ITALIAN passion is simmering at Canary Wharf after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver opened the first London branch of his new Mediterranean chain of restaurants. The TV chef and healthy eating pioneer opened the doors to London s first Jamie s Italian in the n

ITALIAN passion is simmering at Canary Wharf after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver opened the first London branch of his new Mediterranean chain of restaurants.

The TV chef and healthy eating pioneer opened the doors to London's first Jamie's Italian in the new Churchill Place Mall earlier this month.

Jamie's Italian, which has already opened branches in Oxford, Bath, Brighton and Kingston to rave reviews and huge local followings, is offering what the chef says is authentic, delicious Italian food at an affordable price.

Jamie said: "Since I was a teenager I've been totally besotted by the love, passion and verve for food, family and life that just about all Italian people have, never mind where they're from or how rich or poor they might be.

"And that is what I'm passionate about - good food for everyone, no matter what."

The restaurants are the brainchild of Jamie Oliver and his "Italian father" Gennaro Contaldo and include Italian favourites like spaghetti Bolognese, Jamie's turbo penne Arrabiatta (with an extra kick), cured meat antipasti, crispy polenta chips, chicken Caesar salad, chargrilled chop steak organic buffalo burger and half a chicken.

Desserts include panacotta, tiramisu and Italian ice cream and there will be a selection of Italian coffees to help diners digest.