PA Life’s feature writer recently paid a visit to the Novotel in Canary Wharf to experience Bōkan 37, the hotel’s glorious rooftop restaurant and bar. Located on the 39th floor, these unique floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views across London, making a window-side table a coveted spot. It’s an ideal setting to enjoy a cocktail while taking in London’s iconic landmarks. With comfortable seating and large windows that wrap around the building, the venue is inviting year-round.
Executive Chef Robert Manea
Executive Chef Robert Manea — formerly of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon — brings a refined modern European menu to the skies above Canary Wharf. The cuisine is just as impressive as the setting. We were seated right by the window, just in time for sunset.
The menu showcases the best of British produce, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. On the floor above, Bōkan 38 presents an elegant bar space with a carefully curated list of European-inspired small plates, paired with an extensive wine and cocktail selection.
Just a short riverside walk from Canary Wharf station — around 15 minutes — Bōkan is tucked within the Novotel’s uppermost floors. The rooftop’s wraparound glass walls flood the space with natural light, offering an ideal backdrop for after-work drinks or a leisurely sunset meal among the clouds.
What was our meal like?
We enjoyed a beautiful three-course meal while watching the city bathed in a sunset glow. To start, we sampled their new seasonal creations — each delicately prepared and bursting with freshness for the summer months. The Cornish crab with avocado and tomato gel, and the marinated seabass with blood orange, fennel and chilli, were the perfect light openers for us. I had the seabass, which felt like nourishment from the inside out, flaking apart effortlessly.
For the main course, we both opted for the dry-aged sirloin, accompanied by green asparagus, potato gratin and a rich green pepper sauce. After noticing an entire group table unanimously order it, we couldn’t resist seeing what all the buzz was about. This was the true showstopper — beautifully cooked and full of flavour. It left us feeling perfectly full and content.
To accompany the meal, we enjoyed a selection of indulgent sides: homemade chips with their own ketchup, creamy dauphinoise potatoes, and silky mashed potato — each adding a comforting touch of decadence.
The dessert was also lovely. We shared the artisan cheese selection from Aubrey Allen, followed by a chocolate, pistachio and raspberry sablé — light, airy, and just the right amount of sweet to round off the evening. It was slightly tangy — perfect for the summer months without being too heavy. Throughout, the service was well-timed and warm without being overbearing. For a Tuesday evening, the restaurant had a lively buzz, creating a wonderful convivial atmosphere.
While the restaurant sits on the pricier side, the quality of the produce and the sweeping city views — particularly at sunset — make it a truly special dining experience. A treat well worth the occasion.
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- Main Meal
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- Cocktail
About Bōkan 37
Bōkan 37 is a lunch, dinner and drinks destination. Its convivial vibe makes it the perfect relaxed destination for a casual after work drinks. Alternatively, this would be a dinner for a special occasion due to their stunning views. Two course and three course menus are available at dinner, but the star of the show is the stunning seven course chef’s tasting experience. (£79pp). Creative and perfect plated dishes include winter truffle and black trumpet risotto. Grilled stone bass with dashi broth and sea herbs, and quail, freekeh, herb salad and kimchi. For more informal dining, there’s the likes of swordfish, baby leek and a tartare hollandaise sauce; and ox cheek, rib-eye with root vegetables and a red wine sauce.
Come Saturday, it’s all about leisurely brunching with its popular sky-high brunch. Featuring a three seasonal brunch menu (£45pp) plus the option of free-flowing prosecco (£19pp) against a backdrop of spectacular views.
For a full showcase video of thi tunning Rooftop Restaurant in Canary Wharf, Bōkan 37 , see our Instagram page here.
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