Jamie Oliver, chef, television personality, food activist and surrogate husband of soccer moms everywhere, is opening a British gastropub in Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal. Cheekily named Maison Publique (that translates to Public House for you Anglos), the joint will be a simple yet refined ode to British cuisine, with an open kitchen, and an extensive beer menu.

Oliver is teaming with renowned local chef Derek Dammann, famous for his offal-centric Canadian restaurant DNA Cuisine Complice in Old Montreal. While Oliver has offered his collaborative services, Dammann will construct the entire menu and oversee the restaurant’s décor.

Oliver and Dammann have been planning Maison Publique for over two years. Dammann, originally from Victoria, worked as a sous chef at Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant in London, where the two soon became friends.

Maison Publique will be housed in an unassuming red brick storefront at 4720 Rue Marquette at Gilford — perfect for the unpretentious style sought by both Dammann and the Montreal populace in general.  

We've tried hating Jamie Oliver, we really have. But the bugger is just so damn cute.

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