D&D London to reopen remaining restaurants as trading exceeds expectations
D&D London will reopen the remainder of its estate in the next fortnight, after recording July and August trading "well above expectations".
The second phase of the group's reopening strategy will see South Place Hotel in Finsbury, London, and 15 restaurants and bars including Quaglino's and 100 Wardour Street in the West End open their doors.
Chairman and CEO Des Gunewardena (pictured) said London continued to be the group's most challenging market, but the VAT cut, Eat Out to Help Out (EATHO) scheme, and moves to turnover rents have provided the confidence to reopen remainder of its estate.
He explained: "Central London has been our toughest market with our city restaurants currently trading only at 50-60% of prior levels. But, in the context of city offices still remaining pretty empty, we are relieved to be achieving those levels. We've performed much better in London residential areas such as Chelsea and in Manchester and Leeds where we are currently trading ahead of last year – despite Covid restrictions.
"The economics of operating restaurants at lower than normal revenues are very challenging. But the government EOTHO scheme and cut in VAT have been a huge help. Our landlords, not only in the UK but also in New York and Paris, have mainly been extremely supportive on rents. Most have granted rent free periods during lockdown and concessionary rents during the post Covid recovery phase. Many of our rents are turnover based and many more have been restructured to be turnover based going forwards.
"The business is in a strong financial position as we move into the next phase of reopening. Our cash position has been strengthened by the injection of funds by both shareholders and our banks. We have not applied for government loans in the UK but have secured state backed Covid loans for our operations in Paris and New York. Overall D&D is in good shape and we are confident about the future despite the undoubted challenges ahead."
Gunewardena founded D&D London with David Loewi in 2006 following a management buyout of Conran Restaurants. The pair have since grown the business to 43 sites, incorporating restaurants, bars and a hotel. Their latest opening was 14 Hills on the 14th floor of the 120 Fenchurch Street office block in the City.
