Picking a restaurant in County Durham is difficult at the best of times, with so many great options - but if it had a celebrity who had visited it - would it make you visit it too?
The region has plenty of star-studded celebrities who are from the area or still live in the area, but it also has plenty of people who visit - including for events, work, or to visit family.
Over the years, there have been several celebrities who have dropped into a venue in County Durham - surprising staff and other diners at the restaurants or takeaways.
Let's take a look at some of the celebrities who have dined in venues across County Durham.
The County Durham restaurants loved by celebrities
Toby Jones visits Spice Lounge in Durham City for a meal
A County Durham restaurant was left shocked after enjoying the visit of a Hollywood and stage actor in October 2023.
During its normal service schedule, Spice Lounge in Durham got the chance to serve award-winning actor Toby Jones.
With the waiting staff and manager of Spice Lounge being blown away by serving such a high-profile name, the venue couldn't resist posting a photo of the actor after he'd enjoyed his meal on Saturday.
Using the caption "It was a pleasure to serve our delicious food to such a great gentleman in our venue last night," the accompanying photo shows Toby Jones and the manager of Spice Lounge, Akki Miah.
It's understood that the actor was visiting County Durham during his capacity to take part in the Durham Book Festival.
Gok Wan spotted eating at Babul's restaurant Darlington
Gok Wan MBE was spotted at Darlington restaurant Babul's in September 2023, grabbing a bite to eat ahead of a DJ gig in Yarm.
The TV star first rose to fame in 2006 with his show How to Look Good Naked on Channel 4, and later became a regular stand-in for now-axed presenter Philip Schofield on ITV's This Morning.
Gok and his friend were originally turned away from the venue after they arrived at about 8.30pm due to a lack of seats. However, the star returned later on, seemingly keen to eat at the venue.
County Durham takeaway visited by comedian Johnny Vegas
It's not every day that you spot a celebrity when going to pick up your takeaway, but for customers in one County Durham town – that’s exactly what happened in January 2022.
Even though Friday night might be a popular time to have a takeaway in houses up and down the country, it appears that comedian and actor, Johnny Vegas, is also partial to a Friday night fish and chip fix after he was spotted visiting an independent business in the region over two years ago.
The award-winning actor chose to drop in on Johnson’s Traditional Fish and Chips on Front Street in Sacriston.
Despite hearing about plenty of celebrities that would turn down some interaction and photo opportunities, the owners of the fish and chip shop have confirmed that St Helens born, Vegas, was “down to earth” and “a total gentleman” – stopping to have photos with the owners and staff, as well as chatting about what he was doing in County Durham.
Gogglebox's Anne and Ken visit County Durham restaurant
A County Durham restaurant welcomed local Gogglebox stars Anne and Ken, who dined with them back in July this year.
Anne and Ken, who joined the Channel Four show in 2021, had lunch at Soami’s Trio, a Consett restaurant specialising in Indian, Mexican and Thai cuisine.
Reaching millions of viewers, the couple first appeared on the first episode of the show's 17th season.
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Their lunchtime visit was their first to Soami's but the restaurant's owner, Rohini Sharma hopes it won't be their last.
Jude and Jobe Bellingham pay visit to Turtle Bay in Durham
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and his brother Jobe, who plays for Sunderland, were seen enjoying a meal at Turtle Bay in Durham City earlier this month.
Based on the Riverwalk in Durham, the restaurant welcomed the two professional footballers, with the staff at the venue wanting a picture with them both.
Posting the image to its social media page, the Turtle Bay brand shared that Jude had a Curry Goat Hash and a few mocktails at the restaurant - but didn't share what Jobe had to eat.
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