Local restaurant staff shocked as Hollywood legend is spotted having a low key meal in Hertfordshire bistro

STAFF and guests in a local restaurant were left gobsmacked when a huge Hollywood star dropped in for some food in this week.

Pretty Woman actor Richard Gere, 74, made a surprise visit to St James in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday evening with pals and tucked into a feast.

Owner Alfonso Lacava said he had no idea the actor – who turned up with two others -was going to be dining.

He said Richard, who has been a vegetarian for over 30 years, ordered a meat-free tasting menu after asking for advice – and later said he “loved” the dinner.

Alfonso said: “Out of the blue a chauffeur came outside and Richard Gere came to have a meal.

“Everybody was shocked – we didn’t expect it. It was incredible to have him in our restaurant.

“To have a person like that in a local restaurant is just wonderful. We’re not like The Grove where you have famous people all the time.

“To choose us is absolutely fantastic.”

The restauranteur says he has had other celebrities visit over St James’s 27-year history, including the England football team in 2007 – but “real gentleman” Richard was top of the list.

Richard is currently in the UK filming The Agency – an adaptation of French Spy thriller Le Bureau.

It is the first TV series he has been a regular part of and he’s been filming since June.

He joined Michael Fassbender and Jeffrey Wright in the Paramount + production.