Opening in Spring 2026, restaurateur Des Gunewardena — founder of D3 Collective and previously co-founder and CEO of D&D London — will launch three distinct hospitality venues at the centre of Olympia’s landmark £1.3bn transformation into a world-class cultural and entertainment destination.
The trio of new concepts will be located inside the 30,000 sq ft Pillar Hall, a Grade II* listed building renowned for hosting one of Britain’s earliest film screenings and later fashion events during the 1980s. With investment exceeding £10m, the development will introduce Idalia, a 300-cover, all-day restaurant on the ground floor; Pepperbird, an intimate 70-cover speakeasy bar beneath Pillar Hall; and Upstairs at Pillar Hall, a grand double-height events venue with capacity for more than 500 guests.
The kitchens across Pillar Hall will be led by an all-female leadership team, with Samantha Williams appointed Executive Chef and Lorena Tommasi named Executive Pastry Chef. Williams — formerly Executive Chef of Jeremy King’s The Park and earlier Group Executive Chef for Angela Hartnett — will guide the overall culinary vision. Tommasi, whose experience includes roles at The Park, Annabel’s, George Club and Josephine by Claude Bosi, will oversee desserts and pastries, which are set to play a central role in the menus for Idalia and Pillar Hall’s events. Together, they will present a contemporary interpretation of British cuisine, combining classic English dishes with global flavours that have become integral to the UK’s dining landscape.
Pillar Hall, originally constructed in 1886 by architect Henry Edward Coe — also responsible for Olympia’s iconic Grand Hall — has been reimagined by the renowned design studio Robert Angell Design International. The new interiors will pay homage to the historic character of the building while introducing a striking, modern aesthetic. The project also reunites Des Gunewardena and Robert Angell, whose earlier collaboration on the acclaimed 14 Hills restaurant earned several design accolades.
Robert Angell Design International has established a global reputation for its luxury interior work, and in 2021 was named “Hospitality Designer of the Decade’’ by the International and Hotel Property Awards.
The name Idalia draws inspiration from the goddess Aphrodite, who was said to dwell on Mount Olympus, linking the concept to beauty, light and the elegance of Pillar Hall. The name also reached its peak popularity in the 1880s — the decade the building itself was completed. The restaurant will unfold across a series of individually styled rooms, each reflecting the atmosphere of the “House of Idalia’’. Guests will enter via a conservatory-style area filled with greenery before moving to the bar for creative and theatrical cocktails, and then on to the main dining room. Idalia will seat 250 indoors, with an additional 50-cover terrace that connects directly into Olympia’s Grand Hall.
Pepperbird will offer an underground speakeasy experience, with live music at its heart. The concept pays homage to both 1970s jazz and Olympia’s rich rock heritage, having hosted performances from global icons including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and The Who.
Upstairs at Pillar Hall, the 500+ capacity events venue, will feature a contemporary interior by Robert Angell set within the building’s original classical structure. Its dramatic double-height ceilings, mezzanine level, ornate pillars and detailed mouldings will showcase the grandeur of Victorian craftsmanship. On Friday evenings and weekends, the venue will transition into a restaurant and bar with live music.
Pillar Hall represents the second major opening from Des Gunewardena since establishing his new hospitality group, D3 Collective.
Des Gunewardena, Founder of D3 Collective, said: ”I have been involved with this amazing project since before Covid, so we are unbelievably excited to finally be opening! Olympia is a much-loved British institution. Yoo Capital and DFI’s ambitious and visionary redevelopment of Olympia will mark a significant milestone in its storied history. Olympia will become a world-class destination for culture, entertainment, and leisure in the heart of West London, and we are very proud to be a part of it.”
Michael Volkert, CEO of Olympia Estates, said: “The whole Olympia team is incredibly passionate about the transformation of this heritage site which has played such a big part in British culture over the last 140 years. That’s why we are thrilled to see Pillar Hall being brought back to life by Des and his D3 Collective team through these three new concepts that build on its incredible history, and we cannot wait for Olympia visitors to be able to experience them.”