Lee Robinson, of Rita's Café on Morecambe promenade, was stunned to see top telly chef Marco Pierre White stroll in to the Café unannounced last Wednesday – accompanied by a film crew.

But once Lee had recovered from the shock, he invited Marco to join him behind the counter, and the Hell's Kitchen host duly put on an apron before chatting with Lee about sausages and toasters!

"He'd come in to ask if he could film for a new series," explained Steve Weatherhead, Lee's brother and manager of Rita's Café.

"He said they'd been up and down the promenade looking for an authentic café that had people in it and we fitted both categories!

"Our Lee loves him. Marco was really friendly and ordered a
couple of tea cakes. He pulled on a pinny and came behind the counter and was asking Lee questions.

"The café was packed at the time and really buzzing while he was there. All the customers were in awe of what was going on."

Marco was accompanied by his Japanese personal assistant, Mr Ishii, who famously chauffeurs the star everywhere.

But Steve said the TV chef displayed no signs of the volatile temperament he sometimes displays on Hell's Kitchen.

"He was a lovely guy, really friendly and he said he loved the café and its atmosphere."

A spokesperson for ITV confirmed that Marco was filming around the UK for a new television show to be broadcast later in 2008, but could give no other details at this time.