Des Gunewardena has announced the launch of Engel and Jang, opening in the London Royal Exchange in June 2024, the first project from his newly launched hospitality company D3 Collective.
The venue will be home to two distinct concepts, occupying the mezzanine level of the historic building, Engel, and Jang.
- Engel
Engel, which will occupy the North and East Mezzanines, will be a cocktail bar and performance space inspired by 1920s Berlin. The bar team, led by Mihai Burca (formerly at Chewton Glen, The Pig hotels and, most recently, Seasons Kitchen), will serve twists on classic and vintage cocktails, and there will also be a daytime through evening Austrian and German café/bar menu. The adjoining performance space – Engel Live – will host live cabaret music evenings and be available for private hire. In the summer, Engel will serve German beer, champagnes, wines and bar snacks on its outdoor terrace, which will spill down from the portico of the Royal Exchange to the pavement below.
- Jang
Jang, the restaurant situated on the South Mezzanine, will serve modern interpretations of Korean and Japanese cuisine. Jang’s kitchen will be led by Dana Choi, whose experience includes working with high-profile Korean chef Judy Joo at Jinjuu in Mayfair and, most recently, as executive chef at Seoul Bird. The space will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Des Gunewardena says, “We’re excited about Engel and Jang bringing something new and different to The Royal Exchange with their unique approach to design, dining, and entertainment. Engel is very much a venue for today but inspired by the spirit of 1920s Berlin. Jang will offer a more intimate dining experience that, at its heart, celebrates Korean cuisine. We hope, through Jang, that Korean cuisine will become more widely enjoyed and appreciated in London.”
The venture is being overseen by Kim Sin Tae (Operations Director) and Jose Ubero (General Manager), who both worked with Des for many years at D&D London. Kim has led the launches of some of D&D’s most successful restaurants, including Skylon, 20 Stories, and most recently, Orelle in Birmingham. The interiors have been designed by Karen Taylor’s Patternhaus, who, before setting up Patternhaus, was the Creative Director of DesignLSM.
Engel and Jang will open from Monday to Friday at The Mezzanine, First Floor, Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LQ in June 2024.
