A “super-friendly” snooker world champion has chalked up a visit to a Kent restaurant.
Ken Doherty was spotted immediately by staff at Coconut Tree Noodle Bar in Herne Bay.
The 56-year-old – who won the 1997 World Snooker Championship – visited the Asian restaurant with a friend.
Manager Victor Lee says he recognised him “straight away” as he is a huge snooker fan, describing how he was “super-excited”.
The Irishman ordered chicken wings, hot spicy tofu and laksa – a spicy noodle dish popular in south-east Asia.
Doherty, who still plays snooker alongside regular broadcast work, took time to pose for a picture with staff Annalyn and Grace.
He held a talk at Herne Bay Constitutional Club on the following day, where he even played a few frames to entertain fans.
Doherty’s global triumph saw him become Ireland’s first world champion, defeating Stephen Hendry at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.
In the last year, Doherty has also made guest appearances at social clubs in Paddock Wood and Tenterden.
