Restaurant group expands with new Bristol venue

A restaurant group is opening its first new site since a change of ownership.

The Coconut Tree will open a new restaurant on Broad Quay in Bristol this August, marking its first launch since founding team members Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando took ownership of the business in 2025.

Housed in the former FIKA Café, the new venue will serve the group’s Sri Lankan menu alongside its signature cocktails, with outdoor seating for more than 50 people and three virtual darts lanes.

The launch strengthens The Coconut Tree’s presence in Bristol, where it has operated since 2018, with the Broad Quay restaurant joining its existing Gloucester Road site.

It follows a challenging period for the hospitality group, which entered administration in November 2025 amid wider pressures on the sector, including rising operating costs and reduced consumer spending.

Praveen and Shamil, who had both been part of the business for several years, acquired the company after committing to retain all employees.

The administration process also ensured suppliers, staff and local business partners were not left out of pocket.

Shamil said: “The Coconut Tree has been a huge part of our lives for many years. 

“We bought the business because we care deeply about it and the people behind it, and believe in our authentic Sri Lankan food and drink.”

The Coconut Tree now operates seven restaurants across the UK, with sites in Bristol, Cheltenham, Oxford, Bath, Bournemouth and Reading, as the group looks to build on its refreshed ownership and renewed focus on its core Sri Lankan dining offer.

Praveen added: “We’re keeping the essence of The Coconut Tree the same, and our focus is on creating a more sustainable business for the future. 

“Our restaurants are supported by an experienced team that has been the heart of The Coconut Tree for many years. 

“We’d like to thank everyone for their support as we open our seventh site.”

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