TRIBE London Canary Wharf: An Urban Home for Modern Travellers

They had us at first glance – the minute we walked into TRIBE London Canary Wharf, it felt like we’d come home. This unique lifestyle hotel in the middle of London’s liveliest business district has dispensed with formality and replaced it with a warm welcome and a ‘can do’ attitude. Late arrival? No problem, we'll soon get you checked in! Want a snack at midnight? Take your pick at the Grab & Go! Need to charge your laptop? Plenty of plugs in the workspace.

Everything at TRIBE is geared towards flexibility and generous hospitality, with none of the fuss of starchy corporate hotels. The leafy corners and flow of people through the Social Hub, the colourful and varied seating between the restaurant and the bar, and the lack of cluttering extras in the quietly luxurious bedrooms… the perfect blend of function and form. Everything has a purpose and a place here – we really did find everything we needed, and nothing we didn’t.

Our very first impression of TRIBE London Canary Wharf? It’s built of red brick and stands out like a welcoming beacon among all the steel-and-glass-clad skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. We shed the city bustle as soon as we stepped into the Social Hub; there’s no formal check-in desk but instead an inviting, informal space that just lends itself to instant relaxation. There seems to be an energy about the place, flowing seamlessly from work area to bar to restaurant – helped along by the delicious aromas of barista coffee and freshly baked pastries wafting from the Grab & Go snack corner.

There is so much going on in the Social Hub – Millennials and Gen Zedders chatting over coffee, digital nomads hard at work in tucked-away corners, sightseers catching breath over a glass of bubbles in the bar, families lingering over late lunch in the restaurant… We immediately feel a cosy sense of belonging at this hip hotel.

What strikes us next is the eclectic décor created by London-based designers Ennismore. Bare white walls covered in vibrant paintings, metallic textures and tiles form the vibrant backdrop to an elegant mishmash of seating, sofas, stools and tables; everything works perfectly together to form a diverse and inclusive social space that we loved hanging out in.

Arriving on Friday evening, we are also impressed to see how effortlessly the 24-hour Social Hub segues from daytime workspace to night-time meeting place. By day, the atmosphere is buzzing and lively, by night the lights dim and the music ramps up for the evening ahead.

Something we’ll take away with us that really does this hotel proud: the staff. They simply go beyond the call of duty to encourage a feeling of family and community among their guests. There’s always a cheerful smile and a warm ‘hello’, and every time we asked for sightseeing help, they were bang on with their advice.

Our light-flooded TRIBE Extra guest room is perfect in its simplicity, attention to functional detail and pared-back luxury. We have a comfortable UK king-size bed with pristine white linen, handsome brass bedside lights, handy charger points and – best of all – spectacular River Thames views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A touch of industrial-chic was added by the steel pipes running across the ceiling, and cheery watercolours of London hung above our bed. Other thoughtful details include hanging space and a work desk cleverly slotted in next to the bathroom.

Our bathroom is another example of the blend of beauty and practicality that makes this hotel stand out. With smartly tiled walls, it has a spacious rainfall shower and a marble basin. We discover a range of full-size, biodegradable Kevin Murphy beauty products in there too, as well as a handy back-lit mirror for easy make-up application and shaving. Not surprisingly, it is difficult to tear ourselves away, but dinner awaits…

Feels Like June is TRIBE’s Californian-inspired dining experience, bringing a touch of West Coast sunshine and escapism to Canary Wharf. Again, there’s a lot to take in: chefs working in the open kitchen, their cheeky banter, the smells of cooking, the mix-and-match furniture… it’s quite a feast for the senses! Overseen by Executive Head Chef Ticiana Pap, the kitchen is open all day, from the outstanding breakfast buffet through lunch until 11pm. We try the British-reared duck and aged ribeye steak from the seasonal all-day menu, washed down with a celebratory glass of Rioja. Despite our full bellies, we can't resist the Basque cheesecake – it's sophisticated and delicious. Perfection.

Heading for the busy bar with its greenery and stacked bottles, we come across Osvaldo Romito, the secret weapon behind TRIBE’s ingenious drinks list. An inspired master mixologist, he’s behind magical creations such as the Smoking Head cocktail (tequila, camomile liqueur, watermelon, lemon and saline solution) served in a steaming, skull-shaped glass, and treats us to an impromptu cocktail masterclass. Along with local beers, artisan gins and vodkas distilled in London, the bar has a carefully curated selection of wines and lots of non-alcoholic choices too.

TRIBE is mainly the domain of corporate travellers during the week, but on Saturday we notice this change. Local families with kids, singletons, couples and – unusually for London – their dogs, all keep us in good company for the legendary weekend brunch. In the skilled hands of Chef Ticiana Pap, this becomes a gastronomic feast of sharing plates, classic breakfast dishes, super salads and firm favourites like mac and cheese. For us, pancakes with seasonal berries and the buttermilk chicken waffles really stand out – utterly delicious when accompanied by a glass of chilled sparkling wine. And true to the mojo of the hotel, there is live music playing all afternoon, lots of chat and a real feel of escape from everyday life.

TRIBE is in Wood Wharf, currently the hottest lifestyle address in Canary Wharf. It’s surrounded by the global restaurants, bars, clubs and indie shops that see crowds milling around until late at night, so the area is safe. We've booked tickets for hit musical ‘The Hunger Games: On Stage’ at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre right next door, and events at Excel are an easy one station away on the Elizabeth Line. If you’re heading for a concert at the O2, it’s just one stop on the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich.

Guests can keep active jogging or cycling along the canal and Thames-side path, or do as we do and try something new – a floating sauna at West India Quay! There’s an ice rink nearby if you’re visiting in winter, and of course, there are sightseeing cruises along the river every day of the year.

• Smart modern travellers looking for laid-back luxury 
• Execs using the Social Hub’s adaptable work spaces
• Urban explorers needing a cosy base near public transport
• Trendy locals drinking craft cocktails in the bar  
• Parents looking for leisurely weekend brunches with the kids (and dogs!) 
• Night owls for the after-dark scene around the hotel

1. Waking up in our luxurious bed: We also love the guest rooms with atrium views.
2. Chilling in the Social Hub: There’s a comfy spot in there to suit every mood and every need.
3. Catching the West Coast vibe in Feels Like June: The California-inspired dishes feel like sunshine on a plate.
4. Sipping our favourite drink: Osvaldo’s cleverly presented, creative cocktails deserve to be immortalised.
5. Posing on the leafy terrace: We wait until dark and take a perfect shot under the twinkling LED lights. 

Address: 15 Water Street, London E14 5GX

Public transport: Jubilee Line 4 min walk; Elizabeth Line 8 min walk, DLR 10 min walk

Fast, direct connection to City Airport (6 stops on DLR)