The restaurant group The Coconut Tree will open a new venue on Broad Quay in Bristol this August, marking its first expansion since the founding partners took ownership in 2025.
New Site Revives Former Café Space
Located in the former FIKA Café, the new restaurant will retain the chain’s Sri Lankan menu and signature cocktails. Outdoor seating will accommodate more than 50 guests, and three virtual darts lanes will be available for patrons seeking a casual game.
“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,” said co‑owner Shamil Fernando. The statement reflects a commitment to the brand’s culinary identity while adapting to modern dining expectations.
The launch adds a second Bristol location to an existing site on Gloucester Road, which has been operating since 2018. The expansion brings the total count of outlets across the United Kingdom to seven, with additional sites in Cheltenham, Oxford, Bath, Bournemouth and Reading.
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Ownership Change After Administration
Earlier this year, the hospitality group entered administration in November 2025 amid broader sector pressures such as rising operating costs and reduced consumer spending. The process aimed to protect suppliers, staff and local partners from financial loss.
Founding team members Pravein Thangiah and Shamil Fernando, both long‑time employees, acquired the business after committing to retain all employees. Their takeover was intended to stabilize the brand and preserve jobs.
“The Coconut Tree has been a huge part of our lives for many years,” Shamil added. “We’re keeping the essence the same, and our focus is on creating a more sustainable business for the future.”
From a broader perspective, the move illustrates how mid‑size restaurant chains are managing a post‑pandemic market. By focusing on core cuisine and modest expansion, owners aim to balance growth with the financial realities that have forced many peers into closure. The Bristol addition signals confidence that a niche offering—Sri Lankan fare—can attract steady demand even as overall consumer spending remains cautious.
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Praveen emphasized the role of the experienced staff that has been central to the brand’s identity. “Our restaurants are supported by an experienced team that has been the heart of the chain for many years. We’d like to thank everyone for their support as we open our seventh site,” he said.
While the group’s expansion appears modest compared with larger chains, the decision to open in a location previously occupied by a café suggests a strategic reuse of existing infrastructure. This approach can reduce capital outlay and shorten the timeline for opening, a practical consideration given the recent financial turbulence.
Industry observers will watch the Bristol launch closely, as its performance may indicate whether the refreshed ownership model can sustain long‑term growth. The success of this site could influence future decisions about further expansion or diversification within the portfolio.