Somerset House to open Middle Eastern cafe this Autumn

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The Staff Canteen

a new charitable Syrian café by Imad Alarnab, has announced it will be opening in Somerset House later this year. 

Aram, the new Middle Eastern café, deli and restaurant will open at London’s Somerset House this autumn.

Following the success of his first restaurant, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Aram will offer bakes, salads, lunches, and breakfasts inspired by the flavours of Syria's fourteen provinces.

The opening is part of Somerset House's 25th-anniversary celebration as a cultural destination.

The two dining rooms will offer river views and a menu inspired by Imad's hometown, featuring dishes like hummus Salata, Zahrra Salata and Maarouk donuts.

Aram has announced it will also support charities, hosting evening events such as charity dinners, supper clubs, and cooking classes with refugee chefs.

Imad said: “I feel hopeful for Syria after many years as it starts to open again, and opening Aram reflects that hope. The name ‘Aram’ derives from a historical part of Syria, and Aram was the son of Sam, and grandson to Noah; the Aramaic period was named after him and set foundations in our Middle Eastern history.

“Through opening Aram, I hope to introduce people to Syria and its cuisine in a way they haven’t yet had the chance to see. We will have regional recipes and dishes that I would have made at home in my restaurants there before the war, but this time they will be set within the special location of London’s Somerset House as part of a new era in a new home”.

Jenny Freestone, commercial director at Somerset House, said: "We are delighted that Imad and his team will be joining our growing, new food and beverage family here at Somerset House in our 25th birthday year. Culture and cuisine are inextricably connected - and we feel that experiencing a breadth of new culinary gems from global talent is just as important as exploring our genre-defying events and exhibitions when visiting our centre of cultural innovation.

“Imad will find an inspiring culinary community here on-site, as Aram will arrive after the spring opening of Setlist, our new riverside bar with a monthly guest edit of innovative chefs, artists and musicians. 

“Aram also joins the much-loved café-bar WatchHouse, the recently opened (mostly) vegan Café Petiole from acclaimed chef Rishim Sachdeva, and the award-winning Spring restaurant, renowned for its seasonal British menu, crafted by Skye Gyngell. The addition of Aram this autumn will round off a special 25th birthday year, marking Somerset House as an exciting new destination for both culinary and cultural excellence."

Written by Abi Kinsella 

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Editor 4th March 2025

Somerset House to open Middle Eastern cafe this Autumn

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