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Des Gunewardena, co-founder and former CEO of restaurant group D&D London, has today announced that he has signed a deal with Canary Wharf Group (CWG) to open a brand-new concept in Canary Wharf in Q4 2024.

The new venture will see 9,500 sq. ft of space transformed into a venue comprising indoor restaurants and bars with private dining spaces, alongside outdoor terraces providing diners with spectacular views overlooking Canada Square Park. Further details are to be announced closer to the venue’s planned opening later this year.

This will be the second new restaurant from Des Gunewardena since his departure from D&D, after the announcement of a new flagship restaurant, bar and event space at The Royal Exchange made in December of last year.

Having shifted from being solely a business hub into an exciting mixed use neighbourhood by diversifying its offering, Canary Wharf now has an increased number of residential spaces alongside various retail outlets and a mix of culture and leisure spots encompassing sport, music and art. In 2023, Canary Wharf had over 67.2 million people visit; this year, CWG continue to see strong growth and interest across retail, leisure, and hospitality with 97% occupancy and sales at an all-time high.

Canary Wharf also has a thriving food and drink scene. Following the pandemic, Canary Wharf saw a spate of openings from Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Blacklock, and there are new restaurants from Hovarda, Kricket, and Roe from the Fallow team due to land in 2024 – alongside Gunewardena’s new concept.

Des Gunewardena commented: “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. 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!”

Stuart Fyfe, MD of Retail, Leisure & Hospitality, CWG, said: “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. 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.”

CWG were advised by Rupert Bentley-Smith of Bruce Gillingham Pollard.