Seven years after its dramatic collapse into administration, the celebrated Jamie's Italian restaurant chain is staging a triumphant return to the United Kingdom. The iconic brand, founded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, will officially reopen its doors in central London next month, marking a significant comeback for the once-global dining empire.
A Culinary Phoenix Rises from the Ashes
Jamie Oliver announced in December that his beloved restaurant chain would be returning to Britain's high streets through an innovative partnership with Brava Hospitality Group, the parent company of Prezzo Italian. The inaugural venue is scheduled to launch in the bustling heart of Leicester Square on March 11, 2026. Brava Hospitality has unveiled ambitious plans to open up to 40 additional locations across the nation over the next decade, signaling a robust nationwide expansion strategy.
Leicester Square Flagship Details
The new Leicester Square restaurant spans three impressive floors, featuring a dynamic open kitchen that allows diners to witness culinary artistry in action. Dining areas are strategically located on both the first floor and basement level, creating a multi-layered experience. Jamie Oliver himself will personally oversee the menu development, which promises to blend innovative new dishes with beloved classic favorites from the chain's original offerings.
Executive Vision and Chef's Passion
James Brown, Chief Executive at Brava Hospitality Group, expressed his enthusiasm to The Caterer, stating: "Our ambition is to bring world-class Italian dining to the heart of the UK high street. A lot of time and energy has gone into evolving the Jamie's Italian concept to make that vision a reality. Jamie's Italian is now set to reimagine the high street through its exceptional, modern and generous hospitality, and we are looking forward to welcoming the first guests to experience it."
Oliver emphasized the personal significance of this return during his December announcement, declaring: "As a chef, having the chance to return to the high street is incredibly important to me. In theory it's not the easiest time to return but conversely, I think it's the perfect time. 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 Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of a Restaurant Empire
The original Jamie's Italian first opened in Oxford in 2008, quickly expanding to become an international phenomenon. At its peak, the chain operated 42 restaurants across multiple continents, including locations in Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Qatar, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore.
The Collapse and Aftermath
The chain's troubles began in early 2017 with the closure of six outlets, resulting in 120 redundancies. This was followed by an additional 12 closures in early 2018, when it was revealed that the business had accumulated staggering debts totaling £71.5 million. These liabilities included outstanding staff wages, overdrafts, loans, money owed to landlords, HMRC, suppliers, and various other creditors.
The situation culminated in May 2019 when the business entered administration, leading to the closure of 22 out of 25 UK restaurants and the loss of approximately 1,000 positions. International branches operating under franchise agreements remained unaffected by the UK collapse.
In early 2020, administrators KPMG disclosed that the majority of the £80 million owed by Oliver's restaurant chain following its May 2019 collapse would not be recovered. Hundreds of suppliers, along with several town councils, bore the brunt of these substantial financial losses. Later that same year, an employment tribunal ruled that Oliver's restaurants had violated labor laws by failing to properly consult employees before making them redundant.
A New Chapter Begins
The March reopening represents more than just another restaurant launch—it symbolizes the resurrection of a brand that once defined casual Italian dining in the UK. With Oliver's hands-on involvement and Brava Hospitality's operational expertise, the revived Jamie's Italian aims to recapture its former glory while adapting to the evolving culinary landscape of post-pandemic Britain.
