The glow-up of Canary Wharf over recent years is pretty remarkable. Indeed, strolling through on a gorgeous summer’s day, among the breezy, foliage-covered waterside trails, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re miles away from suits and interest rates. It’s also a cultural arts destination, and in November 2025, the brand new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre opened, followed by its adjoining restaurant, Songbird. Though previously used only by attendees of The Hunger Games live show, Songbird is now available to the public, and we dropped by to find out more.
The views at Songbird were great, but especially when you're tucking into comforting classics washed down with zingy cocktails.
DesignMyNight’s Review Of Songbird Canary Wharf
Need To Know:
- Address: 2 Cartier Circle, E14 5HF (there is an alternative entrance via the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre)
- Area: Canary Wharf - the Wood Wharf exit
from the Elizabeth line is particularly
convenient
- Cuisine: British
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: in the same building as the aforementioned state-of-the-art theatre, Songbird Canary Wharf carried on the same industrial feel …that’s until you head inside. Designed by Rachel Gowridge (of The Hoxton and Gleneagles Hotel fame), the space was a nature lovers' paradise, including forest green-coloured swirly seating, burgundy tables, chic glass lighting, charming bird detailing throughout and wallpaper covered in trees. You couldn't miss the gigantic timber centrepiece too. Our table, directly opposite the floor-to-ceiling windows, had wonderful views of The O2 and leisurely house boats on the canal, plus I loved seeing the planes coming into land at City airport. As for the soundtrack? Think everything from Fleetwood Mac to Elton John.
- Perfect for: pre-theatre dining (there are two-course menus for £31), plus a cheeky night cap afterwards.
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £159.50 for two (excluding service charge)
The Songbird bar area was gorgeous, plus
I'd quite like to eat that vegetarian pie
again.
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Devilled eggs (£6.50) – prepare for two delicious mouthfuls, bringing together half sections of boiled egg with the bright, bouncy and perfectly fishy trout roe and miso mayonnaise for that umami, salty hit.
- Cheddar croquettes (£10) – these four spheres were the ideal size for popping in your mouth. Imagine a crispy outer layer topped in parmesan shavings, revealing a gooey middle. The confit garlic aioli was very moppable too.
- Giant red prawns (£15) - make sure to give the charred lemon a good squeeze over this seafood stunner, served in their heads. The toasted focaccia soaked up all the moreish juices, while the confit garlic butter provided indulgence.
- Wild mushroom pot pie (£21) – I was recommended this dish ahead of our visit, and it didn’t disappoint. Served in a piping hot skillet, the pie was puffy and light, hiding a creamy leek and mushroom filling. The cavolo nero, cooked in shallots, had great flavour, although the mushroom miso ‘gravy’ didn’t have the right consistency to be called a gravy. It was actually ridiculously drinkable and I didn’t even leave a dribble of it left on my plate; a comforting classic done well.
- Heritage breed pork chop (£28) – my date devoured this juicy slab of meat, pouring the rich mustard cream all over. He pointed out that the spiced apple chutney was a bit of an unsung hero too. Being more celeriac-adverse, the granny smith remoulade didn’t quite hit the mark for us, but everything else was lovely.
- The Songbird sundae (£20) – famous on Instagram for good reason, you simply have to order this when visiting. Made for two to share, expect a DIY, playful and super cute vanilla gelato dessert, presented in ice-cold vintage glass bowls within its own birdcage, where you tailor the toppings to your taste. The hierarchy for us, in order of most favourite, was a cookie-like crumble, soaked sweet cherries, nostalgic hundreds ‘n’ thousands sprinkles and dark chocolate shavings. We’d advise skipping the flakes, as they were a bit bland and didn’t add much for us.
Make your own bespoke pudding with Songbird's signature sundae - it's a fun thing to do for a first date.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Songbird (£14) – elegant, zippy, refreshing and encapsulates what the restaurant is all about. Mixing gin, elderflower cordial, dry vermouth and lemon bitters - this is one to sip and savour.
- Earl grey martini (£14) – blending tea-infused vodka with Cointreau and lemon juice, I actually first expected this to be more herbal, but it instead focused on more citrusy notes. I loved it, especially as it wasn’t overpoweringly boozy. We could have easily ordered two.
- Lyre's Amalfi spritz (£9) – this alcohol-free number was the ideal alternative to an Aperol spritz; thirst-quenching and really satisfying.
Our Overall Experience At Songbird Restaurant Canary Wharf
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It should be obvious by now that I needed an almighty lie down after all that comfort food. You fed me well, Songbird. I had a lovely time; the restaurant was effortlessly stylish but also really cosy, making it a perfect place to catch up with friends. Service was friendly and efficient, plus you could even book show and dinner experiences where you’re escorted directly to your seats inside the theatre. Weekend plans, sorted.
