Next week the first Jamie’s Italian in the Nordic countries will open at Scandic Anglais in Stockholm. Back in January intense training began for the concept manager at Jamie’s Italian, closely followed by key staff in the Swedish kitchen and restaurant team, all of whom underwent a thorough programme of training at Jamie Oliver’s own restaurants in the UK. They have all now completed their training and the preparations for launch are well under way.
For just over eight weeks the Swedish team have been trained in ingredients, recipes, service culture and leadership at Jamie’s Italian restaurants in London and Cambridge. The aim of the training was for the team to be able to run the restaurant at Scandic Anglais in Stockholm in line with Jamie’s food philosophy. One of the guiding lights throughout the training process was Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie Oliver’s own mentor back when the chef himself was only 15, a major inspiration behind Jamie’s interest in Italian cuisine.
“Everything served at Jamie’s Italian undergoes strict checks to guarantee quality and sustainability, and this also goes for the team, who are trained in Jamie Oliver’s food philosophy and view of service. There’s no cutting corners and you need 100% understanding of everyone’s roles in the restaurant. This is an approach that’s close to our hearts here at Scandic too,” says Ulrika Garbrant, Vice-President Food & Beverage at Scandic.
The recruitment process for key staff has prioritised experience in international restaurant concepts, as well as strong leadership skills and great emphasis has been placed on the right service attitude and approach to Jamie’s philosophy.
“It must be easy to talk about food and it must be accessible to everyone. I see myself as an ambitious chef with a passion for fresh ingredients and good, honest cooking. I can’t think of anything better than colleagues who think the same way or working in line with Jamie Oliver’s food philosophy that emphasises exactly that,” says Nathan Moore, Head Chef at Jamie’s Italian at Scandic Anglais.
Continued training takes place with all staff every day to constantly increase skills and ensure that they are true ambassadors for Jamie’s Italian. Nothing is left to chance.
Key team member behind Jamie’s Italian at Scandic Anglais:
Henrik Mattsson, Concept Manager, joins Scandic from a post as Commercial Manager at Thomas Cook where he opened a number of new international hotels and restaurants. He has worked around the world in everything from Guide Michelin restaurants to luxury cruise ships.
Gary Munslow, Food & Beverage Manager, Gary Munslow started his restaurant career in South Africa, continued to Dubai, was General Manager of Wagamama in England and Sweden and Speciality Restaurant Manager at one of the Marriott Hotels’ largest restaurants.
Nathan Moore, Head Chef, from New Zealand whose previous posts include working as Executive Head Chef at a number of Hilton Hotels and at the London 2012 Olympics. On top of that, he has cooked for President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI.
Samuel From, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, formerly restaurant manager at Berns Asiatiska, and involved in launching Nosh & Chow.
Nico Truedsson, Bar Manager, sound bar experience from Lydmar Hotel, Hotel Rival, Hamburger Börs, Taverna Brillo and Hornhuset.
Richard Shaw, Sous Chef, most recently Head Chef at Grill Ruby, international cooking background from ASK Italian and Holland America Cruiseline.
Jenny Warö, Restaurant Manager, an enthusiastic advocate of friendly service and former manager of restaurants including O’Learys.
Jamie’s Italian opened its first restaurant in the UK in 2008 and is now beloved by guests around the world, including in Australia, Russia, Singapore and Turkey. The first Jamie’s Italian in the Nordic countries is set to open at Scandic Anglais in Stockholm. Scandic started working with Jamie Oliver back in 2009 and ever since Scandic’s guests have been able to enjoy specially designed dishes produced by Jamie Oliver together with Scandic’s Food & Beverage Team.
