A thriving Tyneside restaurant, which has only been opened a year, was pleased to welcome a very special VIP guest this week.

Bob the Beast Sapp paid an impromptu visit to the modern Indian eatery and British Curry Award 2010 finalist; Jai Ho, of Ocean Road, South Shields this week and gave unexpected diners the opportunity to have their picture taken with the man of many talents.

The Movie Star / NFL Player / Professional Wrestler and Kick Boxer surprised the management at the restaurant by turning up for his favourite food source, a curry, as he had heard reports that Jai Ho flies the flag for authentic food at curry capital; Ocean Road.

The star of the big screen was in the region to take part in the event at the Metro Radio Arena Bamma 5, a martial arts action show, which was unfortunately cancelled earlier this week.

Sapp who has appeared in Izo, The Longest Yard, Blood and Bone, Player 5150 and Elektra and many other movies is told restaurant owner Khamal Hussain he is currently appearing in his latest assignment Conan the Barbarian.

Khamal told us:
“It was fantastic to see Bob Sapp in my restaurant.  We always strive to make everyone very welcome however it was a real privilege to welcome someone of his calibre.  It’s nice to learn that the excellent reviews we have received haven’t gone un-noticed.  Earlier in the year we welcomed local guy Joe McElderry and his family, so the staff are getting quite used to seeing famous faces.  They keep asking me who will be next.

“He is a man of few words but it was clear that Bob and his guests thoroughly enjoyed their food as his only comment after the meal from the man himself was ‘Perfect’.”