On 30^th 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 30,000 sq ft restaurant, speakeasy, events and live music destination at Olympia. Becoming the first hospitality opening within Olympia’s £1.3 billion 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 30th March

• Pepperbird– an intimate speakeasy-style bar inspired by Olympia’s musical heritage, opening 2nd 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 Halls its 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.”

IDALIA

At the heart of Pillar Hall sits Idalia, designed by Robert Angell Design International, a grand all-day dining room inspired by the building’s layered history. Garden-inspired interiors blend the character of a historic country house with contemporary warmth and glamour.

Idalia was an alternative name adopted by Aphrodite and popular in the 1880s when Pillar Hall was first built, it draws on themes of beauty, romance and timeless glamour. Inspired by the nearby gardens of Kensington and Olympia, the restaurant blends indoor and outdoor elements through abundant greenery, warm tones and soft lighting, creating an atmosphere that evolves effortlessly from day to night.

A central bar, marble pillars and intimate seating bring warmth to the grand hall, while carefully considered contemporary details sit in contrast to the historic shell, with the intention not to compete with the architecture, but to enhance it.

The kitchen is led by an exceptional female team. Executive Chef Samantha Williams, formerly Executive Chef to Angela Hartnett, heads the kitchen alongside Executive Pastry Chef Lorena Tommasi, previously of Jeremy King and Caprice Holdings. Together, they present a modern menu rooted in British cooking with international dishes that have become staples of the British dining scene.

Signature dishes include:

• Herdwick Lamb Cutlet - with courgette flower, sheep’s curd and romesco

• Whole Wood-Roasted Turbot - with shichimi togarashi butter, tatsoi and pickled daikon

• Lake District Grass-Fed Porterhouse Steak - cooked over coals and served for sharing

• The Westwood Stiletto - a theatrical seasonal sharing creation presented inside a chocolate stiletto, inspired by the designer’s iconic footwear and her historic connection to Olympia

Idalia will also celebrate the best of English wines.

PEPPERBIRD

Tucked beneath Pillar Hall, Pepperbird is a speakeasy inspired by Olympia’s jazz and rock heyday of the 60s and 70s. Lowlighting, deep banquettes and a striking central bar create a seductive, late night atmosphere. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings, the bar will operate on a guest list basis. Pepperbird will draw on Olympia’s legacy of legendary performances both in its music and its cocktails.

UPSTAIRS AT PILLAR HALL

Upstairs at Pillar Hall will be one of West London’s most exciting new event and performance venues, operating as a500+ capacity events space during the week and evolving into a restaurant and live music destination at weekends.

While the atmosphere will be bold, energetic and performance-led, the design approach is intentionally calm and architectural, a ‘white box’ of a space that can be transformed into different interiors depending on the event being hosted.

Soaring ceilings, a mezzanine overlooking the main dining and performance area, ornate pillars and intricate mouldings celebrate the building’s Victorian craftsmanship.

With the revival of Pillar Hall, D3Collective and Robert Angell Design have created more than a set of interiors. The project gives a grand old building in West London a new life and celebrates heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring pleasure of hospitality and entertainment.

OLYMPIA

Following the launch of Pillar Hall, Olympia will continue to unveil further hotly anticipated openings on a phased basis throughout the year as part of its £1.3bn transformation into a major new destination for entertainment, culture and innovation.

A collection of other exclusive new bars and eateries will join the line-up, alongside the 204-room Hyatt Regency Olympia and the 146-room citizenM London Olympia. Across the wider estate, striking new entertainment venues and cultural spaces will include the 3,800-capacity music venue British Airways ARC, the 1,575-seat British Airways Theatre (opening 2027) and the Canvas, an 83-metre immersive digital screen. Alongside a new International Convention Centre and a 550,000 sq ft state-of-the-art office building, the reimagined Olympia will deliver a vibrant new destination packed with unforgettable experiences, welcoming locals and visitors from around the world.

Michael Volkert, CEO of Olympia Estates, the company that operates the destination, said:

‍“The upcoming launch of these spectacular spaces within our historic Pillar Hall marks the start of a bold new chapter of Olympia’s transformation, bringing to life one of London's most exciting entertainment and cultural destinations this year. For the very first time, visitors will be able enjoy a slice of the all-new Olympia with friends and loved ones at any time of day, whatever the occasion."