The celebrated Michelin-starred family restaurant Poon's, a cornerstone of London's Chinatown dining scene, has made a triumphant return after an absence of more than two decades. This iconic establishment, which first opened its doors in the capital in 1973, has now launched a new venture within the historic Somerset House, sparking considerable excitement among food enthusiasts and long-time patrons alike.
A Storied Culinary Legacy Reborn
Originally founded by Bill and Cecilia Poon, Poon's Restaurant played a pivotal role in introducing authentic Cantonese cuisine to the streets south of Soho, effectively helping to establish London's second Chinatown. The restaurant's original location was followed by the immensely popular Poon's of Covent Garden, which became a magnet for celebrities, attracting illustrious figures such as Frank Sinatra and Mick Jagger. Its culinary excellence was formally recognised in 1980 when it was awarded a prestigious Michelin star.
At the height of its popularity, the Poon's brand expanded to include seven branches across London, with notable locations in Russell Square and Whiteley's in Bayswater. Although the founding Poons retired from the restaurant business in 2003, their daughter Amy Poon has diligently maintained the family's culinary heritage through various pop-up events and a dedicated food and lifestyle brand.
The New Somerset House Location
The newly opened Poon's at Somerset House occupies a striking, high-ceilinged antechamber in the west wing of this historic London building. Having opened its doors in November 2025, this revival represents Amy Poon's first permanent restaurant venture, marking a significant milestone in the family's ongoing culinary journey.
The restaurant's return has naturally prompted questions about whether it can recapture the magic that made the original establishments so beloved. Early visitors and critics have been keen to assess whether the new iteration maintains the same standards of excellence that earned the brand its Michelin star and celebrity following during its heyday.
London's Evolving Chinese Dining Scene
Poon's revival comes at a time when London's Chinese restaurant scene continues to flourish and diversify. The city's Chinatown now offers an impressive array of culinary experiences, featuring not only regional Chinese specialities from Sichuan, Canton, and Gansu, but also Malaysian, Korean, Singaporean, Thai, and Taiwanese cuisines. The area has even developed dedicated alleys specialising in pan-Asian dessert options, reflecting the growing sophistication and variety of Asian dining in the capital.
The return of such an established name as Poon's adds another layer to London's rich culinary tapestry, offering both nostalgia for long-time residents and an exciting new discovery for visitors and younger generations of food lovers. As London's dining landscape continues to evolve, the reappearance of this Michelin-starred institution serves as a reminder of the city's enduring appetite for quality, tradition, and innovation in its restaurant offerings.
