Sir Terence Conran plans Albion-based ‘caff' chain
Sir Terence Conran is preparing to turn his Albion concept into a chain following the recent sale of his 51% stake in D&D London.
The Albion, in Shoreditch, East London, has been open for three years and Conran is understood to be looking to roll out the concept as a new chain with a second site expected to open later this year, reported the http://www.thetimes.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Times.
The new 160-seat outlet will open on the ground floor of NEO Bankside, the residential development on the South Bank designed by Lord Rogers of Riverside, this summer. Further sites are expected to follow.
The new chain of ‘caffs', each with their own food shops, in-house bakeries and cake counters, will focus on British produce.
Earlier this month private equity company LDC bought a majority stake in D&D London from vendors Conran Holdings (51%) and private equity investors Caird Capital (18%) in a deal worth £50m. Senior management Des Gunewardena and David Loewi will retain their 31% share.
Conran (pictured), the chairman of Conran Holdings, said: "Albion has been a smash hit in Shoreditch and we believe it is a popular concept that will work well."
