First look at new Colchester restaurant Kintsu from Grain owner

Paul Wendholt, who until the end of October ran Grain with business partner Jordan Sidwell, will be opening the doors on new venture Kintsu for the first time inside the same premises.

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.

First look at new Colchester restaurant Kintsu from former Grain owner

The inside of the premises has been designed by Mr Wendholt's wife Laura, who is not an interior design by trade.

Mr Wendholt, who twice won Essex Chef of the Year, said on the restaurant's Facebook page: "It's been a journey for sure and tomorrow we open the doors for the first time as Kintsu.

"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."

First look at new Colchester restaurant Kintsu from former Grain owner

Read more:

• Bid to turn Grain restaurant in Colchester into Kintsu approved
• What we know about Grain restaurant's transformation into Kintsu
• Bid submitted to turn Grain restaurant in Colchester into Kintsu

The new restaurant will be of a similar style to Grain, which offered small plates for diners to create their own tasting menu, with Mr Wendholt also promising an inventive menu and 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.

First look at new Colchester restaurant Kintsu from former Grain owner

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

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.

First look at new Colchester restaurant Kintsu from former Grain owner

Bookings are now open for Kintsu.

Visit kintsu.co.uk or www.facebook.com/kintsucolchester to book or find out more.