The chef and restaurateur behind Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Imad Alarnab, will open a new concept at Somerset House later this year.
Called Aram, the cafe, deli and restaurant comes as Somerset House, now in its 25th year as a cultural landmark, expands its food and drink offerings.
Aram is to open for breakfast and lunch and will serve Syrian produce imported for the first time since the war broke out 12 years ago. Dishes are to hail from across the country's 14 provinces.
On offer will be Syrian pastries, dips, salads and breads, with signatures such as za’atar croissants and traditional Middle Eastern coffees and chocolate.
At lunch, dishes will include hummus salata, zahrra salata, made with cauliflower, toasted nuts and herbs, and maarouk doughnuts with pistachios and dates.
Alarnab’s new location will overlook the river terrace at Somerset House. Though not open for full evening service, Aram will host late events such as supper clubs for emerging talent and refugee chefs, art exhibitions and music nights.
“I feel hopeful for Syria after many years as it starts to open again, and opening Aram reflects that hope,” Alarnab told the Standard.
“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 the launch comes as part of a significant milestone for the destination.
She added: “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 events and exhibitions.
“Aram will arrive after the spring opening of Setlist, our new riverside bar with a monthly guest edit of chefs, artists and musicians.”
In situ already at Somerset House are WatchHouse, a cafe and bar, the mostly vegan Café Petiole from acclaimed chef Rishim Sachdeva, and Spring, the high-end restaurant by chef Skye Gyngell.
King Charles last week visited Alarnab’s flagship restaurant in Kingly Court. His majesty heard from the Syrian community in London and from refugees who had travelled to build a new life in Britain.
Aram will be open seven days a week and is scheduled to launch in the autumn. Strand, WC2R 1LA. somersethouse.org.uk
