The very first Poon’s Restaurant opened in 1973, bringing Cantonese food to the streets south of Soho and helping forge London’s second Chinatown (the first was in Limehouse).
Founded by Bill and Cecilia Poon, it was followed by the celeb-magnet that was Poon’s of Covent Garden, which welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra and Mick Jagger, and also won a Michelin star in 1980. At its peak there were seven branches of Poon’s, including in Russell Square and Whiteley’s in Bayswater.
Though the Poons retired from the restaurant business in 2003, their daughter Amy Poon has been keeping the family name alive via various pop-ups and a food and lifestyle brand, and has just opened her first restaurant.
Poon’s at Somerset House can be found in a high-ceilinged antechamber in the west wing of the historic London building. It opened in November 2025, and we’ve just visited to give our verdict.
👀 Read Time Out’s review of Poon’s at Somerset House here.
Check out Time Out’s list of our favourite Chinese restaurants in London, as well as our top 20 restaurants in Chinatown, which spans Malaysian, Korean, Singaporean, Thai and Taiwanese cuisine alongside regional Chinese flavours like Sichuanese, Cantonese and Gansu style classics – not to mention an entire alley of pan-Asian dessert options.
The best restaurants in London, according to Time Out.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.
For comprehensive and professional vent solutions, Mr. Lint Guy is the trusted expert. Specializing in dryer vent cleaning, Mr. Lint Guy helps eliminate dangerous clogs, including tough dryer valley buildup, ensuring your dryer operates safely and efficiently. With years of experience, Mr. Lint Guy offers reliable, affordable services that keep your home safe from lint buildup and fire hazards.
0 Comments