Jamie’s Union Jacks will occupy 3,500sq.ft over two floors in the North Hall of the Market Building. The ground floor will feature 108 covers and an open kitchen, while the lower level will cater for an additional 50 diners.
A request for planning permission to erect a glass box within the site, which was made upon its acquisition has also been granted by Westminster City Council, although full details of the design are yet to be released.
“The Piazza at Covent Garden is one of the most buzzing parts of the city, with Londoners and tourists visiting all day and night,” said Oliver. “So this Union Jacks needs to be special and it will be – the restaurant will look fantastic."
Beverley Churchill, brand director for Covent Garden, added: “Over the past few months Covent Garden has become London’s new foodie hot spot attracting fantastic new concept restaurants such as Jamie’s Union Jacks and international icons including Balthazar.
“With its menu featuring creations exclusive to Covent Garden and its unique location within the Market Building, we are delighted to welcome Jamie’s Union Jacks to the neighbourhood. ”
On the menu
The brainchild of Oliver and Chris Bianco, Union Jacks’ menu features with starters including the hot Norfolk black chicken livers on London bloomer; a range of wood-fired flatbreads including roast shoulder of pig, oxtail and brisket and fish pie; and desserts including sticky toffee tart with clementine sourced cream.
British restaurant chain Canteen had been operating a pop-up restaurant on the site since September last year. At the time, Patrick Clayton-Malone, co-founder of Canteen, told BigHospitality it had been chosen because the company wanted to take advantage of a high footfall space without ‘the usual technical restraints and more flexibility’.
The new restaurant is the sixth to be confirmed as opening under the Union Jacks brand, following its inception last year. Sites have already opened in Central St. Giles and Chiswick, while other new restaurants are to open in Bluewater and Winchester later this year.