Soaring Skyscrapers With A Little Slice Of California: Our Hotel Review Of TRIBE Canary Wharf

Contrary to the stereotypes of suits and banks, Canary Wharf has become a bit of a playground for adults in recent years. From funfair-themed activity spaces like Fairgame to floating hot tubs, you could argue that this area is now the official home of the cool and quirky. After all that fun? You’re going to need somewhere to rest your head - enter TRIBE hotel London.

After reading the TRIBE Canary Wharf reviews, we were prepared for a dreamy sleep ahead (just look at that cloud-like bed).

DesignMyNight's Review Of TRIBE London Canary Wharf

Tourists, take note, as TRIBE Canary Wharf hotel is conveniently located for a weekend getaway, only a 10 minute stroll from Heron Quays DLR which links direct into Bank tube station. It’s also right by the new Troubadour Theatre and in the same building as The Cube.

We couldn’t have asked for better with our ‘Essential’ double bedroom on the 7th floor (around £195 including breakfast), mainly because of the views. Being a corner space, you’re surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows both in front and next to you, flooding everywhere with light. We could see The O2 and cable cars on one side, with charming canal boats the other. If you thought daytime was spectacular? Wait for twilight, as the twinkling lights made it absolutely mesmerising.

As for the room itself, it was compact but we had enough space to move, equipped with everything you could ever need for a getaway. Think rainfall showers in a spacious bathroom, king-sized beds with crisp white linen, Kevin Murphy toiletries, a retro Robert’s radio and even a steamer - there’s also a handy desk if you’re away on business. It was no-frills for sure, but effortlessly chic. The colour scheme was fresh and inviting, from the gold lampshades to the tones of mint green, navy blue and dusky pink. We also loved TRIBE's ‘neighbourhood guide’ on the TV, explaining sustainable incentives and how to take advantage of partnerships with local spas and gyms. Top tip, the TRIBE Canary Wharf check-in time is from 3pm.

Feels Like June showcased a cool artwork corner, alongside classy vintage furniture and pops of colour.

Quite frankly, we could have daydreamed at the panorama for hours, but it was time for dinner so we headed downstairs. Feels Like June is the in-house restaurant and follows the same airy, stylish feel. The Californian-inspired space benefits from lush tropical foliage, dark wood furniture, art with scalloped edges, coral-coloured velvet chairs, glass panels and unusual semi-circular lights, plus the gorgeous wave-shaped bar area was a sight to behold.

The summery interiors matched an equally sun-soaked menu, but first, drinks. Taking advantage of the two cocktails for £15 happy hour deal that runs until 7pm, I opted for an Estoril Spritz (more on that later) while my date went alcohol-free with a refreshing Marine – mixing Everleaf 0% spirit, lime and grapefruit, served in an elegant martini glass. My lovely bubbly tipple brought together a botanical Portuguese aperitif (similar to Aperol), peach liqueur and grapefruit soda – if I shut my eyes I could almost imagine being on a beach bar.

The Feels Like June menu covers small plates for a quick bite, or feel-good, elevated comfort food mains when you need filling up. My halloumi burger (£14) was honestly standout; just imagine blocks of giant bouncy cheese, stacked together with fresh lettuce and drizzled in sweet chilli mayo. Needless to say, this was a pretty towering meal, and I enjoyed the crispy shallots that provided contrast. As for the Chicken Katsu Sando (£15)? Prepare for soft, toasted doorstop-sized slices, revealing a centre of spiced tomato chilli jam and moist meat covered in crispy breadcrumbs.

In terms of sides, we shared three which was plenty. I was expecting the charred cauliflower bites (£8.50) to be a bit more grilled, letting the smoky flavour shine through, but still the juicy pomegranate and delicious tangy mayo definitely made up for it. Our chunks of sweet potato (£6) had a lip-smacking miso tahini dressing and were more-or-less inhaled by my dinner date, while the selection of different types of wild mushrooms (£6) were cooked well; earthy, herby and with a nice chilli kick at the back of our throat. 

Our dishes gave us a taste of West Coast America right in the heart of Canary Wharf.  

After watching a recent Bake Off episode, Basque cheesecake (£8.50) kept on reappearing in my dreams, so I was delighted to see this on the menu. It was all very indulgent and tasted great, from the chewy caramelised pecan pieces to the creamy, airy, fluffy centre, boasting the classic ‘burnt’ crust on top.

To wash it all down, I selected the pretty-as-a-picture 1967 (£11). Prepare for a theatrical, whimsical cocktail with a candy floss cloud attached. Blending vodka, rhubarb liqueur, lemon and cranberry, we were advised to mix it all in so the sweetness balanced out, and they were totally right.

After 40 winks, we woke up to a remarkably peaceful Saturday morning in the Docklands (the blackout curtains definitely helped here). Before we set off to leave, breakfast called our name. This mega refuel actually worked out well for us, as we ended up walking to Greenwich after check-out at 11am (and we really recommend this, the historic foot tunnel under the Thames was fun). Alongside all the buffet classics, you’re in for some delicious additions, including sautéed aubergine, tater tots and four different types of cheese. You can’t go wrong with that.

TRIBE London Canary Wharf Review: Overall

With over 28 hotels worldwide, spanning Colombia, Australia and Thailand, alongside Manchester, TRIBE know what they’re doing when it comes to the ultimate holiday. The views of Canary Wharf were unreal, and the colourful interiors were sophisticated yet playful. Feels Like June is more than an in-house restaurant too; the relaxed, breezy theme follows throughout the whole hotel and we had a great overnight staycation here.    

If you're in the financial district and fancy a drink, browse through our guide to the best Canary Wharf bars.