A new restaurant has opened in Beckenham.

Agora, on Beckenham High Street, specialises in grilled Mediterranean food, and Greek dishes like Moussaka.

It will also serve English dishes like steak and chips.

The restaurant, which used to be a Chinese, opened last week after a long refurbishment.

Owner Michael Pelou said: “We had to change everything, the kitchen, the decoration, the bar, so it was hard work getting it to look like a Greek Mediterranean restaurant.

“It was basically derelict and cost a lot of money to turn it into a real restaurant. It was pretty tough!”

The first week of business has had some ups and downs.

Mr Pelou said: “We’ve started quite slow. People were coming in and just looking at the menu, but after we got some good feedback on the Beckenam Appreciation Group things have got better.

"Now it is looking good for a first week. It’s a start, we’ll have to see what this week brings.

Customers have been very complimentary of the food according to Mr Pelou. He said: “Nobody has complained so far. Touch wood it stays that way!

“They all look really pleased when they try the food.”

Mr Pelou has been involved with restaurants for many years.

He said: “I have a real passion for cooking and restaurants. My father started a restaurant in 1974 in Camberwell and it is still there. We have been in the business for a long time.”

To make a booking for Agora call: 07865375190.