At the top of the Novotel hotel, Bōkan Bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of making cocktails. During my latest photoshoot, I had the chance to explore the captivating mixology of Bōkan, where I focused on their seasonal cocktail specials for Halloween and London Cocktail Week, as well as the brand new drinks menu crafted by Bar Manager Generoso D’Avino.
A bar with a view: Bōkan Bar in Canary Wharf
Perched on the 38th floor, Bōkan Bar in Canary Wharf undeniably offers some of the best views in the city. But don’t be fooled; the real reason to visit is the innovative cocktail list. While the talented staff can make you any drink you fancy, their cocktail list changes twice per year, and they create cocktail specials for most occasions. As such, every visit is an invitation to find your new favourite cocktail!
A creative mixologist’s vision
One of the highlights of this photoshoot was delving into the creative process of Bar Manager Generoso D’Avino. His new cocktail menu reflects his passion for making drinks and his commitment to pushing the limits of flavour combinations and presentation. Shooting behind the scenes, I captured him and his team put finishing touches to the beautiful drinks.
The new cocktail specials
Bōkan Bar always delivers on its drinks specials. In this photoshoot, I captured the Halloween Special as well as the Gimlet which was on the menu for London Cocktail Week.
Witching hour: The Bōkan Halloween special
Bōkan Bar’s Halloween special, the Canela Rai, is a balanced mix of calvados, Mozart pumpkin, pumpkin purée, and cinnamon syrup. It is served in a flute covered with cinnamon and topped with a cinnamon stick and an edible flower.
Raising a glass to London Cocktail Week
During London Cocktail Week, Bōkan Bar added a special to their menu. A smokey twist on a Gimlet, it’s a mix of Don Ramon Salmiana mezcal, lime juice and HM lime, grapefruit & rosemary cordial.
Cocktails that look like works of art
Other than the cocktail specials, I photographed the brand new cocktail list. Bōkan Bar shines as a hub of creativity and sophistication for mixology lovers – and that’s what makes it one of my favourite bars. It’s a place where every drink is a work of art, and every moment is an experience. As a result, Generoso D’Avino’s new cocktail list pushes the boundaries of taste and appearance.
I aimed to capture the craftsmanship of his cocktails, highlighting their vibrant colours and intricate details.
Bar snacks in Canary Wharf
Lastly, I ended the shoot with their food menu. Specifically, the Bōkan tiles: a selection of Paxton & Whitfield cheese and Cobble Lane cured butcher’s charcuterie.
The technical details
This was a half day shoot at Bōkan Bar. I shot on a mirrorless Sony a7iii, with a 24-70mm and a 50-mm lens and a Godox softbox strobe light.
Bōkan is located at 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP. The shoot was organised by Roche Communications.
Interested in seeing more?
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Fancy seeing more cocktail photography? You can check out my previous shoots for Lanique Spirit of Rose and Sabine Rooftop Bar. If you’re interested in food and restaurant photography, have a look at previous shoots at TOKii, Taste of London, Benares Mayfair, Bonfire, SlowBurn, Chuku’s and The Haberdashery.
If you liked this photos or if you’d like to discuss a shoot, get in touch! I’d love to hear from you.
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