Ah Canton Blue. A jewel hidden within The Peninsula London. Its very existence whispers tales of trade and cultural exchange.
Canton Blue isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a meticulously crafted journey. A journey that transports you back to the 19th century. Picture the Keying junk a magnificent trade ship. It plied the waters between China and Britain. Carrying precious porcelain silks and spices. Canton Blue’s design mirrors this glorious past. The restaurant’s main dining room evokes the ship’s maritime passage. The low lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. You’ll notice Cantonese porcelain displays. A stunning backlit ceiling panel shows a celestial navigation map. Sailors used this very map to navigate the seas.
The restaurant doesn’t stop at the main dining room. There are private dining rooms. The Silk Room and The Music Room each offer a unique facet of Chinese culture. The Silk Room’s walls are lined with exquisite silk. Red glass lanterns illuminate the space evoking a Beijing opera house. The Music Room displays antique Chinese instruments. These include the yueqin or moon lute and the guzheng. Calligraphy-inspired artwork adds to the ambiance.
Executive Chinese Chef Dicky To’s culinary expertise is legendary. His menus are rooted in Cantonese tradition. He skillfully incorporates British cooking techniques and ingredients. The result is a unique gastronomic experience. The Roasted Peking duck is a must-try. Each duck is carefully prepared and theatrically presented tableside. Even the knives used to carve the duck are special. They were crafted by artisan blacksmith Leszek Sikon exclusively for Canton Blue. Other dishes highlight British meats and seafood. Creative vegetarian dishes are available too. Don’t miss the dim sum. It’s a testament to delicate craftsmanship and traditional flavors.
The drinks menu curated by Melody Wong is equally impressive. It showcases both Asian and European traditions. The restaurant boasts one of the UK’s largest collections of baijiu a Chinese rice spirit. A wide selection of fine wines complements the food. A special focus is on rare loose-leaf teas including the 1980s Menghai 7542 Raw Pu-erh. Traditional tea ceremonies are conducted adding to the experience.
Canton Blue at The Peninsula London is more than just dining. It’s a cultural immersion. A celebration of history and exquisite taste. A testament to the enduring relationship between China and Britain. It’s an experience that will linger long after your last bite.