A CELEBRITY visitor made an appearance at a Herefordshire pub last weekend.

Comedian and actor Russell Brand visited the Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch Escley on Sunday.

"What a surreal Sunday evening this was! Great to meet the man himself and have him sample our lovely food," the pub said.

The 46-year-old, who started his career as a comedian before becoming an MTV presenter, became a household name while hosting Big Brother's Big Mouth in 2007.

The one-time husband of singer Katy Perry later turned his hand to acting before becoming known as a controversial activist and campaigner.

He was seen in the Elan Valley earlier this month, where he stopped to chat with locals while shopping for essentials in Rhayader as he passed through on his way to north Wales for a family holiday. He even reportedly trusted one local with his dog, believed to be a German Shepherd called Bear, while he went into a local shop for supplies.

Hereford Times: Brand with Councillor Barry Davies in Rhayader Brand with Councillor Barry Davies in Rhayader

“He was a real pleasant, friendly guy,” said William ‘Wiz’ Davies, a Rhayader town councillor, who posted a picture of himself and Brand on the Cwmdauddwr common and district Facebook group.

“I met him in Daisy Powell’s the newsagent in West Street. He was in there buying goods. Apparently, he's on holiday, touring Wales. He was then heading off to north Wales.”

One lady, who wished not to be named, said Brand told her he was picking up his wife and children before continuing on with their Welsh holiday.

“I had a chat with him,” said the local shop owner. “He was passing through.

“It was really just a quick hello, apparently he'd stopped by on his way to north Wales, he stopped at some shops, someone held his dog while he shopped and then he was going to get his wife and kids from the Groe then off to north Wales.”