Essex Restaurant gets Michelin Guide accolade after only 9 months open
Kintsu was awarded the Bib Gourmand, which recognises good quality, good value food
A restaurant in Essex has been added to the Michelin guide only nine months after opening.
Kintsu, which is in a Grade II listed barn in Colchester, was awarded a Bib Gourmand, which recognises good quality, good value restaurants this year, after opening in May 2021.
It specialises in small plates, most of which are created using locally sourced produce.
Paul Wendholt, who's twice been named Essex chef of the year, owns the restaurant and says he's now ahead of his plans: "To do it within nine months was never really something we entertained. The goal for our first year was just to get it in the guide...
"The road map in my head was to get a Bib Gourmand in year two, but it's all happened a bit quicker!"
He says the new accolade will attract more diners: "The Bib Gourmand will bring in a wider audience to us. People who hadn't heard of us before will now seek us out to come and dine...
"It helps us expand our reach."
The chef was particularly pleased to have been recognised for Kintsu's affordability: "It's a really nice one to have because that's something we were really conscious of.
"We want to give people a unique experience, something they think is perhaps out of their price range, but we work really hard to make sure it's not."
Now that he's secured the Bib Gourmand, Paul is looking ahead, potentially towards a Michelin Star: "Every chef you speak to says they're not in this for accolades or awards and the same is true with us.
"First and foremost, it's about having a successful business with happy customers in the restaurant, but often, successful businesses and accolades go hand in hand...
"I'd be lying to you if I said it's not something we want...
"It's not the be all and end all, but you've got to strive for something, so why not that?"