Award-winning chef Jack Blumenthal said Ed Sheeran was 'humble, genuine and just like one of the lads' when he stopped by his restaurant in Marlow for dinner this week.

While on a break from his international tour, Ed Sheeran appears to have made a beeline for Marlow, after being spotted around the town several times on Wednesday, February 28.

As well as grabbing a pint at The Chequers pub, Ed also stopped by the Crafty Taproom on the High Street and posed for photos with Jack Blumenthal, son of Heston Blumenthal and the co-founder of popular chicken wings business Ginger Wings, which is based inside the Taproom.

Jack told the Free Press that Ed was "the biggest name" he has served in the town thus far, and described him as "a very nice guy" who came across as "humble, genuine and just like one of the lads".

He said: "One of my waiting staff ran into the kitchen on Wednesday night and said, 'Oh my god, Ed Sheeran's at table one'. I thought, 'Um, no, you're lying', then I popped out to have a look and it was him!

"I think a few of his mates live locally, and they recommended our food. We see some of them quite regularly - they come in a lot with their families and kids."

Jack, whose business has drummed up a few accolades of its own including top prizes at last year's Wing Fest, said he had been asked whether the photos of Ed with the team were photoshopped, such was the disbelief that the Grammy-winner had been hanging around Marlow High Street on a regular Wednesday night. 

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"He and his mates were great. They asked us about the business and how we had been doing, and we all drank some wine out of one of our trophies. It was very, very good fun.

"He said he loved the food, so we're hoping to do an Ed Sheeran special with his hot sauce brand now!"

In fact, Ed was apparently such a fan of Ginger Wings' new Buffalese Ragu sauce that he was given a bottle to take home, along with a branded t-shirt, naturally.

Jack said he wouldn't be surprised if the A-Lister returned to Marlow in the near future, especially after being spoiled with plate after plate of the brand's specialty chicken wings.

"He came to Marlow to see his friends and eat a lot of chicken, and he managed to do both. It definitely seemed like he had a nice time and wasn't bothered too much.

"His one rule when we were taking a photo was that it be 'dedicated to gingers getting bullied at school'. We've all been through that struggle, and look where we are now!

"After that, and all the food we gave him, he'll be back for more, 100 per cent. Marlow, keep an eye out!"