Opening in May, Canalside will feature 12 retail units including a host of independent retailers and a diverse range of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

Gavin Poole, CEO of Here East, said:
“We are delighted to welcome our first phase of independent retailers to Canalside. As well as providing excellent facilities for the 5,000 innovators and makers who will be based at Here East, it will also create a fantastic new retail destination for Londoners and visitors alike.”

The first retailers to open their doors on the banks of the Lee Canal will be:

The Breakfast Club, a Hackney-grown business with popular neighbourhood cafes in London, The Breakfast Club is returning to its roots to serve up brunches, lunches and evening meals.

The Bicycle Man, will provide everything for the urban rider. Bikes, accessories, parts and repairs done by cytech-trained mechanics at their new workshop.

Gotto, a casual, rustic Italian trattoria from the duo behind Soho’s Pere e Mele. Their seasonal daily changing menu will be filled with homemade breads, pastas, ice-cream and their signature vermouth.

Randy’s Wing Bar, after a number of successful pop-ups, the duo behind Randy’s Wing Bar are finding a permanent home at Here East. They will serve chicken wings and chicken burgers along with a selection of side dishes.

Shane’s on Canalside, a menu focusing on quality meat, line caught fish and wild foraged seasonal produce. Promoting local and ethical food & drink producers within the restaurant.

“Supporting independent businesses and providing jobs for local people is a key ambition of the London 2012 Games legacy so we are incredibly excited to welcome the first retailers to Here East’s Canalside. It signals another new chapter for what is quickly becoming a colourful, bustling area of the Park,” said David Edmonds, Chairman of the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Details of the second phase of retailers opening at Canalside will be announced in the summer.