Des Gunewardena to launch multi-faceted hospitality venture at Olympia redevelopment

Occupying a 30,000sq ft space within the Grade II listed Pillar Hall, the new hospitality venue will feature a main restaurant alongside a ‘less formal’ café and grill, a central bar, outdoor dining, and a basement speakeasy.

There will also be a 600-capacity space that will cater for a wide range of events, both private and public.

Set to open in the summer of 2025, Olympia will have 135,000 sq ft of dedicated F&B space that will include around 14 new restaurants and bars totalling around 4,000 covers.

“Olympia is a much-loved British institution, but many people might not have been there for a while,” says Gunewardena.

“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.”

It is the third opening announced by Gunewardena since departing multi-site restaurant group D&D London at the end of 2022​​ and launching his new hospitality company, D3 Collective.

This month will see him return to the capital’s restaurant scene with the launch of his new flagship venture at The Royal Exchange in The City of London​​, which will occupy the mezzanine level of the historic building and encapsulate two hospitality concepts: Engel, a cocktail bar and performance space inspired by 1920s Berlin; and Jang, a restaurant combining modern interpretations of Korean and Japanese cuisine.

This will be followed later in the year by a restaurant in Canary Wharf​​​​ that will take over the site previously occupied by French-style D&D London restaurant Plateau.

“We are delighted to welcome Des whose restaurants have thrilled Londoners and visitors for over a generation and a half,” says Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, which is spearheading the redevelopment of Olympia alongside Deutsche Finance International.

“Partnering with an industry heavyweight such as Des, further cements Yoo Capital’s commitment of creating a world class destination that showcases the best of major brands, innovation, culture and food.”

Back in April it was reported that Incipio Group will be taking 39,000sq ft of F&B space at the redevelopment​​, which it will use to launch several distinct concepts ranging from ‘casual grab-and-go offers to premium dining and drinking experiences’.