Pillar Hall, the vast new three-part restaurant and entertainment complex from Des Gunewardena’s 3D Collective, opens next week as the six-year, £1.4 billion revamp of West London’s Olympia nears completion.
The centrepiece is Idalia, a 300-seater all-day modern British restaurant inspired by country house style, led by executive chef Samantha Williams and pastry chef Lorena Tommasi. Diners will be serenaded by live jazz and soul music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Above it is Upstairs at Pillar Hall (pictured), a double-height space accommodating up to 500 people for private events during the week and dining with live music on Friday and Saturday nights, while the basement holds the retro-inspired Pepperbird speakeasy.
Dishes at Idalia include a Herdwick lamb cutlet with courgette flower, sheep’s curd and romesco and wood-roasted turbot with shichimi togarashi butter, tatsoi and pickled daikon, along with a sharing dessert called the ‘Vivienne Heel’, served in a chocolate stiletto and referencing Vivienne Westwood, who showed her collections on the site. Idalia also serves afternoon teas.
Des – who ran D&D London for 18 years – has reportedly invested £10million in launching the 30,000 sq ft Pillar Hall. His 3D Collective also runs restaurants Engel and Jang at the Royal Exchange in the City.
Olympia’s exhibition halls in Kensington have continued to operate during the site’s conversion into a cultural and entertainment zone, incorporating a music hall, theatre, two hotels and a ski garden in addition to restaurants, bars and cafes.
