The celebrated food entrepreneur brings a taste of Chinese family cooking to one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
This September marks a significant milestone for Amy Poon, as she opens the doors to her first permanent restaurant in the New Wing of Somerset House. Set within a 60-cover space overlooking the Thames, the concept is a heartfelt homage to generations of Poon family cooking, drawing on flavours rooted in Chinese tradition and shaped by a distinctly personal touch.
Known for her successful pop-ups and retail sauces, Poon has spent years championing accessible Chinese cuisine across the UK. Her new restaurant takes that mission a step further, offering a menu inspired by the comforting dishes found in Chinese homes.
At the heart of the offering is the use of stem as a cooking method. Furthermore, the signature clay pot rice, which was first introduced to the UK by her father, Bill Poon, will feature, as well as her ‘Magic Soup,’ essential for a traditional Chinese meal. Wind-dried meats, developed by her grandfather, will also be included in both traditional and contemporary dishes.
The drinks list has been carefully considered, spotlighting cool-climate wines from biodynamic, family-run vineyards—many led by women—and cocktails infused with Chinese ingredients, such as pickled ginger and sweet-and-sour notes.
The interiors, designed in collaboration with Janet McGlennon Interiors, feature a welcoming, library-style dining room, an informal communal table, and an open kitchen filled with personal mementos, artwork, and photographs from the Poon family archives. A private dining room for up to 24 guests will also host events ranging from wine tastings to literary readings.
Speaking on the opening, Amy shared: “Since my first pop-up in 2018, I’ve been searching for a space to call home. After various false starts, I could not have hoped for a more beautiful location than Somerset House. Five decades after my parents opened the first Poon’s Restaurant in Lisle Street, I can no longer deny the calling. This is a way of welcoming people to my table, where you come if you don’t have a nice Chinese friend who will cook for you at home.”
GO: Visit poonslondon.com for more information.