A MUCH-LOVED restaurant has raised more than £70,0000 for charity after marking its own jubilee.

The Talbooth Restaurant, in Dedham, hosted seven days of spectacular events, each chosen to represent a certain time in its history.

More than 160 guests enjoyed the first party, the Platinum Ball, and by the end of the week £70,700 was raised for ABF, The Soldiers Charity.

When Gerald Milsom discovered the Le Talbooth in 1952, the business was known as Le Talbooth Roadhouse serving lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

So visitors were more than thrilled to enjoy a Champagne Tea Party.

More than 200 guests were also welcomed to the Wine and Food Safari event in the Marquee, tasting wines from all over the world.

Audiences could also catch an appearance from magician Michael J Fitch and 2010 X Factor winner Matt Cardle during the Music and Magic night.

Paul Milsom, the owner of Milsom Hotels and Restaurants, said: ”Just over two years ago, the Talbooth was empty and my wife Geraldine and I were missing all our friends, customers and staff.

“We decided that when life returned, we’d all be ready for a party and the idea of celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Talbooth sort of grew into the Platinum Festival.

"I’ve been asked which was my favourite of the seven parties and I can honestly say they were all amazing.”

Some 160 guests also enjoyed the Bordeaux Dinner with wines from Maison Sichel, accompanied by a four-course dinner from the Talbooth kitchen.

Friday night was the Caribbean BBQ Ball with tropical flowers, magic, steel band and Samba dancers.

The V E Ball, which was the last party, greeted guests by vehicles from the Second Wolrd War era including jeeps, motorcycles, pushbikes, staff cars and ambulances.

Colchester’s British Army Band also performed a Beating Retreat before inviting the 160 guests to dinner.

This, too, had a place in the history of the Talbooth as the restaurant held a V E Ball on the lawn in 1985.

Visit milsomhotels.com.