About Us

Café Plus is a family run business which opened it doors in 1992. In December 2020, Chef Alan Draper and wife Martina Draper took over the running of the business (formerly Chef’s Eating House) and have since transformed it to a “feel good space where customers are assured to “enjoy delicious food made from locally sourced ingredients”

The café now boosts a 5* hygiene rating, vibrant interior, quality staff and has built a reputation for itself among businesses and residents in Colchester. All its employees are fully trained in food hygiene and safety.

Alan who commands over 30 years’ experience in the catering business, combined with Martina’s 20+ years’ experience in business administration, have created this thriving business. In line with their vision for growth, sustainability and to be the best independent eatery in Essex serving more customers freshly prepared foods, made from locally sourced ingredients, Alan and Martina have also secured a second location at The Octagon.

Their passion for serving delicious quality food in a feel-good space for all to enjoy has earned the café a big presence in Severalls, Highwoods area, the Octagon and surrounding businesses with plans to expand further afield. To enhance its brand image, and gifting to the planet, the owners have invested in environmentally friendly packaging with 80% of its food packages being made from sustainable materials.

As an ex-RAF Police Officer and a Police Officer for Essex Police, Chef Alan describes himself as regimental in ensuring consistency, always pleasing to the eye presentation and quality food. He believes we all eat with our eyes first before tasting the food an ethos which shapes the business values.

Both Alan and Martina also have backgrounds in Public Sector work, and they feel very strongly that our heroes, particularly post-COVID should be recognised. To that end, Café Plus+ is proud to offer lifetime discounts to Armed Forces, Veterans, NHS and Emergency Service Staff.