David Gibson, Dunas Map "Man of the Month" for April 2026

Dunas Map
4 hours ago
4 min read

David Gibson is the man behind the success of Fusion Restaurant & Lounge in Playa del Inglés. This UK-born chef and entrepreneur is also an avid traveler and a devotee of meditation and spirituality. He is our Dunas Map 'Man of the Month' for April 2026. Discover his journey and the steps he took toward both personal and professional fulfillment.

David Gibson from Fusion restaurant & Lounge, Dunas Map Man of the Month, April 2026

· Hello David, could you introduce yourself as fully as possible ? What was your professional background in your country before moving to the island ?

- My name is David Gibson, age 58. I was born in Jarrow, Tyne & Wear on the 31st of December 1967 and am the youngest of two brothers. From high school, I did a two year course at South Tyneside Catering College where I learnt my skills as both a chef and in food service.

Whilst at college, I worked as a part time waiter and then became Head Waiter for the same restaurant when I left. I continued my career within the same company travelling around the North East working my way up to general Hotel Manager at the age of 25.

· Why and when did you choose Gran Canaria as your home ? - On December 11th 1995, I made a decision that would change my life forever. Answering a small newspaper ad I gave everything up and flew to Gran Canaria to work for a holiday timeshare company called Anfi del Mar.

After two years as a sales rep I became a team manager and worked a further 10 years in that position.

· How and when did the Fusion restaurant adventure begin?

- In 2006, I decided it was time to go back to my passion and made the decision to open a restaurant. At that point, I had no idea how I was going to do this but I put it out to the universe and started making plans. Later in that year, I spent one month backpacking through Vietnam and was so inspired by the cuisine that Fusion was born. Once I had the concept everything else seemed to fall into place and Fusion Restaurant & Loungebar, Arguineguin opened its door in 2007.

After searching for bigger premises, I opened Fusion Restaurant & Loungebar, Playa del Inglés in 2014 and committed myself to working full time as Head Chef.

· Why did you choose “Fusion” as your restaurant name?

- The name Fusion derived from the concept of offering a fusion of fantastic food combined with great service in a relaxing, comfortable setting rather than ‘Fusion’ as a food concept.

· What do you believe Fusion brings that makes its cuisine unique and impossible to find anywhere else?

- Although there are many other Thai restaurants in the area nowadays. I believe what makes Fusion unique is that the dishes on our menu are my interpretation of what I've experienced rather than traditional recipes. That together with still maintaining that ‘fusion’ of food, service and atmosphere. Since my first experience in Vietnam, I have now traveled to Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines and Cambodia.

· Tell us about Fusion's clientele. - After almost 20 years, I am very thankful to have many repeat customers, some have been coming since the early days in Arguineguin but most stay in and around Playa del Inglés. Of course being gay myself and being so close to the Yumbo centre, a lot of our customers are from the LGBTQ+ community and we have enjoyed a great connection to the Yumbo and some of the organisations. We have been proud sponsors of Winter Pride since it started for example.

· You have been in Maspalomas for many years now; has the seaside resort changed much since you arrived?

- You know not a lot has changed in Maspalomas and in particular Playa del Inglés unfortunately. I lived in Puerto Rico for many years and I see the development that has taken place there and in the municipio of Mogan in general and i think why is the Town Hall of San Bartolome de Tirajana not doing the same. It's very sad to see run down and even abandoned shopping centres such as Metro and Plaza. I would love to see more investment in the area and although I'm not very optimistic right now i am hopeful that things will change for the better in the future. Maybe I need to get into politics haha (definitely joking).

· Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of your work in Maspalomas? - Outside of work, I love to travel of course. Last year, my husband and I spent our honeymoon on a cruise in Alaska which was amazing. We also enjoy walking and discovering new places here in Gran Canaria. Pablo is a violinist and I love to see him play with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Las Palmas. I am also spiritual, which many people will not know about me and I practice Reiki to the level of Reiki master, so I enjoy meditation and love being in nature.

· What are your favorite places or events in Maspalomas? Where do you like to go out to have fun, unwind, or grab a bite to eat? - My favourite event in Maspalomas is hands down Winter Pride. I think they've done such a great job of inclusion for everyone including the older queens like myself haha. To be honest, I don't go out much these days but I do enjoy a Sunday afternoon with friends in Copacabanas.