What superstar Harrison Ford said to staff at the Balintore Inn after cycling in for Sunday lunch
YOU could have forgiven staff at an Easter Ross inn for doing a double take when an instantly recognisable Hollywood A-lister rocked up on a bicycle for Sunday lunch.
Harrison Ford is best known to millions of adoring fans around the world for iconic star turns in films ranging from Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Blade Runner to Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.
But on Sunday, the evergreen 82-year-old was simply after a decent lunch and a pint when he pedalled in to the grounds of the Balintore Inn, tailed by a security detail.
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Inn owner Mike Dwyer - who has previously cooked for the likes of Rick Stein and entertained celebrity guests including Hugh Laurie and Clive Anderson down the years - declared himself “most impressed by Harrison Ford's engaging and genuinely friendly manner”.
He said: “Not at all what you might typically expect from an 'A' lister, of his stature - even his security escort was friendly.”
Samantha Kennedy greeted him and served him initially. Although he initially asked for a pint of Guinness, he was advised that the inn instead serves Scottish stout Belhaven Black.
Mike said: “He sampled that and he then ordered and enjoyed a pint of same.”
He added: “Cloe Prentice and my daughter, Heidi Dwyer, prepared and presented their meals which were much enjoyed in our beer garden. Fortunately, the weather was excellent.
“Harrison had my homemade beef jalfrezi - he expressed surprise at the variety of dishes available and opted for the jalfrezi as he enjoys hot and spicy food. His security companion ventured to say that it was probably the tastiest meal they'd had all week!
“Harrison arrived on a bike and left on his bike too, though followed by his security detail in a Range Rover. We chatted for several minutes, and he explained that he cycles up to 30 miles most days to help keep fit.
“He certainly looked very fit for his 82 years! He was genuinely interested and friendly towards myself and those team members who looked after him. His wife, Kallista Flockart was in the Highlands too, but unfortunately was not here for lunch!”
The actor told him that Sunday was the last day of their trip and they would be flying home later that evening.
“He kindly left a signed message saying 'Great feed many thanks’. This was passed on to an ardent local admirer!”
It’s not known whether Mr Ford was in the area for business or pleasure or a combination of the two. But his Easter Ross sojourn will be a day to remember for those who bumped into him.
