Does London really need the return of Jamie’s Italian?

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.

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