He may have only spent two days in sunny Thanet but film legend Sir Michael Caine has certainly left a lasting impression.

The actor was in the area last week, shooting scenes for a movie based on the Hatton Garden heist with co-star Charlie Cox.

And while those fortunate enough to get up close to the star were staying tight-lipped at the time, details are now emerging of his stay.

Sir Michael, 84, was spotted around Margate, including at the Nayland Rock Hotel in Royal Crescent, where filming took place over two days.

Manager Carol Abou El-Khir managed to have a brief chat with the veteran actor, who she describes as very pleasant.

“He was chatting with Charlie Cox about the film and he said something about his grandchildren,” she said.

“I asked him how many he had and he said three – a set of twins and one more. He was nice, a sweet man. I think the heat took its toll on him, though.”

She said the film crew used the hotel’s breakfast room and a bedroom during shooting.

“It was quite an insight into how much goes into such a small part of the film,” she said.

“They didn’t want me to touch any of the rooms. I assume it was as they wanted it to be.

“They wanted a bedroom with the sea view behind him when they filmed him getting up in the morning.

“The idea was to make it look like a small guest house, not a hotel.”

Mrs Abou El-Khir described Mr Cox, known for his leading role in Netflix hit Daredevil, as “gorgeous” and Sir Michael as a “national treasure”.

“I loved it – I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” she said.

Sir Michael also stayed overnight at the boutique Belvidere Place B&B in Broadstairs.

Owner Jilly Sharpe said Sir Michael was not the first VIP to stay there.

“The reason people come here is because it’s very private,” she said.

“We always keep it secret so we’ve become a place where we get a lot of celebrities and VIP guests.

“They have a private life too. Discretion is part of our professionalism.”

She described Sir Michael as a “nice gentleman”.

The movie legend plays the part of Hatton Garden mastermind Brian Reader.

Cllr Derek Crow-Brown, cabinet member for corporate governance on Thanet District Council, said it had been a pleasure to work with the locations team.

“The crew have all loved their sunny Margate experience,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to be able to host such a high-profile production starring one of the world’s best-known actors.”