Polarising comedian, gobby Essex lad, author, political activist – whatever you think of Russell Brand it’s hard to avoid the man these days. Now the one-time BBC radio host is stepping into the restaurant industry, opening a cafe on Hackney’s New Era Estate.

Brand campaigned to keep the east London estate out of the hands of US investors last year after families were facing eviction following rent hikes. The development was cancelled after Brand, and New Era residents, took to the streets armed with megaphones and placards.

We’re told The Trew Era Cafe (named after Brand’s YouTube channel The Trews) will be a social enterprise, funded by the profits of Brand’s latest book, Revolution, and dedicated to supporting the community.