Jamie's Italian to reopen after six years of closure

Jamie's Italian is set to return to the UK dining market next year, marking six years since the chain entered administration. The new flagship restaurant will open in central London, backed by the same investment group supporting the Italian dining brand Prezzo.

During its height, the chain operated more than 40 UK locations, but a combination of swift expansion and shifting consumer trends led to significant financial strain. All UK branches closed in 2019, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 jobs, while more than 30 international sites continued operating.

Founder Jamie Oliver, who has curated the new menu for the Leicester Square venue, acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed confidence in the timing of the relaunch. He noted that the mid-range dining segment is in need of fresh energy and aims to deliver renewed appeal and creativity.

The revival falls under a franchise partnership between Oliver and Brava Hospitality Group, owner of Prezzo. Unlike the previous iteration, Oliver is not contributing personal funds to the project. Following the collapse of the chain, he was left with debts totaling 80m, though his publishing and television ventures have continued to perform strongly.

The relaunch arrives amid ongoing pressures on the UK hospitality industry, including rising wage demands and changes to business rates. At the time of the 2019 shutdown, Oliver cited the broader downturn in casual dining and escalating operational costs as key factors in the brands financial downfall.

Author: Grace Ellison