RUMOURS the Ivy restaurant is planning to open a branch in Oxford were confirmed this afternoon by its owners.

But the Caprice Holdings group did not comment on whether it could be part of the revamped Westgate Shopping Centre.

A spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that The Ivy Collection is looking for an appropriate site in Oxford but at this time there is no further comment."

The Ivy restaurant, popular with celebrities, is an institution of London's west end and has several cafe branches in the capital as well as one brasserie in Bristol. 

It will celebrate its centenary next year and has added an Oxford section to its website for members of the public to receive news updates.

The chain posted a message on Facebook saying 'Merry Christmas Oxford! We look forward to seeing you in 2017', but this was later deleted.

Developers behind the Westgate centre, which is undergoing a £440m redevelopment, have been asked to comment but did not respond.

The shopping complex has already confirmed several high-end restaurants and bars will be part of its rooftop terrace, including cocktail bar The Alchemist, Indian restaurant Cinnamon Kitchen, cafe chain The Breakfast Club, Pizza Pilgrims and Venetian restaurant Polpo.

The new area - approved last month - will offer visitors panoramic views of the city and will feature a grass 'quad' with a canopy area for live performances and cinema screenings.

The quintet will join Japanese restaurants Sticks n Sushi and Shoryu Ramen, Lebanese restaurant Comptoir Libanais, and French cafe Le Pain Quotidien atop of the £440m development when it opens in October next year.

The centre's John Lewis store will open a rooftop terrace of its own and the development will house more than 100 retailers and 25 restaurants in addition to the roof terrace.

Retailers confirmed for the centre include Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and H&M.

Charles Tyrwhitt, Michael Kors and Victoria's Secret Pink will also be part of the complex as will Oxford's own academic book shop Blackwell's.