There are restaurants that simply serve food, and then there are places that create a feeling. Aram belongs to the latter.
Set within the historic walls of Somerset House, Aram is chef Imad Alarnab’s celebration of the Eastern Mediterranean, with Syria at its heart and influences stretching across Turkey, Cyprus, and Jordan. Since opening in September 2025, it has brought together food, culture, and hospitality in a space shaped by Imad’s journey from Damascus to London.
For Hygge Cottages, Aram is particularly special because its philosophy goes beyond what is on the plate. It is about warmth, connection, generosity, and creating moments that encourage people to slow down, gather around a table, and feel at home.
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The Story Behind Aram
The name Aram carries centuries of history. It references the ancient Syrian lands and the surrounding region, places shaped by trade, culture, and shared traditions over generations.
For Imad, the name holds an even more personal meaning. Aram speaks to foundations, belonging, hope, and connection. Choosing it is both an act of remembrance and a forward-looking statement, rooted in optimism as Syria continues to find its way forward after years of hardship.
That idea of belonging sits at the heart of the restaurant. Aram is deeply connected to where Imad comes from while also reflecting the life and experiences he has built in London.
From Damascus to London
Imad’s cooking draws on the flavors, memories, and traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean. Syria remains at its heart, joined by Levantine influences from countries including Turkey, Cyprus, and Jordan.
The result is food that respects tradition without being restricted by it. Familiar flavors meet modern ideas, creating dishes that feel comforting, thoughtful, and occasionally unexpected.
Breakfast and lunch are relaxed and generous, with a menu that moves effortlessly between the familiar and the playful. Think pastries and salads, wraps and grains, alongside za’atar croissants, halva brownies, labneh with poached eggs, roasted aubergine salad, curry cauliflower, and granola with date banoffee.
It is the kind of food that invites you to take your time, try something new, and enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.
Food Made for Sharing
As the day moves on, Aram continues to celebrate the social nature of Eastern Mediterranean food.
The cooking is generous and flavor-led, with dishes designed to be shared around the table. Signatures include Spanakopita Florentine, Aram Arayes, Cauliflower Shawarma, and Deep Fried Mushroom, bringing together regional flavors with a contemporary London perspective.
The drinks follow the same philosophy. Cocktails such as the Shatta Margarita take inspiration from the ingredients and flavors of the region, adding another layer to the experience.
There is something inherently comforting about food made to share. It turns a meal into a moment of connection, whether you are catching up with friends, enjoying a relaxed lunch, or simply discovering new flavors together.
A Space That Feels Welcoming
Aram’s location inside Somerset House provides an impressive backdrop, but the restaurant itself brings a sense of warmth and character.
The grandeur of the historic setting is balanced by an atmosphere centered around hospitality and community. It is a place where people can gather, talk, eat, and spend time together.
This is where Aram connects naturally with the Hygge philosophy.
Hygge is often associated with cosy spaces and beautiful surroundings, but at its heart, it is about how a place makes you feel. It is about comfort, togetherness, slowing down, and enjoying simple moments with the people around you.
Aram captures that spirit through its generous approach to food and hospitality. The emphasis on sharing, cultural exchange, and welcoming people around the table makes it feel less like somewhere you simply visit for a meal and more like somewhere you experience.
A Place for Culture and Connection
Aram’s purpose also extends beyond its daily menu.
Imad plans to use the space as a platform for charity events, to support and elevate emerging chefs, particularly those from refugee backgrounds, and to showcase Middle Eastern art, music, and cuisine.
That ambition makes Aram more than a restaurant. It becomes a meeting point for people, stories, and cultures.
There is something deeply aligned with the Hygge way of seeing travel and hospitality here. The best experiences are not always about ticking another place off a list. They are about discovering something meaningful, sharing it with others, and leaving with a memory that stays with you.
Why Hygge Cottages Recommends Aram
At Hygge Cottages, we love places that make you want to pause and be present, and Aram does exactly that.
Its story is rooted in home, heritage, and hospitality, while its food brings people together through sharing and discovery. From its Eastern Mediterranean flavors to its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to cultural exchange, Aram offers the kind of experience that feels personal rather than simply polished.
It is also a reminder that hygge can be found beyond a cosy cottage. It can be around a restaurant table, over a slow breakfast, in a conversation shared over good food, or in the feeling of discovering a culture through its flavors.
For anyone spending time in London, Aram is a beautiful addition to a day of exploring Somerset House and the city beyond. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a little more appreciation for the stories and traditions behind it.
For us at Hygge Cottages, that is what makes Aram worth recommending: it brings people together, celebrates the meaning of home, and turns a simple meal into an experience worth remembering.
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