An all-day restaurant which opened for business in Letchworth this week is hoping to cater for all tastes.

Cultivo Lounge has taken over a disused shop on Leys Avenue – which overlooks Leys Square and the RHS community gardens on The Wynd – and is offering a menu with everything from brunch, to tapas, pulled pork burgers and fish and chips.

The restaurant is owned by cafe-bar company, Loungers, which has invested £550,000 transforming the site on Leys Avenue into a retro restaurant which has created 25 jobs for local people.

To celebrate the opening, children from St Christopher’s School in Letchworth took part in a cookie-decorating competition on Wednesday afternoon.

Loungers managing director Alex Reilley said: “We’re extremely hopeful that our all-day, informal offering will be well received within the town and will give shoppers somewhere else to go during the day as well as attracting more people into the centre in the evening.”

Loungers operations manager Kieron Butcher said: “Letchworth is the perfect site for our Lounge concept. There’s already a thriving and vibrant community and we’re really looking forward to playing our part in the foodie scene here.

“Letchworth residents will be served by the very best – our new team is passionate about hospitality.

“Our excellent pre-opening and ‘on the job’ training programme ensures our staff will be at the top of their game.

“Training includes expert guidance from one of Europe’s most acclaimed baristas.”

This is the second eatery attracted to Letchworth this year after Prezzo opened an Italian restaurant opposite Broadway Cinema in June.

Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation projects director Tim Roxburgh said: “This is a great company and a great location for a new restaurant which will offer shoppers somewhere cosy to chat and enjoy a meal, as well as catering for evening diners.

“It’s a welcome addition to the town’s daytime offer.”

They welcome families and offer board games, newspapers, highchairs and a free book swap service.