A Wanstead café which will train and employ people with learning disabilities and autism had its official opening on Friday.

Ilford Recorder: (l-r) Arwen Duncan, Roger Middleditch, Monika Patel, MP John Cryer, Robert Allan, Roy Elmmett, Desree Newton, Lydia Jones, Angela Mottley and Sophie Kumar(l-r) Arwen Duncan, Roger Middleditch, Monika Patel, MP John Cryer, Robert Allan, Roy Elmmett, Desree Newton, Lydia Jones, Angela Mottley and Sophie Kumar (Image: Archant)

The Cherry Tree Café in Woodbine Place is run by charitable group HAIL, who have more than 25 years experience of developing services for people with learning disabilities.

Music and children’s entertainers were provided for visitors on Friday while staff proudly displayed three cakes bearing the café’s name, written in cherries of course.

Service manager Lydia Jones said: “It’s a little more than your average training café. We have two really successful cafes already in Haringey.

“It’s also about becoming a community hub and having more of an integrated approach.

“And getting really good coffee and good food.”

The existing cafes in Haringey are used by a variety of groups, according to Ms Jones, for example for children or older people.

The café opened in April but John Cryer, the MP for Leyton and Wanstead, attended for the official opening.

Ms Jones said the MP had been “really supportive” of the café and is considering holding surgeries there.