Des Gunewardena to open Olympia restaurant
Restaurateur and former D&D London co-founder Des Gunewardena is to open a new concept restaurant, bar and events space at the £1.3bn redevelopment of Olympia, W14.
The venture marks the third new restaurant from Gunewardena since he departed D&D and launched hospitality company D3 Collective.
At Olympia, D3 Collective will occupy the 30,000 sq ft, Grade II listed Pillar Hall building. It will offer a main restaurant, a “less formal” café-grill, central bar, outdoor dining and a basement speakeasy.
Restaurateur and former D&D London co-founder Des Gunewardena is to open a new concept restaurant, bar and events space at the £1.3bn redevelopment of Olympia, W14.
The venture marks the third new restaurant from Gunewardena since he departed D&D and launched hospitality company D3 Collective.
At Olympia, D3 Collective will occupy the 30,000 sq ft, Grade II listed Pillar Hall building. It will offer a main restaurant, a “less formal” café-grill, central bar, outdoor dining and a basement speakeasy.
There will also be a 600-capacity music and events space.
Opening from 2025, the 14-acre redevelopment is spearheaded by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International and co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC. The project aims to create a state-of-the-art hub for culture and entertainment.
The wider site will include two hotels, more than 30 bars and restaurants, 550,000 sq ft of new office space, an AEG-run 4,400-capacity music arena and a theatre.
Gunewardena said: “Olympia is a much-loved British institution, but many people might not have been there for a while. With these plans, that is 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.”
Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, said: “Partnering with an industry heavyweight such as Des further cements Yoo Capital’s commitment to creating a world-class destination that showcases the best of major brands, innovation, culture and food.”
Image © Heatherwick Studio and Olympia
