Idalia, a new all-day restaurant set within the spectacular Grade II* listed Pillar Hall at Olympia, led by restaurateur Des Gunewardena, founder of D3 Collective. As the first hospitality opening within Olympia’s £1.3 billion regeneration, Idalia signals a new era for West London dining, bringing together design, food, and drink in one of the capital’s most historic and culturally significant spaces.

In collaboration with the Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, we’re offering a bespoke afternoon tea at Idalia from Monday 13th– Thursday 16th and Sunday 19th April. Indulge in our take on a classic English afternoon tea as you settle into Idalia on the ground floor of the beautiful Grade II* listed Pillar Hall. Expect handmade patisserie, the fluffiest scones, and sandwiches packed with flavour, all thoughtfully prepared by our team. To mark the collaboration, we’ve created two special cakes inspired by the Ideal Home Show, available exclusively as part of this experience. Available from 3pm–5pm.

Reserve here.

Design
Designed by Robert Angell Design International, Idalia is a grand yet intimate dining room inspired by thebuilding’s heritage and the surrounding Kensington gardens. Garden-inspired interiors soften the scale of the historic hall, with abundant greenery, warm tones and layered lighting creating a space that transitions seamlessly from morning to late evening. A striking central bar anchors the room, framed by marble foliage clad pillars and intimate seating, balancing contemporary elegance with the building’s original architectural drama. An alternative name for Aphrodite, Idalia evokes themes of beauty, romance and timeless glamour, a restaurant designed as much for atmosphere
as it is for dining.

Food
The kitchen is led by an all-female leadership team, Executive Chef Samantha Williams, formerly Executive Chef to Angela Hartnett and Executive Pastry Chef Lorena Tommasi, previously of Jeremy King and Caprice Holdings. Together, they present a menu rooted in modern British cooking, but including internationally influenced dishes that have become part of London’s dining culture. Produce will be based on the season and feature the best of British food suppliers.

Signature dishes include:
Lobster Linguine with datterini tomatoes, chilli, garlic and basil
Whole Wood Roasted Turbot with shichimi togarashi butter and pickled daikon
Lake District grass-fed porterhouse steak, cooked over coals for sharing
Vivienne Heel - a theatrical dessert presented in a chocolate stiletto, referencing Olympia’s iconic
fashion history

Wine
The wine list includes classic and popular wines from around the world alongside some exciting English
producers including sparkling wines from the Hampshire vineyards of Coates & Seely.

Cocktails
At the heart of Idalia is its bar with its concept - The Cocktail Tailor - an atelier inspired cocktail programme rooted in the golden age of cocktails, where the menu is structured like a couture house, spanning ‘The Foundations’ - timeless classics executed with clarity and precision, ‘The Tailored’ - reworked signatures refined with modern technique and flavour, and ‘The Statements’ - bold, expressive creations designed to leave a lasting impression. Signature serves include:

Zandra Royale - Tanqueray 10 with pink sparkle, hibiscus, elderflower and peach, named in honour of

Zandra Rhodes, who held her early fashion shows in the 1970s at Pillar Hal

D&G - A playful nod to Dolce & Gabbana, served in a glass bag to echo a statement accessory. A light,
refreshing tequila highball with grapefruit, lime, lychee and elderflower, finished with a floral citrus
lift

Love Story - Crystal clear and high-gloss, a polished expression of modern precision with Tanqueray Export, rose & lychee reduction, coconut and lemon juice

Experience
Idalia is a room that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast to lunches, aperitivo and dinner to late night drinks. From Thursdays to Saturday evenings Idalia will feature live jazz and soul singers. Set within Pillar Hall, once home to early film screenings and famously the venue of Vivienne Westwood’s first catwalk show - the
restaurant restores the building to its original purpose. A place for gathering, celebration and performance.