Shad Thames in London

Sitting directly behind Butlers Wharf on the River Thames and immediately next to Tower Bridge, Shad Thames is one of London's best kept Secrets. Butlers wharf is a gastronomical delight. Home to the Blue Print Cafe, and The Chop House . Fine dining overlooking the ships sailing up the Thames. But there is much more to Shad Thames. Shad Thames is the home to London's Victorian Spice trade where the spices would be held in huge warehouses. These ware houses have now been converted to ultra luxurious flats, just 10 minutes walk from the city and with views of Tower Bridge, the river, HMS Belfast and the newly created Mayors Residence

History of Shad Thames

In Victorian times, Shad Thames included the largest warehouse complex in London. Completed in 1873, the warehouses housed huge quantities of tea, coffee, spices and other commodities, which were unloaded and loaded onto river boats. An 1878 book says:

"Shad Thames, and, indeed, the whole river-side, contain extensive granaries and storehouses for the supply of the metropolis. Indeed, from Morgan's Lane—a turning about the middle of Tooley Street, on the north side, to St. Saviour's (once called Savory) Dock, the whole line of street—called in one part Pickle Herring Street, and in another Shad Thames—exhibits an uninterrupted series of wharves, warehouses, mills, and factories, on both sides of the narrow and crowded roadway"