As Somerset House celebrates a landmark 25 years as London’s home of cultural innovation, the riverside institution is marking the occasion in the most delicious way possible: by expanding its dining scene with three fresh, chef-led ventures that promise to shake up the capital’s culinary landscape.
This September sees the arrival of Poon’s London, the long-awaited first permanent restaurant from Amy Poon. Known for pop-ups and residencies celebrating her Chinese culinary heritage, Amy is carrying forward the legacy of her father, Bill Poon, who first introduced the UK to claypot rice. Her new Somerset House space will feature homestyle dishes like traditional “magic soup,” wind-dried meats in both classic and experimental interpretations, and a curated wine and cocktail list. It’s a move designed not only to showcase authentic Chinese flavors but also to make them more accessible to everyday London diners.
In the South Wing, Aram will open its doors in early autumn. The new café, deli and restaurant comes from Syrian chef Imad Alarnab, who won over the city with his acclaimed Imad’s Syrian Kitchen. Aram draws inspiration from all fourteen provinces of Syria, bringing dishes made with produce imported directly from the country for the first time since war broke out twelve years ago. The menu will spotlight Syrian pastries—think za’atar croissants and maarouk doughnuts—alongside wraps, salads, and vibrant breakfasts. More than just a restaurant, Aram will also serve as an evening hub for charity events, supper clubs, and a platform for refugee chefs.
Already open on the Thames-facing terrace is Setlist, which debuted in May as a hybrid food, music, and arts space with a distinct mission: to amplify female culinary talent. Each month, a different guest chef takes over the kitchen, from Opeoluwa Odutayo of The Future Plate, to pastry pioneer Terri Mercieca, to the Mexican duo behind Masafina. The rotating menus are paired with a packed programme of live music, art installations and DJ sets, making Setlist less a restaurant than a cultural happening that runs through December.
These new names join Somerset House’s already vibrant line-up of resident dining spots, including Skye Gyngell’s award-winning Spring, plant-first pioneer Café Petiole, and the much-loved WatchHouse café-bar. Together, they cement the landmark’s growing reputation not just as a centre for the arts, but as one of London’s most exciting food destinations.
Jenny Freestone, Somerset House’s Commercial Director, sees the expansion as integral to the venue’s mission:
“Food and drink play a vital role in how we connect with our audiences. These new openings deepen our commitment to making Somerset House a destination where cultural and culinary innovation go hand in hand.”
With more than 3.2 million visitors annually, Somerset House is as much a meeting point as it is a cultural hub. Its resident community includes Somerset House Studios, where artists, designers and innovators rub shoulders, and an ambassadorial board chaired by Brian Eno alongside luminaries such as Es Devlin, Imogen Heap and Wayne McGregor.
The new culinary ventures are part of a wider anniversary programme running throughout 2025. Highlights include a major courtyard takeover by Turner Prize-winner Tai Shani, the first ever exhibition exploring Wayne McGregor’s polymath practice, and the return of the iconic Summer Series of live music. The celebrations culminate on 13–14 September with Step Inside 25—a free weekend of performances, installations, and rare behind-the-scenes access to the hidden spaces of Somerset House, from the underground Deadhouse to Maker Street studios.
Twenty-five years on, Somerset House continues to prove why it remains London’s beating heart of creativity. And now, with a bold new culinary line-up, it’s also one of its most exciting places to eat.
Website: somersethouse.org.uk
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