Two new Conran restaurants head for Leeds

by Bernard Ginns, Business Editor - 09/12/2010

"SIR Terence Conran's restaurant company is opening two new restaurants in Leeds."

D&D London, majority owned by the restaurateur, has agreed deals with Land Securities to develop and operate a modern French restaurant and an English bar and grill in the forthcoming Trinity Leeds retail scheme. It is believed the investment is worth £3m and will create 100 jobs.

Des Gunewardena, chairman of D&D, said: "This is an important venture for us. We have always thought that Leeds would feature prominently as part of our plans to expand in the UK outside London.

"It is a city where people enjoy eating out and Leeds has a significant and sophisticated business scene."

The group's restaurants include Kensington Place and Bluebird.

The restaurants are due to open in spring 2013 to coincide with the launch of the £350m centre.

Land Securities has so far let nearly per cent of the 750,000 sq ft scheme. Tenants will include fashion retailers such as Next, River Island, Top Shop, Hollister and Cult with unconfirmed suggestions that Apple is set to sign up.

John Grimes, leasing director at Land Securities plc, said: "For us to provide quality restaurants in Trinity Leeds as destinations for fine diners, business customers, families and friends is very exciting and we look forward to creating a wow factor in the heart of the city."

More Details: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/businessnews/Two-new-Conran-restaurants-head.6654456.jp