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
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