‘The most surreal experience of my life' is how one diner has described bumping into X Factor judge Simon Cowell at the Harvester in Hanwell.
Ourhai Turkhan, 27, from Greenford, was among the surprised and delighted diners at the restaurant chain in Boston Manor Road last night, who never expected to be dining alongside one of the UK's most famous celebrities.
Simon was joined for the evening by one of his acts, Stevi Ritchie, whom he had joked with on Saturday night's X Factor about visiting Harvester as part of a lad's night on the town.
Ourhai said: "I could not believe Simon was in the Harvester where I always go. It was just bizarre. He was so lovely. Really friendly and relaxed and totally accommodating. He seemed really happy to have selfies taken and was just like he is on the show. I have been watching X Factor for years so I almost felt like I knew him. He was trying to get Stevi a girlfriend I think. He kept saying Stevi was single and needed a bit of help."
She added: "My friend Christian is the manager there and had contacted the show to invite them down to film after the comments that were made on Saturday. He was so shocked when they took him up on his offer. We all think he should get a pay rise."
Christian Chaoul, manager at the Royal Harvester, Hanwell said: "It was as nerve wracking as judges houses but thankfully Simon gave the Harvester Salad Cart the X Factor seal of approval. We wish Stevi the best of luck and hope to welcome him, and Simon back to Harvester very soon."
Simon ordered a salad, scampi and chips priced £4.99 and had a bottle of Corona beer during the visit on Monday October 27. An X Factor camera crew was also present.
Afterwards Simon spent time chatting with fellow diners and locals who had come to see him.
After leaving the The Royal Harvester in Boston Manor London, Cowell said on Twitter: "Thanks for dinner Stevi. Scampi and chips at the Harvester. Delicious."
Despite being a loveable character, Stevi has been criticised on the X Factor for his vocals, which are not seen by the other judges as strong enough to warrant his place on the show.
