AS Colchester's nighttime economy begins to awaken once again after lockdown, there are some new additions to welcome.
Although the coronavirus crisis has been extremely difficult for hospitality venues, that hasn't stopped some entrepreneurs taking the plunge and opening new venues in Colchester.
And now lockdown rules have been lifted further, there's no better time visit some of these new venues.
Here are some of the new restaurants and bars which have opened, or are on their way, to Colchester in the near future:
Kintsu
Kintsu, in North Hill, is the new restaurant from former Grain owner Paul Wendholt.
It opened its doors this week for the first time, much to the delight of foodies in Colchester.
Grain was one of the town's most popular restaurants and Paul is a twice winner of Essex Chef of the Year.
Read more >>> First look at new Colchester restaurant Kintsu from Grain owner
The George
Ok, so this one isn't quite new.
In fact The George is more than 500-years-old.
But still - the premises has undergone a £10 million refurbishment to bring it firmly into the present day.
The revamped premises opened to visitors for the first time on Friday.
The restaurant is one of the top eateries in town and its afternoon teas are legendary.
Read more >>> Sneak peak of The George Hotel in Colchester after £10m revamp
German Doner Kebab
The kebab shop giant is opening its new Colchester High Street eatery in early June.
The firm promises to offer gourmet kebabs, not just suitable for when you've had one too many.
Read more >>> German Doner Kebab to open in Colchester High Street in June
Paddy & Scotts
The firm opened its new coffee shop at the Northern Gateway Sports Park for takeaway last month.
Now restrictions have lifted however, you can stop inside for tea and cake after using the state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Read more >>> Paddy & Scott's coffee shop opening at Northern Gateway in Colchester
Zhoosh World Food
Located in Hythe, Zhoosh opened for takeaways last month.
However, now it is open for indoor dining.
Read more >>> Sneak peak of Zhoosh World Food in Colchester as opening date revealed
Solo Summers
Solo Summers is a new entertainment venue opening in the old Ice nightclub, in St Helen's Road.
It will be opening its doors for the first time after June 21, when lockdown restrictions relax further.
Read more >>> Old Ice nightclub in Colchester to reopen as entertainment venue
The Magnet
The Magnet is Colchester's first ever micropub, opening inside the old Norfolk pub, in North Station Road, in May.
The business is the brainchild of friends Robert Searle, 52, and Ian Taylor, 44.
Read more >>> Sneak peak of Colchester's first ever micropub The Magnet
Loungers
This one is a little way off, but the huge restaurant brand is opening its latest eatery in Colchester.
It will be in Long Wyre Street as part of the revamp of the town's former Co-op department store.
It will be called Romano Lounge.
Read more >>> Loungers opening new Colchester restaurant at £5.5m revamp of Co-op
The Sandbank
The new restaurant and bar at Park Holidays UK's West Mersea Holiday Park opened last month.
The £1.2 million development also brought new entertainment facilities to the park and is just a stones throw from the beach.
Read more >>> First look at new £1.2m complex at Park Holiday's West Mersea Holiday Park
Have you or are you opening a new venue in Colchester?
Let us know if you'd like to be featured in the Gazette.
Email robbie.bryson@newsquest.co.uk.
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