A new family-run Greek restaurant has described the early response from the community as “beyond our expectations” - and already plans to employ more staff.

The Yummy Greek in South Stree, Romford, opened last Thursday (December 1), with manager Demetris Demetriou hoping to bring some Greek-Cypriot flavours to the town. 

Mr Demetriou, 59, said cooking and working in restaurants have been in the family since his parents first ventured into the industry in the 1990s. 

He said he and his family, including his three children, were “thrown” into helping out, whether in the kitchen or out front. 

But the event that would ultimately lead to his starting The Yummy Greek began when one of his daughters, Katerina Bucka, 31, moved to Romford with her husband, Panajot Bucka, 39, about 10 years ago. 

Unable to find many Greek restaurants in the area, Mr Demetriou said the family had a conservation a couple of years ago in which they asked: “Why don’t we open something all together?” 

Romford Recorder: Demetris Demetriou, manager at The Yummy GreekDemetris Demetriou, manager at The Yummy Greek (Image: The Yummy Greek)

Since it began welcoming customers last Thursday, following a soft launch on the Tuesday, Mr Demetriou said the response has been better than they could have expected. 

“Since Thursday, we have got a handful of customers that have come back every day,” he said, with the clientele consisting of a range of customers beyond the local Greek contingent. 

With a menu consisting of Greek food ranging from salads to the restaurant’s staple, gyros, Mr Demetriou said he had been told by some British people that the experience reminded them of being on holiday, and that “it’s like sitting in a restaurant by the beach”. 

“It’s identical to what they have eaten in Greece,” he added. 

Due to the unexpected demand, the family are already looking to employ more people, with plans afoot to make it “bigger and better”.

Among the ideas currently in the pipeline are specific Greek nights, involving entertainment such as Greek music. 

“We want to try and bring a bit of Greece into Romford,” said Mr Demetriou. 

To follow The Yummy Greek, find the restaurant on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086477056278  

To get the latest news and features direct to your inbox, sign up for our Romford Recorder newsletter here.