Gunewardena reveals first look at 30,000 sq ft Olympia site

Des Gunewardena, founder of D3 Collective and co-founder and former CEO of D&D London, has revealed the first-look images of Pillar Hall, a 30,000 sq ft restaurant, speakeasy, events and live music destination at London's Olympia.

When it opens on 30 March 2026, Pillar Hall will become the first hospitality opening within Olympia’s £1.3bn regeneration.

Idalia is 300-cover all-day restaurant and bar

Set within a grade II-listed hall, the building was originally designed in 1886 by architect Henry Edward Coe, also behind Olympia’s iconic Grand Hall. It was purpose built for exhibitions, concerts, balls and circus performances. Now, 140 years later, it has been reimagined as a new destination for dining, music and events.

Once inside, Pillar Hall will bring together three concepts. Idalia is 300-cover all-day restaurant and bar, opening 30 March; Pepperbird is a speakeasy-style bar inspired by Olympia’s musical heritage, opening 2 April; and Upstairs at Pillar Hall is 500+ capacity event and live music venue opening, June 2026.

Martinis at Pepperbird, a speakeasy-style bar

"Olympia has always been part of London’s cultural life - from exhibitions, film and fashion to music and performance - and Pillar Hall sits at the very heart of that history," says Gunewardena. "I’ve been involved with this project from the start, so it is incredibly exciting to be able to start welcoming guests in just a few weeks.

"Yoo Capital and DFI’s redevelopment marks a significant new chapter for a much-loved British institution, and we are very proud that Pillar Hall will be the first hospitality venue to open as part of it. We’re restoring the spirit of this extraordinary building for a new generation - creating a place where people can eat, drink, connect and be part of something remarkable and new."

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