Why Surrey Quays
Surrey Quays has transformed remarkably from its industrial roots into a contemporary residential and commercial hub. Its appeal lies not only in its historical character, but also in the attractive apartments and glitzy new residences. The neighbourhood is thoroughly modern, with a touch of waterfront tranquillity, boasting stylish apartments, townhouses and picturesque views across the Thames.
Residents enjoy convenient access to London’s financial districts, including Canary Wharf and the City. The ongoing regeneration projects, such as the Canada Water Masterplan, add to the area’s allure, promising further enhancements to infrastructure.
Shopping
Surrey Quays Shopping Centre provides for most high-street shopping needs, including shops like Boots, Game, Clarks, Holland & Barrett and many more options too. For groceries, there’s a large local Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Equally, Surrey Quays boasts several independent shops which are well worth a visit. For example, Art of Isolation, which is an artist-run space hosting exhibitions and art classes and Feel Greek, a specialised deli offering authentic ingredients and delicacies.
Here’s a few specific spots to explore:
- Surrey Quays Shopping Centre – The main retail hub with over 40 stores including Tesco, Boots, Clarks, and Card Factory
- Redriff Road – Location of the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre
- Lower Road – Features additional shops and businesses
- Southwark Park Road – Has a variety of local shops and amenities
- Bermondsey Street – A short bus journey away, known for its boutiques and independent shops
Eating & Drinking
Surrey Quays is full of places to eat or drink, whether you’re looking for a quayside bar or traditional pub. You can enjoy a range of gastronomic delights at Leadbelly’s or pop in to the finely adorned Mayflower Pub for food in a beautiful setting. On the other hand, restaurants like The Yellow House, and the Printworks Kitchen have long been staples of the food scene in Surrey Quays.
Here’s a few more specific place to explore if you’re looking for somewhere to eat or drink near Surrey Quays:
- Surrey Quays Shopping Centre Food Court – Features restaurants like Banh Mi Bay, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks
- Canada Water – Home to the Canada Water Café, serving breakfast, lunch, and pizza
- Rotherhithe – Location of The Mayflower, a historic 17th-century Thames-side pub
- Pacific Tavern – A neighborhood pub between Canada Water and Surrey Quays offering food cooked over flame5
- The Yellow House – Bar and restaurant near Surrey Quays station, known for upscale pub food
- The Old Salty Quay – Popular pub with a large two-tiered riverside terrace
- Midnight Apothecary – Unique cocktail experience on the roof garden of the Brunel Museum
- Bermondsey – Home to an excellent weekend food market and various cafes and restaurants
Transport Links
The central position of Surrey Quays makes it easy to get around, either north of the river or elsewhere in London. Take a look at our summary of the options below:
- Car & Road: Surrey Quays benefits from good road connections. The A200 runs through the area, linking it to central London. The Rotherhithe Tunnel provides a route under the Thames to the north bank. Journey times to central London typically take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Bus: Several bus routes serve Surrey Quays, including the 1, 47, 188, 199, and 225. These connect the area to various parts of London, including Canada Water, London Bridge, and Greenwich.
- Train: Surrey Quays station, on the London Overground, offers quick links to central London. Trains to Shoreditch High Street take about 15 minutes, while Canada Water (for Jubilee Line connections) is just one stop away.
- Cycling and walking: The area has several cycle routes, including paths along the Thames. The Thames Path also provides pleasant walking opportunities along the river.
- Nearest airport: London City Airport is the closest, about 30 minutes away by public transport. Heathrow and Gatwick airports can be reached in about an hour.
For more information about the transport options in Surrey Quays, take a look here.
Things To Do
Surrey Quays has plenty going on. Take a look, and see what interests you most.
- Greenland Dock: This historic dock, now a marina, offers a glimpse into the area’s maritime past and provides a picturesque setting for walks.
- Russia Dock Woodland: A nature reserve created from a former dock, offering walking trails and a green escape in the city.
- Surrey Docks Farm: An urban farm providing a taste of rural life in the heart of London, with animals, gardens, and educational programmes.
- Southwark Park: A large Victorian park featuring a boating lake, sports facilities, and an art gallery.
- Brunel Museum: Located nearby in Rotherhithe, this museum celebrates the engineering achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
- Thames Path: This national trail passes through Surrey Quays, offering scenic walks along the river.
- Canada Water Library: A striking modern building housing a library and culture space, symbolising the area’s regeneration.
- Printworks London: A vast event space in a former printing factory, hosting music and cultural events.
- South Dock Marina: London’s largest marina, offering berths for visiting boats and a waterside atmosphere.
Lavender Pond Nature Reserve: A small but fascinating nature reserve built on another former dock, providing a habitat for various wildlife.
Property Market
If you’d like to live in the Surrey Quays area in south east London, there are plenty of options for housing. Take a look at the key details below.
Architecture: Surrey Quays features a mix of property styles, reflecting its history and recent development. You’ll find converted warehouses, modern apartment blocks, and some remaining Victorian terraces.
The most sought-after properties are often found around Greenland Dock and South Dock Marina, where waterside apartments offer views over the former docks. Quebec Quarter, a recent development, provides modern homes with good amenities.
Developments: Surrey Quays is undergoing significant changes. The Canada Water Masterplan, a major regeneration project, aims to create new homes, offices, and public spaces over the next 15 years.
Property prices: According to Rightmove, the average price for property in Surrey Quays stood at £516k over the last year. Flats sold for an average of £461k, while terraced houses fetched £722k. Take a look at HM land Registry for up to date data
Rental market: The rental market in Surrey Quays is active, with a range of options available. One-bedroom flats typically rent for around £1,500-£1,800 per month, while two-bedroom properties can fetch £2,000-£2,500. The area’s good transport links and ongoing development make rental properties appealing to both landlords and tenants.
Jobs & Employment
Surrey Quays’ job market is evolving, influenced by its ongoing regeneration and proximity to central London. The area has seen growth in retail and service sectors, particularly with the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and surrounding businesses.
The nearby Canary Wharf financial district, easily accessible via the Jubilee Line from Canada Water, provides numerous opportunities in finance, banking, and related services. This proximity allows Surrey Quays residents to benefit from high-paying jobs without the high living costs of Canary Wharf itself.
Recent years have seen an increase in creative and tech industries in the wider Docklands area. The ongoing Canada Water Masterplan development aims to create 20,000 new jobs, potentially transforming Surrey Quays into a significant employment hub. This project includes plans for office spaces, potentially attracting a range of businesses to the area.
Education and healthcare also provide employment, with several schools in the area and the proximity to central London hospitals. The construction and property sectors are active due to ongoing development projects.
While Surrey Quays itself is not a major employment centre, its good transport links make it an ideal base for accessing job opportunities across London. The area’s future looks promising, with the Canada Water development expected to bring more diverse employment options directly to Surrey Quays.
