The official launch of a young Sephardi cultural centre in north-west London was attended by more than 60 people.

Guests, the majority of them donors, received a tour of the Chazak building in Hendon to learn more about the activities offered by the centre, which range from Shabbat dinners to backgammon tournaments and inter-synagogue football matches.

They ate meaty canapes and drank Arak, the strongly alcoholic Middle Eastern beverage.

(Photos: Blake Ezra Photography)