Poon's at Somerset House, London WC2: 'The tofu dip alone is worth booking a table for' – restaurant review | Grace Dent on restaurants

A Visit to Poon's: A London Restaurant Worth Booking For

Tucked away in the heart of London, Poon's has recently made its home within Somerset House. This Chinese restaurant, founded by Amy Poon, daughter of renowned chef Bill Poon, is a true gem that embodies elegance and refinement. As I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere - a soothing blend of wild rose tones, tasteful murals, and plush embroidery.

Amy's vision for Poon's is one of subtle sophistication, a far cry from the traditional chaotic dining experiences often associated with Chinese cuisine. The result is a menu that is refreshingly light, delicate, and, dare I say, wholesome. Each dish is carefully crafted to avoid overwhelming flavors or textures, instead opting for a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.

A standout on my visit was undoubtedly the tofu dip - rich in pungency and utterly addictive. Paired with crunchy house pickles, it formed a flavor combination that had me hooked from the first bite. The potstickers, too, were exceptional, boasting a sumptuously brown sear and well-seasoned fillings.

A highlight of my meal was the poached poussin, served perfectly skin on and bone intact, accompanied by a zesty spring onion relish to add an extra layer of flavor. Meanwhile, the claypot rice dish stole the show with its gloriously stodgy texture and generous serving size.

Of course, no visit to Poon's would be complete without indulging in one of their famous Hong Kong milk punches - my choice being a delightful fusion of lemon vodka, Lillet rosé, black tea, guava, passion fruit, and condensed milk. As I sipped this heavenly concoction, it seemed only fitting that I take a moment to recharge.

While not every dish shone with equal brilliance, even the less successful ones offered some redeeming qualities. A memorable trio of desserts, titled "Three Bites of Helen Goh," provided a delightful conclusion to my meal.

In short, Poon's at Somerset House is an unmissable experience for anyone seeking a sophisticated dining adventure in London. Amy Poon's vision has resulted in a truly special restaurant that embodies the warmth and elegance one would hope for from any high-end eatery. Don't miss out on this gem - book your table today.

Price Range: £40+ per head (à la carte), £28 (pre-theatre set menu)

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat, lunch 12 pm-4 pm, dinner 5-10:30 pm

Address: New Wing, Somerset House, Lancaster Place, London WC2
Phone: 020 7759 1888
 
omg u guys have to try poon's in london!!! 🤩 they're super fancy but not too over the top i got this amazing dish with tofu dip and it was literally addictive lol also their potstickers were insane 🤯 and dont even get me started on that claypot rice dish it was like a party in my mouth 🎉🍚

anyway its def worth booking for u wont regret it the prices r pretty reasonable too especially if u get the pre theatre menu 👍 40+ quid is like a lot of money but trust me its worth it
 
OMG, have you guys tried that new milk tea shop downtown? Like, it's literally the best thing since sliced bread 🍞️. I mean, I'm not even kidding when I say their matcha latte is so good, I had to take a nap after drinking it 😴. And don't even get me started on the crullers... they're like the perfect breakfast pastry 🥐. But, back to Poon's... have you guys been?
 
omg u gotta try poon's in london!! 😍 i went there last month and it was literally the most amazing dining experience ever! their tofu dip is to die for lol. i was a bit skeptical about going to a chinese restaurant in london but trust me, amy poon's vision is pure perfection. each dish is carefully crafted to avoid overpowering flavors and textures, its like a breath of fresh air compared to other restaurants. the poached poussin was insane btw! 🍗 and their claypot rice dish had me hooked from the first bite. i also loved their dessert trio "three bites of helen goh" it was like a party in my mouth! 😋
 
I'm tellin' ya, the service at Poon's is top-notch! I mean, we're talkin' proper attentive staff who know their stuff. It's like they've got a system down pat. The atmosphere's all cozy and intimate, you feel like you're sittin' in someone's lounge, not in a posh restaurant. And the food? Blimey, that tofu dip is still hauntin' me dreams... had to have seconds (and thirds) . They really know how to balance flavors, it's like they took all the chaos of traditional Chinese cuisine and just... tamed it down. I'd defo go back there for dinner, maybe even splurge on a milk punch or two
 
I just discovered Poon's and OMG 😍 it's seriously one of the best restaurants I've been to in ages! The atmosphere is so cozy and inviting, like stepping into a friend's home. And the food? Whoa! That tofu dip is insane 🤯 and I need to get my hands on some of those potstickers ASAP! 🤤 I'm also loving that they have these amazing milk punches - sounds like the perfect drink after dinner 😊. The prices are a bit steep, but trust me, it's worth every penny 💸. If you're in London and haven't checked out Poon's yet, what are you even doing with your life? 🤣
 
Just tried Poon's and OMG their tofu dip is like nothing I've ever tasted before 🤯! The atmosphere is so chill too, perfect for a date or a night out with friends. But what really stands out to me is how they're doing things differently from traditional Chinese restaurants - it's like they're innovating and pushing the boundaries of what we expect from the cuisine. Not every dish was a hit, but even the less impressive ones were still super tasty 🤔. And have you tried their Hong Kong milk punch? Mind blown 😍. It's definitely worth booking a table for, especially if you're looking for something new and exciting in London. 4.5/5 stars 👌
 
omg what a restaurant!!! 🤯 i'm defo going to book a table there ASAP... how much does it cost? £40+ per head is kinda steep, but if the food is as amazing as you say, its worth every penny 😍. have they got any veggie options that arent just tofu dip tho? and what's with the name "Three Bites of Helen Goh"? is she a celebrity or something 🤔. i also wanna try the hong kong milk punch... does it really sound that good? 🍹
 
🍴💁‍♀️ this restaurant is like a calm ocean compared to the chaotic buffet of food pics on instagram 😂🤯 amy poon's vision is pure magic 🔮 and who needs flavor overload when you can have delicate balance 🎨👌
 
omg u guys i just had the most incredible dining experience at poon's in somerset house 🤩👏 they literally have this amazing vibe that's like a warm hug for ur soul it's so refined and elegant but not in a stuffy way, ur know? 😊 amy poon's vision is all about balance and harmony on their menu, no overpowering flavors just subtle perfection. i had the most addictive tofu dip with crunchy pickles 🤤 and those potstickers were TO DIE FOR 🙌 i mean what can i say about a dish that's literally so beautifully done it made me cry happy tears 💕
 
just had the most amazing food experience at poon's in london 🤩 their tofu dip is LIFE.CHANGING. like i've never had anything so addictive in my life 🤯 and the atmosphere is literally the coziest thing ever - wild rose tones, plush embroidery... it feels like stepping into a different world 🌸 honestly can't wait to go back and try more of the menu 👍
 
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