The actor famed for appearing in Game of Thrones, Love Actually and Nanny McPhee made a surprise visit to Papas Fish and Chips in Cleethorpes over the weekend.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, 31, may be better known to people as the son of Lord Howland Reed, Jojen Reed, from Game of Thrones or maybe the young, love sick Sam in Love Actually or possibly even the naughty brother Simon in Nanny McPhee.
Throughout his career, he has played a number of incredibly well known roles, but decided to try the Cleethorpes fish and chips after seeing Papas announced as ‘Britain’s Best Fish and Chips’ in 2017 on the BBC Best of British Takeaways competition.
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Since then, Thomas has made it his mission to try them and, whilst caravan shopping in the area, he made a surprise visit to see if they really were as good as the award suggested.
Co-owner Deano Papas says the team were shocked to see the Hollywood star sitting at one of their tables, but were very pleased that he enjoyed his food.
Deano said: “He’d seen some of our stuff on social media and had been following what we do, having watched us win Britain’s Best Fish and Chips in the Best of British Takeaways competition.
“He’d promised himself that he’d come and visit us and just happened to be in the area and planned a day trip to go caravan shopping and to visit us.
“We were rather flattered to have someone as famous as Thomas, but it was great to see him enjoying what we have to offer.
“Thankfully, he said the fish and chips lived up to expectation.”
Deano said it wasn’t until Thomas had been served his food that staff started to recognise him.
He explained: “He just turned up and asked for a table for two. The manager had no idea who he was having not seen any of his shows or films.
“It was only when one of the team spotted him that everyone started running round and telling everyone who was here.
“He was such a lovely guy though. He didn’t want a fuss making of him and he was so down to earth, it was nice to know he was a genuine fan of Papas too.
“He even signed one of our menus for us.”
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Having gained recognition from far and wide, Deano reflected on how far the business had come.
He said: “We genuinely don’t see ourselves as popular, but to know that people further afield like us is a testament to what we’re doing.
“We’ve had people from Oxford, Scotland, France and even Australia come to visit us.
“They’re always sending pictures back home and saying how much they love it here.
“It’s moments like this and when people like Thomas visit that you realise you might be doing something right.”
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