Poons past
As a long-time devotee of China Town one of my favourite restaurants was Poon's in Lisle Street. What made this restaurant noteworthy was that it was the last remaining Chinese café, a vestige of a more rough and ready approach to Chinese cuisine. It was on three floors and the seating was a mishmash of cheap folding metallic chairs and Formica tables. The interior was a Spartan off-white with minimal decoration. Their speciality was wind-dried meats. This consisted of a mixed platter of different types of salted duck, bacon and sausages on a bed of rice with all the meat hanging from hooks at the front of the restaurant. I would always have this with a bowl of spiced noodle soup and the waitress always asking me, "If I wanted the usual". Poon's became a Japanese noodle bar with little structural change but minus the old somewhat ramshackle ambience.
Poons update
London-RIP reader Nick Jarmany has more information about Poons: "I noticed your article regarding the old (original) Poon's in Lisle St, as you say now sadly no more. What you may not know is that in fact the original Mr Poon moved from there some years ago to run the Poon's around the corner in Leicester Street. The old Poon's was still run by his wife (or sister?). I too was an avid fan of the original Poon's and well remember it as you describe - I started going there around 30 years ago. My parents used to take my brother and I there whenever there was a special occasion - it was the only place you could get good quality food at cheap prices. As you say, the atmosphere was excellent and always friendly. Unfortunatley it seemed to lose some of its charm when they were forced to make changes to meet new fire regulations many years ago.
Over the last 20 years I have frequented the Poon's in Leicester Street. Occasionally I have tried Chinese elsewhere, but have always been either dissappointed by the taste and/or the price and have always gone back to Poon's. It has become an institution with my family. My wife is Italian and therefore very particular about her food, but is a total Poon's addict - it is the only place she really enjoys eating at. She rates it as the most enjoyable place to eat out that she knows - including Italy! Clearly many people feel the same way, as there are always regulars who clearly have a similar regard for Poon's and are loyal customers. Everyone knows the familiar smiling face of Mr Poon who proudly welcomes them into his restaurant. Unfortunately last year Mr Poon, who is now getting on a bit, had a very bad accident in the kitchen and was badly burnt. He was in hospital and off work for quite a while. Because of this the family decided to close the original Poon's in Lisle Street and his wife moved to Leicester Street to help out.
RIP Poons Leicester Street?
The reason for this email is that disaster has struck. It seems that the Poon's in Leicester Street has suddenly closed!! My mother rang me and told me today, as she had tried to go there for lunch. This must be quite recent, possibly since Chinese New Year. I must admit to being totally shocked by this news - I almost can't believe it. Actually, it is more than that - it is genuinely very upsetting. The "Poon's experience" has been a major part of London's China Town (and my life) for so many years. Why have they closed? Is it permanent? How can we survive without a Poon's to go to?!!!! Can we change someone's mind? I plan to do the best I can to try and find out what has really happened. I don't know how, but I feel as if I have to try. I imagine others will probably be thinking the same way. How to contact them? Do the Poon family realise how their loyal customers will miss them? If they are really retiring, how can we give them our thoughts and best wishes?
Sic transit gloria gastronomiae
John Howell writes: "This was a rendezvous almost from day one for me and my pals, so the choice of venue for my 50th seemed simple. 'But when he got there....!!' Thank you Poons for such great place to hang out and to eat over all these years. Sic transit gloria gastronomiae - I and my pals (a discerning lot except for Harry, who will eat anything) will miss you. Meanwhile does anyone have any suggestions as to where else to go?
