TWO restaurant chains have confirmed they will definitely open in Colchester - and they could be open in time for Christmas.

Caribbean-themed restaurant Turtle Bay has announced its plans to open a new outlet in High Street this December.

Restaurant bosses plan to create 50 jobs and are holding special themed audition for potential new recruits this week.

Anyone wanting to work at the restaurant is invited to get into the Caribbean spirit and take on various islands-inspired tasks and challenges which are designed to bring out the applicant’s personality.

The interviews will be held at Firstsite in Lewis Gardens on Wednesday and Thursday.

Anyone interested should email sam.parkin@turtlebay.co.uk with the word Colchester in the subject header.

New opening manager for Turtle Bay Elijah Hunter-Finn said: “The auditions are an exciting couple of days and are a really fun way of getting in tune with the Caribbean vibe and the essence of Turtle Bay.

“We can’t wait to meet the interviewees from the Colchester area as we gear up for our opening.”

After starting up in 2010, Turtle Bay now has more than 40 restaurants in the UK and two in Germany

Meanwhile, Asian and Japanese favourite Wagamama has also begun recruiting for its own restaurant, which will sit side by side with Turtle Bay and Five Guys.

All three are part of an overhaul of Greytown House, beside Colchester Town Hall.

Wagamama is hoping to appoint a senior sous chef, a sous chef, a line chef and a trainee line chef.

Front of house staff and kitchen porters are also on the company’s list.

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said: “I think what we are seeing here is this is a prime place in the town centre for footfall.

“You only have to look at the success of Bill’s to see it is a prime place to be.

Gazette: Colchester's Big Choice Grant Awards Ceremony, Moot Hall, Colchester Town Hall, High Street on Wednesday.Councillor, Paul Smith..

“So I’m not surprised other chains are angling for a piece of the pie.”

He added: “I think people will see the area looking a lot different by the time we get to Christmas.”

Despite the High Street movement, the town centre has lost a major retailer.

Ladies’ fashion shop Karen Millen closed down last month.

A council report had mooted the possibility of the store closing in February but the chain denied any such plans.

The unit is now vacant.