For a bit of fun, I thought I’d make a list of 10 of the things I like most about Surrey Quays. Here it is:

1. Greenland Dock – perfect for a peaceful Sunday afternoon stroll or evening jog.
2. Odeon Cinema – 9 screens showing all the latest blockbusters. Could be more adventurous at times with their film selection, but tremendously handy nonetheless.
3. The Parade of Shops on Lower Road – a more human alternative to their huge, modern neighbour. Check out Angelo’s for reliably good fish and chips and the cafe/grocery with the South African sign for a coffee and croissant.
4. Wibbly Wobbly pub – Surrey Quays’ own floating pub. Wonderfully eccentric. Not for everyone, but oozing character.
5. Ship and Whale pub – hidden away and worth tracking down for its roast dinners.
6. Southwark Park – take a trip here to play touch rugby or tennis, kick a football, take your kids to the playground or feed the ducks.
7. Surrey Quays Shopping Centre – it’s big, it’s rather soulless, but it’s also very convenient. From a giant Tesco’s to mobile phone shops and opticians. It’s all here. Come battle with the crowds and pay homage to consumerism.
8. Canada Water tube station/the Jubilee Line – what I would do without the Jubilee Line, I do not know. This is my lifeline to the rest of London. Generally reliable, but alas subject to much weekend engineering work, in the absence of the East London Line it’s Surrey Quays’ umbilical cord to the mother city.
9. The local buses – I’m a big fan of public transport. Sometimes there’s nothing better than hopping onto a London double-decker, picking a top-deck seat and admiring the view as your communal chauffeur lurches and hurtles you through the streets.
10. The River Thames – I don’t go and appreciate this enough, but to elevate the spirit, there’s nothing like heading down to the Thames for some fresh air and terrific views across to Canary Wharf.

That’s my top 10. What else is on yours?

photo credit: cliff1066