Jamie's Italian Restaurant in Westfield Among 22 to Close

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After chain collapses into administration with loss of 1,000 jobs

 

Jamie's Italian restaurant in Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd's is among 22 which have been closed following the collapse of the of the chain.

The celebrity chef has said he is "devastated" after his restaurant group went into administration, with the loss of around 1,000 jobs, including around 50 in Shepherd's Bush.

The restaurant was one of seven in London, with other locations including Westfield in Stratford, Victoria, Piccadilly and Covent Garden.

The group, which includes the Jamie's Italian chain, Barbecoa and Fifteen, has appointed KPMG as administrators.

Following the announcement, Jamie tweeted: " I’m devastated that our much-loved UK restaurants have gone into administration. I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the people who have put their hearts and souls into this business over the years."

And in a statement he added: "I would also like to thank all the customers who have enjoyed and supported us over the last decade, it's been a real pleasure serving you. "We launched Jamie's Italian in 2008 with the intention of positively disrupting mid-market dining in the UK High Street, with great value and much higher quality ingredients, best-in-class animal welfare standards and an amazing team who shared my passion for great food and service. And we did exactly that."

Two Jamie's Italian restaurants and Jamie Oliver's Diner at Gatwick Airport will continue to trade in the short term while the administrators explore options for the outlets.

Administrators KPMG said: "The group had recently undertaken a process to secure additional investment into the business and, since the beginning of this year, Jamie Oliver has made available additional funds of £4m to support the fundraising.

"However, with no suitable investment forthcoming and in light of the very difficult current trading environment, the directors resolved to appoint administrators."

Virgin Experience Days also tweeted @VirginExp: " We're aware some of you might have @JamieOliver restaurant or cookery school vouchers, and understand you'll have some concerns about what happens next. If you do have a voucher, don't worry, we'll be in contact shortly by e-mail as to to how to proceed."

 

May 22, 2019