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A short walk from Tower Bridge, within the grand surroundings of Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, Mei Ume offers a dining experience that feels perfectly suited to its setting. Housed inside the landmark Ten Trinity Square building, the restaurant brings together Chinese and Japanese culinary traditions under one roof, pairing refined cooking with the polished service expected from one of London’s most prestigious hotel addresses.
The concept is straightforward, but the execution is anything but. Rather than blending cuisines into a single style, Mei Ume allows each tradition to retain its own identity. Sushi and sashimi sit comfortably alongside dim sum, Cantonese-inspired specialities and the restaurant’s celebrated Peking duck, creating a menu that rewards both exploration and repeat visits.
A Striking Dining Room Beneath Ten Trinity Square
Mei Ume occupies a distinctive position within one of London’s most architecturally impressive buildings. The former Port of London Authority headquarters provides a suitably grand backdrop, yet the restaurant itself feels welcoming rather than imposing.
Warm lighting, rich tones and carefully considered detailing create a sense of occasion without unnecessary formality. Booth seating offers privacy for intimate dinners, while larger tables accommodate celebrations and business gatherings with equal ease. The room feels lively during peak service but rarely noisy, maintaining an atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in and enjoy a leisurely meal.
The restaurant’s name references the plum blossom, a flower celebrated in both Chinese and Japanese culture. That shared inspiration reflects the wider concept behind Mei Ume, where two distinct culinary traditions meet while retaining their individual character.
A Menu Shaped by Two Culinary Traditions
The menu is extensive without feeling overwhelming. Japanese dishes focus on premium seafood, precise preparation and clean flavours, while the Chinese offering explores everything from dim sum and roasted meats to rich braised dishes and wok-fried specialities.
Quality ingredients are a recurring theme throughout the menu. Australian abalone, live lobster, Kagoshima wagyu and carefully sourced seafood all feature prominently, while many dishes receive subtle contemporary touches that enhance rather than distract from traditional foundations.
Although there is plenty to discover, the menu never feels as though it has been designed to impress for the sake of it. The dishes remain recognisable, approachable, and rooted in familiar culinary traditions.
From Sushi Counter to Peking Duck
Sushi, Sashimi, and Japanese Specialities
Japanese cuisine plays a significant role at Mei Ume, particularly for diners drawn to seafood. The sashimi selection includes salmon, sea bream, yellowtail and several cuts of tuna, including chu toro and o-toro, while nigiri options range from botan ebi and eel to wagyu beef.
Those looking for a broader introduction can opt for the sashimi and nigiri moriawase, while signature creations such as the A3 Wagyu Golden Oscietra Caviar Maki, Dragon Roll and Aburi Salmon Maki showcase the restaurant’s more contemporary side.
Several dishes have developed a strong following over the years, including yellowtail carpaccio with truffle ponzu dressing and beautifully presented nigiri selections that demonstrate the kitchen’s precision without unnecessary embellishment.
Chinese Signatures and Dim Sum
If one dish defines Mei Ume, it is undoubtedly the Applewood-smoked roasted Peking duck. Served with pancakes, cucumber, shredded leek, garlic and house duck sauce, it remains one of the restaurant’s signature experiences and a popular centrepiece for the table.
The dim sum selection provides another highlight. The Supreme Dim Sum Platter brings together several of the kitchen’s most popular creations, while individual options such as spicy scallop and asparagus dumplings, xiao long bao and spicy pork wontons demonstrate the attention to detail that runs throughout the menu.
Elsewhere, dishes such as Ibérico pork char siu glazed with wild honey, slow-braised Dong Po pork belly, wok-fried Angus beef fillet with black pepper sauce and Kung Pao corn-fed chicken offer satisfying alternatives to the seafood-led selections.
For those seeking something particularly memorable, the six-hour slow-cooked Australian abalone and native live lobster preparations showcase the restaurant’s more luxurious side while remaining grounded in classic techniques and flavours.
Desserts and Drinks
Desserts receive less attention than the savoury menu, yet they provide an elegant conclusion to the meal. Signature creations such as Mei Miao, featuring yuzu chocolate, banana sponge and white miso mousse, reflect the same careful presentation found throughout the restaurant.
The drinks programme is equally considered. Sake naturally plays an important role, while the wine list offers enough breadth to complement both delicate Japanese seafood dishes and richer Chinese specialities. Cocktails are refined rather than theatrical, fitting comfortably within the overall tone of the restaurant.
The Saturday Brunch Experience
While Mei Ume is often associated with evening dining, the Saturday brunch has become one of its defining experiences. Served sharing-style, the brunch centres around signature dim sum, live-carved Peking duck and desserts designed for the table, creating a more relaxed way to experience the restaurant’s cuisine.
The atmosphere differs noticeably from dinner service. Families, groups of friends and couples celebrating special occasions create a lively energy, while the quality of the food remains firmly aligned with the standards expected from the restaurant.
For many diners, it provides an ideal introduction to Mei Ume, offering a broad cross-section of the menu in a format designed for sharing and conversation.
Private Dining and Special Occasions
Mei Ume lends itself naturally to celebrations. Whether marking a birthday, hosting a business dinner or gathering friends for a special occasion, the combination of attentive service and impressive surroundings creates a memorable setting.
The restaurant’s private dining room accommodates smaller gatherings in a more secluded environment while maintaining a connection to the wider restaurant. Separated by bamboo screen panels, it offers privacy without losing the atmosphere that makes Mei Ume appealing in the first place.
Service throughout remains polished and efficient, reflecting the standards associated with Four Seasons. Staff demonstrate a strong knowledge of both the food and drinks menus and are comfortable guiding diners through the extensive selection.
Dining in One of London’s Most Historic Addresses
Part of Mei Ume’s appeal lies in its location. The restaurant benefits from all the advantages of being housed within Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge while maintaining a distinct identity of its own. Guests arrive through the grandeur of Ten Trinity Square before stepping into a dining room that feels intimate and focused.
The surrounding area only adds to the experience. Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the City all sit within easy reach, making Mei Ume a natural choice for both visitors exploring the capital and Londoners seeking a special evening out.
A Refined Asian Dining Experience in the City
Few restaurants in London balance Chinese and Japanese cuisine with the confidence shown at Mei Ume. The menu is ambitious without becoming complicated, the setting is elegant without feeling intimidating, and the service consistently supports the experience.
For diners seeking exceptional sushi, expertly prepared dim sum or one of London’s standout Peking duck experiences, Mei Ume remains one of the capital’s most compelling dining destinations. Its position within Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge only strengthens the appeal, creating a restaurant that feels every bit as impressive as its surroundings.
Location: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
