Des Gunewardina (left in photo), half of the D&D London operation that took over Conran Restaurants in a 2006 management buy-out, has left the company “to pursue other ventures”, days before it opens its 41st venue, Orelle in Birmingham. His co-founder David Loewi, the other D who served as deputy chairman and chief operating officer, has been appointed as interim chief executive.

Gunewardina said: “I am very sad to be leaving D&D which I love and have seen grow from its first restaurant opening over 30 years ago in its Conran days to the fabulous business it is today. Though I will now be focusing on existing and new ventures outside D&D I wish David and the management team every success for the future.”

His successor said: “Des has been an important part of D&D London’s success and history, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

He noted that the company’s business was now back to 90% of its pre-Covid levels, adding: “Our restaurants are trading well as the UK leisure and hospitality scene recovers with workers returning to offices and business travel coming back. This resilience has enabled our group to retain a strong cash position and financial headroom“.

Orelle, which opens next Friday (14 October), is a much-heralded modern French restaurant and cocktail bar with stunning views over Birmingham from its perch on the 23rd storey of 105 Colmore Row. It will also operate an all-day café and cocktail bar with an outside terrace on the ground floor.

D&D London operate restaurants in New York and Paris as well as Bristol, Leeds and Manchester, but the majority of its venues are in London, where they cater to a mainly business clientele. Earlier this year, the company’s newly appointed managing director Baton Berisha left after only three months to join the rival Wolseley Restaurant Group.