JamieOliver.com

Wed 24 Jun 2009 @ 16:39
Danny McCubbin

Opening in June 2008, Jamie’s Italian in Oxford was the first in this busy chain of restaurants. An extension to the restaurant will be unveiled on the 26th June which means that there will now be space for large functions and a greater seating capacity. I spoke to Joe Mair, who manages the Oxford restaurant, about this exciting development.

How is the extension coming along?
Things are getting close to being finished now. The final touches are being put on the extension and we are looking forward to opening on the 26th. Other than that it is business as usual.

Exciting news, can you tell me a bit about this?
From the start we had wanted the shop space next door that we are extending into but last year it was under offer so we were unable to. As nothing seemed to be happening next door the Managing Director of Jamie’s Italian, Simon Blagden, approached the landlord and was able to arrange to take over the space. We hope that the extension will introduce us to a new market by way of catering for conferences and meetings and, more importantly, reassure Oxford that we will do all we can to shorten the queue for tables even if it means buying next door!

What does this mean for the restaurant?
Fifty more covers and more flexibility in our offer.

Will you be able to hold functions and events there now?
Yes, up to 40 people initially (we think!)

How have the local community taken to Jamie’s Italian in Oxford?
Very positively! Over the last two weeks we have had three primary schools in learning how to make bread and tasting the food we make. I reckon in ten years time we'll be employing some of them! We also work with some of the surrounding businesses and theatres so we've definitely made an impression.

Are there many regulars?
Yes, we have people now that reckon they've been here 20 times plus. Our regulars are also our best critics, they'll let us know who gave them great service and exactly what they think of any menu change.

What kind of people work at Jamie’s Italian?
We have an incredibly diverse staff! We have mums, dads, students and travellers as well as staff who want a career in hospitality. From one family I have a mum, a dad and niece working. We have nationals of Holland, Spain, Slovakia, South Africa, Germany, and Poland.

What's it like to work there?
Special. It is by far the most challenging and relentless restaurant I've ever worked at. It is also by far the most rewarding. I know when I put food down in front of a customer that not only has it been sourced brilliantly but it has also been created by people that care and love it. And the same goes for every department – yes, we spend a lot of time and resource training people but we all know how worthwhile it is by the feedback we get pointing out the brilliance of our staff. We will always have jobs for the right people. We do have a few gaps at the moment (mainly in the kitchen) so people can just submit their CV's online.

For more information on Jamie’s Italian including how to apply for a job