London Docklands

Even businesspeople need sustenance and relaxation, and those pubs in the midst of office buildings cater to an after-work crowd. Pubs and bars line the Promenades by Canary Wharf offering Happy hour specials and outdoor seating.

Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall (☎7481 1095). Wapping. From Tube exit, turn right, follow the street left around the bend, turn right onto Wapping Wall, and walk about 3 blocks down. Use caution if walking at night. This pub, built in 1520, is a little out of the way, but the spectacular river view is worth it. With 2 indoor dining rooms and an outdoor balcony and patio, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a seat; a perch near the windows is a hotter commodity. Drink and food menus are average, yet the authenticity and traditional feel of the pub along with the sweeping views of the Thames are worth the trip. Sandwiches and burgers £5-6; mains £7-9. Open M-Th and Su noon-11pm, F-Sa noon-midnight. Kitchen open daily until 9pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Cat and Canary, 1-24 Fisherman’s Walk (☎7512 9187). /DLR: Canary Wharf. Exiting the station, follow signs to Canada Sq. and walk through toward the river. Take the stairs down to the Promenade and walk left. It’s at the far end, near the out-of-place pontoon pedestrian bridge. A fairly standard Fuller’s Brewery pub, the Cat and Canary has an expansive river view, plenty of outdoor tables, and a spacious interior. The patrons are mixed, with a healthy dose of suit-clad businesspeople relaxing after a day at the Docklands’ towers. The food is a step beyond fish ’n’ chips, with specials like spinach and gruyere cheese quiche or curried chicken (£6-7.50). Wheelchair-accessible. Open M-Sa 11am-11pm, Su noon-8pm. Kitchen open M-F noon-9pm, Sa noon-8pm, Su noon-6pm. AmEx/MC/V.