Location

St Katharine Docks

A MARINE OASIS YARDS FROM TOWER BRIDGE AND THE FINANCE DISTRICT

“The location is excellent for tourists while the ablutions are first class”
Jeremy Campbell

St Katharine Docks feels a world away from much of the capital. Its tranquil, laid-back character is a welcome contrast from nearby attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Bank of England and The Monument; not to mention the busy business districts around Moorgate and across the river at London Bridge. It’s also a great stop-off before or after time spent in bustling destinations like Shoreditch, the South Bank and West End.

Connections

BY THE HEART OF THE CITY

11 CENTURIES OF HISTORY

A dramatic history

THE DOCKS HAVE REFLECTED LONDON’S PROMINENCE FOR OVER A MILLENIA

10th Century

For their bravery and valour, King Edgar rewards 13 of his knights with the land around what would become St Katharine Docks.

12th Century

Queen Matilda blesses the creation of ‘The Royal Foundation of St Katharine’, including its hospice for pilgrims and weary travellers.

16th Century

King Henry VIII’s reformation leaves St Katharine Docks untouched, in respect for its namesake: his new bride, Catherine of Aragon.

18th Century

Merchant William Vaughn lobbies parliament to increase the Docks’ capacity, and London’s ability to import more goods.

1826

Architect Philip Hardwich and Engineer Thomas Telford dock design will handle more goods, faster, than any other site globally.

1828

It costs £2m to redevelop the Docks. Along the way, 24 acres of slums and the old hospice are demolished – their 11,300 residents moved on.

1858

An additional warehouse, called the ‘i’ is designed and built on the Docks – what is now called Ivory House.

1940

St. Katharine Docks becomes renowned for valuable cargos, like wine, tea, marble, spices, rum, brandy, indigo and perfumes.

1970

New leaseholder Taylor Woodrow replaces warehouses with residential and commercial buildings, including the Tower Hotel.

1985

Ernie Wise makes the UK’s first civilian mobile phone call on a 5KG Vodafone VT1 (in Dickensian dress, outside the Dickens Inn).

1999

The first Riverboat service arrives at St Katharine Pier as the Docks builds a reputation for elegant al fresco dining.

2014

Architects Buckley Gray Yeoman’ Commodity Quay opens, modelled on the warehouse that originally stood on the same site.

EAT, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY

Retail Space

AN IN-THE-KNOW PLACE PEOPLE COME BACK TO, TIME AND AGAIN.

“Best location in London. Dining, wining and sailing :)”
Nandan Yargan

Healthy (and hearty) breakfasts, quick and leisurely lunches, classic and adventurous dinners – St Katharine Docks has menus for every appetite. Many of the cafés’ and restaurants’ specials bring people from across the capital to their doors. And Kerb’s regular street food market adds further scents and flavours from around the world. Truly satisfying meals, with the gorgeous Docks for a backdrop.

Retailers

Bravas Tapas

Bravas is an independent restaurant in St Katherine Dock serving Modern Basque small plates and Spanish cocktails.

Café Rouge

Café Rouge specialities include a range of French classics, from croques and baguettes to more substantial meals such as steak frites and bœuf bourguignon. Likewise, the wines are all French, many from lesser known regional producers.

Cote Brasserie

Côte Brasserie is inspired by the brasseries of Paris, championing relaxed all-day dining and serving authentic French classics made from great quality, fresh ingredients. On the menu, you will find brasserie favourites such as steak frites, tuna Niçoise and moules marinières; for dessert, Côte's crème caramel and crème brûlée are house specialities.

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

Inspired by founder Andrew Macleod’s lifelong dream to open the best pasta restaurant outside of Italy, enjoy beautiful crafted pasta at St. Katharine Docks. All the pasta is made daily on site, crafted on the marble counter tops in full view of passers-by every morning.

John Harding Salon

The John Harding Hair and Beauty Salon specialise in hair styling as well as many other beauty services. Visit them for a simple trim, a root touch up or a complete restyle. Their beauty room is available for facials, waxing, threading, tinting, manicures & pedicures using Gelish & OPI, massaging & nutrition.

Kilikya

Traditional and authentic Turkish cuisine served in the heart of the Docks. With an outdoor seating area, Kilikyas is perfect for summer alfresco dining.

Lagoon Dry Cleaners

The Lagoon Dry Cleaners will handle all of your cleaning needs, including wedding gowns, suedes, sweaters, leather and draperies. Services include laundry, repair and alterations.

Ping Pong

Ping Pong is a lively and buzzing restaurant serving delicious Dim Sum, Cocktails and Chinese Teas.

Noxy Brothers

Noxy Brothers is a speciality coffee shop, with teas, croissants and other snacks also available. Based in the International House café area, Noxy Brothers offers great views over the marina. Get 15% off if you are a Porter Card holder.

St. Katharine Docks Café

Serving delicious breakfasts and lunches including paninis, wraps, jacket potatoes and salads, the St. Katharine Docks Café is a popular haunt with locals and tourists alike.

Slug & Lettuce

With a relaxed daytime atmosphere, the Docks' Slug & Lettuce transforms into a lively night time venue perfect to meet friends, dance, hold parties and listen to great music.

The Dickens Inn

The Dickens Inn is a picturesque restyled and reconstructed 18th century pub and restaurant with tasty pizzas, balcony dining, beer garden and views of Tower Bridge and The Shard.

The Melusine

The Melusine showcases the freshest and finest shellfish, seafood and fish from across the British coast. The open kitchen serves a daily-changing menu of fine seafood which is perfect for sharing. The ‘simply sophisticated’ menu includes dishes such as grilled cuttlefish and fava, potted sardines with breakfast radishes and sourdough baguette.

The XI Bar, The Tower Hotel

With stunning views of Tower Bridge, The XI Bar provides a fantastic panorama view over the River Thames. Enjoy a light snack or drink at any time of the day.

Traders Wine

Traders Wine Bar provides an elegant setting to relax with friends over a glass of wine, with terrace seating right at the water's edge. Pair a bottle of wine from their carefully curated wine list with one of their delicious Cheese & Charcuterie boards.

Vicinity Restaurant, The Tower Hotel

With stunning views of Tower Bridge; Vicinity Restaurant has an indoor bar, tables to dine at and an outdoor lounging area with fire pits.

White Mulberries

From winning ‘Best Coffee Shop’ in the the Coffee Stops Awards 2014 through to regularly featuring in London’s Best Coffee guides, White Mulberries enjoys a reputation for great coffee and some of the best sandwiches and cakes in the capital.

Zizzi

Zizzi prides itself on well-chosen ingredients, simply put together to make exceptionally tasting Italian food. With one of the largest outdoor seating area's in the Docks, dine al fresco and make the most of the sunshine in the summer.