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  • Cafe

Jazz Dinner

  • Sunday 25 May 2025
  • 6 - 9pm
  • 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE

Join us for an unforgettable evening of relaxed French dining, paired perfectly with the soulful sounds of Frank's jazz trio.

The Commons in-house cook Emma Chesters and her talented team will present a sumptuous three-course plant-based set menu, crafted from fresh, organic ingredients sourced from Bennison Farm and Bantu Farm, drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavours of Southern France, from the Provence to the Pyrenees.

From 6:30 to 8:30 PM, your dining experience will be enhanced by the gentle, poetic sounds of Frank’s jazz trio. Led by Frank Sebastian on tenor sax, with Simon Wood on double bass and Elmer van der Hoek on drums, the trio will perform a suite of original compositions that trace Frank’s rich musical journey—from his North London beginnings and university days in Leeds to creative residencies in Bristol and Camden, culminating in the coastal serenity of Harwich. Embracing a minimalist line-up, as established by luminaries such as Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson, the group forgoes harmonic accompaniment in favour of a transparent, spacious sound—perfectly suited to showcase the trio’s melodic ingenuity and collective interplay.

Our bar will be serving a fine selection of wines, craft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, including an assortment of hot drinks.

Menu:

Starter:

Pistou soup - vegetable pasta soup with pistou (French pesto)

Main Course:

Cassoulet (bean stew), ratatouille and salad nicoise

Desert:

Cherry clafoutis