
Pre-loved gifts
Stretch your Christmas budget and help protect the planet by buying pre-loved gifts. The Cancer Research Superstore charity shop at Gallions Reach Shopping Park is huge! This treasure trove is jam-packed with serious bargains as all items are £5 or less. Also check out the selection of homeware, toys and clothing at the Age UK charity shop in Canning Town.
Cancer Research Superstore, Units 25 - 26, Gallions Reach Shopping Park, Beckton, London, E6 7ER
www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-a-shop/beckton-superstore
Age UK, 140 Barking Road, London, E16 1EN
www.ageuk.org.uk/directory/search/shops/age-uk-shop-canning-town-a8385edd-a589-e611-8144-02f3d582ec95/
Sweheat Sauna
For those who need to unwind, treat them to a relaxing experience at Sweheat Sauna in the heart of Royal Victoria Dock. The authentic wood fired saunas feature a Finnish designed stove, perfect for group or private sessions. For the ultimate feel-good experience, take a refreshing dip in the 12ft plunge pool and the cold-water barrel.
Western Beach, 1 Dock Road, London, E16 1AH
www.sweheatsauna.co.uk
Taylor’s of Goodluck Hope
Need to buy a gift for a foodie? Head to Taylor’s of Goodluck Hope at Trinity Bouy Wharf to stock up on gourmet treats to create a bespoke hamper. The shelves of the grocery store, bar and deli are brimming with premium products selected for their quality and flavour. Choose from an amazing selection of luxury chocolates, pâtés, gourmet snacks, caviar, artisan cheeses, award-winning wines, craft beers and more.
74 Orchard Place, London E14 0JW
www.instagram.com/taylorsofgoodluckhope
The Crafted Corner
Discover a beautiful collection of handmade gifts at The Crafted Corner, located in Canning Town. This shop is a treasure trove of unique items created by local makers and small independent businesses. The range includes jewellery, homeware, accessories, toiletries, greeting cards and more. Don’t miss their Upcycled Christmas Showcase event on 21 December, 12pm – 6pm. This event features stalls offering pamper products, seasonal gifts, delicious food, and homemade cakes. Join in free activities including cookie decorating and design your own block print wrapping paper.
On 22 December, 12pm - 6pm, The Pamper Sessions event will feature over 15 stalls specialising in pamper produces such as skincare, bath and body items, perfumes and personalised gift. You’re bound to find something for everyone on your Christmas list.
27 Silvertown Way, London, E16 1DH
www.craftedcorner.co.uk
Royal Albert Wharf Winter Market
Don’t miss the Royal Albert Wharf Winter Market with Bow Arts at Pump House Square, 5pm - 9pm on Friday 6 December. The market features a range of paintings, photography, prints and more from Bow Arts creatives along with unique handcrafted gifts by local makers. The festivities include storytelling from Oliver Wallace, free creative workshops and a picturesque ice rink. Arrive hungry so you can enjoy the premium street food including Olives and Baklava from La Aceituna, Bangladeshi fusion food from BD_Bites, Afghan food from 2 Lads Kitchen, homemade treats from Illegally Delicious Cakes and tasty Caribbean cuisine from Jerk Hut. The event will be full of Christmas warmth, creativity, and community spirit, perfect for the whole the family.
Pump House Square, Shackelton Way, London, E16 2XY
www.bowarts.org/event/royal-albert-wharf-winter-market-2024/
Royal Docks Winter Market
The new Royal Docks market is a great place to pick up stocking fillers. Located at the Corniche on Royal Victoria Dock, the market takes place very weekend in December, 10am – 6pm. Its jam packed with enticing stalls from local makers and independent businesses. Enjoy international street food, live music performances, free children’s creative workshops and Santa’s grotto.
The Corniche, Western Gateway, London E16 1FA (outside the Good Hotel)
www.bowarts.org/event/royal-albert-wharf-winter-market-2024
Royal Wharf market
Grab a warming hot chocolate and wander around Royal Wharf market. On the second Sunday of every month Corinthian Square in Royal Wharf is lined with eclectic stalls (plus on Sunday 8 December there will be a Santa’s grotto!). From 11am - 4pm the mixed market offers unique finds from local makers including hand crafted jewellery, artisan gin, homemade preserves, local honey and fine cheese. On the fourth Friday of every month, 3pm - 9pm, serious foodies will love the street food focused market. (Note – the last market of the year will take place on Friday 20 December instead of Friday 27 December).
Corinthian Square, Royal Wharf, E16 2PG
www.instagram.com/p/Cw3JZH3oR2m/
