It’s official: Jamie Oliver will open his much-anticipated London restaurant - Jamie Oliver Catherine St - later this year as he announces an official opening date for the launch. But that’s not all. SquareMeal has the official scoop on all the first-release details, from what’s on the menu to information about the interiors.
The announcement comes two months after the celebrity chef revealed the name of the London restaurant. Speaking about the launch, Jamie commented: ‘The emotion of food, family and home is what I want to bring to life in our Catherine St restaurant. We want every single guest to feel cherished and welcomed, knowing they will be tucking into incredible food, made from the best ingredients, prepared with love and served in an inviting and comforting space. I can’t wait to open the doors, and welcome the public into Jamie Oliver Catherine St.’
It's set to be one of the biggest openings of the year. Read on for answers to all your FAQs below, including menu details, interior info and an official opening date for the big launch.
When will Jamie Oliver Catherine St open?
Jamie Oliver Catherine St is set to open on 28 November 2023 in the centre of Covent Garden, next door to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Who is the head chef at Jamie Oliver Catherine St?
Chris Shaill is the head chef at Jamie Oliver Catherine St, who previously worked alongside Jamie for eight years at Barbecoa. While the pastry team will be headed up by Emma Jackson, who joins from Soho Farmhouse and Petersham Nurseries.
What sort of food will Jamie Oliver Catherine St serve?
The menu at Jamie Oliver Catherine St is being hailed as a ‘a love letter to Britian’s rich food culture’, with a focus on the best independent producers and suppliers across the UK. It’s designed to reflect the chef’s culinary career, from time spent at his mum and dad’s pub as a child, to early days at The River Cafe and Neal Street Restaurant, and memories of Fifteen.
Snacks will include devilled eggs with Exmoor caviar, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese croquettes and vegan smoked tofu “tarama” with heritage radishes and celery salt. While starters span a black pudding Scotch egg with mustard mayonnaise, Loch Duart salmon cured in beetroot and vodka with horseradish soured cream, and Jamie’s take on a seafood cocktail.
Mains are expected to feature gutsy British plates, ranging from roast Sutton Hoo chicken with stroganoff sauce, shoestring fries and baked wild mushroom rice, to a sticky onion tarte tatin with Tropea onions, confit garlic, Pilton cider and Colston Bassett cheese. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Jamie Oliver restaurant without at least one pasta dish on the menu, and we're told the likes of slow-cooked venison ragu with hand-cut pappardelle and Berkswell cheese will feature.
Desserts are set to be fun and indulgent, including one creation entitled Snickersphere, featuring a dome of chocolate filled with peanut butter semifreddo, salted caramel and peanut praline, then paired with buttermilk ice cream and butterscotch sauce.
What about the drinks at Jamie Oliver Catherine St?
The drinks menu will revolve around a curated wine list and signature cocktails. Sommelier Filipe Bhering, previously of Annabel’s and KOL, has curated a selection of new and old world wines, as well as an extensive by-the-glass offering using the Coravin system.
While cocktails will be led by Jay Rivera who previously worked for Jamie Oliver at Fifteen and Barbecoa. Expect classics with a modern twist, from a Margarita made with mezcal, yuzu sake and smoked jalapeños, to an miso butter Old Fashioned.
What are the interiors like at Jamie Oliver Catherine St?
While it has already been revealed that the restaurant will hold an impressive 130 covers indoors, as well as an extra 30 outside on the terrace, further details about the décor have since been released. Diners will enter through a large courtyard garden featuring a soaring ceiling and exposed brick walls covered in vines, wisteria and trees.
The main dining room will feature a grand mahogany bar with art-deco-inspired detailing, a marble countertop and a bar-back display, where guests can perch with a cocktail. Tones of red, green and blue will adorn the space, while brass furnishings, soft linens and various pieces from some of Jamie’s favourite artists and photographers will line the walls.
Keen to stay up-to-date with all the hottest new openings? Check out our guide to the best new restaurants in London, from recent openings to restaurants launching soon.