][1]It’s not every day that one of the UK’s biggest cooking stars opens in your town but that’s what’s happening in Glasgow today as Jamie Oliver opens his long awaited Jamie’s Italian on George Square in Glasgow.
The 280 cover restaurant, housed in the old GPO building, has employed just under a hundred people from the local area. The General Manager is Hamish Goldie and the head chef is Guy McAllister.
While the Glasgow branch is the first in Scotland, there are already eleven other Jamie’s Italian restaurants up and running very successfully in England and Wales.
Jamie is confident that this one won’t be any different.
‘I’m so excited to be bringing Jamie’s Italian to Scotland and in particular to Glasgow, which I know from working with many Glaswegians over the years, is such a foodie city.
‘After all the years of working with suppliers, growers, farmers and then learning from the British public, I wanted to create a local restaurant that is classy, reliable and inspired by what people want – good tasty food,’ he says. ‘ That’s how Jamie’s Italian came about and the great British public have been voting with their feet and making all our restaurants very successful. We’re very thankful for that.
‘When people eat at a ‘Jamie’s Italian’, I want them to really get into the food, maybe try something they wouldn’t normally try, but always be safe in the knowledge that they’re eating good stuff, prepared with love. My mentor, Gennaro Contaldo the “Italian Stallion”, works side by side with me on the menu and the staff training and so it’s all completely authentic, rustic Italian grub.’
Pukka, as they say in Tuscany.
Naturally, demand for tables is likely to be high at Jamie’s new venture. If you fancy an Italian but would rather let things settle before trying his place then click through to 5pm’s fine stable of existing Glasgow Italian restaurants.