Poon's at Somerset House

Daughter of Bill and Cecilia Poon, who opened the original Poon's in Soho back in 1973 and went on to win a Michelin star for the Covent Garden restaurant in 1980, Amy Poon continues her family’s legacy with her first solo restaurant in Somerset House’s historic New Wing, just off Lancaster Place by Waterloo Bridge.

Drawing on generations of family recipes and culinary heritage, Poon’s brings the comforting flavours of Chinese home cooking to the heart of Somerset House. Alongside much-loved signatures such as claypot rice, introduced to the UK by Amy’s father more than fifty years ago; ‘Magic Soup’, a nourishing, slow-cooked staple of Cantonese home cooking; and the family's treasured wind-dried meats, the menu welcomes a selection of new seasonal dishes. Look out for Steamed Pumpkin with Tofu Skins, Salted Black Beans & Garlic; White-cut Poussin with Scallion Ginger Relish and Poon’s Extraordinary Chilli Oil; and Steamed Water Egg with Hand-picked Brixham Crab.

As Amy put’s it ‘This is where you come if you don’t have a nice Chinese friend to cook for you at home’.

To pair, a thoughtfully curated wine list focuses on cool-climate wines, championing family-owned producers and celebrating biodynamic practices with pours that demonstrate the versatility of wines with Chinese dishes. Alongside this, an inventive cocktail list puts a playful spin on familiar favourites, incorporating unexpected Chinese flavours such as sweet and sour and pickled ginger. An extended tea menu, featuring selections from Hong Kong’s Plantation Teas, completes the offering.

This carefully crafted and elegant 60 seat dining room designed in collaboration with Janet McGlennon Interiors, is adorned with family photographs, books, art and heirlooms.