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A small pop-up restaurant in north London has been forced to change the name of its Mark Wahlberg burger, after it got a letter from the actor’s lawyers.

Massive fans Lucky Chip introduced the meal, made using 35 day aged Long-horn beef and braised short rib, earlier this month at the Old Queen’s Head pub in Islington and named it after the Ted star.

It was one of a series of creations in honour of American pop culture icons including the Beastie Boys and Kevin Bacon.

But word reached Mr Wahlberg, who owns a restaurant in America called Wahlburgers with brothers Donnie and Paul, and a cease and desist letter from his lawyers arrived by email just days later.

The letter thanked Lucky Chip for wanting to “honour” the actor, but said they were competing with his brand and giving the false impression he endorsed their product.

Founder Ben Denner explained: “We named it after him because I’m just a big fan, I think he’s a great dude. I’m a fan of a lot of his movies.”

He said: “When I saw the email I opened it and thought at first it was a joke. I was a bit surprised to be honest.

“Fair enough if we were in America trying to compete with his brand, I could understand that, but we’re a small company and it’s quite fun and laidback.

“I don’t think we’ve disrespected him in any way. Personally, I would have thought he’d be happy.”

The dish has now been rebranded the Dirk Diggler, in honour of Wahlberg’s well-endowed porn star character in Boogie Nights.

Mr Denner said: “There are no hard feelings from my end. I hope he comes in for lunch one day.”