Business as usual? Bokan boast brunch dishes that refuse to play by the norm.
I've had breakfast 38 levels down (on a flooring hangover that is), but I can't say i've ever had breakfast 38 floors up. Newly launched and echoing the success of their A La Carte menu, Bokan have now launched onto the city's bottomless brunch scene with one of the most glamorous experiences in the city, but how would they be able to stand up to the waves of eggs florentine, bingo brunches and roaring hen parties getting a prosecco transfusion?
While their venue is already plush, boasting copper specks, luxuriant furniture, a view of the city like no other in town and a rooftop bar, I really do think it's the food and drink giving Bokan its triumphant name. Refusing to play by the rules, and dosing guests on artisanal plates rather than heaped baked beans, Bokan's three course brunch is a round of applause for head chef Aurelie Altemaire.
Starting with the tiger prawn tempura with avocado and little gem alongside an heirloom tomato salad, gin & tomato granite and lemon thyme, Bokan's brunch already more art than it is plate. While the heirloom tomatoes are topped with a flavoured ice and have a slightly bitter lend courtesy of the granite, the tiger prawn tempura melds the light batter with a little gem crunch that's fresh, colourful and bloody fun.
Fun is what I think Bokan were going for here, and they're doing it with dishes you may think expected and recognisable. While our English pea risotto has a parmesan emulsion that adds depth to the savoury flavour, my crispy egg royale, hot smoked salmon from Maldon and light wasabi hollandaise is the show stealer. Not only does the crisp nest add a welcome texture, the wasabi hollandaise is motivating, giving the dish a pumped up bite alongside the perfectly smoked salmon. Closing with artisan cheeses from Paxton and Whitfield and full of prosecco (Bokan don't dare scrimp), it's clear that the venue has created something down right irresistible.
The bottomless brunch at Bokan lasts for two hours, at a price of £49 per person. Bokan can be found at 40 Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9TP. In addition to the current brunch offer, they will be giving all dads a choice of a whisky cocktail or craft beer they can enjoy during brunch or enjoy as they continue their Bokan journey to the 38th or 39th floors this Father's Day.
