Des Gunewardena plots second London restaurant
The new venture will be a 9,500sq ft venue of comprising indoor restaurants and bars with private dining spaces, alongside outdoor terraces with views overlooking Canada Square Park.
It is due to open in the fourth quarter of this year.
It will be the second new restaurant from the co-founder and former CEO of restaurant group D&D London since his departure from the business, after the announcement of a new flagship restaurant, bar and event space at The Royal Exchange made in December last year.
“Canary Wharf is growing and it’s changing. No longer just about work, it is increasingly a part of London people are choosing to live, and to visit for its shops, restaurants, art and culture,” says Gunewardena.
“This is why a number of leading restaurateurs have chosen to open here post-Covid – and why I am very excited about becoming part of the Canary Wharf scene.”
The new restaurant will join recent additions to Canary Wharf’s food and drink scene, which include Hawksmoor, Dishoom, Fish Game, and Blacklock, as well as forthcoming restaurants from Hovarda, Kricket, and Roe from the team behind Fallow.
“The past few years have been truly transformative for Canary Wharf, as it has blossomed into a dynamic and vibrant hub. We have enjoyed collaborating with Des, an icon of the industry, throughout this,” says Stuart Fyfe, MD of retail, leisure and hospitality at Canary Wharf Group.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome his innovative new concept, which will undoubtedly enrich the area’s already fantastic food and drink scene. With Des’ experience and his amazing vison for the new concept, it is guaranteed to be a huge success.
"We look forward to developing our long-term relationship with this exciting new project.”
