Restaurant Association lauds David Loewi as legend

David Loewi, CEO of D&D London, has received the Legend Award at this week’s Restaurant Association Gala Dinner and Awards.

 

Held on 2 December at the Savoy, London, the event brought together hospitality professionals, honouring category winners for their outstanding impact in the industry.

 

Winners were spotlighted for their leadership and innovation, with the event proceeds benefiting the World Young Chef Young Waiter Education Foundation and the World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist competition.

 

Loewi said of his accolade: “It is an incredible honour to receive the Legend Award, a recognition that carries profound personal significance. The Restaurant Association has been a cornerstone of excellence in hospitality, and to be acknowledged by such a respected institution is deeply humbling.

 

“This award is not just a testament to my journey but a celebration of the passion and dedication of everyone who contributes to making our industry so vibrant and enduring. I am truly grateful.”

 

The association’s president, Robert Walton, added: “The Restaurant Association inaugural RA Awards was delighted to honour David Loewi with the RA Legends Award.

 

“The awards were a celebration of the very best in our industry. It is an honour to recognise those who are shaping the past, present and future of hospitality.”

 

Loewi will be stepping down from his role as chief executive of D&D London at the end of the year but will continue to serve as an advisor until his replacement is found.

 

Loewi was trained at Swiss hotel school, beginning his career in hospitality at Claridge’s before moving onto Hyatt International. He joined Sir Terence Conran in 1995 to launch Mezzo (now D&D’s 100 Wardour Street) in London’s Soho and supported D&D’s expansion as COO.

 

In 2006, Des Gunewardena and David Loewi bought out Sir Terence Conran’s restaurant company and expanded the group internationally as D&D.

 

In 2020, the pair received Restaurateur of the Year – Group at the Cateys.

 

Loewi became interim CEO of the restaurant and hotel group in 2022 after Gunewardena left the business to “pursue other ventures”, which included the launch of D3 Collective.

 

He remained in the role after D&D London was sold to investors Calverton and Breal Capital in October 2023.