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Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 12:25 - May 21 by britbiker
The chelmsford brabch shut a while ago and didn't have great service reviews.
Its a shame that well know chef's put their name to these chains and then have little imput as the years go by.
I like him and his values but im sure it hasnt left him broke.
I went in there a few times. It was bang average really in terms of food, and over average in terms of price, it was basically an over-priced Pizza Express with the air con ductwork exposed. The staff were very nice though.
In the spirit of reconciliation and happiness at the end of the Banter Era (RIP) and as a result of promotion I have cleared out my ignore list. Look forwards to reading your posts!
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 12:39 - May 21 by chicoazul
I went in there a few times. It was bang average really in terms of food, and over average in terms of price, it was basically an over-priced Pizza Express with the air con ductwork exposed. The staff were very nice though.
It was similar pricing to Pizza Express and Ask but just without the massive discount codes available basically every day.
I just can't see a way this restaurant business doesn't collapse - likes of Ask, Zizzi, etc - there is only so much disposable income and so many of their restaurants must run at a loss.
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 12:39 - May 21 by chicoazul
I went in there a few times. It was bang average really in terms of food, and over average in terms of price, it was basically an over-priced Pizza Express with the air con ductwork exposed. The staff were very nice though.
That was basically my experience. Went to one last year for free (which was nice) but remember thinking that whilst the food was alright, I certainly wouldn't pay as much as they want for it.
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 12:47 - May 21 by itfcjoe
It was similar pricing to Pizza Express and Ask but just without the massive discount codes available basically every day.
I just can't see a way this restaurant business doesn't collapse - likes of Ask, Zizzi, etc - there is only so much disposable income and so many of their restaurants must run at a loss.
Just feels like there are way too many of them at the same price point, give or take. They all blend into one really.
Pizza Express is legit by the way, speaking as a connoisseur of Italian food who once sat next to Angelina Jolie at a pizza restaurant on Capri (she only had mineral water).
In the spirit of reconciliation and happiness at the end of the Banter Era (RIP) and as a result of promotion I have cleared out my ignore list. Look forwards to reading your posts!
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 12:50 - May 21 by DanTheMan
That was basically my experience. Went to one last year for free (which was nice) but remember thinking that whilst the food was alright, I certainly wouldn't pay as much as they want for it.
My thoughts exactly.
In the spirit of reconciliation and happiness at the end of the Banter Era (RIP) and as a result of promotion I have cleared out my ignore list. Look forwards to reading your posts!
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 13:21 - May 21 by chicoazul
Just feels like there are way too many of them at the same price point, give or take. They all blend into one really.
Pizza Express is legit by the way, speaking as a connoisseur of Italian food who once sat next to Angelina Jolie at a pizza restaurant on Capri (she only had mineral water).
Does anyone pay full price at these places? Without a voucher they are as expensive as places like Milsoms locally
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 13:23 - May 21 by itfcjoe
Does anyone pay full price at these places? Without a voucher they are as expensive as places like Milsoms locally
Idiots like me do! I always forget to search for voucher codes.
In the spirit of reconciliation and happiness at the end of the Banter Era (RIP) and as a result of promotion I have cleared out my ignore list. Look forwards to reading your posts!
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 13:21 - May 21 by chicoazul
Just feels like there are way too many of them at the same price point, give or take. They all blend into one really.
Pizza Express is legit by the way, speaking as a connoisseur of Italian food who once sat next to Angelina Jolie at a pizza restaurant on Capri (she only had mineral water).
I agree that Pizza Express isn't too bad but even with a voucher you can rack up a large bill if you gave a beer or two. That mid market portion controlled franchised chain scene is struggling and people either want an experience or local artisan/Street food.
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Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 15:47 - May 21 with 2305 views
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 09:14 - May 22 by GeoffSentence
Apparently he gave personal payment guarantees to HSBC and Brakes, so he is on the hook personally for some pretty big debts.
PG's are rarely exercised tbf. In the context of Jamie Oliver's wealth and portfolio his restaurants are barely going to dent him. He's doing so well from cook books and royalty deals apparently. I know someone who works for him and he did inject some personal cash a while back, but otherwise his exposure is fairly limited and he's unlikely to lose any sleep over the closure of his restaurants.
The offering wasn't great IMO, bang average food and overpriced for what it was. He'll try and point at market conditions but the reality is that consumer spending on eating out is higher than it's ever been, but ultimately he's been found out by increased competition who are offering better value. Hospitality is incredibly difficult to make any money from at the best of times, with high levels of capital required to scale, but I don't think his Jamie's Italians really knew what they stood for and kind of ended up sitting in the mid market appealing to neither.
The thing that amazes me is that when people go on Master Chef the first thing they are asked is "What do you want to do" their reply is normal " Open my own restaurant and gain a Michelin Star" At the end of the day there's only so much food that can be consumed and so many restaurants that the high street can accommodate . If your product is no better or worse than someone else's, even if your famous, if it's cheaper than you are they'll go there. Must admit, not a huge fan of Oliver, think he's a typical "Wide boy". Done good and good luck to him, but fame only lasts for so long and you are competing against many others. It's best if you take what's going for as long as you can and be grateful.
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Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 14:10 - May 22 with 1705 views
Jamie Oliver's restaurants out of business then on 14:10 - May 22 by No9
I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did. The food was not very nice & was very expensive
Well, exactly. Customers have voted with their feet. As with many of these mid market chains, people won't keep showing up for average food and hugely marked up drinks, plus various semi-hidden charges.