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Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando, founders of The Coconut Tree. Credit: Handout via AOL.
A popular Sri Lankan restaurant chain founded in Gloucestershire is preparing to open a new branch on Bristol’s Broad Quay, marking an important new chapter in the development of a business that has brought the island’s distinctive flavours, hospitality and social dining culture to communities across the United Kingdom.
The Coconut Tree’s new Bristol branch is scheduled to open at 5pm on 28 August 2026, creating a second venue for the chain in the city and expanding its presence beyond the established Gloucester Road restaurant. The opening represents the first new site since founders Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando took control of the business through their company, MPS Hospitality, last year.
For Sri Lankans living abroad, the continued growth of restaurants such as The Coconut Tree offers a particularly positive example of how national cuisine can be introduced to new audiences while retaining its cultural character. The restaurant group has developed a recognisable approach based on small plates, shared meals, original cocktails and an informal atmosphere designed to reflect the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.
From Gloucestershire beginnings to a growing UK presence
The Coconut Tree was established approximately a decade ago in Gloucestershire by a group of friends who shared a determination to present Sri Lankan food in a contemporary and accessible format. What began as a local hospitality venture has since developed into a multi-site restaurant group with venues in Cheltenham, Bath, Bournemouth, Oxford, Reading and Bristol.
The new Broad Quay restaurant will bring the total number of sites to seven. It will operate alongside the existing Bristol venue on Gloucester Road, giving residents and visitors another opportunity to experience the chain’s interpretation of Sri Lankan street food and home-style cooking.
The group’s story has been shaped by a clear belief that Sri Lankan food can appeal to a broad public without losing the ingredients, methods and flavours that make it distinctive. Coconut, chilli, curry leaves, aromatic spices, seafood, rice and an extensive range of fresh produce remain central to the cuisine, while the small-plate format allows diners to explore several dishes during a single visit.
The Coconut Tree’s own published account describes the business as having been created by Sri Lankan friends and family who wanted to share uniquely Sri Lankan flavours with communities around the world. Its restaurant model is built around relaxed dining, shared plates and what it describes as an “island vibe” setting.
Sri Lankan cuisine is presented through a varied selection of shared dishes and aromatic accompaniments.
A new venue shaped by continuity and ambition
The Broad Quay opening is significant not only because it increases the group’s geographical reach, but also because it represents the first expansion undertaken under the leadership of Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando since they assumed control through MPS Hospitality.
More than 150 jobs were saved through the transition, allowing the experienced team behind The Coconut Tree to continue its work and preserving the knowledge that has helped establish the group’s identity. In the hospitality industry, where consistency of service and kitchen expertise are instrumental to long-term success, the retention of an established team can provide a valuable foundation for sustainable growth.
Mr Thangiah said the new ownership would protect the qualities that had made the restaurant group popular while creating a stronger basis for the future.
“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.”
The statement indicates that the Broad Quay restaurant is intended to be an evolution rather than a departure from the established brand. The emphasis remains on authentic Sri Lankan food, welcoming service and a lively dining experience, while the new venue provides an opportunity to refine the business model and build on the group’s existing strengths.
Shamil Fernando also underlined the personal importance of the business and the principles that guided the decision to take responsibility for its future.
“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 comments reflect a form of entrepreneurial resilience that will be familiar to many Sri Lankan business owners around the world: the preservation of a valued enterprise through commitment, practical leadership and a willingness to invest in the people who make the organisation function.
Sri Lankan flavours, cocktails and outdoor dining
The new Broad Quay venue will serve authentic Sri Lankan dishes alongside original cocktails, giving diners a combination of traditional culinary influences and contemporary hospitality.
The menu is expected to follow The Coconut Tree’s established small-plate approach, in which dishes are designed to be shared. This format reflects the communal nature of many Sri Lankan meals, where rice, curries, sambols, hoppers and other accompaniments are placed at the centre of the table and enjoyed collectively.
The restaurant’s drinks offering will also form an important part of the experience. The Coconut Tree is known for its original cocktails, or “Cocotails”, which complement the spices, freshness and tropical character of the food. The combination gives the new branch potential to attract both diners seeking a full meal and visitors looking for an evening venue in the heart of Bristol.
Outdoor dining for more than 50 people will be included at the Broad Quay site. The additional seating is expected to be particularly attractive during warmer months, when Bristol’s waterfront areas become busy with residents, visitors and people meeting after work.
Inside, three virtual darts lanes will provide an additional recreational feature within the drinks area. The combination of food, cocktails and competitive entertainment reflects the changing nature of modern hospitality, in which restaurants increasingly function as social destinations rather than simply places to eat.
The new venue combines dining, drinks and entertainment within a contemporary tropical-inspired setting.
A positive milestone for Sri Lankan food abroad
The Coconut Tree’s expansion is also a reflection of the growing confidence surrounding Sri Lankan cuisine in the United Kingdom and other countries where Sri Lankan communities have established strong cultural and commercial networks.
Restaurants play an important role in introducing heritage flavours to younger generations, while also giving the wider public an opportunity to engage with Sri Lankan culture through food. A well-designed restaurant can become a meeting place for families, professionals, students and visitors, creating connections that extend beyond the dining table.
The chain’s expansion from Gloucestershire into several British cities demonstrates the potential of Sri Lankan culinary businesses when authenticity is combined with thoughtful presentation, professional service and a clear understanding of local customers. The model is particularly relevant to Sri Lankan entrepreneurs living overseas, many of whom are developing businesses that connect heritage with contemporary international markets.
The new Broad Quay site is therefore more than another restaurant opening. It is a visible celebration of Sri Lankan creativity, enterprise and hospitality, presented in one of Bristol’s prominent central locations. It also demonstrates how a business founded by friends can develop into a recognised brand while continuing to draw inspiration from the food traditions of Sri Lanka.
The Coconut Tree’s official website provides further information about its story, restaurants and culinary approach through its published blog and restaurant resources. Readers interested in wider Sri Lankan community stories, businesses and events can also explore eLanka’s news and articles and browse the eLanka Business Directory.
With the Broad Quay branch opening on 28 August, Bristol will soon have another venue where Sri Lankan flavours, contemporary cocktails and generous hospitality can be experienced in a distinctly social setting. For Praveen Thangiah, Shamil Fernando and the wider team, the new restaurant represents continuity, renewed ambition and an encouraging future for a much-loved Sri Lankan food business in the United Kingdom.
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