On Friday last week, Oliver visited the Holiday Inn in Elstree as part of English Tourism Week.

Speaking after the visit, Oliver said: ‘Tourism is an important industry in Hertsmere, so it was very interesting to visit the Holiday Inn for Tourism Week.

‘The hotel employs over 100 staff and welcomes guests from all over the world, including tour groups visiting London, guests and workers to our world famous studios and conference delegates, as well as many local people using their leisure facilities.

‘It was great to speak to the manager about the work of the hotel and try my hand at pulling pints, making coffees and booking guests.’

The visit was organised by Visit Herts, the public body which aims to promote and encourage tourism in the county. Tourism Week, which ran from 25 March to 2 April,  is the annual event run across the UK to boost businesses in the tourism industry ahead of the busy Summer holiday season. The industry is worth over £106 billion a year to the British economy, and £1.4 billion in Hertfordshire alone.