London Restaurants

Conran Restaurants, now known as D&D London was founded in 1991. It is now one of Europe`s - if not the World`s - leading quality restaurant groups. D&D owns and operates restaurants in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Copenhagen.In the early `90s, eating out in London exploded in popularity and it fair to say that the Conran group, under the leadership of Chairman Sir Terence Conran and CEO Des Gunewardena, led from the front.Conran Restaurants are arguably responsible for influencing diners from around the world. The restaurants have been at the forefront of the restaurant revolution in the capital and around the country, combining excellent food and superb service with an unrivalled contemporary design.You`ll find that each restaurant within the group is individual in terms of food, ambience & design. A great experience in London dining.The Group has opened a string of highly successful London restaurants, including Quaglino`s (my personal favorite), Plateau, Butlers Wharf Chop House, Blue Print Cafe, Cantina del Ponte, Floridita, Bluebird, Orrery, Sartoria, Coq d`Argent, Le Pont de la Tour & the very popular Paternoster Chop House.The first overseas venture was in 1998 when they opened Alcazar in Paris. Guastavino`s in New York (2000) was next and, in 2006, Custom house in Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen.Together with their Japanese partners, Hiramatsu Incorporated, D&D opened two restaurants, Botanica and Iconic, in Tokyo (2007). The Group diversified into hotels and one of their major achievements was the redevelopment of the Great Eastern Hotel in London eating Liverpool Street. They did this with their US partners and it re-opened in 2000 but was sold on in 2006 to Hyatt Hotels.In 2006 Conran`s Chairman & CEO, Des Gunewardena and Managing Director David Loewi - along with their management team and financial backers - acquired a 49% stake in the restaurants. The Group changed its name to D&D London and became an independently managed business.D&D London today owns and operates 30-plus restaurants with aggregate revenues of circa. £75m per annum.