A chain specialising in a range of spicy chicken meals has opened its first Romford restaurant. 

Roosters Piri Piri, which as well as chicken offers a range of meals including vegetarian options, had the ribbon cut for its new South Street spot last week. 

The site was previously used by Aroma, the café and tea shop, before approval was granted earlier this year to turn it into the restaurant. 

Squirrels Heath councillor Keith Prince was on-hand to do the honours and he later praised the opening as part of a recent resurgence in the town. 

“Romford has begun to see an uplift in new restaurants opening recently, and this is great news for the town’s economy,” he said. 

But Cllr Prince felt that more needs to be done “to ensure that Romford retains and builds its reputation as a regional shopping and entrainment centre”. 

According to Roosters Piri Piri’s website, the new restaurant is to be open between 11am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday. 

Roosters Piri Piri was approached for comment.