STAFF at a Worcester restaurant were left stunned after receiving an unexpected visit from the President of Finland.
Island, a popular family-run Greek restaurant in the city, welcomed Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb for dinner during a visit to the UK.
Owner Alexandros Arvanitis said he initially thought someone was playing a joke on him when he received a call from the president’s office asking to reserve a table.
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He admitted he assumed it was a prank until the high-profile guest actually arrived at the venue on Broad Street on October 9.
Mr Arvanitis said: “We were incredibly honoured and delighted to welcome the President of Finland and his wonderful wife to our restaurant.
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome them and share our hospitality, and we’re so grateful they chose to spend their evening with us.
“As a family-run restaurant, moments like these are particularly special, and this is one we will always cherish.
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“With such a kind and humble man leading Finland, it’s no wonder the country is known as the happiest in the world.”
The visit left staff feeling incredibly humbled after serving one of Europe’s most senior political figures.
Island is Worcester’s highest-rated restaurant and has previously been described “as authentic as you can get outside of Greece”.
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The restaurant is tucked away in Worcester city centre, with some reviewers claiming it should be in the Michelin Guide.
The family-run establishment on Broad Street opened in December 2019, founded by its owner, Mr Arvanitis.
It has since grown to be rated number one on TripAdvisor among Worcester’s 334 restaurants, with a 4.9 rating.
The authentic home-cooked food comes from Mr Arvanitis’ mother-in-law and wife’s recipes.
Food that receives particular highlights on TripAdvisor includes the restaurant’s kleftiko, baklava, meat platter, and mussels.