Tom Hiddleston dresses down for casual lunch with mystery brunette... as he is tipped to be the next 007 after Daniel Craig 'quits'

He's rumoured to be the top name in the frame for one of the biggest roles in Hollywood - James Bond.

But it was business as usual for Tom Hiddleston as he met up with a mystery brunette for lunch in London on Sunday.

The actor was spotted dressed down for a relaxing afternoon in his hometown as speculation continues to grow over the next 007. 

Scroll down for video 

Chillaxed: Actor Tom Hiddleston leaves a central London cafe on Sunday following a lunch date with a female companion

Who's that girl? Tom was joined by a brunette companion for lunch, who was dressed casually in black dungarees and carried a laptop

Wearing an all-blue ensemble of chinos, T-shirt and Ralph Lauren jacket, the actor joined the pretty brunette at a central London cafe.

Tom is thought to be single at the moment after he was romantically linked to his I Saw The Light co-star Elizabeth Olsen last year.

In a recent interview, Tom insisted there was no special lady in his life for now.

He said: 'I understand the curiosity. I hope that when there’s really something to write about, I’ll be able to talk.

In demand: He's rumoured to be the top name in the frame for one of the biggest roles in Hollywood - James Bond

'It’s not something that’s come into my life yet. I’m not closed to it by any means - in fact, I’m definitely open to the possibility. But you know what they say: you can’t go out and look for it, you just have to wait for it to come to you.'

His appearance comes after it was claimed last week that Daniel Craig had finally bowed out of the role as the spy after four Bond movies.

Insiders said Craig turned down a £68million offer from MGM studio to return as Bond for two more films following last year’s hit Spectre.

One LA film source said: ‘Daniel is done - pure and simple - he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. They threw huge amounts of money at him, but it just wasn’t what he wanted.

'He had told people after shooting that this would be his final outing, but the film company still felt he could come around after Spectre if he was offered a money deal.’

Back in Blighty: Tom enjoyed a relaxing Sunday afternoon in London with his companion after months away filming and promoting

Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play Bond with Tom the favourite to replace Daniel. 

Tom has played down the speculation, admitting he is frequently asked about the Bond rumours.

He said: 'It’s a weird thing to have to deal with. I’m having unreal conversations with people about this because I don’t know where the rumours have sprung from.

'It’s difficult, because everyone has very strong opinions about Bond, and who should play him. My name is just an idea in people’s minds, yet it’s becoming overwhelming. I have no power to stop it, but I wish I could convince everyone that the whole thing is news to me.’

MailOnline has contact Tom Hiddleston's spokesperson for comment.