Canton Blue Review at The Peninsula London. An instagrammer’s dream.
For an unparalleled dining experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further than Canton Blue, the crown jewel of The Peninsula London. Dining is a lot more than eating at Canton Blue and the interiors play a major role in transporting diners to another era of absolute opulence and attention to detail.
I loved every minute of this dining experience when I was invited to review the restaurant in July 2025.
Nestled within the newly-opened, billion-pound behemoth of a hotel, The Peninsula London at Hyde Park Corner, this Cantonese restaurant is not merely a place to eat; it’s an immersive journey into opulence, refined cuisine, and breathtaking design.
It’s the ultimate date night hotspot, promising an evening of pure indulgence that will leave an indelible mark, and this is truly a restaurant to dress up for. Overdressing is not possible at Canton Blue due to the extraordinary interiors and upscale vibe of The Peninsula London.
The Peninsula London: A Billion-Pound Testament to Luxury
Before even stepping into Canton Blue, I was awed and enveloped by the sheer grandeur of The Peninsula London. This magnificent hotel, representing an investment exceeding £1 billion, redefines luxury hospitality in the heart of the British capital.
Every facet of the hotel, from its strategic and unique location overlooking Hyde Park and Wellington Arch to its meticulous attention to detail, screams unparalleled extravagance.
The commitment to guest experience is evident in touches like the custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantoms that whisk guests around the city, and the inner courtyard with plantings from both Asia and Europe symbolising the union of the two cultures and continents within this luxury five star hotel.
The interiors throughout The Peninsula London are a masterclass in sophisticated design, blending classic elegance with cutting-edge technology. Each of the 190 rooms and suites, including the awe-inspiring Grand Park Suite, exudes a sense of serene luxury, making every moment within this architectural marvel utterly Instagrammable.
The hotel’s dedication to creating a truly unforgettable stay permeates every corner, from the tranquil two-floor spa with its impressive 85-foot indoor lap pool to the three roomed ladies bathroom on the ground floor.
Canton Blue: Where Culinary Mastery Meets Captivating Interiors
Canton Blue, the London flagship for the esteemed Hong Kong-based Peninsula brand, boasts its own dedicated entrance on Grosvenor Crescent, immediately setting it apart as a destination in itself.
Step inside, and you are transported to a realm where the glamorous nostalgia of Shanghai converges with the electric energy of Hong Kong, all while maintaining an air of rarefied neutrality.
The ambiance is spellbinding, acting as a lavish canvas showcasing the essence of Asia with a touch of refined British sensibility.
A Design Narrative Inspired by Maritime History
The interiors, masterfully conceived by Hong Kong-based designer Henry Leung of CAP Atelier (whose work graces other Peninsula properties worldwide), are a true highlight. The restaurant’s design draws profound inspiration from the historic 19th-century Keying junk, a legendary trade ship that navigated the routes between Europe and Asia.
This maritime narrative is woven throughout the space, creating a cohesive and captivating aesthetic. The low-lit, intimate setting, across its four distinct dining rooms and the alluring Little Blue cocktail bar, which was my favourite space within Canton Blue is a feast for the eyes.
In the main dining room, plush booths are adorned with delicate, intricately painted Cantonese porcelain plates and cups, reminiscent of the precious cargo the Keying once carried.
Above, an extraordinary backlit ceiling panel depicting a celestial navigation map casts a soft, ethereal glow, inviting diners to gaze upwards and reflect on ancient voyages. An imposing blue dual-aspect fireplace, shared with an adjacent tea lounge, adds a focal point of warmth and sophistication.
Beyond the main dining area, discover the two private dining rooms – The Silk Room and The Music Room. The Silk Room, with its bold, blue silk-draped walls, offers a particularly impactful and luxurious setting, evoking the grandeur of a Beijing opera house.
The Music Room, conversely, showcases antique Chinese instruments like the yueqin (moon lute) and guzheng, offering a more serene yet equally stunning environment. Every detail, from the tactile-luxe designs to the ambient lighting, is meticulously curated, making Canton Blue a truly Instagrammable wonderland and an interior design masterpiece.
