The Coconut Tree returns to openings

The Coconut Tree, the Sri Lankan restaurant group, will open its first new restaurant since going through an administration process late last year.

The business will open a new restaurant in central Bristol this August, taking the former FIKA Cafe site. 

It marks the first site to be launched since a change of ownership in 2025, following two members of the founding team, Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando, taking control of the company.

The Coconut Tree has had a presence in Bristol for a number of years, having opened its first site in the city in 2018. The new Broad Quay location will be a sister to Bristol’s Gloucester Road site. The brand is still operating venues in Cheltenham, Oxford, Bath, Bournemouth and Reading.

“The Coconut Tree has been a huge part of our lives for many years," says Fernando. "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."

"We’re keeping the essence of The Coconut Tree the same, and our focus is on creating a more sustainable business for the future," adds Thangiah. "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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