The story
Poon’s brings a distinctly Chinese home cooking style to the heart of London, guided by Amy Poon and her family’s multi-generational restaurant heritage. The kitchen treats every meal as a shared ritual rather than a solitary service. Meals shift with the seasons and the company at the table, prioritising balance and harmony over rigid menus. This approach recently earned the venue a Readers Recommend status from The Good Food Guide, recognising how the family has successfully revived their culinary lineage in Somerset House.
Diners navigate the menu through small eats and generous mains designed for a Chinese table. A standout starter features hand-chopped prawn pâté served on lardo and deep-fried in sesame seeds, a recipe Amy insists is non-negotiable. Savoury notes emerge from pan-fried wind-dried pork sausage and freshly made wontons filled with pork, prawn, chicken, or vegetables. Every plate arrives ready to be passed around, reinforcing the belief that a proper meal requires no individual portions.
Service unfolds across two main interiors that encourage lingering conversation. The dining room centres around a polished kitchen counter where guests watch preparations, while the adjacent library room offers banquette seating and a large communal club table. Walk-ins frequently gather on the outdoor summer terrace for light bites and wine by the glass. Critics have noted the space feels both glamorous and deeply familiar, perfectly complementing this refined Chinese cooking.
Recognition
Location
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