A RESTAURANT which doesn't serve meat? 

A few years ago that would have been unthinkable. 

But in these enlightened times, there is now a better understanding of the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism both in terms of our own health and that of the planet.

Patch restaurant opened in Trinity Street in Colchester in September as a dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurant.

And it has not looked back.

It has enjoyed a healthy flow of customers and demand for its food will continue long after Veganuary (where people are encouraged to follow a vegan lifestyle) has ended.

Jordan Sidwell and Jenna Saiz Abo Henriksen have 15 years of experience and friendship between them.

Jordan was the previous chef and co-owner of Bib Gourmand-winning Grain restaurant on North Hill, Colchester.

The pair hope to offer Colcestrians, and those from further afield. delicious plant lead food and have converted a few die-hard meat eaters already with their special cuisine.

The eatery opened its doors following a successful crowdfunding campaign.

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The duo have also managed to tap into the nighttime economy by offering tasting event evenings as well as musical and poetry events where diners can also enjoy a plant-based meal.

Speaking on their experiences over the past five months of trading, Jordan said: “It has been good overall, the response has been really good.

"We are in the routine of running extra events in the evening which is doing well, a favourite is dessert night. We also just had a poetry evening."

The plant-led café offers a menu which is 75 per cent vegan and is meat free.

On Colchester’s response to the plant-based menu, Jenna said: “We have such a wide demographic of customers, we get full-blown meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans and people who just want to eat less meat.

“We have customers of all age demographics, with some loyal regulars.”

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Jordan added the restaurant's plant based menu has even managed to turn a few heads.

“On the whole people are really enjoying it, people don’t even realise that they’re not eating meat.

"We’ve had die hard meat eaters come in geared up to hate it, they end up loving it at the end.

“We are showing people that you can come here and be a meat eater and not miss it, we have people come in asking for a bacon sandwich and they end up finding something else that they really enjoy.”

Jenna advised that Veganuary has been perfect for Patch as its cuisine focusses on using the best local, seasonal produce available.

Speaking on the importance of Veganuary, Jordan said: “I personally think its important because January is the perfect time of year to try something new, which could even be carried on past January.

“It is also a great way to save a few pennies by cutting out an expensive commodity, such as meat, from your diet.

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“It is a good time to show yourself that you can do it, then maybe cut out meat more in the week.

"People will realise that meat should be a luxury, one meal a week, instead of three times a day for every meal.

“Not only is it unsustainable and unnecessary, but it’s also expensive too.

“If you are clever, you can save some pennies by cutting meat out, or keeping it just for a special occasion.

"Then, even though you are saving money, when you do buy meat, you can afford to spend a little more and ensure it is of a better quality.

“Local meat is always more expensive, but it is of a higher quality and has been reared nearby, it's also important to support local butchers and their produce.”

Patch can be found at Trinity Street in Colchester city centre, for more information on the venue and their plant led menu, visit bit.ly/3WG5yA3.