On 30 March 2026, restaurateur Des Gunewardena, founder of D3 Collective and co-founder and former CEO of D&D London, will unveil Pillar Hall – a landmark 30,000sq ft restaurant, speakeasy, events and live music destination at Olympia.
Becoming the first hospitality opening within Olympia’s £1.3bn regeneration, Pillar Hall marks the beginning of a new cultural era for West London.
Set within the magnificent Grade II* listed hall – once home to one of Britain’s earliest film screenings and the venue for Vivienne Westwood’s first catwalk show – the reopening restores the building’s original spirit as a place for celebration, gathering and performance.
Originally designed in 1886 by architect Henry Edward Coe, also behind Olympia’s iconic Grand Hall, the hall was purpose built for exhibitions, concerts, balls and circus performances. 140 years later, that legacy returns – reimagined as an exciting new destination for dining, music and events.
Pillar Hall brings together three distinct yet connected experiences:
- Idalia – a vibrant and glamorous 300-cover all-day restaurant and bar, opening 30 March
- Pepperbird – an intimate speakeasy-style bar inspired by Olympia’s musical heritage, opening 2 April
- Upstairs at Pillar Hall – a dramatic 500+ capacity event and live music venue opening June 2026
Des Gunewardena, Founder of D3 Collective states: “Olympia has always been part of London’s cultural life – from exhibitions, film and fashion to music and performance – and Pillar Hall sits at the very heart of that history. I’ve been involved with this project from the start, so it is incredibly exciting to be able to start welcoming guests in just a few weeks. Yoo Capital and DFI’s redevelopment marks a significant new chapter for a much-loved British institution and we are very proud that Pillar Hall will be the first hospitality venue to open as part of it. We’re restoring the spirit of this extraordinary building for a new generation – creating a place where people can eat, drink, connect and be part of something remarkable and new.”
