A CHEF from Huddersfield has taken over a town centre restaurant.
Afghanistan-born Rafi Maywand is the new manager of On The Square, formerly known as Mas, in St George's Square.
Rafi, who lives at Linthwaite, was previously executive chef at the Plaza Hotel in Leeds.
He is joined in the new venture by Michelin star chef Craig Dunn and Adam Wrighton, former head chef at the Leeds hotel.
Rafi said On The Square aimed to provide "quality dining at affordable prices".
The venue also promises live music every Friday.
Said Rafi: "The style is modern brasserie with a Mediterranean twist.
"Fresh local produce is used wherever possible."
Rafi was forced to flee Afghanistan in 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded the country.
He worked in Germany before moving to Australia when he was 17.
He trained as a master chef and spent 14 years in Perth, Western Australia, where he ran three restaurants.
After moving to England Rafi worked at the Travellers' Rest pub outside Meltham before moving to the Leeds hotel.
