Hollywood star Tom Cruise took a break from filming a new movie at Warner Bros’ Leavesden studios to enjoy a spicy curry at a St Albans restaurant last night.

Customers and staff were stunned when Cruise, 50, walked into Veer Dhara in St Peters Street yesterday at around 10.30pm, accompanied by friends and bodyguards.

Cruise ordered spicy chicken tikka masala but when the bill came it was one of the millionaire Scientologist’s entourage who picked up the tab, after he unsuccessfully tried to pay using American Express.

On top of the £220 total, staff were left a generous £75.50 tip.

Darshit Hora, the restaurant manager, said the two bodyguards with him asked him to make sure the meal was a low key affair.



Waiter Ashish Srivasdava, 23, who lives in Ladies Grove Road, St Albans, and who has worked there just over a year, said: "I was shaking I was so nervous. At first I couldn’t look in his eyes.

"When I greeted him I was smiling and so was he and that’s when I realised it was him.

"I regret not asking for a photo or autograph now but at the time it wasn’t professional."

Cruise is believed to be staying in the area while filming for his new movie All You Need is Kill, which co-stars Emily Blunt.