A POPULAR seafront restaurant has gone into administration but plans are already in place for it to open under a new name, the Echo can reveal.

Bourgee, in Eastern Esplanade, Southend, closed in mysterious circumstances last week - and Ensors Accountants have now confirmed that the firm took over administration of Bourgee Restaurants Limited on April 18.

Now, a new website and Facebook page has been launched for restaurant Colenzo’s, stating it would be opening in Bourgee’s Southend site, adding that it has already opened in Bourgee’s former site in Chelmsford.

Colenzo’s appears to be largely similar to Bourgee, offering a menu full of steak and lobster - but states it is under ‘new management’ and that Bourgee gift cards will not be accepted.

A post to Colenzo’s Facebook page said: “Whilst work continues for the opening of Colenzo’s Southend Restaurant we are pleased to announce that Colenzo’s Chelmsford is now open.

“Colenzo’s is located at the previous site of Bourgee Restaurant in High Chelmer.

“The restaurant is under new management from today and we are in the process of rebranding the site. Whilst this process takes place we will remain open so why not stop by to say ‘hello’ to the team and enjoy a delicious meal with us.

“Please note that Bourgee Gift Vouchers are not valid at Colenzo’s restaurants.”

Bourgee also has restaurants in Bury St Edmunds and at Southend Airport, but the future of those restaurants remains unclear.

Bourgee’s Southend restaurant was the first the company launched by entrepreneur James Welling and chef Mark Baumann in 2014, with an aim to deliver “affordable luxury” to local customers.

The business shut its original restaurant on Southend seafront suddenly last week, with a note on the door saying it would be closed until further notice.

An automatic reply to email enquiries suggested the restaurant would reopen under new leadership.