A Gastronomic Wonderland:

'Tis the season, and Christmas menus are popping up all around London.

Whether you're looking for a lavish fine dining meal or a Christmas sandwich on the go, there's something for every mood. In the past few months, I've had the pleasure of shooting three unique festive menus at Bōkan 37, The Pear Tree at Greenland Place, and B Bagel.

Shooting festive cheer

Three's something undeniably special about Christmas. it's a time when families and friends come together, often around the table. As a result, festive menus abound.

Since August 2023, I have done three festive photoshoots. The first was at Bōkan 37 in Canary Wharf, which is serving an elegant five course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu. The second was at B Bagel, which is welcoming the festive season with two decked out bagels. And the third one was at The Pear Tree, which is serving a two and three course menu throughout the month of December.

A delectable five course menu at Bōkan 37

Perched atop the Novotel in Canary Wharf, Bōkan 37 beckons food lovers with its understated elegance and unmatched views. On Christmas Day, Executive Chef Robert Manea and Head Pastry Chef Luigi Festinante have put together a five course feast like no other.

To capture the essence of the menu, I shot three dishes, as well as some festive desserts, These were:

• Chestnut soup, Alsace bacon
• Venison, queen’s pear & ginger spice
• Foie gras Brioche, Berries Chutney
• Ricotta & pear cheesecake
• Bōkan Big Ben

The battle for London's best Christmas sandwich: B Bagel's Christmas Bagels

Come December, we're all looking for a great Christmas sandwich. B Bagel, with its casual and playful atmosphere, has introduces a festive treat to their menu. Served with stuffing and cranberry sauce, you have the option of turkey or brie as your filling. Whatever you choose, this is a Christmas sando to remember!

A neighbourhood gem: The Christmas menu at The Pear Tree in Greenland Place

Nestled in the heart of Greenland Place, The Pear Tree invites you in for cosy meals with your nearest and dearest. From the 30th November to the 24th December, they are running a festive menu alongside their regular one, offering two courses for £29 and three courses for £36.50.

You can start your meal with pumpkin soup with roasted chestnuts and truffle, or the duck rillette, before indulging in a mushroom & truffle wellington or a roasted partridge with a confit leg croquette. End your meal with a decadent dessert like the Christmas pudding with blueberries and almonds, or the rice pudding with boozy prunes and coconut flakes.

Let the festive feasting begin!

Behind the scenes

The three photoshoots took place between August and October 2023. If you fancy seeing more festive content, including Christmas cocktails, keep an eye on my Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok as I have two more Christmas shoots scheduled in the next weeks.

To delve deeper into previous food and restaurant shoots, have a look at TOKii, Taste of London, Benares Mayfair, Bonfire, SlowBurn, Chuku’s and The Haberdashery. If you're into cocktails, check out the festive cocktails at Bōkan Bar, Lanique Spirit of Rose and Sabine Rooftop Bar. 

Or drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you!