Restaurant chain D&D London today officially opening its £2m Klosterhaus restaurant in central Bristol – a move its directors view as a timely vote of confidence in the city’s ever-expanding food scene.
Despite bars, cafés and restaurants having to adapt to changing Covid-linked restrictions – and some closing down completely -D&D decided now was a good time to throw open the doors to the showpiece restaurant in the 18th-century Quaker’s Meeting House in Cabot Circus. 
The building, formerly Brasserie Blanc, has been transformed into restaurant modelled on the grand cafés of central Europe, with an all-day menu D&D describes as ‘mittel-European’– from morning coffees, leisurely lunches, casual dinners, brunch on weekends, to all-out celebratory dinners.
The group sees the the 13,000 sq ft Klosterhaus, its 44th restaurant, as a worthy addition to Bristol’s exciting food scene – even though it didn’t plan to open in the city.
Chairman and CEO Des Gunewardena was approach by Cabot Circus owner, property giant Hammerson, after Brasserie Blanc gave notice it was to close. Hammerson is D&D’s landlord in other locations and it thought the unique Quaker’s Meeting House would be ideal for the D&D treatment.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful building,” said Des, who studied economics at the University of Bristol.
“Straight away we thought we could do something interesting with it.”
Using its acclaimed German Gymnasium restaurant in London’s Kings Cross railway station as a template, D&D has created a modern take on the European Grand Café.
The restaurant has 110 covers but, importantly with current restrictions, also has seating for 75 on its terrace.
It has been nearly two years in the planning and was originally due to open earlier this year just before the lockdown came in.
But with its other UK venues re-opening as soon as they were allowed on July 4, D&D decided to go ahead with opening Klosterhaus – it says the size of the venue means social distancing measures can easily be put in place.
All 50 staff have also received extra training to ensure the restaurant to operate under the restrictions.
The menu has been developed by executive head chef Bjoern Wassmuth, who has moved from the German Gymnasium, and head chef Rhys Grayson.
D&D say it will be broad-ranging featuring some Mittel-European classics and German favourites inspired by Chef’s Bjoern’s German heritage. Both have worked closely with local suppliers to source produce such as beef from Meat Box, sourdough bread from Coombeshead Bakery and all fish from Wing of St Mawes
D&D’s arrival in Bristol has been welcomed by Cabot Circus general manager Robert Hobbs.
He said: “We’re delighted to welcome D&D’s new restaurant and bar, Klosterhaus, to Cabot Circus and the city of Bristol.
“The beautiful listed Friary building in Quakers Friars has been sympathetically restored inside to create a stunning new dining and bar experience in the heart of the city. It will definitely be the place to get those perfect Instagram shots.
“As well as a new dining experience for the city, the menu at Klosterhaus looks incredible; serving locally sourced produce which I am sure will go down well in our foodie city. We’re extremely pleased to be able to bring yet another premium brand to Cabot Circus and the city this year.”
Hammerson UK commercial director Iain Mitchell added: “D&D continues to innovate in the restaurant scene and we are thrilled to have secured their first venture in the South West, which we know will be a huge draw for consumers and brands alike. Now, more than ever, we know that consumers are craving experiences, and Klosterhaus will really deliver that.”
Des Gunewardena added: “The opening of Klosterhaus in Bristol is our first venture in the South West and we hope we can add something special to Bristol’s vibrancy and great food scene. We hope we deliver not only a beautiful restaurant but one where everybody feels welcome a meeting place for good food, wine, beers and great atmosphere.”
He said the Bristol’s food offer had changed drastically since he was a student in the city, when it boasts a couple of fine-dining establishments such as Harvey’s but very little else.
“Now Bristol’s a recognised foodie city. I know Casamia and The Ivy and there are others. It’s a far cry from my student days. It’s also a really vibrant city, with a lot of people moving here from London.”
Alongside a list of classics and creative cocktails such as the Hemingway Special, the Klosterhaus bar will feature a varied selection local premium craft beers from Bristol Beer Factory plus an array of beers from the legendary 229-year-old German brewery Rothaus, located at an altitude of 1,000m deep in the Black Forest, which can be enjoyed by the glass, mug or stein.
