A celebrated chef has spoken of his delight after finishing works on his new Colchester restaurant - which is now open for booking. 

Paul Wendholt, who until the end of October ran Grain with business partner Jordan Sidwell, has opened the doors on new venture Kintsu for the first time inside the same venue just off North Hill near the entrance to the Nunn’s Road car park.

The experienced chef raised more than £28,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to get the new business off the ground last year.

A number of layout changes have been implemented at the premises, with new equipment and furniture also installed.

The interior of the premises has been designed by Mr Wendholt’s wife Laura.

Mr Wendholt, who twice won Essex Chef of the Year, said on the restaurant’s Facebook page: “It’s been a journey for sure.

“Some serious blood sweat and tears has gone in to everything we’ve done.

“I can’t begin to describe how amazing @laurawendholt interior design is.

“She has bought my vision to life and I couldn’t be more in love with it.”

The new restaurant will be of a similar style to Grain, which offered small plates for diners to create their own tasting menu.

Mr Wendholt is also promising an inventive menu and a relaxed atmosphere.

The menu will be dictated by the seasons, weather and what is on offer from suppliers in the area.

A sample menu on the website features dishes in three categories - savory, cheese and sweet.

Before it closed, Grain was one of Essex’s most celebrated restaurants and included in the Good Food Guide.

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At the time the business partners said they had decided to close when its lease came to an end due to uncertainty surrounding the hospitality industry during the pandemic.

Mr Wendholt, however, returned soon after with plans for Kintsu.

The new restaurant is set to create nine new jobs for the town.

Bookings are now open for Kintsu.

The name is a Japanese word meaning the art of repairing with gold or silver lacquer and means understanding the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.

Visit kintsu.co.uk to book or find out more.