Kornicis takes Jamies Wine Bar & Restaurant to London’s West End

05-Feb-2013 - Last updated on 05-Feb-2013 at 09:51 GMT

Jamies Wine Bar & Restaurant on St Martins Lane will have a focus on cocktails and a new interior design

London-focused bar and restaurant group Kornicis has acquired the former La Tasca site on St Martins Lane for what will be the first West End outpost for its Jamies Wine Bar and Restaurant brand.

The 150-cover restaurant, private dining room and large bar area will become the 11th Jamies to hit the capital when it opens at the end of February. Kornicis’ chief executive Nick Tamblyn claims this is the group’s ‘biggest acquisition yet’.

“It’s is a huge step for the company,” Tamblyn said. “We are very much looking forward to the opening – with a brand like Jamies it is important to get the design concept spot on.”

In keeping with the other Jamies sites, which are predominantly in the City, the new bar and restaurant on St Martins Lane will serve a range of ‘British classics’ including signature dishes such as the Jamies classic homemade beefburger along with daily specials in the restaurant and a selection of sharing party platters and small plates in the bar.

New look

The venue’s drinks offering will have a key focus on cocktails - a new direction for the Jamies concept - serving contemporary classics and new found favourites alongside the extensive wine list with over twenty wines available by the glass.

The St Martins Lane site has been redesigned by Tony Arty of Anthony Carter Designs, with Tamblyn adding: “Tony has created the perfect scheme to take Jamies into the West End.”

The interior will feature classic tiles, leather textures and smart furniture, giving a modern twist to the more traditional Jamies sites.

Expansion plans

Founded in 2008, Kornicis currently runs over 20 bars and restaurants. The Group’s other two brands are Smollensky’s and Henry J Beans. A spokesperson for the group told BigHospitality that ‘plans are in full flow to expand the Jamies brand this year with hopefully another four or five sites opening.’

The new sites are likely to be situated in the City of London as well as the West End, Covent Garden and Soho. Major refurbishments are also scheduled for 2013 including the re-development of a large unit next to London Bridge and The Shard.

The latest addition to the Jamies Wine Bar and Restaurant portfolio is expected to open on Wednesday 27 February at 63-66 St Martins Lane.

To read more about Kornicis Group, read our exclusive career profile with chief executive Tamblyn here.