01/04/26

Review: Korean BBQ and Bold Flavours Take Centre Stage at SOOM

SOOM, the latest restaurant from the team behind 3KOBROS in Canary Wharf, offers a refined take on Korean BBQ with a menu that focuses on quality ingredients, balanced flavours and the sociable ritual of cooking at the table.

The meal began with a thoughtful gesture from the kitchen, a small serving of pumpkin soup sent out as a welcome from the chef. Light, warming and gently sweet, it was a comforting way to open the appetite before the starters arrived.

Among the first dishes to land on the table was Yukjeon, a Korean beef pancake made from lightly battered, pan fried slices of beef. The texture was delicate and crisp around the edges while remaining tender inside. Paired with a bright sweet and spicy shredded spring onion salad, the dish delivered a pleasing contrast between richness and freshness.

Another standout starter was the Ojingeo Dari Twigim, a generous portion of crispy squid tentacles deep fried until golden and served with fried basil. The light soy dipping sauce added just enough saltiness without overpowering the natural sweetness of the seafood.

From the chef’s specials, the Yukhoe offered a beautifully balanced take on beef tartare. Freshly hand cut beef was finely seasoned and topped with Korean pear, egg yolk and a subtle drizzle of sesame oil. The pear added a delicate sweetness that lifted the dish, while the egg yolk brought a silky richness.

The highlight of the meal came with the assorted beef BBQ platter, featuring premium ribeye, fillet and boneless short rib. Served alongside seasoned spring onion salad, crisp lettuce and three varieties of Korean pickles, the platter encouraged diners to build their own bites. Each cut cooked quickly on the grill, revealing tender meat with deep flavour, enhanced by a trio of Korean sauces that ranged from savoury to gently spicy.

To accompany the meal, the Dal Hang-ari cocktail offered a playful twist on traditional flavours, combining chestnut makgeolli with cream for a smooth, slightly nutty drink. With its focus firmly on quality meats, balanced starters and thoughtful flavour pairings, SOOM delivers a satisfying Korean BBQ experience where the food remains the clear highlight.

Address: 99 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AZ

For more info. and to book, click here. https://soomkorean.com

Written by Enytha Peer

Photography courtesy of SOOM

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Affordable Art Fair Hampstead is back on 7th - 11th May

Apr 29, 2025
2 min read

This May, the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead is back and bigger than ever, bringing a fresh wave of creativity to one of London’s most iconic green spaces. From 7–11 May 2025, over 100 leading galleries from around the world will showcase thousands of contemporary artworks—all priced under £10,000—with something to suit every budget, including curated picks under £500 for new collectors. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just looking for a unique day out, it’s the perfect excuse to hit the Heath.

There’s a packed programme in store this year

As you enter the fair, you’ll be greeted by The Willow Tree—a stunning geometric sculpture suspended in the main atrium by Brighton-based artist Claire Knill, designed to inspire calm and reflection. Abstract works by Camil Giralt, this year’s campaign artist, will take centre stage with his vivid, meditative compositions. The fair also puts the spotlight on wellbeing, with mindful painting classes overlooking the Heath, a local school art competition, and a specially curated display exploring the healing power of art, perfectly timed ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Looking for something a little different? Swing by one of the Summer Lates, where DJs, creative workshops, and complimentary drinks bring a fun, festival-style vibe to the fair. Or come along with the kids for Family Morning on Saturday and Sunday—packed with free workshops, face-painting, and plenty to keep little hands busy. And don’t forget to soak up the views with a drink at The Treetop Terrace, Hampstead Heath’s only rooftop bar.

Whether you’re hunting for the next piece for your wall or just want a relaxed day surrounded by creativity, Affordable Art Fair Hampstead is your go-to cultural hit this spring.

Affordable Art Fair Hampstead runs 7th-11th May

Book tickets, click here.

Written by Claire Selby

Photos courtesey of Affordable Art Fair