Hundreds of people queued outside a bakery last week - to be served by Romesh Rangathan.

The comedian is a co-owner of the chain Coughlans - and decided to do a shift across two locations last Wednesday (May 7).

Photos show a lengthy queue of excited fans outside a branch in Oxted, Surrey - which staff estimate reached around 400 people at one point in the day.

Romesh, 47, also did a few hours at the Coughlans in Beckenham, southeast London.

Co-owner Sean Coughlan said the star intends to try and put in a shift at all 31 locations eventually.

And of Wednesday's event, the 53-year-old said: "It was mental. We couldn't believe it. It was a lot of fun. We have done this before, and it got an amazing response. He is great. "

"He just loves getting stuck in. He literally throws himself into everything. All the team and the customers thoroughly enjoy it. "

"For two hours solid there was probably 50-60 people in the queue [in Beckenham]. When we turned up at Oxted there was 300-400 people waiting to come see him. It was crazy. "

"He is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is just so laid back and relaxed and happy to give his time to everybody. He chatted to every single person who came in."

Romesh became a co-owner of the family run chain last year after being a long-time customer - with a particular interest in their plant-based products.

Sean says it has been a pleasure to work with the celebrity, and that he helps them to come up with creative new products.

The third-generation owner added: "We have a lot of fun when we work together. It is wonderful just to have his input. He is very popular. "

"He is very creative. He has given us a lot more confidence to try new things."



"Still so many people don't realise that he is involved. About 25 times a day I get asked about it."

In a social media video announcing that he was joining the business, the star said: "I am Romesh Coughlan. "

"I have loved Coughlans for ages so to be part of the family I am very excited."

This Friday (May 16) the Oxted shop will host its first "Romesh and friends" comedy gig for Teenage Cancer Trust with guest star Tom Davis."