STARS flocked to Southend as a new steak and lobster restaurant opened its doors for the first time.

Former rugby player and current Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thom Evans set pulses racing as did glamour model and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Casey Batchelor when they appeared at the launch of seafront restaurant Bourgee.

The venue in Eastern Esplanade, formerly Tiffins Indian restaurant, also played host to celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TOWIE star Ferne McCann and her boyfriend Charlie Sims.

Bourgee has undergone a £1million transformation and guests sipped champange and nibbled on canapes including steak, maple glazed pork belly and lobster brioche.

Mr Baumann and business partners James Welling, Anthony Tropeano, and his father Dominique Tropeano – who are both also directors of Colchester Zoo – had been talking for years about opening a restaurant.

Chef Baumann said: “Most people’s experience of steak is cheap rubbish cuts in a supermarket that are badly cooked or the occasional standard steak in a restaurant. In a few places in the big cities the steaks are good – but the majority of us have to put up with rubbish.

“So we are going to change that.”

Director James Welling explained the idea behind choosing Southend to launch their first restaurant: He added: “People ask me why Southend and I say why not? There are plenty of upmarket dining destinations in the capital but very limited choice for people outside of London and other big cities who want a high quality dining experience. We know people want a luxury experience but want it to be affordable.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli

As well as sumptous steak and lobster dishes, the menu also includes the Bourgee burger, bangers and mash and a “power salad”.

A second restaurant, in Chapel Street, Billericay, will open later this year - replacing the former Goodspeeds fishmongers.

The restaurant officially opens on Monday morning and is offering complimentary tea and coffee between 9am and 11.30am.