MASTERCHEF star John Torode was full of praise for two starstruck chefs at a Ledbury pub. 

Mr Torode who was a surprise guest at the Oak Inn Staplow walked in with his wife, former Holby City actress Lisa Faulkner, towards the end of the pub's Saturday lunch shift. 

Chefs Iveta Kudrenicka and Leo Leontina were 'very nervous' when they heard who they were cooking for, but their efforts were praised by Mr Torode, who said his meal was delicious. 

Pub owner Chris Howell, who runs the pub with his wife Heather Owen, told the Reporter they had no idea the MasterChef host was arriving. 

Mr Torode had the veggie pie of the day at the pub, while Ms Faulkner helped herself to the fillet of mullet-market fish.

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Mr Howell added he was glad Mr Torode didn't visit during the evening, as they were completely full and they may have had to turn him away. 

"He was instantly recognisable, he had a meal and a chat with our staff and was very friendly. 

"Our two main chefs were very nervous when they found out who they were cooking for, but they've got a fantastic reputation and did a terrific job. 

"He was very pleasant and the main thing is he liked the food, he thought it was delicious. 

"When we told our chefs they were going to take a picture with John it was like they had won the lottery, it was quite emotional. 

"I likened it to them meeting the King, they were completely in awe of him. 

"When it came to taking pictures they didn't want to get too close to him, they almost felt he was untouchable but he told them to come over, he was great with them.

"It was a real pleasure, for someone of that calibre to say the food was great was the icing on the cake."

As well as the two chefs, Mr Torode took photographs with the two front of house staff, Vicki Gregson and Kimberley Nicholas. 

Mr Howell said him and his wife decided not to have a picture as the day was all about the fantastic job the staff did. 

This visit came at the end of a massive week for the Oak Inn Staplow, which also won a TripAdvisor Travellers award for the third year running.