Staff at a city restaurant were shocked when a Hollywood star popped in for a meal.

Hugh Jackman stopped in at the Waffle House in Norwich yesterday for lunch with his family.

Manager Emily Blakemore said: "It's crazy. It was so out of the blue. 

"We weren't expecting him and he walked in like any other customer.

"It's a bit embarrassing, I recognised his family because they live in the area but I couldn't place his face.

"I thought he must have been in before until I turned around and all the staff was staring at him.

READ MORE: 'He seemed excited to be here': John Travolta visits city restaurant

"Everyone was so excited but I asked them to play it chilled and let him enjoy his meal."

The Australian actor started with a savory waffle topped with bolognese, mushrooms and cheese sauce.

He followed it up with a sweet waffle topped with bananas, toffee and chocolate and a rhubarb and custard milkshake. 

Ms Blakemore continued: "He was so lovely, really down to earth and low maintenance.

"He seemed to enjoy being able to have a meal with his family without being hounded.

"He said he used to come here whenever he visited Norwich and always gets the same thing."

READ MORE: 'I could be a Canary': Hugh Jackman reveals plan to play for Norwich City

Norwich Evening News: Jackman said he used to visit the restaurant a lotJackman said he used to visit the restaurant a lot (Image: Waffle House)

After Jackman finished his meal, his waitress plucked up the courage to ask for a photo.

"We saw him coming down the stairs and were trying to tidy ourselves up when he appeared in the prep area," said Ms Blakemore.

"It's so surreal. We were talking about it for the rest of the day and sang the Greatest Showman songs.

"We're so grateful that he came in and that he then posted about us online.

"And with our 45th birthday next week, the timing really couldn't be better."

The Waffle House on St Giles Street is open 10am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm Saturday and 10am to 8pm Sunday.