Jamie Talks Food, Family & Fame

With a new book and TV series celebrating Italian cooking, JAMIE OLIVER is as busy as ever. Good Housekeepings Jackie Brown catches up with him

- Jackie Brown

Nearly 20 years ago, I interviewed a very young, unknown chef called Jamie Oliver about his first book, The Naked Chef. His drive was apparent even then and it was difficult not to be won over by his charm and passion for food.It’s been a remarkable journey ever since. Now 43, Jamie is as well known for his healthy-eating campaigns in the UK as for the books and TV series. In those two decades, he’s developed his Fifteen venture, helping unemployed youngsters train as chefs, and launched Jamie’s Italian chain, which has not been trouble-free. He blames a ‘perfect storm’ of high running costs, Brexit and low consumer confidence on the decision to close 12 of the Italian restaurants, but is determined to push on. ‘Through the darkness comes some light,’ he says. ‘I think – and I am massively biased obviously – that mid-market dining in Britain is better with me in it, because I will always push for better.’

Then, of course, there is the fascination with his ever growing family. When he published his first book, he was about to marry Jools, his childhood sweetheart. Now they have five children – his eldest, Poppy, has turned 16 and his youngest, River, is two. Jamie is remarkably unchanged when we meet to talk about his latest venture, a lavish book and TV series – Jamie Cooks Italy. So, what has he learnt over the years? He shares his life lessons on food, family and fame, Jamie-style....

It’s chaos in our house. In a nice way.

You have teenage emotions, you have nine-year-olds, you have babies in nappies. I’m mainly a weekend parent – I will get to the key school events, but I’m flat out Monday to Friday and normally see the children a couple of nights during the week. I’m happy with that, and I think they are fine with it.

I honestly thought I would have two children.