D&D London reveals details of restaurant concepts to launch in Trinity Leeds
The company's two latest projects, which were first revealed in 2010, mark an important step for the UK operations of the firm led by Des Gunewardena and David Loewi. As well as a move away from focusing purely on sites in London; D&D London will also launch a business in Istanbul this year.
They also coincide with the launch of the Leeds development which will eventually feature a street food-inspired food market curated by Richard Johnson.
Crafthouse and Angelica
Occupying the fifth and sixth floors of the luxury shopping and lifestyle development, the two new restaurants will, D&D London says, take inspiration from their local surroundings as well as offering food of 'international quality'.
The 144-cover Crafthouse restaurant on the fifth floor of the centre will showcase British produce inspired by the history of Leeds and Yorkshire.
The restaurant will be accessed either using a separate 'scenic lift' from Boar Lane in the city or from within the main shopping area - it will also offer views across Leeds and will 'pay homage' to the city's culture through food and wine.
Meanwhile Angelica, on the floor below, will feature a terrace with panoramic city views and is designed to become a destination venue. The restaurant kitchen will be open from breakfast till late and the penthouse space will include a cocktail bar staffed by skilled mixologists.
Exact menu and design details are yet to be revealed however it is understood both restaurants will feature interiors designed by Conran & Partners.
When both projects were first announced, D&D London suggested one of the venues would be a modern French concept while the other would be a bar and grill serving predominantly British food - both were expected to feature private dining elements.
Trinity Leeds
Both rooftop restaurants will launch at the same time as the opening of Trinity Leeds - a shopping centre which is forecast to attract 23 million visitors in its first year. The development will also include an Everyman cinema and around 120 shops, stores, restaurants and cafés.
In autumn, the centre will also launch Trinity Kitchen - a street food market curated by Richard Johnson, founder of the British Street Food Awards, which will host five pop-up food traders changing on a regular basis.
D&D London, which was formed in 2006 with the buyout of Conran restaurants, now operates more than 20 restaurants in the capital including 3 South Place at the 80-bedroom South Place Hotel which launched near Liverpool Street last year.
In September 2012, the company revealed an 'encouraging' set of financial results for its London eateries with rising profits despite continued 'economic uncertainty'. The firm also operates businesses in Paris, New York and Tokyo.
