INTERVIEW

Des Gunewardena has had a career in the restaurant industry spanning more than 30 years. The co-founder and former CEO of D&D London, the company behind iconic London restaurants such as Bluebird, German Gymnasium and Quaglino’s, as well as restaurants in NYC, Paris, Stockholm and Tokyo, he’s now created D3 Collective, which will lead the multifaceted hospitality development at Pillar Hall.

Des will be giving the existing Grade II* listed space a modern update, with Robert Angell leading the design. The 30,000 sq ft venue will have a main restaurant, a more casual café and grill, a stunning central bar, an outdoor terrace, a basement speakeasy and a spectacular double-height events space with live music and room for up to 600 guests. He is creating a new destination for west Londoners and we can’t wait!  

We speak to Des about his global industry experience, some things he’s learned along the way, and get his insider insight around what’s to come at Olympia.