JAMIE Oliver's possible plans to transform a former St Albans city centre pub into an Italian restaurant have been met with mixed reactions.

The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has said it would welcome the resurrection of The Bell pub – but rejects plans for an “upmarket restaurant”.

The celebrity chef, who is known for his campaigns to cut childhood obesity and healthy eating in schools, has launched a range of "Jamie's Italian" restaurants across the country.

Iain Loe, St Albans CAMRA representative, said: “The Bell has been closed for while now but it has a long history of being a pub in the city. We would like to see it back opening as a pub serving real ales.

“It doesn't have to be turned into a gastro pub – it can be a successful in the city serving good food and good beer.

“If Jamie wants to bring an Italian flare to the place it's fine but if it's going to be an up market restaurant that only rich people can go to then it would lose a lot of the character.”

Mr Loe added CAMRA have many suggestions for Jamie and his plans for the former coaching inn and think it's a great opportunity to combine good food and good beer.