"money was no issue, and it was easily in five figures."
Johnny Depp dined at Varanasi in Birmingham’s Broad Street on June 5, 2022.
The Hollywood star and Jeff Beck played a concert at Symphony Hall the following night.
At the Indian restaurant, Johnny racked up a hefty bill, with reports suggesting that he spent up to £50,000.
He arrived at the secret back entrance at around 7:30 pm and spent around four hours there.
Johnny was joined by Jeff Beck, the tour’s crew and his security team. During his visit, the restaurant was closed to other diners.
It is believed that the actor hired out the restaurant for around £25,000 – £30,000 and left a “large tip”.
Johnny Depp reportedly enjoyed rose champagne and the wine list, with some bottles costing up to £1,200.
As well as venue hire and alcohol, the group enjoyed a £35 Lamb Karahi, a £24 King Prawn Bhuna and a Shish Kebab starter at £14. Johnny’s Chicken Tikka Masala set him back £22.
Johnny was said to have enjoyed his meal so much, he ordered more Indian food to take back to his hotel.
He was heard by staff to say it was the “best curry he’s ever had”.
Mr Hussain, Operations Director at Varanasi, said:
“We were absolutely delighted to have him with us – he was such a humble person.
“I managed to get my family and friends into the restaurant and he spent quite a lot of time with them, hugging them and just making everyone feel welcome.
“He was delighted with the food. He even took a takeaway with him afterwards as well. He really enjoyed the food.
“We gave them a customised banquet – he had a lot of dry rice platters with shish kebabs, chicken tikka, vegetable samosas, we also gave him king prawn starters.
“We did the same for the main courses – he had chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, king prawn bhuna. Followed by bread and rice.
“He had a choice of dessert options at the end which was panna cotta and vanilla cheesecake. Then he decided he wanted to eat it all over again to take back to his hotel.
“It was a dream come true for all of us. He ate a bit of everything – and I heard him say that it was the best curry he’s ever had. He commented about all the flavours. So it was amazing he said that.”
Speaking about what Johnny Depp was like, Mr Hussain continued:
“He was very humble, and he stayed to talk and greet everyone. He met my three daughters and they made him give them a few one-liners from his movies.
“He did ‘you’re weird’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, really. Some of the staff were asking about the recent court case, but he was just smiling – it was a smile of relief.”
Although it is reported that the actor spent around £50,000, Mr Hussain did not reveal anything:
“They spent a lot of money, it’s a big venue to hire out, but they never even looked at the bill. He gave a large tip.”
“We had to promise that we would not reveal the final bill but let’s just put it this way; money was no issue, and it was easily in five figures.
“We made more money from Depp’s visit than we did from our busiest night of the week, which is a Saturday when we have around 400 diners.”
After winning his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp joined TikTok and has racked up millions of followers.
@johnnydepp To all of my most treasured, loyal and unwavering supporters. We’ve been everywhere together, we have seen everything together. We have walked the same road together. We did the right thing together, all because you cared. And now, we will all move forward together. You are, as always, my employers and once again I am whittled down to no way to say thank you, other than just by saying thank you. So, thank you. My love & respect, JD
Thanking his fans, Johnny wrote: “To all of my most treasured, loyal and unwavering supporters.
“We’ve been everywhere together, we have seen everything together. We have walked the same road together. We did the right thing together, all because you cared.
“And now, we will all move forward together. You are, as always, my employers and once again I am whittled down to no way to say thank you, other than just by saying thank you.
“So, thank you. My love and respect, JD.”
Loading ...