Jamie Oliver revives Jamie's Italian with bold UK comeback plan

Jamie Oliver is bringing back Jamie’s Italian to the UK after a five-year absence. The 50-year-old chef has teamed up with Brava Hospitality Group to relaunch the mid-market Italian chain. The first location will open in London’s Leicester Square as part of a long-term investment plan. Jamie’s Italian first launched in Oxford in 2008, created in partnership with chef Gennaro Contaldo. At its peak, the chain ran around 40 UK restaurants before shutting down in 2019. Despite the UK closure, the brand has remained active abroad, with over 30 restaurants still operating across 25 countries.

Oliver will take a direct role in shaping the revival, focusing on menu design, ingredient sourcing, staff training, and creative direction. He believes the current economic climate makes it the right time to reintroduce the brand. Brava Hospitality Group, led by CEO James Brown, will manage the UK relaunch, aiming to redefine casual Italian dining for modern customers.

The Leicester Square restaurant will serve as a model for future UK openings if the comeback proves successful. The partnership between Oliver and Brava signals a commitment to long-term growth for the brand. The relaunch marks a fresh start for Jamie’s Italian under new leadership and a refined concept. If successful, the Leicester Square site could lead to further UK expansions. The brand’s return will test whether mid-market Italian dining still appeals to British customers.