{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Does London really need the return of Jamie’s Italian? ","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61ba05fc1a8cbed4343cf0e6/1765356150437-25ecfb0f-2ed7-43a9-b181-55ae2eac749b.jpeg?height=200","description":"

Jamie Oliver is to relaunch his Italian restaurants in 2026 - seven years after the chain went out of business - having reached a deal with Brava Hospitality Group, the owners of Prezzo.


At its peak, there were more than 40 Jamie’s Italian sites across the UK, but after rapid expansion and a changing market, the company ran into trouble.


Now the first UK branch in six years is set to open in Leicester Square next year, at a time when UK hospitality bosses have complained of a tough trading environment, increased costs and changes to business rates. 


So can the celebrity chef pull off this comeback - and does the capital need another Italian chain restaurant? 


The Standard’s Food & Drink Writer Josh Barrie is here with the latest.



","author_name":"The Evening Standard"}