It’s another new opening as part of Somerset House’s 25th anniversary year
Imad Alarnab is opening a Syrian cafe, deli and restaurant at Somerset House this autumn but before then, the venue is getting more newness in the shape of bar, arts and music space Setlist. Opening on the riverside terrace this spring, Setlist is the brainchild of a top hospo and arts team, including Thomas Kidd (Bar Elba and Luna Springs); James Dye (co-owner of Frank’s, Bambi and Knave of Clubs); Paul Smyth (one half Something & Son and co-founder of Mission Kitchen and Makerversity); and Clement Ogbonnaya (founder of the Prince of Peckham and Queen of the South pubs).
As well as hosting regular pop-ups and a BBQ series, Setlist will champion four of London’s most exciting female chefs, who’ll each be doing their own menus. Opeoluwa Odutayo, one of the core chefs of The Future Plate (Somerset House residents who are showcasing African and Caribbean cuisine), will be doing dishes inspired by her time growing in Nigeria, such as plantain fritters with parmesan aioli; jerk chicken skewers with scotch bonnet mango chutney; and African-spiced goat croquettes. The Future Plate will also be previewing their new West African Wahala burger concept My Chale, offering Beef Wahala (aged beef patty, kaanne sauce, yassa onion, slow cooked beef brisket and suya mayo) and Chicken Wahala (suya buttermilk chicken, scotch bonnet chimichurri, bell pepper relish, caramelised onion and curry mayo) burgers.
Cook and author Sophie Wyburd is teaming up with Wildfarmed to do pizzettes topped with sausage, potato, caramelised onion and taleggio; and smoked aubergine, mozzarella, fermented chilli & tomato sauce and hot honey, alongside smoked cheese beignets and slow-roast tomatoes with walnut cream and tarragon gremolata.
Andrea Montes Renaud and Laura Copp, aka Masafina, will be showcasing their heirloom corn and Sonoron-style wheat tortillas with dishes like baja fish taco with Mexican chilli & lime slaw, burnt garlic and habanero mayo; mushroom tostada with salsa macha chilli oil, sun dried tomatoes, guac and parmesan; and Mexico City nachos topped with salsa verde, salsa roja, melted cheese and pulled chicken.
Happy Endings founder Terri Mercieca will be providing the puds, with a rotating selection of soft serve ice cream and sorbets, plus collab ice cream sundaes with the other chefs. The bar will be shaking up summer cocktails like frozen mango, hibiscus, and blood orange margs; spritzes; rum punch; and Pimm’s, plus local beers, wines and the biggest non-alcoholic menu in the city.
As if views of the river and the backdrop of Somerset House weren’t enough, Setlist will feature a 50m-long covered pavilion that’ll act as a canvas for an annual artwork commission. The inaugural piece will be an painted installation by Brixton-based artist Farouk Agoro. The venue will also host other artworks and games throughout year, beginning with an interactive basketball-inspired installation by Somerset House Studios resident Gray Wielebinski.
And Clement Ogbonnaya will be ensuring the vibes remain immaculate with a programme of live music, DJs and events – the likes of Vibe Village, Cultur FM, Dankie Sounds, Cloud X, Skyler Myler, Mark Ashley, Donny Sunshine and Mercedes Benson will all be passing through.
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Key Information
Opening date | Thurs 8th May 2025
Address | River Terrace South Side, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA
For more information | setlistlondon.com