COLCHESTER residents were devastated when news arrived in August one of the town's most popular and innovative restaurants would be closing for good.

Grain, which was opened by friends turned business partners Paul Wendholt and Jordan Sidwell in 2016, offered everything as a starter size so you can create your own tasting menu of as many dishes as you wish.

The concept was a massive success and Grain became one of the most celebrated eateries in Essex.

Grain was one of 11 Essex entries which was featured in The Good Food Guide 2020.

But Paul and Jordan announced in August they had decided to close the doors in October “with a heavy heart” due to the uncertainty in the industry amid the pandemic.

Read more >>> Restaurant Grain to close after four years in town

Why did the restaurant close?

New, Grain, Restaurant in North Hill Colchester...(from left) Jordan Sidwell and Paul Wendholt, joint owners.

In a statement they said: “After four long, hard but very rewarding years it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close the doors on this chapter of grain as of October 17.

“Our lease is up for renewal with a new term of ten years, and against a backdrop of a different industry than the one we opened in for the foreseeable future we don’t feel it’s the right time to commit in the face of such uncertainty.

“To every single one of our customers, we have nothing other than sincere gratitude for your love and support since day one.

“Never more so than the last month since coming out of lockdown.

“There is no shadow of doubt that we would not have made it this far without you all.

“Once again thank you to every single one of our customers, we hope to see you all one last time before we close.”

What happened next?

Grain, North Hill, Colchester...Jordan Sidwell and Paul Wendholt in the kitchen.

Shortly after the restaurant closed, Grain got people talking about by posting on social media teasing a big announcement to come.

When the announcement arrived it got residents even more excited.

Read more >>> Restaurant Grain set to make 'big' announcement on Saturday

Paul said he was going it alone on a new venture.

The restaurant, to be called Kintsu, will open inside Grain's old premises this year.

A Kickstarter campaign was launched by Paul, with residents pledging a whopping £28,000 to get the project off the ground.

Read more >>> Former Grain owner raising funds to open new restaurant Kintsu Colchester

What do we know about Kintsu?

Grain, North Hill, Colchester...Paul Wendholt in the kitchen.

A planning application to revamp Grain's old premises has already been submitted.

It proposes a number of layout changes at the premises, including creating a larger kitchen and bar area, as well as a private dining space upstairs.

Read more >>> Bid submitted to turn Grain restaurant in Colchester into Kintsu

No structural changes to the premises are planned.

The new restaurant will create nine full-time and part-time jobs.

A new website has already been launched, which you can visit here.

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.

The website says says the eatery should be open some time this spring, Covid restrictions permitting of course.

The website says: "Grain may be gone and the world feels a bit broken right now. But we’re coming back stronger for it."

Paul is also providing updates on the restaurant's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kintsucolchester.