THE latest restaurant in Chelmsford’s long line of new eateries enjoyed a roaring trade during its opening day.

French Brasserie Cote, based in Exchange Way, flung open its doors on Monday July 25 and enjoyed a busy day of serving fresh French cuisine across its 140 cover restaurant.

General manager Daniel Flowers said: “It’s great to be open, we’ve all been really looking forward to this.

“The first day went really well and we were busy throughout the day, and we also had a lot of people pop their heads in asking for a look around.

“The staff were great, so I’d like to say thank you to them and thanks to the visitors as well.

“There’s a really nice ambience in the restaurant, the tables are really well spaced and the acoustics are great.”

The team, which is about 40 members strong and mainly from Chelmsford and the surrounding area, serve fresh French cuisine inspired by Parisian brassieres from 8am until 10.30pm.

Ingredients ranges from corn fed chicken reared in Brittany, to Charentais melons sourced from the Rungis market in Paris.

Depending on the season, fresh vegetables are brought in from around the UK while a monthly specials menu rotates between whole grilled lobster, cote de boeuf and scallops.

Mr Flowers added: “I think the restaurant will do well here with the clientele of Chelmsford.

“There are a few restaurants due to open here soon so we’re glad to be the first.”

The restaurant forms part of High Chelmer's new £3 million al fresco dining quarter, alongside Carluccio's, Turtle Bay and steak and lobster restaurant Bourgee.