NEARLY 200 people packed a former bus station waiting room which has been transformed into a restaurant run by a Masterchef quarter-finalist.

Charlie Stocker served up British tapas-style food from the unlikely surroundings of St Botolph’s Waiting Room.

The former waiting area at Colchester’s old bus station, next to Firstsite, was turned into a venue and arts space by Creative Co-op and Colchester Institute.

Nearly 200 people attended an invitation-only bash onWednesday to officially launch the new venture.

They got to rub shoulders and enjoy tasters cooked up by the Masterchef: the Professionals 2012 contestant.

The Waiting Room will be open lunchtimes from Wednesday to Sunday while there will be one-off Friday fish nights for foodies to also enjoy.