Des Gunewardena to launch new concept at London's Olympia

Des Gunewardena, renowned restaurateur, co-founder and former CEO of the D&D London restaurant group, is preparing to launch a new restaurant, bar and events space at the new £1.3bn redevelopment of Olympia, West London. 

Opening in 2025, the 14-acre redevelopment is spearheaded by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International and is co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC. The project will see the transformation of the landmark site, which has a history spanning 138 years, into a state-of-the-art hub of culture and entertainment. 

Gunewardena's vision

The concept will come to life in Pillar Hall – a Grade II-listed building, a status held by only 7% of listed buildings in the UK. Built in 1885 by architect Henry Edward Coe, the original designer of the famed Grand Halls, the new Pillar Hall will stay true to the original design elements while creating a spectacular new interior. 

This will be the third new restaurant from Mr Gunewardena since he left D&D and launched his own hospitality company D3 Collective. His team will reinvent the 30,000 sq ft Pillar Hall into a venue that encompasses a main restaurant, a café/grill, a central bar, outdoor dining facilities and a basement speakeasy. There will also be a 370-seated capacity/600 total capacity new music and events space that will host a range of public and private events. 

Once completed, the wider redevelopment aims for Olympia to become a global destination for events, entertainment and innovation. The site will see exhibition venues revamped with the addition of two hotels, 30+ bars and restaurants, 550,000 sq ft of new office space, a new AEG 4,400 capacity music arena and a theatre. 

Gunewardena says of his latest venture: "Olympia is a much loved British institution, but many people might not have been there for a while. With these plans, that's going to change big time. The new Olympia is going to become a globally recognised entertainment and leisure destination bang in the middle of West London, and we are excited to be a part of it."

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