Des Gunewardena unveils details of new London flagship
First announced in December last year and due to open in June, the venue will encapsulate hospitality concepts called Engel and Jang and occupy the mezzanine level of the historic building.
It will mark the former D&D London CEO's first opening since leaving the multi-site restaurant group at the end of 2022.
Engel, which will occupy the north and east mezzanines, will be a cocktail bar and performance space inspired by 1920s Berlin.
The bar team, led by Mihai Burca (formerly of Seasons Kitchen), will serve twists on classic and vintage cocktails alongside a daytime menu of Austrian and German café/bar dishes.
The adjoining performance space – Engel Live – will host live cabaret music evenings and be available for private hire.
Jang, the restaurant situated on the south mezzanine, will serve modern interpretations of Korean and Japanese cuisine.
The kitchen will be led by Dana Choi, whose experience includes working with high-profile Korean chef Judy Joo at Jinjuu in Mayfair and, most recently, as executive chef at Seoul Bird.
"We’re excited about Engel and Jang bringing something new and different to The Royal Exchange with their unique approach to design, dining, and entertainment,” says Gunewardena.
“Engel is very much a venue for today but inspired by the spirit of 1920s Berlin. Jang will offer a more intimate dining experience that, at its heart, celebrates Korean cuisine. We hope, through Jang, that Korean cuisine will become more widely enjoyed and appreciated in London.”
D&D London previously operated its own restaurant on the mezzanine level of The Royal Exchange called Sauterelle.
Engel and Jang are the first of a number of ventures set to be launched by Gunewardena this year under his newly launched hospitality company D3 Collective.
They will be followed by a restaurant in Canary Wharf that will take over the site previously occupied by French-style restaurant Plateau, which was also owned by D&D London.
