KCR Summer 2026 Mag - Flipbook - Page 56
IDALIA at Olympia
Towards the end of last year, I was impatiently looking forward to 2026
in eager anticipation of a couple of major events! The ongoing World
Cup in North America and Mexico was one of them and what a treat it
has been so far with England deservedly reaching the semi昀椀nals in a
tournament packed with action and the ultimate glory to come
hopefully. Additionally, another huge point of anticipation was/is the
1.3 billion pound renovation of Olympia. The regeneration of W14 is an
exciting time for Londoners and particularly us Royal Borough-dwellers.
One of the highlights is Pillar Hall, a historic Grade II building within
the Olympia complex. Housed inside is a trinity of treats headed by
the glorious Idalia, one of London’s hottest new restaurant openings
and also featuring Pepperbird, a stylish, underground speakeasy and
Upstairs at Pillar Hall, an events space and dining venue with capacity for more than 500 people. Led by restaurateur-extraordinaire Des
Gunewardena, founder of D3 Collective, Idalia is also the 昀椀rst
hospitality opening within Olympia’s mammoth regeneration e昀昀ort,
bringing design, food and drink together in one of West London’s most
historic and culturally signi昀椀cant spaces.
With the kitchen being led by Executive Chef Samantha Williams and
Executive Pastry Chef Lorena Tommasi, who trained under Angela
Hrtnett and Jeremy King respectively, the all-day restaurant has been
open since March 2026. To further enhance its abundant o昀昀erings, it
has partnered with Casamigos for its summer terrace with the pop-up
bar serving frozen Palomas, Margaritas and build-your-own
Sgroppinos, alongside seasonal dishes designed for relaxed summer
dining. Designed by Robert Angell Design International, Idalia is grand
and opulent yet intimate and easygoing in terms of the ambiance. The
main dining room is righfully inspired by the building’s rich heritage
and the surrounding Kensington gardens since greenery aboundsand
warm tones collaborate with layered lighting combine to create a
brilliantly, chameleonic space that shifts moods e昀昀ortlessly between
light and dark .
The menu takes inspiration from modern British cooking and e昀昀ortlessly combines in昀氀uences from international cuisines which have become
part and parcel of London’s dining scene. Signature dishes include
Kombu brined sea bream, pomegranate, blood orange and lovage
oil, Miso crusted black cod, bok choi, chilli & spring onion, Pistachio
Cheesecake - a balance of creamy sweetness and nutty richness and a
playful Wimbledon-inspired creation of yuzu, mango and white chocolate served as an Amal昀椀 Lemon Ice Cream in a frozen lemon shell
The centrepiece and also very much the heart of Idalia’s main hall is
the lovely bar area. Vines wrapped around marbled, Greek-style pillars
add to the classy environs which are perfectly complemented by classic
and popular wines from around the world alongside some very exciting
English producers particularly sparkling wines from the Hampshire
vineyards of Coates & Seely. The drinks follow a protocol set by Cocktail
Tailor - an atelier-inspired programme rooted in the golden age of
cocktails. The menu is structured like a couture house, spanning ‘The
Foundations’ (timeless classics executed with clarity and precision),
‘The Tailored’ (reworked signatures re昀椀ned with modern technique and
昀氀avour) and ‘The Statements’ (bold, expressive creations designed to
leave a lasting impression). Cheekily-named and scrumptiously brilliant
cocktails include Zandra Royale, a Tanqueray 10 with pink sparkle,
hibiscus, elder昀氀ower and peach, named in honour of Zandra Rhodes,
who held her early fashion shows in the 1970s at Pillar Hall and D&G
– an obvious nod to Dolce & Gabbana, served in a glass bag to echo a
statement accessory. A light, refreshing tequila highball with grapefruit,
lime, lychee and elder昀氀ower, 昀椀nished with a 昀氀oral citrus lift.
We were privileged to meet the unassuming and charming Mr.
Gunewardena in the late evening glow of Idalia Hall. He spoke to us
about the project like a proud, new dad which didn’t feel analogous to a
legendary pioneer of the British restaurant scene. It shows the passion
and enthusiasm that keeps this wonderful man grounded and yearning
to deliver more with each new project. His sincerity to enhance the
experience of millions and billions of us who bene昀椀t from the capital’s
vibrant and exciting food scene is a testament to his unique ability to
inspire and deliver the best. A visit to Idalia is strongly recommended
and much like the World Cup, 2026 is turning out to be a classic year!
www.pillarhall.co.uk www.instagram.com/idalia.restaurant
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
PAGE 56
