Parlour bar enjoys successful opening week

The Parlour was the first business to welcome the public, opening on October 12, serving up a range of beers, wines, cocktails and food. With views across Canada Square it could be said it is the first bar to be right at the heart of Canary Wharf.

It's blend of quirky decor, food and drink has already made it a popular place for Wharfers. Jillian MacLean, director of owners Drake and Morgan, has been delighted with the first week's trading.

She said: "It's been superb. Canary Wharf is pretty different and people seem to like what we have to offer. We've had lots of positive comments about the decor and the food so it's been very encouraging.

"What I hadn't realised before was there are a lot of people who work in Canary Wharf who live here as well, and people have said they will be coming in at weekends as well, which is very good news.

"The staff are enjoying working there too so it's been good all round. We're very pleased."

But Jillian admitted there still some details she and her staff have to address.

She said: "There are a couple of things we'd tweak, particularly the speed of service. What we've realised is that people in Canary Wharf don't have a lot of time to spend over lunch and need to get back to work, so we'll be looking to make sure we serve them as quickly as possible.

"But other than that it's been a very encouraging week. In fact, we've already been taking bookings for Christmas parties."

The bar, which offers business breakfasts as well as catering for private parties, adds another dimension to the Wharf's eating options and Jillian was keen to thank Canary Wharf's landlords for their support as opening day loomed.

She said: "Canary Wharf Group have been fabulous, a really big support to us and I would like to thank them for that. I think we've made the right decision to open in the area."

With The Parlour and Canteen already up and running this is a busy time for the Canary Wharf restaurant and bar scene. The Japanese influenced Roka opens on November 2, while Mexican food fans are anticipating the arrival of Wahaca on November 9.