Tim Martin, the Exeter-based chairman of pub chain JD Wetherspoon, has claimed Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant chain is pushing up rents for other operators across the country.
The outspoken pub boss questioned the wisdom of the celebrity chef's approach to business in an interview with trade journal M&C Report.
He was speaking after Wetherspoon announced it had closed five pubs in the 10 weeks to July 6.
On the impact of rising rents, Mr Martin said: "The only one you have to be careful of around the country is Jamie Oliver, because in general he seems to agree to higher rents in several locations that are pushing up the rents for other people.
"My advice for Oliver is: Be careful, son. You're an excellent cook, but do you know about rent reviews or understand the property market?"
Jamie's Italian, which has around 40 restaurants across the UK, has declined to comment on Mr Martin's remarks.
