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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Fitzrovia's 'The Newman Arms' Review

Apr 30, 2025
2 min read

Tucked away in in the heart of Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms, has reopened its doors, breathing new life into a much-loved London pub. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, this quaint pub has been newly refurbished and now features a cozy upstairs restaurant that blends old-worldly charm with some modern touches.

We visited early one evening while the atmosphere was still quiet before the after-work crowds descended. Greeted upstairs by a friendly and highly professional waiter, we were immediately made to feel at home. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and understated elegance—think warm lighting, wooden accents, linen tableware, and just the right touch of modern polish.

To start, I chose the chicken liver pâté, served with caramelised red onion and sourdough bread. The pâté was incredibly smooth and rich, its depth of flavour beautifully offset by the sweet tang of the onions. The sourdough added a satisfying crunch, rounding out a truly indulgent first course.

We also sampled the crispy lamb belly scrumpets, which arrived paired with a fresh pea salad and a zingy tartare sauce. The scrumpets were golden and crisp on the outside, with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness within. The pea salad brought a lightness to the dish, while the tartare sauce offered a sharp, creamy counterpoint – a surprisingly good pairing.

For mains, I couldn’t resist the aged beef shin & rib pie, served with Murphy’s stout gravy, creamy mash, and roasted hispi cabbage. This was truly comfort food at its best—a golden, flaky crust encasing deeply flavourful beef in a rich, velvety gravy. The creamy mash and roasted hispi cabbage were a good accompaniment, although for me I would have like to have seen some more vegetables.

My guest opted for the chicken, ham hock, and creamed leek pie, which proved equally satisfying The filling was well-seasoned, and with a perfect pastry shell. Again, the same mash and hispi cabbage completed the plate with rustic finesse. Both dishes came with extra gravy boats , making it a delight to generously pour the delicious gravy over our pies,

Unfortunately, we abstained from their very well-known stout but we did partake in a very smooth Malbec which complemented the food perfectly

Service throughout the meal was warm and attentive without being intrusive. The staff clearly take pride in their work, and their enthusiasm adds to the welcoming feel of the place. Prices are reasonable too, which is always a bonus

Whether you’re after a relaxed evening meal, a cozy date night, or simply craving some expertly crafted comfort food, The Newman Arms delivers on all fronts.

This newly reopened gem is definitely a go to spot in Fitzrovia’s dining scene—and well worth a visit.

Website: www.thenewmanarms.co.uk

Location: 23 Rathbone St, London, W1T 1NG

Written by Lorna Bryn

Photography courtesy of The Newman Arms