D&D to convert Bishopsgate warehouse into restaurants

Located in New Street off Bishopsgate, the Old Bengal Warehouse was built in 1771 by the East India Company to store spices traded from the Far East.

The site, which is said to be the oldest remaining warehouse in the City of London, spans 10,000 sq ft across the ground floor and basement. D&D said its conversion of the area is due to be completed early next year, with the new restaurant and bar venues set to open to the public in spring 2012.

Old Bengal Warehouse​

Old Bengal Warehouse forms part of the Devonshire Square Estate, which has recently completed the redevelopment of its Western and Central Courtyards.

“This is an exceptional building with a fascinating history. It is the first of the spice warehouses to be built by the East India Company in the City,” said Des Gunewardena, chairman and CEO of D&D London.

“With the upper parts of the building now successfully developed as luxury apartments, we are very excited to be doing our bit to bring the ground floor and courtyard spaces to life. We are planning to open restaurants serving hearty meat and fish accompanied by excellent wines from our shop, places we think the founders of the East India Company would have enjoyed frequenting.”

Meat and fish focus​

One of the restaurants will be a steak / chop house, while the second will be a fish restaurant, said D&D.

Both venues, which are being designed by Conran & Partners, will also offer outdoor seating within the building’s walled courtyard.

The Wine Shop will specialise in wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy and be available for wine tastings as well as private dinners.