When Jamie Oliver approached the leading design agency Blacksheep – presented @ Yatzer for Nando’s in Ashford – for his newest baby, baptized as Jamie’s Italian in Westfield, Stratford City (London, UK), the outcome was something that truly excited its residents.

Located in a space covering 2,130 sqm and consisting of two levels, this restaurant is all about the openness and easy going lifestyle of new age Italians. Its  vastness is a joy to circulate in, providing a great place to lounge back with great company with its Sunday brunch type atmosphere and really enjoy good food. This is food that you can simply pick up with your hands and savor exquisite simple flavours. 

With the combination of finishes like the herringbone distressed oak timber floor, the black and white tumbled mosaic marble tiles, the rustic storage type furniture and the hanging meats & spices, there is definitely a tiny hint of Italian island life. However, when you look at the red leather diner type built in sofas with the drop down aviator lighting suspended with chains, you get the feeling of retro city buzz.  Hence the most suitable description to explain this interior, that we think is fit, is Italian Brunch Meets Market Lifestyle.

This is a Lifestyle where the high ceiling exposed warehouse effect is married with reclaimed timber beams controlling the level of the harsh factory life with the country trusses softness. Nothing is repetitive or simplistic in this restaurant. It is all about the motion. We can imagine people sitting, standing, leaning, talking and of course laughing where the space assists all the needs of every possible time dependent situation. Of course, all these needs are met while retaining a subtle form of continuity perceived simply and discreetly. The most obvious example is the never tiring 1960s replica-seating which is fitted in 3 different colours and two different designs; a factor that is successfully incorporated into all things busy.

It is an obvious observation that this interior is far from your typical Italian restaurant, which you have grown accustomed to. No tablecloths, no vases with flowers on the table, no bow-tied waiter - no stereotype what so ever. It is all about thinking of Italy while in the U.K. and lusting over the glorious food.
As far as getting the Italian ambience right, looking at and smelling the bread, garlic, salami, fruit & fresh vegetables is the only thing that you really need to welcome you to Italy.

All in all this is a restaurant designed to invite the Brit and Feed the Italian.