Des Gunewardena to launch restaurant in London’s Canary Wharf

Des Gunewardena, the former chief executive of D&D London, has signed a deal to open a 9,500 sq ft site in London’s Canary Wharf in late 2024.

The new venue will feature indoor restaurants, bars and private dining spaces, as well as outdoor terraces overlooking Canada Square Park.

The Canary Wharf venture will be the second standalone restaurant opening for Gunewardena since his departure from D&D in 2022, 16 years after he co-founded the group with David Loewi. He is also set to launch a restaurant, bar and event space at the Royal Exchange in the City of London later this year.

Canary Wharf has seen several high-profile restaurant openings in recent years, including Dishoom, Hawksmoor, Mercato Metropolitano and Blacklock, as well as Roe, which is due to open in April from the team behind Fallow.

Gunewardena said: “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, managing director of retail, leisure & hospitality, Canary Wharf Group, added: “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."

Canary Wharf Group were advised by Rupert Bentley-Smith of Bruce Gillingham Pollard.