Full Breakdown
Jamie’s Italian Set to Relaunch in London’s Leicester Square
2/25/2026, 9:50:10 PM
Overview of the Relaunch
Jamie Oliver's renowned restaurant brand, Jamie’s Italian, is making a comeback in the UK with a new location in Leicester Square, London, set to open on 11 March 2026. This relaunch is a collaboration between Jamie Oliver and Brava Hospitality, the owner of the Prezzo Italian brand. The restaurant will occupy three floors and accommodate 140 diners, featuring an open kitchen that allows guests to observe chefs preparing dishes, including freshly made pasta.
Design and Menu Highlights
The new Jamie’s Italian aims to blend nostalgia with modernity, retaining the essence of the original concept while updating it for contemporary diners. The interior design includes a light dining room with wooden floors and red banquette seating, alongside a darker basement bar area. The menu, curated by Oliver, will showcase a combination of new offerings and beloved classics such as cured meat planks, prawn linguine, and Gennaro’s bolognese. All pasta and bread will be made fresh daily, with ingredients sourced from suppliers like Cobble Lane, HG Walters, Chalk Stream Trout, and Liberty Wines.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The opening of Jamie’s Italian is expected to create over 50 new jobs, including roles for waiting staff, hosts, chef de partie, and sous chefs. This initiative reflects a broader confidence in the UK hospitality sector, particularly as the restaurant industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Official Statements on the Relaunch
James Brown, CEO of Brava Hospitality Group, expressed enthusiasm about the relaunch, stating, “This is a huge moment for Brava and the Jamie’s Italian teams. Together, we’ve spent months refining and elevating the offering to deliver on our vision.” Ed Loftus, Global Director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, added, “We’re incredibly proud to be bringing Jamie’s Italian back to the UK. It’s a massive moment for the brand and a real privilege to be part of its relaunch.”
Criticism and Historical Context
The return of Jamie’s Italian comes after the original chain faced significant challenges, leading to the closure of 36 locations in the UK by 2019. This closure resulted in the loss of over 1,000 jobs and was attributed to Oliver's admission of failing to get the "basics" right in his restaurant operations. The new venture represents a strategic effort to rebuild the brand and restore its presence in the competitive UK dining landscape.
Conclusion
The relaunch of Jamie’s Italian in Leicester Square marks a significant moment for both Jamie Oliver and the UK hospitality sector. With a focus on quality, modern dining experiences, and job creation, the restaurant aims to reestablish itself as a beloved destination for Italian cuisine in London.
