More stories

  • in

    Inside Gary Neville’s FIVE failed restaurants including joint ventures with Ryan Giggs and ‘space age’ menus

    GARY NEVILLE’S booming hospitality business empire has hit a rough patch.Not everything has gone to plan for the highly successful Manchester United legend after he was forced to close the doors on a FIFTH restaurant.Gary Neville has been forced to shut his restaurant with £1m debtsThe Man Behind the Curtain first opened in 2014Neville owned half of the Leeds dinerOne of the most unusual looking dishes was a denia red prawn served on a telephone – a play on the ‘Lobster Telephone’ object created by Salvador DaliThe Man Behind the Curtain had a reputation for artistic presentationThis comes after Neville’s Leeds restaurant went into liquidation last month with debts reported at £1million – including £519,000 owed in taxes.The Man Behind the Curtain was launched in 2014 and run by former Masterchef star Micheal O’Hare, with Neville owning half of it via Relentless Leisure.It received a Michelin star in 2015 along with three AA rosettes in 2016.The venue gained a reputation for its extravagant and highly priced dishes including denia red prawn served on a TELEPHONE – a play on Salvador Dali’s ‘Lobster Telephone’. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe filing also shows that Neville’s company Relentless Leisure is owed £366,848 by the restaurant.The accounts for 2023 are overdue but those for 2022 reported a £187,000 profit and reserves at £105,938.The closure of The Man Behind The Curtain isn’t the first time Neville has been forced to walk away from a restaurant.Here we take a look at his four other failed dining concepts…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Rabbit in the MoonNeville, 49, and former team-mate Ryan Giggs, 50, invested in The Rabbit in the Moon before it ceased in 2017.The Old Trafford duo would link up with O’Hare again after naming him the Creative Director of GG Hospitality in 2016.Bizarre ad sees Man Utd team up with tractor company Yanmar The idea was to run a successful space-age Asian restaurant in Manchester – but it only lasted a year.Diners were treated to fried calf brains, crispy rabbit ears and an octopus hot dog.The fine-dining venue was on the top two floors of Urbis, a six-story building on Exchange Square in Manchester.When O’Hare launched the concept, he hoped it would win the first Michelin star for Manchester in decades.But the bizarre space-themed diner served it’s last meal in 2018 after GG Hospitality announced significant losses to shareholders.The Rabbit in the Moon restaurant in Manchester was closed after two yearsChef Hare came up with the space-age Asian conceptCafé FootballMeanwhile, GG Hospitality endured a miserable 2019 as well after they were forced to close TWO Café Football sites after six years.Opening in 2013, Café Football initially occupied a big, echoey space in the Westfield shopping centre at Stratford in East London.There was a section of Fans’ Favourites including Karren Brady’s Match Day Classic – pie, mash and liquor, chilli vinegar for £13.95 – or Kirsty Gallacher’s Terrace Winter Warmer – chilli with steamed rice and soured cream.And Neville and Giggs decided to open one in Manchester city centre, but that closed in March 2019.The venues were axed after GG Hospitality said: “We have decided to shift our focus to our hotel business.”At the time Neville said: “They were decisions made by me while Ryan has been coaching…but we all learn don’t we?”Gary and former teammate Ryan Giggs shut Café Football in Manchester a week after they axed the diner’s branch in Stratford, East LondonA third branch remains open in Singapore, operating through a different company, but both UK restaurants closed in early 2019.Singaporean businessman Peter Lim is also a shareholder at GG Hospitality and owns the majority stake in Salford City.Class of 92 stars David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane join Neville and Giggs in each owning 10 per cent of the League Two club.Lim also owns Valencia, the team Neville famously and miserably managed for 28 games in 2016.Nevertheless, a smaller version of Café Football has since opened inside Neville’s Hotel Football just metres away from Old Trafford.Valencia owner Peter Lim has been in business with Neville for many yearsThe Stock Market GrillThe swanky Stock Market Grill closed last July – after just four months of operation.It replaced Tom Kerridges’ The Bull & Bear restaurant at Neville’s and Giggs’ Stock Exchange Hotel, also co-owned by hotelier Winston Zahra.The British brasserie was the brainchild of brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, who already operate bars in the city.A statement released by the hotel read: “We have taken the decision to close the doors to Stock Market Grill, as of July 3.”We want to focus on the hotel’s premium cocktail bar, Sterling, in the Vault.”The restaurant will, however, continue to serve breakfast and in-room dining to all overnight guests.”The Stock Market Grill was inside the Stock Exchange Hotel in ManchesterThe hotel is one of Neville’s greatest business achievementsNeville retired from professional football in 2011 and has gone on to build up a £100million empire.He has been listed as a director of 56 businesses on Companies House.While he has interests in media, hotels, pubs, restaurants and education, his most impressive work has been in property development. Among the most high-profile interests are his two hotels, which between them hold £32million in property assets – almost a third of his corporate net wealth.The star owns a 40 per cent share in the Stock Exchange development, which is close to Piccadilly Gardens, in Manchester, alongside Giggs – and he also co-runs the luxurious Hotel Football, which overlooks Old Trafford.Earlier this year he joined Dragon’s Den as an investor, alongside Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davis, and Steven Bartlett.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeville also runs Tiger Sports Management – the residual image rights and sponsorship firm that he set up in 1996 when he was just 21 years old.And he does all of this while presenting and offering commentary for Sky Sports each week.Neville joined the cast of Dragon’s Den earlier this year More

