Penn's Vegan launches food truck under Jumbo in Colchester

Classically trained chef Liam Penn, 26, started Penn's Vegan back in December.

Selling takeaway gourmet burgers and sides for collection, the business proved such a hit he decided to expand further.

After securing a deal with the owner of Jumbo he has now set up the food truck in the shadow of the famous Victorian water tower.

Booming - Penn's Vegan has launched a food truck in the shadow of Jumbo water tower

Mr Penn, who lives in Colchester town centre and is a vegan himself, said: "I come from a fine dining background and I have worked with some of the best known chefs in Britain.

"I worked with Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck for three years.

"I have also worked for a selection of other vegan and vegetarian restaurants.

"I really started Penn's because of the lockdown as it gave me something to do.

"It has been crazy how it has taken off and I didn't expect Colchester to have so many people who want to explore vegan food.

"Most of our customers are meat eaters who want to try something different.

"There is a stereotype of vegan food that it is just healthy, 'hippy-friendly' food but there is so much more to it.

"It doesn't have to be that, it can be as exciting and as indulgent as anything."

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The new Jumbo food truck has outside dining space for more than 30 people and food is also available to takeaway.

Penn's Vegan launches food truck under Jumbo in Colchester

It is open for lunch and dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as for lunch on Sundays.

Mr Penn, who is originally from Somerset, has signed a lease until September, after which he hopes to be able to open a vegan restaurant or cafe in Colchester town centre.

Penn's Vegan launches food truck under Jumbo in Colchester

"I was looking for areas in the town where I could have a food truck and I contacted just about everyone," he said.

"I wanted to be on private not council property and I wanted somewhere a bit different. I contacted Paul the owner of Jumbo and he agreed.

"We put a lot of effort in to tidy up the area and the reception has been fantastic.

"There is a lot going on in the area at the moment with the Mercury revamp and there are new owners at the Hole in the Wall so it is a good spot.

"Jumbo is such an iconic part of Colchester and it is great to be part of its future."

Penn's Vegan launches food truck under Jumbo in Colchester

To find out more about Penn's Vegan, visit www.facebook.com/Penns-102201225110317.