Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has announced a major comeback for his once-popular high-street restaurant chain, Jamie's Italian. The brand, which collapsed into administration in 2019, is set for a significant revival starting in 2026 following a new partnership deal.
A New Chapter with Brava Hospitality
Jamie Oliver has signed a partnership agreement with Brava Hospitality Group, the owner of the Prezzo chain, which is backed by investment firm Cain International. This collaboration marks a strategic move to resurrect the beloved casual dining brand that once boasted around 40 locations across the UK. The companies stated the deal reflects strong confidence in the enduring appeal of the Jamie's Italian brand and the wider UK hospitality sector.
According to industry publication Propel, the first step in this revival will be the opening of a revamped restaurant in London's Leicester Square in the spring of 2026. This location will serve as the flagship for the brand's new era, blending nostalgic elements with a modernised approach.
From Success to Administration and Back Again
Jamie's Italian was originally launched in Oxford in 2008 by Oliver and his Italian mentor, chef Gennaro Contaldo. It quickly became a roaring success, with queues often forming outside its doors. However, the chain faced mounting pressures later in the decade, including intense competition, soaring business rates, and rising operational costs.
Site closures began in 2017 as part of a restructuring effort, but by 2019 the business had fallen into administration, resulting in the loss of approximately 1,000 jobs. At the time, Oliver cited the well-documented struggles of the casual dining sector and the decline of the UK high street as primary causes for the collapse.
The Revamped Vision: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
In a joint statement, the partners revealed that the new Jamie's Italian will balance nostalgia with a contemporary feel. Jamie Oliver has personally curated a new menu that will feature a mix of innovative dishes alongside classic favourites. These much-loved classics are set to include the famous cured meat planks, prawn linguine, and Gennaro's bolognese, all sourced to Oliver's higher food standards.
The restaurant design will also be revitalised, drawing inspiration from successful international Jamie's Italian sites while aiming to retain a familiar warmth and generosity. Ed Loftus, global director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating it brings together a world-renowned chef with a capable operator and long-term investment.
"We've taken the time to reintroduce Jamie's Italian in a way that feels modern and focused," Loftus said. "A tighter menu, a renewed emphasis on fresh pasta and quality ingredients, and warm, straightforward hospitality. Our priority is making the first location exceptional."
The venture's future expansion will ultimately depend on public reception, but this announcement signals a determined effort to reclaim a spot on the UK's high street, seven years after the chain's disappearance.
