Oliver looks for restaurant staff

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."