A Stamford Hill restaurant is sending out free meals to more than 130 local families affected by coronavirus each day after its owner heard about the devastating effect it was having on the lives of regular customers.

Yanky Fisher – co-owner of the upmarket Asado bistro – was convinced he needed to do something to do something to try to ease people’s suffering after two regulars at fine dining establishment had their lives turned upside down by Covid-19.

Mr Fisher said: "I spoke with a family who explained that since the virus emerged they had gone from living on quite a nice income of around £1,000 a week – to being virtually penniless.

"He was a driver who used to rely on airport jobs. Meanwhile his wife has now got the virus, she is sick at home in bed.

"I thought this would just be a one off, but then I heard more and more of the same stories from families I know."

Mr Fisher said he recognised "the community has been good to me, so with the virus breaking out, I thought it was time to give back".

Without any initial advertising, the restaurant began to deliver free meals to families who were either in self-isolation due to Covid-19 fears or whose livelihoods were at risk amid the shutdown.

As customers rang in to order paid take-away meals they were then told about the offer of food for those in trouble.

Around 30 volunteers, many of whom were linked to the Stamford Hill Shomrim, where also on hand to carry out deliveries, while wearing protective clothing.

"The phone hasn’t stopped ring, we are trying not to refuse anyone," said Mr Fisher.

"We don’t carry out any test to see if they have got the virus."

On Tuesday, the restaurant had 500 calls for food – with a menu changing each day – but could only physically deliver to 130 addresses.

More volunteers were scheduled to work on Wednesday, meaning more people would likely receive food.

The menu changes each day, with Chinese chicken rice being offered on one day, beef on another, while children were offered hot dogs.

Asked how long the restaurant could carry on giving away free food, Mr Fisher said: "We are going to do it for as long as we can – but yes, it is going to get tough."

But he added: "We are hoping that by doing this good deed, people in the future will carry on choosing us over others."