London: Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's British restaurant chain filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, partly due to increased competition and escalating rents in local commercial districts.

The insolvency will leave 1000 people out of work and reignited worries about local retail and food outlets in Britain, which are struggling to attract customers much like in Australia and the United States.

Oliver, 43, who became a well-known figure in Britain and beyond for his popular TV shows, founded his Jamie's Italian brand of high street restaurants in 2008. His restaurant group also includes Barbecoa, a steakhouse, and Jamie Oliver's Diner.

Financial firm KPMG, which will oversee the process, said all but three of the group's 25 eateries will close. They include restaurants in the Jamie's Italian chain, Barbecoa and the more upmarket Fifteen.