15/4/24 - updated with full details
He stepped away from D&D in 2022 (he was one of the Ds) and now Des Gunewardena has announced his first solo venture - which is a pretty big one.
He's launching not one, but two new "concepts" at the Royal Exchange, called Engel and Jang. They will take over the North South and East mezzanines above the big central courtyard (where Fortnums remains) as well as a new outdoor terrace space at the front of the building.
Engel will be on the north and east side, and is billed as a "cocktail bar and performance space inspired by 1920s Berlin" - so that's very Cabaret-inspired, then. Alongside an all-day Austrian and German café/bar menu there will be twists on classic and vintage cocktails in the evening (and live performances too). This is from the man who brought us the German Gymnasium, so we probably shouldn't be surprised by the inspiration here. This is the space that will also have the outdoor terrace, running down the portico of the Royal Exchange.
The other space, Jang, will be very different, with modern takes on Korean and Japanese cuisine. Leading the kitchen here will be Dana Choi, recently seen at Judy Joo's Jinjuu in Mayfair and also at Seoul Bird.
This is the first of what promises to be a few high-profile openings from Gunewardena, who will also be reponing the Canary Wharf space that used to be Plateau.
More about Des Gunewardena at The Royal Exchange
Where is it? Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LL
When does it open? June 2024
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