A BUDDING restauranteur is pushing forward with his plans to transform an abandoned bagel shop into a fine dining restaurant.

Last month, the Gazette revealed aerospace engineer Pradip Aryal is turning his attention to catering and hopes to transform the former Brick Lane Bagel Co in Colchester city centre into a new eatery.

Gazette: Bid - Pradip Aryal is hoping to transform the empty bagel shop into a restaurantBid - Pradip Aryal is hoping to transform the empty bagel shop into a restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

Now, Mr Aryal has submitted a further bid to the city council to install the necessary equipment needed to run a commercial kitchen at the High Street site.

A premises licence has already been granted, allowing the proposed restaurant to serve alcohol seven days a week.

Colchester Council has the final say on the blueprints.