D&D London sets out reopening strategy

Select sites in London, Manchester and Leeds will reopen on 4 July, forming the first phase in a plan to restart the group's entire portfolio by September.

All reopened restaurants will fully adhere to Government safety guidelines including the adjustment of restaurant layouts to allow for physical distancing; enhanced cleaning regimes; the installation of hand sanitising facilities; the use of electronic menus; and the implementation of contactless payment.

Staff safety will be a priority, with daily wellness checks for all employees; and PPE for front-of-house staff to wear whilst serving guests. 

“It’s been a tough few months since we had to close our restaurants back in March," says D&D London chairman and CEO Des Gunewardena.

"We’ve kept ourselves busy in lockdown with our various volunteering initiatives for the NHS. We’ve also been busy remodelling our venues to comply with the requirements of the new world we find ourselves in. We have no illusions about how challenging it’s going to be, but we are also excited about finally reopening.

"D&D’s restaurants are known not just for the food and service but also for design and atmosphere. This will not have changed when we welcome back our first customers. 

"Yes, some of the restaurants will look slightly different and service will need to comply with safety guidelines, but we will do our best to give our customers a fun and relaxed experience.

"Many of the restaurants we are opening in the first phase have outdoor terraces so we are also praying for the glorious lockdown weather we’ve enjoyed so far, to continue long into summer."

D&D currently has more than 40 restaurants worldwide, principally in London, but also with locations in Leeds, Manchester, Paris and New York.

Those sites that do not reopen during the first phase are expected to reopen during August and September.