Canary Wharf has welcomed a stylish new addition to its growing dining scene, as Songbird Restaurant & Bar opens its doors to non-theatre guests for the first time. Located on Cartier Circle in Wood Wharf, the waterside restaurant pairs seasonal British cooking with elegant interiors, inventive cocktails, and striking views across the dock.
The launch is a notable one for the venue, which was previously reserved for theatre audiences. Now designed for everything from working lunches through to evening dinners and drinks, Songbird brings a polished but approachable concept to one of East London’s fastest-evolving neighbourhoods – one that has grown beyond simply office hours, and into an aspirational destination for all-day hospitality. With interiors created by Rachel Gowridge, whose previous projects include The Hoxton and Gleneagles Hotel, the restaurant places as much emphasis on atmosphere as it does on its menu offerings.
The food takes inspiration from the British Isles, reworking familiar favourites with a more elevated touch. Opening dishes include Crumpets & Caviar, Devilled Eggs with Miso Mayonnaise and Trout Roe, and Braised Beef Rarebit, while mains range from Pan-Roasted Cod in an English Sparkling Wine Butter Sauce to Wild Mushroom Pot Pie and a Wagyu Burger finished tableside with freshly shaved truffle. Those visiting earlier in the day can also explore the restaurant’s lunch offering, which includes a Dry-Aged Rump Steak Sandwich, Songbird Schnitzel, and a Lobster Roll.
At the heart of the room sits an impressive circular bar, serving up cocktails that draw inspiration from theatre, with the signature Songbird offering a light, floral serve with gin, elderflower cordial, and lemon bitters, and the Earl Grey Martini, Yorkshire Negroni, and Smoked Old Fashioned each bringing their own distinctive character to the classics.
Songbird launches at a time when Canary Wharf continues to broaden its appeal beyond office hours with an increasingly ambitious hospitality offering. The restaurant’s rich colour palette, curved banquettes, and waterfront setting create a sophisticated backdrop for long lunches, celebrations, and evening gatherings. Combined with a menu suited to a range of occasions, it makes for a standout all-round offering that’s well worth travelling to E14 for.
You can find Songbird Restaurant & Bar at 2 Cartier Circle, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HF. Find out more and book your table right here.
