A view does really put you in a good mood and there is no denying that Bōkan, found on the 37th floor of the Novotel in Canary Wharf, offers one of the best. Tracing the river Thames into East London, you can’t fail to spot a landmark (or eight).
Bōkan is set over three floors, one for the restaurant, one for the bar and one for the rooftop. The decor plays a major factor in its appeal, the industrial chic look is on point and impressive. In charge of the kitchen is chef Aurélie Altemaire, formerly head chef at Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. The menu, which changes seasonally, is short but has a decent amount of options to keep you intrigued. The marinated sea bass with orange ponzu, burned blood orange and bitter leaves was fresh, zinging with flavour and bursting with colour. We loved the Portland crab too with the coriander tuile and green curry giving the dish a subtle spicy kick.
Mains were equally as tasty and just as arty, with more creative presentation. The line-caught cod, served with green anise, glazed salsify and sake emulsion, had crispy skin and soft, flaky flesh. The Josper grilled Rhug Estate lamb just looked beautiful; served alongside organic spelt, wild garlic and broad beans, the lamb was perfectly tender and worked well with the spelt. The milk chocolate tart with melting heart and salted caramel ice cream, matched with Graham’s 10 Years Old Tawny Port, sealed the deal.
At Bōkan you’re set for food that looks just as good as the views.
37th Floor, Novotel, 40 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9TP
Bokanlondon.co.uk