AN upmarket steak and lobster restaurant is set to open in Chelmsford on Saturday, October 1, as part of an Essex-based firm’s ambitious expansion plans.

Bourgee, which aims to offer “luxury dining at affordable prices”, is the latest addition to the city’s new £3million dining quarter in the High Chelmer Shopping Centre.

Entrepreneurs James Welling and Mark Baumann opened the first Bourgee in Southend in 2014 and further restaurants are planned for Colchester, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich in 2017.

The Chelmsford restaurant will offer seating for 125 diners over two floors.

Mr Baumann, a British Master Chef who designs all the menus at Bourgee, said the city was “a natural choice” for their second site.

He said: “Since receiving city status, we have felt a distinct shift in residents’ attitudes – they actively want Chelmsford to become a buzzing central hub and are campaigning for more choice.

“The council has big plans for the city to deliver this demand and we’re delighted to be part of this redevelopment that will see Chelmsford step up as a major attraction in the UK.”

For more information, visit bourgeerestaurants.com