PLANS to revamp the old home of one of Colchester’s most popular and unique restaurants and reopen it under a new name have been approved.

Paul Wendholt, who until the end of October ran Grain with business partner Jordan Sidwell, has received planning approval to remodel the premises, off North Hill, before it reopens as 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 a number of fresh ideas.

The chef raised more than £28,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to get the new business off the ground.

He will implement a number of layout changes at the premises, including creating a larger kitchen and bar area, as well as a private dining space upstairs, before it reopens.

Colchester Council’s officers have rubber stamped the plans, subject to a number of conditions.

Mr Wendholt announced the application had been approved on Kintsu’s Facebook page.

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A series of photos showing the work underway at the premises were also posted.

Before it closed, Grain was one of Essex’s most celebrated restaurants and was 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.

Plans state the new restaurant will create nine full-time and part-time jobs once it opens.

Kintsu is a Japanese word meaning the art of repairing with gold or silver lacquer and means understanding the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.

The website says says the eatery should be open some time this spring, Covid restrictions permitting.

The website adds: “Grain may be gone and the world feels a bit broken right now.

“But we’re coming back stronger for it.”

Paul is also providing updates on the restaurant’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kintsucolchester.