ONE of the most popular male voices of the last 20 years enjoyed a quiet pint in Whitchurch over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Paul Heaton, lead singer of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, popped into two pubs in Whitchurch, according to his social media.

But this was missed by fans on the staff at the Black Bear in Whitchurch High Street, including Black Bear deputy manage Shaun Banks.

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He admitted he is a fan of the singer and wished he was in the pub at the time.

“I’m a little bit gutted to hear that I missed him because I love the Beautiful South and think he’s a great singer,” said Shaun.

“But I think it’s great that he’s given us a shout out on his social media though.

“His choice of beer was a great one – it’s a small brewery from Middlewich called four Priests that we found a few months ago and they’re lovely lads.

“We think it’s a father and son team.

“It’s a proper stout so clearly Paul has very good taste.

“If he’s ever in again then hopefully he’ll make himself known so we can say thank you.

“But we know that celebrities like to be low key.”

The singer posted a picture of his pint alongside a packet of mustard flavoured pork scratchings.

Earlier, Heaton – who reached number one with Caravan of Love with the Housemartins and Top 10 hits with ‘the South’ – had enjoyed of Joules ale at the newly-refurbished Old Town Hall Vaults in St Mary’s Street.

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He also enjoyed a pack of Chilli Twists while enjoying his Pale Ale.

Heaton has also in recent years become famous for leaving a tab behind bars for pubs for regulars to enjoy.

His appearance at the pub was another boost as it enjoyed a successful Beer and Cider Bank Holiday Festival.