A Grade II-listed refectory in a former convent has been transformed into a dining space after a major refurbishment.

Homelessness charity Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney moved into the former All Hallows Convent site in Ditchingham, near Bungay, in 2011.

The building, built in 1876, provides a community and a home for 32 'companions'.

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Alex and Carlton, Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney companions, inside the newly refurbished refectory Picture: Sonya DuncanAlex and Carlton, Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney companions, inside the newly refurbished refectory Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

These people can gain skills and rebuild self-esteem by working in Emmaus' on-site café and shop, with a branch also in Norwich's Castle Quarter. 

On April 27, a launch event was held for the new dining space in the Grade II-listed refectory. 

The refurbishment was made possible after Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney received more than £190,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The refurbishment revealed the old underground heating system Picture: Emmaus Norfolk & WaveneyThe refurbishment revealed the old underground heating system Picture: Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney (Image: Emmaus)

This has included repairing the Gothic window and a new floor, which revealed the old underground heating system that is now visible through a glass panel. 

The space will be open to the public for special dining events and private hire until the end of the year.

After that, it will be open daily with a full-time chef who will work alongside the companions. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The former nun's bedrooms (known as cells) are being transformed into a B&B Picture: Sonya DuncanThe former nun's bedrooms (known as cells) are being transformed into a B&B Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Cecile Roberts, CEO of Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, said: "It will be a place where customers, companions and staff can mix to break the stigma.

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"At our launch event, we served some of the old convent recipes and the chefs and servers got a standing ovation."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Inside one of the former nun's bedrooms at the convent Picture: Sonya DuncanInside one of the former nun's bedrooms at the convent Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

The dining space is part of wider revamp plans at the site, which recently featured on BBC One's Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr.

They are currently fundraising to renovate the 23 former nun's bedrooms upstairs into bed and breakfast accommodation, due to open at the end of 2025. 

Mrs Roberts added: "The refectory and B&B will increase our income to help more people and also give our companions hospitality experience." 

Donate at emmaus.org.uk, with plans for a 450-mile sponsored Walk of Kindness later this year.