Little Blue: The Perfect Prelude to a Glamorous Evening
Our glamorous evening at Canton Blue began at Little Blue, the restaurant’s sumptuously elegant cocktail bar. Themed after the Keying junk’s epic journey from Hong Kong to London, the director of mixology, Florian Thireau (formerly of Cheval Blanc), has crafted an exquisite and inventive cocktail list.
There are modern takes on traditional cocktails like margaritas as well as a ‘Gentleman’ whisky sour, a delightful twist on the classic with bourbon, cherry, and cinnamon, or embark on a global tasting tour with signature cocktails inspired by the four stops on the Europe-Asia trade route: Hong Kong, St Helena, New York, and London.
Little Blue’s ultra-glamorous, speakeasy-like ambiance, with its antique travel trunk paneling and alchemist-style cabinets, sets the perfect tone for the culinary adventure ahead. And there were guests there including in one dish wonders for a quick snack and cocktail, the ultimate casual night out in London.
A Culinary Symphony: Blending Cantonese Mastery with British Excellence
Under the expert guidance of Peninsula veteran Executive Chef Dicky To, formerly of The Peninsula Paris, Tokyo, and Shanghai, Canton Blue offers a culinary symphony that seamlessly blends authentic Cantonese techniques with the finest British ingredients. The extensive menu is a tapestry of culinary delights, weaving tradition with innovative fusion.
We ordered exquisitely executed dim sum – a highlight and absolute must-try. The lobster dumplings are one of the signature dishes and absolutely superb, in fact lobster features throughout the menu and in many dishes.
The menu also has delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings) that burst with flavour to perfectly steamed crab and cuttlefish dumplings and fluffy baked duck puffs.
The fried rice with lobster is incredible, and each bite is a testament to Chef To’s mastery. The super soft barbecued pork, glazed with sweet honey sauce, is another unmissable melt in the mouth starter.
For the main event, iconic dishes like Peking duck for two are elevated to new heights, expertly carved tableside for an added touch of theatre. I have eaten peking duck all over there world including many times in many Asian countries, and at Canton Blue, The Peking Duck experience was absolutely outstanding. The duck was extraordinary – juicy, crisp, rich and flavoursome.
Beyond these classics, there were many modern style fusion delights including dry-aged Highland ribeye with black bean sauce, Atlantic king prawns sautéed with XO sauce, served with salted egg yolks.
The Wok-Fried Dry-Aged Ribeye and the Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chicken, Green Chilli, and Black Bean Sauce are also highly recommended. Selecting the food was not easy as the meshy is long and choices diverse.
The diverse wine list complements the diverse menu, notably featuring a selection of Chinese rice wines available by the glass, offering a unique pairing experience.
Exceptional Service: A Seamless Part of the Indulgence
The refinement at Canton Blue extends beyond the décor and cuisine to encompass the truly exceptional service. The attentive staff, impeccably dressed with gleaming shoes, form a knowledgeable brigade ready to impart advice and enhance your dining experience.
Many dishes are expertly finished table-side, adding to the theatricality and sense of indulgence. Every nuance, from the first tantalizing bite to the last lingering sip, is a celebration of the extraordinary, making you feel truly pampered.
A Destination for Discerning Palates and Instagram-Worthy Moments
Canton Blue at The Peninsula London is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. It’s a testament to culinary excellence, seamlessly blending history, culture, and gastronomy in every exquisite dish served.
The opulent vibe and sumptuous interiors, steeped in the rich narrative of the Keying junk, provide an endlessly Instagrammable backdrop a dramatic stately vibe to an unforgettable evening.
Whether you’re seeking an intimate date night, a celebratory dinner, or simply an escape into a world of refined luxury, Canton Blue delivers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, leaving you with a taste of the extraordinary and memories to cherish.
This is where discerning palates meet visual splendor, creating a truly magnificent occasion. I cannot wait to go back. A truly memorable London nigh out.
