There are plenty of cracking new restaurants and bars opening in Bristol this year, from popular Indian street food chain Mowgli to crazy cocktail specialists The Alchemist.
One of the biggest is the latest site from renowned group D&D London, which heads up luxury restaurants, bars and hotels all over the world, including in London, Paris and New York.
The group owns and operates 42 restaurants and an award-winning hotel, which are known for their high quality food, design, service and sustainability.
This year D&D will open its first site in the South West here in Bristol, replacing the former Brasserie Blanc restaurant in Quakers Friars - although it sounds like we might have to wait a little longer for it than first thought.
The firm's Bristol venue was announced in August 2019, following the closure of Raymond Blanc's restaurant.
A spokesperson said D&D was set to refurbish the 18th-century building to launch a new 13,000 sq ft restaurant and events venue, including a restaurant, bars, extensive private dining and a large outdoor terrace in the piazza.
The proposed opening date given was 'early in 2020', but when contacted by Bristol Live last week a spokesperson for Cabot Circus said it is now set to open in 'late spring'.
Bristol Live has contacted D&D London's press office for more information and is awaiting a repsonse.
This will be D&D’s third venture with Hammerson, owners of Cabot Circus, following the openings of Issho and East 59th at Victoria Gate, Leeds in 2017.
Speaking when the venue was announced, chairman and CEO of D&D London Des Gunewardena said: "Following our Leeds openings and most recently the launch of our rooftop restaurant 20 Stories in Manchester, our Cabot Circus venture in Bristol reflects our continuing commitment to expansion in the UK outside of London.
"We are very pleased to be working again with Hammerson and are very supportive and enthusiastic about their plans for the overall development of Quakers Friars."
Bristol Live will bring you updates on the new venue as and when we hear them.
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