Evolv Collection to invest in ‘core restaurant brands’ as it eyes growth

Evolv Collection, formerly D&D London, has said it is looking forward to its next phase of growth following a “transitional” year.

Filings for parent company Bresand Leisure, which was created when investors Breal Capital and Calveton acquired D&D London in October 2023, reported turnover of £126.3m in the year to 30 September 2024.

The group also reported a pre-tax loss of £13.3m in its inaugural results.

Writing in its accounts, director Michael Welden said: “Considering the among of transformational change we drove through the business, including a new leadership team, we are happy with the 2024 performance as a result of the successful transition period and have a current focus of continued consolidation and like for like growth in a challenging environment for the sector.”

Welden said Evolv was trading strongly in the current financial year with five restaurants hitting their highest ever sales week in December 2024 and its events business reporting strong like-for-like growth.

He added: “The group’s strategy is to continue to develop its core restaurant brands through targeted investment and guest experiences. Following the investment by Breal Capital and Calveton in October 2023 the business has been able to continue this development and is now looking forward to the next phase of growth both in the UK and internationally as it consolidates on the strength of the core brands it has.”

The filings confirmed Evolv has retained the lease on its Launceston Place restaurant after it closed last October following the departure of chef patron Ben Murphy.

The group has surrendered the lease on its final Leeds restaurant following its closure last year.

It also sold its majority stake in events caterer Alexander & Bjork Limited in December 2024 and has sold its Alcazar restaurant in Paris for around £2m in May.

D&D London was founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1991 before it was bought out by Des Gunewardena and David Loewi in 2006. The pair have both since left the business, with Loewi stepping down in 2024 roughly a year after the sale of the company.

Former Rare Restaurants boss Martin Williams took over as chief executive in February and led the rebrand to Evolv Collection.