Two new restaurants, Poon's and Aram, arrive at Somerset House this autumn

Two new, distinct flavours are being added to our 25th-year celebrations with the arrival of two new restaurants, Poon’s at Somerset House and Aram.

Amy Poon will continue her family’s culinary legacy in a new space, her first permanent site, opening this autumn in the New Wing, facing Lancaster Place. Expect authentic Chinese home cooking made with local seasonal produce and fine Chinese ingredients. Welcome Amy and team.

Overlooking the river terrace, Chef Imad Alarnab’s Aram brings the rich flavours of Syria’s 14 provinces to the South Wing. Using ingredients imported from Syria for the first time since the country’s war began over a decade ago, Aram will be serving signature dishes like cauliflower salads and, in our opinion, the best hummus salata this side of Damascus. The café and deli menu, full of local classics like Zaatar croissants, Maarouk donuts and traditional Syrian coffee and mint tea, is also not to be missed.

These two new restaurants will add truly authentic flavours to the Somerset House experience. As chef Imad himself says, "In Syrian culture, we can’t make any journey without first planning the food," and we couldn't agree more.