The Peninsula Boutique and Café opened its doors in Shanghai Xintiandi on September 6, marking its first flagship in the Chinese mainland. The immersive lifestyle destination combines exquisite retail and dining experiences, nestled within the captivating architectural backdrop of historic shikumen buildings, the alluring setting echoes the rich cultural heritage and gracious hospitality of The Peninsula.
The Peninsula Boutique and Café draws inspiration from its Hong Kong origins that embodies the luxury hotel retail concept, offering exceptional retail and informal dining experiences. The space is meticulously designed to craft and curate an exquisite selection of delicacies and specialty gifts to cater to the diverse tastes of the customers.
Beyond its expansive collection of chocolates, Chinese and Western teas, sauces, and pastries, the boutique presents a range of delicacies that add an extra touch of elegance to the festivities. During holiday seasons including Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, the boutique upholds The Peninsula’s long-standing tradition of offering classic delights such as Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes, Chinese New Year’s Puddings, and other innovative flavors and customized gift sets that cater to guests' festive desires.
Mr. Guy Riddell, General Manager Peninsula Merchandising Limited said, "We are delighted to invite customers to experience this elegant and refined lifestyle destination. By weaving together an elegant boutique and cafe concept with carefully selected gifts for customers to extend their experience of The Peninsula's gracious hospitality, satisfying their pursuit of sophistication, elegant gifting, and exquisite indulgence, whether for everyday or festive occasions."
The Xintiandi flagship boutique is a mix of classic and minimal aesthetics that emphasizes approachable luxury through employing elegant lines and fine craftsmanship to highlight the luxurious comfort of The Peninsula. The vivid, dynamic contemporary murals by artist Ido Garini have been introduced to contemporize the overall experience. The harmonious blend of the iconic Peninsula Green with champagne chromes lends an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, catering to both social and business gatherings that require a sophisticated touch.
The Café: Indulge in Luxurious Moment
As The Peninsula’s first standalone retail and café concept in China, the flagship introduces al fresco seating alongside an expanded selection of takeaway dining options to complement its existing offerings. These new delicacies are specially crafted for this new destination and include the signature oolong tea soft serve that draw inspiration from the boutique’s renowned selection of fine teas, a chocolate version is also available. In addition to these sensory delights, guests can also take away light pastries and specialty coffees.
The menu is a collaboration between The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe’s Chef Baptiste Villefranque and the expert local pastry team, blending flavors from east and west. Guests can savour The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe’s contemporary afternoon tea and signature scones complemented by handcrafted coffee or fine teas, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
The café’s menu changes from light bites, sandwiches and mouth-watering dessert creations in the morning and afternoon to sharing plates featuring Croque-Shanghai sandwiches, lobster rolls, caviar, and cheese platters in the evening.
The flagship has also enlisted mixologists from establishments featured among "Asia's 50 Best Bars" to craft bespoke cocktails due to launch later this month.
Amidst the bustling Xintiandi district, the café promises indulgent moments of luxury, whether on a busy workday or leisurely weekend.
The Boutique: Celebrations of Exquisite Living
The first-floor boutique hosts an array of gifts, encompassing chocolates, fine teas, delectable confections, and The Peninsula’s renowned XO Chilli Sauce.
Luscious chocolates with distinctive flavors pair impeccably with Pu-er, rose black tea, and lychee red tea, making them excellent selections for gifting. A dedicated corner within the boutique curated for the connoisseurs features The Peninsula's signature tea selections. Here, customers can partake in the art of tea tasting, guided by the in-house tea ambassadors.
Classic treats also find their place at the boutique, including palmiers, egg rolls, and almond thins, serving as mid-afternoon delights to awaken the palate and evoke culinary pleasure.
The Peninsula XO Chilli Sauce, first introduced in 1986, has earned considerable acclaim. Crafted from carefully chosen ingredients like dried scallops, shallots, garlic, chili, dried shrimp, and shrimp roe, the sauce offers a layered flavour profile through its secret recipe. Michelin Star Chef Tang Chi Keung, the celebrated mastermind behind The Peninsula Hotels’ Chinese culinary endeavours, has injected innovative concepts into the seasonal delights, leading the team to present a blend of tradition and innovation. During festive seasons, Chef Tang's team thoughtfully curates exclusive gift boxes, offering customers refined choices for gifting or personal indulgence.
To commemorate the opening, The Peninsula Boutique and Café has launched the “Savour the Indulgence" campaign. Visitors can participate through a WeChat Mini-Program, where they can personalize exclusive gift cards to share with friends and enjoy limited-edition offerings, including The Peninsula soft serve and fine tea gift sets.
For more information, please visit The Peninsula Boutique & Café, Unit 01, No. 16 Xintiandi North Li, Shanghai or enquire by phone at 021 6368 6226; opening hours: 10am-11pm.
[All images courtesy of The Peninsula]
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