Canteen steps in as Aiken pulls out

But Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has acted quickly in announcing that award-winning British diner Canteen will be taking a spot in the extension when it opens next autumn.

Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens was due to bring Tom’s Kitchen to the upcoming 23,000 sq foot two-storey pavilion next to One Canada Square. But his two existing London restaurants were put into administration this month, and were subsequently snapped up by management buy-out team TA Holdco Ltd.

Representatives for Mr Aikens have indicated that plans for the additional Canary Wharf restaurant will be shelved.

CWG says there is still “very strong interest� in Canary Wharf space among restaurants.

Canteen will take up 3,338sq feet in the new space, and is planning to include a bistro table, bar area and covered outdoor seating. The restaurant will be the fourth site for Canteen, which is also located in Spitalfields, Royal Festival Hall and Baker Street.

CWG will now look for another restaurant to fill the vacancy in the pavilion, which also features a Lloyds TSB
outlet and Japanese restaurant Roka.

The company has also signed up pizza and salad eatery Rocket to occupy its expanded Churchill Place retail mall next autumn. The moves are part of a retail expansion plan cleared last year.

Senior vice-president of retail Camille Waxer said: “We are waiting for an update on Tom’s Kitchen from its management.
“However there is still very strong interest from restaurants and other retail tenants wanting to come to Canary Wharf and it would be wrong to suggest otherwise.
“We are in final discussions with some high profile restaurant operators and are likely to announce more restaurant signings in the coming months.