Five pubs in Norfolk visited by celebrities in 2022

Who could have guessed Hollywood star John Travolta would turn up in a Morrisons in Fakenham or comedian Katherine Ryan would be spotted paddleboarding in the River Wensum.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at five pubs in Norfolk which have enjoyed celebrity visitors this year.

1. John Travolta

Let’s start with the obvious, shall we?

Unless you lived under a rock in April this year, you’d have seen Norfolk achieve national recognition for being home to Grease legend John Travolta albeit for a few days.

The actor had been filming in the area and had been eager to explore the county which included a trip to The Romany Rye Wetherspoon pub in Dereham.

Pubgoer Jamie Salter, from Beeston, described shaking hands with one of the most famous men in Hollywood as “a surreal experience”.

2. Ross Kemp

In July, the fictional son of Peggy Mitchell was spotted in The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe.

Ross Kemp decided to celebrate his 58th birthday with a spot of lunch with his family at the Norfolk pub.

Rosie Bickell, assistant general manager at the pub, revealed the gravel-voiced star was happy to pose for pictures with staff and guests.

3. Paul Sinha

A chaser from one of TV’s most popular daytime TV programmes enjoyed a drink in a Norwich watering hole earlier this year.

Paul Sinha, otherwise known as The Sinnerman from ITV’s The Chase, visited The Rumsey Wells after finishing a comedy performance at the Maddermarket Theatre.

On Twitter, he praised the evening and said it had been a “brilliant night”.

4. Sung Kang

Fast & Furious and Star Wars fans were in for a surprise after spotting actor Sung Kang at the Bird In Hand in Wreningham in June.

The US star was said to have enjoyed a drink and a traditional British meal during his time at the pub.

Alex Brake, co-owner of the pub, said the 50-year-old, who plays Han Lue in the Fast & Furious franchise, was “very friendly” and wanted to try his hand at pouring a pint of Guinness.

5. Alan Sugar

There was no telling staff they were fired when Apprentice star Alan Sugar paid a visit to the Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham in May.

Sugar tucked into lunch at the pub after flying in from Stapleford Aerodrome in Romford.

Staff at the pub were tight-lipped on what the star had to eat in order to respect his privacy but said he enjoyed his meal.