A SEAFOOD restaurant channelling the spirit of Leigh’s famous regatta that opened yesterday (January 29) is the brainchild of a Brentwood man.

The Regatta, on Leigh Road, Leigh, is owned by Brian Kerr, 52 and his brother Patrick.

Brian gave up his career as a teacher in East London to help run the restaurant, while Patrick’s catering pedigree includes Mick Norcross’s Sugar Hut as well as restaurants in London and Greece.

The restaurant will be serving up contemporary British and European seafood dishes as well as a full menu of meat.

Brian said the restaurant would be using local suppliers and wanted to channel the spirit of Leigh.

He said: “We picked The Regatta because we wanted something that linked in with Leigh and want to support other local businesses as much as possible so we’re buying from local fishers, Lothian Meats and Worsley Wines.”

He added while Patrick had pursued his love of food as a career, he had kept his passion personal until now.

He said: “Until last April I was a teacher at a sixth form in a school in Ilford but I nearly became a chef myself when I was 16 so when my brother asked me if I wanted to get involved, I jumped at the chance.”