Jamie Oliver has revealed the name of his new London restaurant - Jamie Oliver Catherine Street - which is set to open this November in Covent Garden. The launch marks the chef’s return to the restaurant scene after a four-year hiatus, following the collapse of his Jamie’s Italian chain.
Jamie Oliver Catherine Street will be located inside a grade I-listed building opposite the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, seating 130 covers inside, with a further 30 outside on the terrace.
Jamie announced the news in a social media post on Instagram, stating: ‘I am SO happy to announce my return to the UK restaurant industry that I love so dearly with my new place @jamieolivercatherinest!!’
Speaking about the restaurant’s food and drink offering, he said: ‘We’re creating a menu that reflects my love of Britain’s rich & diverse food culture and champions independent producers and suppliers. My hope is that Catherine Street will be a wonderfully welcoming, happy place to dine, with great service, and delicious food at its heart.
He signed off saying: ‘I’m excited is an understatement! Hope to see you at Catherine Street later this year.’
The head chef of the new venture will be Chril Shail, who has worked with the TV personality for eight years, while Emma Jackson, previously at Soho Farmhouse and Petersham Nurseries, will be head of pastry. Front of house will be lead by another former colleague, Caesar Cruz, who spent 16 years working with the chef.
Oliver said: “I’m extraordinarily excited to be opening Jamie Oliver Catherine Street in the heart of Covent Garden, and stepping back into the UK restaurant industry that I love so dearly. It feels like an opportunity to celebrate where I’ve come from, and I’ll be sharing dishes inspired by the food that’s shaped me, dishes that I grew up cooking on the line.
“We’ll be going big on daily specials and have a robust menu that offers something for everyone. It definitely feels like a pivotal moment in my career, and some of the very best of my restaurant teams over the years have come back to join me on this next part of the journey.
Jamie revealed the branding for the site when he posted on Instagram, with the logo portraying a bright orange background with the letters ‘JO’ printed in beautiful typography.
In other news, KFC is launching an exclusive omakase dining experience.