Soul Legend leaves big tip at Ponsonby hotspot

Grammy winner John Legend, who performed last night at Vector Arena, made a surprise visit to Ponsonby eatery Mekong Baby on Wednesday night and left a tip of several hundred dollars for staff.

Restaurant manager Manny Satisfied said the American crooner, who had flown in from Australia, spent hours eating and drinking at the establishment and didn't want any special treatment.

"He turned up with an entourage of 21 people and stayed until midnight. They had come straight from the airport and hadn't made a reservation, but we quickly accommodated them. He was so lovely and down-to-earth and didn't want any fuss or preferential treatment."

How much did they spend? Manny won't reveal.

"All I'll say is they spent several thousand dollars. But Mr Legend was so kind and considerate, he left a big tip for all the staff - several hundred dollars, in fact".

Legend is touring as part of Alicia Keys' Set The World on Fire tour which concluded in Auckland last night.

Keys did not venture out to Ponsonby with Legend, choosing instead to remain at her hotel, The Langham, with husband Swizz Beatz and young son Egypt.