Staff at a Greater Manchester cafe found themselves sharing a £1,000 tip after a late-night visit from a musical legend.
Cafe Continental in Stalybridge found itself feeding Stevie Wonder, his band and entourage after the singer’s sold-out gig performing his classic album Songs In The Key Of Life at the Co-op Live in Manchester.
Owner Ryan Robinson said Wonder, 76, was “a really nice guy, happy to chat to everybody”.
Among those dining was Wonder’s daughter and backing singer Aisha, about whom he wrote Isn’t She Lovely? for the album.
Robinson said he had been contacted about 18 months ago by members of the band, who called in while playing in soul singer Toni Braxton’s backing band.
They stayed in touch, and then on Sunday, Robinson got a call to ask if they could come back after the show.
“The band turned up at 23:00 had some food and then at about 00:30, four blacked out mini buses turned up outside, and Stevie Wonder was in one of them,” he said.
The cafe staff had been forewarned that they would need to work late and put on a different menu to the usual Sunday roast.
The singer had a seaside feast with grilled sea bream, bouillabaisse and octopus.
And the staff’s efforts were rewarded with the generous tip from Wonder and his band.
“That was first for everyone,” Robinson said, adding: “His family, his entourage and his crew are absolutely lovely.
“You wouldn’t even think they were famous and they’re really enthusiastic about the restaurant.”