If you’re looking for a brunch spot that’ll impress your date far more than a fancy Mayfair restaurant, Aram is the one. The eastern Mediterranean café is the latest venture from chef Imad Alarnab, who fled wartorn Syria a decade ago, before opening Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in Soho. At Aram you can taste the rich flavours of his homeland in everything from zaatar croissants, to olive and feta danishes. Set in the grand Somerset House, you’ll feel like you’re eating inside a stately home, with tall ceilings and huge windows flooding the room with light.
Get used to the taste of pomegranates – they’re a running theme at Aram
I typically avoid anything to do with raisins, but curiosity got the better of me and I ordered the carrot and raisin salad. Thinly shaved carrots and raisins tossed in a tangy pomegranate molasses and vinegar dressing: it was sweet, savoury, a tad bit sour, and the best thing I ate.
Get used to the taste of pomegranates – they’re a running theme at Aram. Another must-order is the zaatar croissant, stuffed with fried egg, grilled sumac tomatoes and halloumi smothered in, of course, pomegranate molasses. If you’re here on a first date, it’s the kind of dish that will almost certainly secure a second meet-up. It’s buttery and herby from the croissant, rich from the runny yolk and moreish thanks to the salty halloumi.
As a Middle Eastern girl, rose isn’t a new flavour to me, and I was particularly happy to see pistachio and rose cake on the menu. Dare I say, it might have bested any rose dish from my childhood, thanks to the powerful and fragrant floral jam tucked inside the bake. The pistachio was milder, but that’s okay – the rose totally deserved to be the star of the show.
No brunch is complete without drinks - even though Aram is booze-free. The iced tea and spiced pomegranate fizz were ok, but I’d skip the soft drinks and head straight to the hot options. Syrian coffee was served in a tiny cup – typical in the Middle East – and was potent and bitter with hints of cardamom. If that sounds a little overwhelming, then opt for the Syrian tea, which is slightly fruity with notes of cinnamon.
Aram is the kind of place to take someone if you’re looking to make a good first impression; a sublime slice of Syria hidden inside a historic London landmark.
The vibe: A charming daytime brunch cafe inside the stately surrounds of Somerset House, open daily from 8am-4pm.
The food: Eastern Mediterranean brunch, with lots of pomegranate, rose, pistachio and cardamom.
The drink: Go straight for the Syrian hot drinks. Coffee and tea just taste better with cardamom.
Time Out tip: Make a day of it and explore Somerset House. There’s loads of amazing art on offer, plus the building’s exterior is gorgeous, and decorated with sculptures of river gods and deities.