A NEW community cafe has been officially opened in Leytonstone.

Cafe Refresh, at St Andrew's Church, in Colworth Road, is run by chef Elliot Joseph and is intended to be a meeting place and “haven” for the community.

It was opened by MP Harry Cohen and Cllr Farooq Qureshi, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Leyton & Wanstead, on Saturday.

Helen Gheorghiu Gould, Refresh project development worker, said: “Elliot is passionate about healthy food and bring the community together.

“He is on a mission to bring healthy, tasty food to our community.”

The cafe serves teas, coffees, hot chocolate, light snacks and lunches.

It is open from 10am to 5pm on Tuesday and Saturday, and noon to 5pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.