Getting out of the tube station at North Greenwich I never could have imagined the fine dining eating experience which awaited us just minutes walk away. The Intercontinental Hotel at The O2 is a convenient hotel for those watching a show or performing at the giant O2 arena. With such a range of concerts, gigs, exhibitions and sports matches it is different to offer food which would appeal and suit everyone. Those who wish to enjoy a special meal should head to the Peninsula Restaurant, which serves exemplary food and boasts panoramic views of the London skyline.
The dining room is smart and sophisticated with plenty of natural light flooding in from the floor to ceiling windows. We demolished the wonderful freshly baked bread and chicken skin & tarragon butter almost instantly after the waiter placed it down on the table. There is nothing better than sitting down to eat in a great restaurant feeling very hungry.
Head chef Tomas Lidakevicius (previously in Texture and Corrigan’s Mayfair) presents modern European recipes deftly infused with a hint of spices which is reflective of the active spice trade that passed through East London’s docks. Each dish was carefully assembled in beautifully unique bowls and plates. Seared scallop with Alsace bacon dashi, apple and sea greens was a light dish with big bold flavours. I loved my Potato and Dill Veloute, the kitchen managed to elevate simple basic ingredients with clever cooking techniques and the addition of truffle air and a rich cured egg yolk.
Matching wines were brought to the table to try with each dish. The sommelier’s choices were exemplary, including a aromatic Pouilly Fume from the Loire Vallet and a irresistably refreshing glass of Chateau de Beaulieu, Coteaux de Provence rose, which had me dreaming of summer.
Main courses were slightly more substantial, but still went easy on the carbs to avoid unneccesary bloating. Slow cooked duck breast with spiced crumbs, swede pasta and savoy cabbage was a lovely seasonal dish… though I didn’t think the strange swede pasta added much in flavour or presentation to the dish. I had a regal fillet of beef with smoky black garlic, Jerusalem artichoke and tenderstem broccoli. The meat was cooked to perfection, though I thought the sauce was a little too thin.
There was a range of intriguing sounding desserts on offer when we visited Peninsula. I urge you to try the Bread and butter pudding with white chocolate. This classic and comforting pudding is made with a twist, and is served with delicious stewed fruits and creamy custard. The Dark chocolate parfait was nice but unexceptional, a light cocoa flavoured mousse with citrus yoghurt, burnt clementine and douglas fir soil.
We admired the beautiful view over London as we finished our lunch with coffees and creative petit fours.
If you ever find yourself in North Greenwich I highly recommend a meal at Peninsula, it is so much more than just a hotel restaurant.
More information and book a table here.
