A CULINARY quest by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and presenter pal Jimmy Doherty to put Colchester Pudding back on the menu will be televised next month.

The TV mates visited a series of venues in Colchester last summer to film for the return of their Channel 4 series, Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Fight Club.

Each episode features a celebrity guest who is taught how to make a special dish to be served in a cafe, at the end of Southend Pier.

It is hoped viewers will be inspired to recreate the treat themselves so it will soar in popularity.

The dish recreated by Jamie and Jimmy, with the help of local chefs, was Colchester Pudding, a fruit, tapioca, custard and meringue-topped treat.

Television presenter Chris Moyles was chosen as the celebrity to help them make Colchester Pudding on the pier.

The programme will be shown on February 7.

Jimmy and Jamie’s visit came about after TV producers heard how food historian and event organiser Don Quinn had relaunched the pudding in 2010, with the town’s mayor at the time, Sonia Lewis.

Last year, Mrs Lewis and Mr Quinn were contacted by the programme makers who wanted Jamie and Jimmy to give Colchester Pudding their own moderntwist and visit the town.

Mr Quinn said he was delighted the programme was going to be shown. He said: “It is putting Colchester on the map and Colchester food on the map. It isawonderful place to be.”

Filming for Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Fight Club took place at Colchester Town Hall and Colchester Institute, in Sheepen Road.

Jimmy also spent time at the Dedham Vale Vineyard.

As a result of the filming, Mr Quinn said his events company, Snake in the Grass, had been working with Jimmy to launch a food and drink event at his visitor attraction, Jimmy’s Farm.

The Food and Drink Feast at the Wherstead venue, near Ipswich, will take place on May 24, 25 and 26 and will be similar to the Colchester Food and Drink Festival that takes place a month later.

It will include a selection of food and drink stalls, free demonstrations from chefs and entertainment.

Mr Quinn said Colchester Pudding is now on the menu at a number of town centre restaurants, including the Green Room, Memoirs and Wivenhoe House.