Speculation that the premises may be an American-style restaurant

The Jamie Oliver restaurant group has closed Union Jacks on Chiswick High Road along with two other branches, saying they were no longer "sustainable in the current challenging climate".

There had been rumours about Union Jacks closing for several months, which were consistently denied by the company, but the closure has been confirmed . It is understood the decision was taken some weeks ago and staff were told.

The future of the Chiswick premises remains uncertain although there is speculation that it may become a Jamie Oliver Trattoria. However the company has not confirmed this and it is also possible that it may not remain under the Jamie Oliver brand. There are reports in the trade press that Jackson & Rye, an American-style restaurant from the Richard Caring stable, is in talks about the site. A branch recently opened in Central London- the reports have not been confirmed.

Branches of Union Jacks in Winchester and Holburn have also ceased trading but the Covent Garden Union Jacks is to remain open.

Jamie Oliver and Chris Bianco- pic David Loftus

A spokesperson said today ( Jan 27);"The Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group has made the decision to close three of the Union Jacks restaurants. After a full review it was concluded that the businesses in Winchester, Chiswick and Holborn were no longer sustainable in the current challenging climate. The Union Jacks site in the Piazza in Covent Garden is trading well and will remain fully operational.

"The group is confident in being able to deliver a robust performance in 2014 and is looking forward to a number of restaurant openings, in the UK and internationally. This will include developing the successful Trattoria model which is doing well in its first location in Richmond."

The Chiswick restaurant's answering machine today said that staff had been kept fully informed and they hoped to re-employ them elsewhere. The message also thanked their "amazing staff" and" fantastic" customers  for support. The majority of the staff have been relocated to another Jamie Oliver restaurant which is due to open shortly in Piccadilly.

The celebrity television chef opened Union Jacks in the former Villandry premises with business partner Chris Bianco, an American who has a chain of Pizza restaurants. Their intention was to marry the 'best of British' produce using local producers and British ingredients.

It is understood that Mr. Bianco will work with the Jamie Oliver group and divide his time between America and the UK.

January 27, 2014