The Coconut Tree eyes expansion as David Phelps joins board

It comes soon after the brand revealed that it is to open its fifth site in Cardiff next month, adding to the locations it already operates in Bristol, Oxford and Cheltenham.

“Cardiff seemed like the obvious location for our fifth restaurant and we’re really excited to be joining the already vibrant and growing food scene in the city,” said brand director Anna Garrod.

“As the first Sri Lankan restaurant to open in Cardiff we’re hoping that our authentic Sri Lankan dishes, which cater for vegans, vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, will provide tropical tastes to suit everyone’s palate, at an affordable price.”

Garrod also announced that Mahiki founder David Phelps has become a shareholder and joined the board.

He will advise on new sites and ‘acquisitions through networks and franchise conversations’.

Phelps – who has been dubbed as the ‘King of Clubs’ having been involved with a string of top London and UK bars, clubs and restaurants - was also a board member at Garrod’s previous venture Po Na Na Group.

Founded by five Sri Lankan friends​​, The Coconut Tree's original Cheltenham restaurant was named runner up in the ‘Best Cheap Eats’ section of The Observer Food Monthly Awards in 2017.

Its menu includes hoppers – a bowl-shaped coconut milk pancake – and tapas-style dishes such as mutton rolls and hot battered spicy mushrooms.