The Lobby at The Peninsula London

The Lobby is the heart of The Peninsula London. The refined restaurant serves all-day global cuisine and The Peninsula Afternoon Tea – a signature tradition at Peninsula properties around the world.

Occupying a sweeping high-ceilinged space on the hotel’s ground floor, The Lobby provides a special dining experience. From the moment guests are greeted by the restaurant’s host, diners are treated to impeccable service and culinary excellence.

Since the opening of the flagship, The Peninsula Hong Kong, in 1928, The Lobby has remained a favourite gathering place for international guests and local residents within each hotel. Exuding grandeur with soaring ceilings, chandeliers and bespoke artwork depicting scenes of London landmarks, the exquisite design welcomes all, from families and friends to corporate executives seeking a quick respite.

Magnificent Surrounds 

 
As with each hotel, every entrance is guarded by its own pair hand carved guardian lions to protect the building and the people inside it. The Lobby's striking interior design, created by celebrated architect and designer of interiors Peter Marino, creates an awe-inspiring yet inviting atmosphere. The space draws inspiration from Apsley House, once home to the Duke of Wellington; it features triple-height ceilings supported by towering Portuguese stone pillars, a geometric-patterned marble floor, and chandeliers and standing lamps of hand-blown crystal. 

The meticulous craftsmanship, including the coffered ceiling created by artisans from Atelier de France. Hand-painted murals – a collaboration between De Gournay and Peter Marino – depict the lush landscape of the Royal Parks, offering glimpses of recognisable landmarks such as Kensington Palace, The Albert Memorial, and The Serpentine.

The elevated music gallery, a distinct characteristic in many Peninsula hotels, offers guests and visitors an enriched dining experience with live performances held throughout the day and evening.

A Timeless Tradition: Afternoon Tea

While The Peninsula Afternoon Tea is a cherished tradition for both hotel guests and local residents at every Peninsula property, it was originally inspired by British tea culture. At The Peninsula London, therefore, the hotel’s skilled team of chefs, pâtissiers, and chocolatiers ensure a particularly special experience as it returns to its original birthplace. 

Highlighting the finest British ingredients, the Afternoon Tea menu offers an abundance of delicious light dishes. Delicate, savoury bites include Lobster Thermidor tart with lime and smoked salmon rillette with horseradish along with finger sandwiches of Coronation Chicken and roasted tomato with rocket and harissa. 

A line-up of exquisite, sweet offerings, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Alexis Lee and her team, is also available. Choices include Bramley apple cake garnished with a light sake ganache; fig cheesecake paired with hibiscus jelly and topped with citrus caviar; along with warm scones, fresh from the oven, served with Dorset clotted cream, house made strawberry and mint jam, and orange marmalade.

Guests embracing a plant-based diet are catered to with Naturally Peninsula, a selection of dishes prepared with natural, carefully sourced seasonal produce, nutritious oils, and non-refined sugars. Offered for Afternoon Tea as well as all-day dining, the Naturally Peninsula menu embraces an ethos of sustainability, with meat-free and naturally produced ingredients and low-impact cooking techniques.

Integral to the Peninsula Afternoon Tea experience is the enjoyment of premium teas, from Da Hong Pao Oolong to The Peninsula’s own tea, Flower Bouquet. Those who are celebrating can opt for Deutz Champagne, English Sparkling Wine in partnership with Coates and Seely or Saicho Darjeeling Sparkling Tea. Two special cuvées – a Brut Reserve NV and a Rosé NV – have been exclusively selected for The Peninsula Hotels.

An All-Day Dining Haven

 Throughout the day, The Lobby serves à la carte offerings that showcase the best of British cuisine, as well as exceptional, fresh-made Continental and Asian dishes.

From 6:30am to 11am, the restaurant’s breakfast menu is served, featuring local favourites like a full English Breakfast; Naturally Peninsula options such as smoothie bowls with fresh fruit; and a traditional Cantonese Breakfast of congee and steamed dumplings – such as steamed-prawn har gow – and Chinese tea.

Between 11am and 11pm, a selection of starters, salads, sandwiches, and grilled dishes are available. Menu highlights include dry-aged sirloin steak with leafy greens and potatoes; Guinness risotto; fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce; and chicken tikka with cucumber, lime and basmati rice.