JOHNNY Vegas brought a Game of Thrones actor to a highly-rated restaurant in Newton-le-Willows yesterday.

As reported in the Star earlier this week, Verona Bar and Kitchen, on High Street, Newton-le-Willows, received a coveted award from Trip Advisor this month.

The Italian restaurant received the Travellers Choice Award for 2022, which recognises venues that "consistently earn great reviews" and are ranked within the top 10% Trip Advisor properties over the year.

READ > Local restaurant wins top award on Trip Advisor

St Helens Star: Johnny Vegas shared his visit to Verona on TwitterJohnny Vegas shared his visit to Verona on Twitter (Image: Johnny Vegas)

Sharing a Star article that celebrated the good news, Johnny Vegas announced that he chose Verona to meet up with Stockport-born Game of Thrones actor, Ben Crompton.

Bringing huge publicity to the family-run business, Johnny tweeted: "Dropped by the Verona Bar earlier to catch up with luvvy daaahling Ben Crompton.

"Have to say the anti-pasti I sampled was lush. Can't wait to go back and go buck wild on the full menu!".

As the business underwent a huge re-vamp and created a whole new menu last year, owner Andy Orgill said it is great to have further recognition of the team's hard work.

Andy said: "Johnny came in and congratulated us on our Trip Advisor award and gave us a five-star review.

"It's really cool that he came by and everyone said he was great with the staff and loved the food that he ordered.

"It's great that he shared this on his own social media to publicise us further."

READ > AA Restaurant Guide 2023: 13 Merseyside restaurants featured

St Helens Star: An example of the food on offer at VeronaAn example of the food on offer at Verona (Image: Verona)

Following the success of the Newton-based business, which also boasts an upstairs bar, function room, balcony and beer garden, Verona are in the process of branching out into near-by Ashton-in-Makerfield.

In the process of building a Speakeasy bar with the same vibe as Verona, Andy hopes everything will be in place to open by the end of November.

He added: "The business has been a great success over the last few years and hence the reason why we are now wanting to branch out and build our brand."

St Helens Star: Verona Bar and Kitchen on High Street, Newton-le-WillowsVerona Bar and Kitchen on High Street, Newton-le-Willows (Image: Verona Bar and Kitchen)

For more information on Verona, you can visit their website here.