Kent Restaurant Staff Left Starstruck as Snooker Champion Ken Doherty Walks In
Snooker legend Ken Doherty brought a touch of sporting stardom to the Kent coast after making a surprise visit to Coconut Tree Noodle Bar in Herne Bay.
Staff at the popular Asian restaurant were quick to recognise the former world champion when he arrived for a meal with a friend. Among them was manager Victor Lee, an avid snooker supporter, who said he spotted the Irishman “straight away” and could hardly contain his excitement at meeting one of the sport’s most recognisable faces.
Despite his fame, Doherty was described by staff as warm, relaxed and “super-friendly” throughout the visit. The 56-year-old enjoyed a selection of dishes including chicken wings, hot spicy tofu and a fragrant laksa, the well-known south-east Asian noodle soup packed with spice and flavour.
The visit quickly became a memorable occasion for the restaurant team, with Doherty happily posing for photographs alongside staff members Annalyn and Grace before leaving. His approachable nature and willingness to chat with employees left a lasting impression on everyone there.
Doherty was in the area ahead of a special appearance at Herne Bay Constitutional Club the following day, where he entertained local fans with stories from his long career and even played a few exhibition frames.
Best known for his unforgettable victory at the 1997 World Snooker Championship, Doherty made history as Ireland’s first world champion when he defeated Stephen Hendry at the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Although now balancing competitive snooker with television and broadcasting work, Doherty remains a popular figure on the exhibition circuit. Over the past year, he has also appeared at social clubs in Paddock Wood and Tenterden, continuing to delight snooker fans across Kent.
