Prithiraj, Sheffield: Dan Walker and The Chase’s Mark Labbett dine out at award-winning Indian restaurant

Prithiraj, on the bustling Ecclesall Road, hosted two famous faces on Saturday (June 15), as both Mark Labbett, also known as ‘The Beast’, from ITV’s The Chase, and Sheffield’s own TV and radio personality Dan Walker chose to eat out.

The two stars are known to frequently visit the award-winning Indian restaurant, with Prithiraj manager Salim Karaa sharing that Mark comes in at least once every week. He described Mark as a “gentle giant”.

It’s believed that Dan Walker was catching up with old friends from university, but both he and Mark posed for a photo with Prithiraj’s owner Sobuj Miah, and spoke to other customers.

Salim said the pair are the most “down to earth” celebrities he’s ever had the pleasure of meeting.

“They will never say no to a photo,” he added.

In 2021, Prithiraj revealed a new dish called the ‘Dan Walker Special’, made as a tribute to their doting customer. The dish is made with a mix of chicken and minced lamb, with spinach and two boiled eggs.

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Now Salim has revealed a new dish named ‘The Beast’, which is to be added to the menu soon. This is made of chicken and spinach, but different to a traditional chicken saag.

Salim said: “He’s a gentle giant, although he’s lost a lot of weight.

“I’ve known him for about four years. He comes all the way from Rotherham at least once a week, sometimes two times a week.”

He described how Mark always talks to customers, and is always happy to pose for photos with his fans.

Next month, the team behind Prithiraj is heading to The Bradford Hotel in Bradford for the inaugural Yorkshire Curry Awards 2024. The restaurant has been shortlisted for the Best Of Sheffield category, competing against Urban Choola, Cafe Indus, Rubeez Restaurant, 400DC, Jumaira Spice, Apna Style, Maveli, and Viraaj Restaurant.

If it wins, it will be the eight award the team has scooped up.