A Hollywood star has left a Thames kitchen worker beaming after a surprise restaurant visit during filming for a major movie sequel.

Kirsten Dunst, who has travelled to New Zealand to film the sequel to A Minecraft Movie, stopped by Gastronomics restaurant on Monday night.

Her presence caught the attention of restaurant co-owner Radha Raikwar, who was busy cooking when a staff member told her the actress was dining out front.

Raikwar dropped her kitchen duties to ask for a photo, describing Dunst as "very kind" and "very smiley".

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