Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch’s surprise visit to Woodbridge’s Creamery and Deli ice cream shop

An owner of a Woodbridge ice cream shop expressed his amazement after his social media post with a Hollywood star became an online hit.

Ugur Vata, the owner of the Creamery and Deli, in Market Hill, was shocked after the Marvel and Sherlock actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, paid a surprise visit to his shop on Saturday.

He said: “The place was busy when he walked in. He was wearing sunglasses and a hat so nobody recognised him.

“When he walked in, I froze. I couldn’t remember his name. I was thinking Sherlock Holmes, and because he had such a mouthful surname, I couldn’t crack it straight away.”

As the Doctor Strange star ate his mint chocolate ice cream, Ugur said the two spent about 30 minutes talking about current world affairs and the tough trading conditions.

“He is such a down to earth guy. We didn’t talk about fame or anything like that, instead he was more interested in me and my businesses,” said Ugur.

“We talked about the welfare of the world and welfare of my native country, Turkey, and the recent earthquakes there.”

The businessman expressed his gratitude to Cumberbatch for giving him and his business a ‘boost’. He said it was the actor who suggested taking a photo outside with the hope it would help the shop.

He said: “He has done a little tweak on my business. I can’t deny that.

“It gave a huge boost to me and my business so hopefully we will flourish from that.”

“A number of people stopped by because of him and they asked ‘how was he?’ and ‘which flavours did he try?’”

Ugur offered the A-list star a chance to try his ‘unusual’ flavours, including black garlic and charcoal and peach and jalapeno.

Ugur added: “He said ‘your ice cream is untouchable, it’s incredible, you’re crazy mad. How do you come up with those ideas?’”

When asked about his impressions of Benedict, Ugur said he was a good guy and had a good sense of humour.

“When we were talking, he was very very friendly. To be honest, he was just like a normal person,” said Ugur.

While the actor does not have social media, his fans shared the picture Ugur’s took with Cumberbatch after he posted it on his Facebook.

He said: “Fans from all around the world were asking so many questions such as ‘why was he in your shop’ or ‘when is he coming back’. I had messages coming from Japan and America.”

Ugur said he believes he made a friend with the actor and that he will return to try more of his flavours.

He said: “On Sunday, I was sitting in my shop window. It was miserable. I heard a car horn outside and it was Benedict. He was waving like mad, like a child.”