Yanina Iskhakova
Islington restaurants are worried by the opening of TV chef Jamie Oliver’s new Islington restaurant.
The huge Jamie’s Italian opens in the Angel Building this summer and can seat 200.
Established eateries claim it is unfair competition.
It is the latest in a chain of 18 restaurants owned by TV’s “Naked Chef”.
One owner of an Italian restaurant in Chapel Market who wanted to remain anonymous feels that his restaurant is at risk because of Jamie’s Italian.
He said: “The prices at Jamie’s are really low. I’ve eaten there and although the food was not outrageous, it’s better than most restaurant chains. The restaurant will certainly affect our business, if not destroy it completely.”
The lease contract is set for 25 years and the application included a 12.30am drinks licence and permission to show films.
However, even though some restaurants might be negatively affected by the opening, Jamie’s Italian will also create up to 100 new jobs.
But Not all local restaurants are worried about the new arrival. Filiz Dolen, 32, waitress at the Angel Inn said: “Workers cannot go there wearing their work clothes and eat in relaxed atmosphere but they can here.
“Our food is cheaper and we have our regular customers. We also open early in the morning, so maybe we are going to affect them instead.”
Luca, 24, proud owner of the Renaissance Bar & Restaurant, just a few metres down the St John’s Street, sees the opening as rather positive for his business. He said: “I think that the people wanting to eat at Jamie’s Italian won’t find a place there. It will be fully booked until November or December so they might come to my place instead and discover the true flavours of Italy.”
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