Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is preparing to bring his Jamie’s Italian restaurant brand back to the UK in 2026, after a hiatus of six years.
The business went into administration in 2019.
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The revival follows an agreement between Oliver and Brava Hospitality Group, which is backed by Cain International and is the owner of the Prezzo restaurant chain.
Jamie’s Italian will return to the UK high street with a new format and strategy.
The first new branch is expected to open in London’s Leicester Square in spring 2026.
At its peak, Jamie’s Italian operated 40 sites across the UK, but began closing outlets in 2017 as part of a restructuring exercise and went into administration in 2019, leading to 1,000 layoffs.
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By GlobalDataIn a message to staff at the time, Oliver attributed the failure to “the well-publicised struggles of the casual dining sector and decline of the UK high street, along with soaring business rates”.
Despite the UK collapse, Oliver has maintained an international presence through franchise operations.
The Jamie Oliver portfolio still includes 70 restaurants worldwide, run by franchise partners across multiple markets.
Brava Hospitality Group CEO James Brown said in a LinkedIn post: “This brand has always stood for more than great food – it’s about community, people and purpose. That’s why this next chapter feels so meaningful.”
Jamie Oliver Restaurants global director Ed Loftus stated: “We’ve taken the time to reintroduce Jamie’s Italian in a way that feels modern and focused – 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 public will ultimately determine how quickly and how far we grow.”
In September 2025, Indian investor Hunch Ventures acquired Jamie Oliver Restaurants from International Market Management, a UK-based consumer investment company that previously controlled a 51% stake.
The agreement gives Hunch Ventures exclusive rights to operate Jamie’s Pizzeria, Jamie’s Italian and Jamie Oliver Kitchen in India.
According to reports in Indian business media, including The Economic Times, Hunch plans to grow the brand into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through a mix of company-owned and franchised outlets.
