Brava Hospitality Group, the operator behind Prezzo Italian, has announced a landmark deal with the world-renowned chef, bestselling author, and child health campaigner, Jamie Oliver.
The strategic partnership will see an exciting flagship restaurant open in London’s Leicester Square in spring 2026.
Backed by Brava Hospitality’s majority shareholder, the investment management firm Cain, led by Jonathan Goldstein, this significant deal signals confidence in the powerful appeal of the Jamie’s Italian brand.
While the brand has thrived internationally with over 30 successful locations in 15 countries, its strategic return to the UK signals a confidence in the UK hospitality sector and capitalises on the strength of Jamie’s brand as well as love for Italian cuisine.
Balancing nostalgia and modernity, Jamie has carefully curated a new menu that will feature a mix of new dishes as well as some of the much loved classics including the famous cured meat planks, prawn linguine and Gennaro’s bolognese all sourced to his higher food standards.
The restaurant design will be revitalised, reflecting some of the key successes from the international Jamie’s Italian restaurants but at the heart of the rebrand, guests will experience a familiar warmth and generosity.
Jamie Oliver said: ” As a chef, having the chance to return to the high street is incredibly important to me. In theory it’s not the easiest time to return but conversely, I think it’s the perfect time. I believe the mid-market needs excitement, surprise and delight and that’s exactly what I am planning on delivering.”
He continued, “I think the public wants freshly made delicious food at a reasonable price with an award winning kids menu. Eating out is a treat but I believe it should offer value for money with higher welfare sourcing.”
‘I will drive the menus, make sure the sourcing is right, the staff training and ensure the look and feel of the restaurant is brought to life in the right way. All the effort, time, love and attention will be the same as before,” said Jamie.
Ed Loftus, Global Director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, said: “Partnering with Brava, backed by Cain International, marks an exciting next chapter for Jamie Oliver Restaurants in the UK. This partnership brings together one of the world’s most recognised chefs with a highly capable operator and the long-term investment to build something with real longevity.
“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.”
Commenting on the partnership, James Brown, CEO of Brava Hospitality Group, said: “At Brava, our focus is to invest in brands where food, people and purpose come together. We’ve seen the magic of Jamie’s Italian around the world, and we believe deeply in the power of his brand.
“Our ambition is to bring world-class Italian dining to the heart of the UK high street. A lot of time and energy has gone into evolving the Jamie’s Italian concept to make that vision a reality. This marks an exciting new chapter for both Jamie’s Italian and Brava, and reflects our commitment to reimagining the high street with exceptional, modern hospitality.”
Jamie’s Italian is the second brand to join the Brava Hospitality portfolio, sitting alongside Prezzo Italian, which underwent its own spectacular transformation and rebrand in April 2025.
The transformation of Prezzo Italian was led by James Brown after he joined the operator in November last year to build on the brand’s foundation and secure lasting success. Since this, the brand has seen a strong business performance, with like-for-like sales growing +11% in Q3 and the twelve refurbished restaurants delivering an average of +60% growth compared to the prior year.
The return of Jamie’s Italian represents an exciting and defining step forward for Brava Hospitality Group and a renewed commitment to shaping the future of UK dining.
The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks: Movement forms Community
