Iconic chef plans to revive excessive avenue restaurant chain six years after administration
Famous chef Jamie Oliver is still planning to relaunch Jamie’s Italian onto the UK’s highstreet six years after it went into administration
Famous TV chef Jamie Oliver’s company is set to push Jamie’s restaurant back onto the British high street.
Brava Hospitality, the owner of Prezzo, is behind the coordination of the return of Jamie’s Italian restaurants – six years after the chain fell into administration.
Jamie Oliver Group handles the famous chef’s media content, appearances and partnerships with third parties. The possible comeback comes after a former executive at Thomas Cook and Vue cinema stepped down as CEO of the Jamie Oliver Group after just two years in the role.
Jamie’s Italian was first launched with his mentor, the chef Gennaro Contaldo in Oxford in 2008. At its peak, Jamie’s Italian had 36 sites across the country with 15 in London and one steak house, Barbecoa.
Speaking about his restaurant, which continues to expand internationally with 70 sites over 20 different countries, returning to the UK, Jamie, 50, said: “As a chef, having the chance to return to the high street is incredibly important to me.
“I will drive the menus, make sure the sourcing is right, the staff training, and ensure the look and feel of the restaurant is brought to life in the right way.”
The new-look Jamie’s Italian will return with a restaurant in London’s Leicester Square in Spring 2026.
Ed Loftus, the global director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, said the partnership with Brava “marks an exciting next chapter” for the group in the UK.
He said: “Our priority is making the first location exceptional. The public will ultimately determine how quickly and how far we go.”
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