FOODIES have plenty to look forward to as new plant-led café aims to open in Colchester.

The new eatery, called ‘Patch’, is coming to Trinity Street.

Owners say it will produce locally grown seasonal dishes, and host special evening events in Colchester’s city centre.

Patch is being opened and managed by two local friends and colleagues of 15 years, Jordan Sidwell – previous chef and co-owner of Bib Gourmand-winning ‘Grain’ restaurant on North Hill – and Jenna Saiz Abo Henriksen.

The pair are aiming to serve up creative breakfast and lunch dishes using fresh seasonal produce, grown where possible on their small spot of land in Great Wigborough, which has inspired Jordan’s menu as well as the name of their new venture.

The duo say other food and drink suppliers will be local, while the café itself will strive to minimise waste and be creative with resources.

Since leaving Grain, Jordan says he wants to continue to offer high quality food, but in a relaxed café environment.

Evening events will also be an important part of Patch’s identity, according to the owners.

They say the venue will host evenings of tasting menus, wine evenings, live music, theatre and supper clubs.

As well as working in food and drink establishments for more than a decade, Jenna performs professionally with several groups, and will oversee evenings bringing together dining and entertainment.

The cafe will open for regular daytime business on Tuesday, September 6.

The venue is also running a kickstarter in a bid to raise £15,000 for costs such as expanding on the existing kitchen equipment, creating a new bakery space to make sourdough on-site and installing panels in the atrium to enhance the acoustics.

Jenna said: “We look forward to welcoming people to some exciting upcoming music evenings with local performers – great food, drink, and the customer experience will be at the heart of what we do at Patch.”

Jordan added: “I can't wait to be back in Colchester town centre in my own kitchen, creating new dishes from our home grown produce and from locally sourced suppliers.

“Having been Colchester-based for a large part of our careers, we can’t wait to bring you a project very close to our hearts and to become part of the vibrant fabric that makes up Colchester’s independent business scene.”

To back patch, visit bit.ly/kickstarterpatch.