Oliver looks for restaurant staff

Jamie Oliver is in the hunt for new recruits to join him at his new Italian restaurant in Oxford, which is due to open its doors in May this year.

Jamie Oliver is on the hunt for staff at his latest restaurant in Oxford after creating a totally authentic Italian menu alongside his mentor, Gennaro Contaldo.

Oliver will transform the former Cock and Camel pub, in George Street, into Jamie`s Italian - the first of a series he is opening around the country.

The restaurant is scheduled to open its doors in early to mid-May.

Mr Oliver, 32, told the Oxford Mail: "I want to give the best service to Oxford, so waiters, managers, bar staff, cleaners and pot-washers - if you`re fantastic, enthusiastic and keen to learn, then we`d love you to be part of this exciting new project.

"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.

“Having grown up in the industry it`s so exciting for me to now tackle the issue of fantastic high street dining.

"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`, has been working side by side with me on the menu and the staff training and so it`ll all be completely authentic, rustic Italian grub."

The first restaurtant in Oliver`s Italian chain was due to open in Bath, but speedy construction work in George Street means it will now open first.

Simon Blagden, Jamie`s Italian managing director, said "These will be the sort of restaurants that you could just as easily use every week for a casual business lunch, or pop in of an evening because you happen to be passing."