Dame Judi's passion for Croydon Ikea's meatballs

A feast of meatballs in a furniture store café is not the obvious choice of fare for a woman feted as one of the best actress of her generation.

But apparently Dame Judi Dench, who plays M in the James Bond spy films, is somewhat partial to popping into Croydon's Ikea store to sample the Swedish delicacy.

Celebrity gossip newsletter Popbitch has revealed the Oscar-winning actress has been spotted at the Purley Way shop "on occasion" as "her daughter lives nearby".

It added: "Kitchen staff say she likes the meatballs."

When The Advertiser approached Ikea, a spokeswoman said: "We are delighted to hear that our IKEA meatball fan club has another member."

She added the meatballs – called Kottbullar - can be purchased at the café in sets of 10, 15 or 20.

They come with a cream sauce called Graddsas and boiled potatoes or french fries, plus lingonberry jam.