Poon's at Somerset House: A New Era for Chinese Cuisine in London

Strategic Insights -

Poon's at Somerset House is set to become the permanent London home of the iconic Cantonese restaurant brand, founded by acclaimed chef-restaurateur Bill Poon and his wife Cecilia in 1973. The new restaurant, housed within the New Wing of Somerset House, promises to bring a fresh perspective to Chinese cuisine in the UK, with a menu that showcases dishes often unfamiliar in the West but central to Chinese home cooking. After a series of setbacks, including a pandemic-induced delay, Poon's daughter and chef, Poon, is finally bringing her family's brand back to the capital, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional flavors with modern twists.

Key Takeaways:

  • Poon's at Somerset House will seat 60 guests and offer a menu that reflects Chinese home cooking, with a focus on unfamiliar dishes in the West.
  • The restaurant is an evolution of the original Poon's restaurants, rather than a replication, and will feature a focus on cool-climate wines and female winemakers.
  • Menu highlights include signature claypot rice, "magic soup," and a wine list championing family-owned producers and biodynamic practices.
  • The space has been designed in collaboration with Janet McGlennon Interiors, featuring an open kitchen, informal communal table, and decorative objects from the family's collection.
  • Poon's at Somerset House is the culmination of Poon's search for a permanent space to call home, following several pop-ups and false starts.
  • The restaurant brand is rooted in the UK, with a history of innovation and success, including being the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star.

Statistics:

  • Poon's at Somerset House will seat 60 guests.
  • Poon's restaurants in the UK have a combined history of over 49 years.
  • The first Poon’s restaurant was opened in 1973 on Chinatown’s Lisle Street.
  • Poon's of Covent Garden was launched three years later and became the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star.
  • The Poon family's brand has a significant presence in London's food scene, with a collection of products including wind-dried meats, soy sauce, and vinegars.
  • Poon's at Somerset House will offer a cocktail list that plays on unexpected Chinese flavors.

Sources:

  • BBC Food
  • The Caterer Magazine

Note: The exact format of the references has been preserved as it appears in the original source material.