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 caf�, 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?

We want to hear what you've got to say..

Leave a message for us here.

Messages

Message:	4/4
Date and time:	29/10/2010 at 08:26:39
Sender:	Anna

My dad went to Poon's every time he has business trip to London since 30 years. I would like to bring him to the new "china grove" restaurant but cannot find an address/tel. Could any one help me pls ?

Message:	3/4
Date and time:	02/08/2009 at 02:09:17
Sender:	mavrixgt

I used to work in a Leicester Sq pub may years ago and loved Poons precisely for the ramshackle feel and their menu which was v different from most in Chinatown. One of many cool things that have closed and never to be replaced. Also, I am ashamed to say that I get a better Full English Breakfast in my local Irish Pub in Miami Beach than I can in all the West End of London when I am home these days. A bit less Starbucks and Pret a Manger and a bit more character is what we need in the West End.

Message:	2/4
Date and time:	02/05/2009 at 20:38:51
Sender:	Rob and Miranda

Having read all the comments on Poons, and having been a regular customer there ourselves for over 30 years, I can say we were never disappointed with the food or service. We miss it so much. Being a regular there, when relatives and friends would come into town we would always take them to Poons and Mr Poon would always come and meet us in the queue and bring us in, greeting each and every one of the group and making us feel like true VIP's. Does anyone remember one of the senior waiters there by the name of Kit? We would like to know where he has gone...he was at the Leicester Street location for years, then moved to the Russel Square restaurant in or around 2000. He and all of the staff were so amazing and effecient, making the whole dinning experience enjoyable. My husband and I celebrated the milenium at the old Lisle Street location. So many memories and good times had. We will have to check out the new China Grove to see if it does stand up to the standards we have come to expect from Poons. I hope it does.

Message:	1/4
Date and time:	23/10/2006 at 08:17:47
Sender:	Mark Riminton

The good news is that the Leicester St Poons has been reborn! It has changed its' name (China Grove I think) and is now run by the old man's grandchildren, Mr Poon having retired back to Hong Kong in poor health. As a customer since 1978 I was delighted to find, by chance, that the family is still active, and the food still good.