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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.

Richard Gere went to eat in a local restaurant
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Richard Gere went to eat in a local restaurantCredit: SWNS
The star arrived in a chauffeur driven car
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The star arrived in a chauffeur driven carCredit: www.stjamesbushey.co.uk

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.

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"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.

St James' Vegan Menu

Starter 

Pea arancini £8.50 

Served with pea puree, peas, and crispy onion. 

Aubergine stew £8.50

Served with tomato sauce and toasted sour-dough bread. 

Main Course 

Vegan Mediterranean Tart £15.50 Served with sauteed potatoes and mixed vegetables. 

Sicilian cous-cous £15.50 

Served with olive tapenade and sundried tomato pesto. 

Dessert 

Chocolate Cake £8.50 

Served with vanilla ice cream. 

Vanilla Cheesecake £8.50

 Served with lemon drizzle. 

The actor is currently filming in the UK
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The actor is currently filming in the UKCredit: Splash
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