  • in

    I’m a former Premier League and England star – I have to pay price of Tesco meal deal for lunch at my club

    FORMER Premier League striker Patrick Bamford has revealed that Leeds United make players PAY for their own lunch.But, in truth, Bamford and his team-mates can bag a buffet style meal for the price of Tesco meal deal. Patrick Bamford has revealed that Leeds United deduct food prices from the players wagesBamford joined the My Mates a Footballer podcast with Joe Wilkinson after making his senior debut for England in September 2021On his podcast, My Mate’s a Footballer, which Bamford co-hosts with comedian Joe Wilkinson, the Leeds ace revealed that players aren’t handed everything on a silver platter.Wilkinson asked: “How many meals do you have on a normal training day at your training centre canteen?”The once-capped England star replied: “Two every day”, before Wilkinson interjected with: “Wow two free meals a day, blimey.”But the Leeds man quickly corrected his co-host by confirming: “No, we pay for it. It gets deducted from your salary.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBefore the shocked comic repeated: “What! Are you kidding? Do you know much it is?”To which Bamford responded: “I’m gonna say £3.50 a day. But this might be miles off.”Wilkinson laughed and said: “Okay, okay. I thought you were gonna say £55-per-day. That’s like the price of school dinners isn’t it?”Bamford then quizzed him: “Do you not get the same before you perform at gigs?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Wilkinson said: “No, the venue just normally offers food. Do I have a better job than you in this area? “I think I’m winning in an area, which is incredible.” Before Bamford bemusingly chimed in: “To which I am suffering.”Former Premier League star Bamford was stitched up by team-mates and I ended up living in rowdy student area Patrick Bamford’s contract with Leeds expires next summerAs of August 2024, the price of a standard Tesco meal deal has risen from £3.40 to £3.60 for those with a Clubcard.In fact, Bamford’s food is cheaper than a customer without a Clubcard – who must fork out four quid.But players are NOT subjected to cold sandwiches, a packet of crisps and a Redbull.Instead, Bamford later revealed that the athletes are treated to a big bowl of pasta.He added: “On the way down we’ll get sent a Google sheets form where you put in your name and it says you have a choice of one of the pastas; Penne, Gnocchi, Gluten Free Penne or Fusilli.Who are these famous footballers?”Those are the pasta options then the sauce options, and you can mix and match if you want, are green pesto, healthy bechamel white sauce, tomato and basil sauce, olive oil and red pesto.”Then you can add as many of these as you want; peppers, chestnut mushrooms, peas, diced tomatoes, red onions, spinach, chicken, king prawns, chilli flakes, feta, cheddar and parmesan.”You can put in what you like.”The former England star signed a £70million-a-year deal to remain at Elland Road for five years in August 2021, when Leeds were in the Prem.This makes him the highest earner at the now Championship club, who are vying for promotion back to the top-flight after losing the play-off final to Southampton.Bamford is reportedly expected to listen to offers in the summer after growing frustrated under Daniel Farke.The 31-year-old has been limited to roles from the bench this term after suffering from injuries over the last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe striker has played for the Yorkshire giants since joining for £7m in 2018 and has made 203 appearances, scoring 69 goals in the process.Bamford has struggled for game time this season due to injuries, which have restricted him to just four appearances in this campaign.Bamford’s stats from last season More

  • in

    Artur Beterbiev ‘eats the souls’ of his boxing rivals but gives up food THREE DAYS before fights

    ARTUR BETERBIEV eats the souls of his poor opponents but insists he is not a monster.The 39-year-old Russian light-heavyweight has an outrageously vicious 100 per cent knockout record from his 20 perfect wins.Artur Beterbiev is the most destructive force in all of boxingCredit: GETTYThe Chechen clubber has knocked out all 20 of his professional opponentsCredit: GETTYBeterbiev is a soft-spoken and devout Muslim who doesn’t trash talk his opponentsCredit: GETTYBut he prepares himself for war by going without food for three daysCredit: REXAnd the WBC, IBF and WBO king is hungry for the scalp of WBA boss and compatriot Dmitry Bivol on Saturday night to crown an undisputed emperor.A decade on the Russian amateur team, two Olympic attempts that both ended in defeat to the gold winner, and a ruthless streak like no other, have made Beterbiev a machine.But previous opponents – like battered Brits Callum Johnson, Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith – all spoke of something far more scary being in his arsenal.When reminded of his fearsome reputation, he told SunSport: “I take their souls? Ha ha ha. I don’t know.READ MORE ON BETERBIEV V BIVOL“I think they know better so we need to listen to them.“They have felt it, so they know. I just do my work, I just follow my instructions.“I am not a monster. My name is just Artur.”Beterbiev’s appetite for boxing souls, belts and glory means a sensational clash with 23-0 Bivol is on the menu.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the Chechen clubber has a secret recipe for success that he reveals takes away all of his humility for the 12-round shift ahead of him and leaves him a starving savage.“I stop eating three days before a fight,” he confirmed. “I get angrier and angrier and angrier.Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is a Beauty and the Beast story between boxing poet and terrifying KO artist “If I eat, it makes me kinder and I don’t want to be kind. “I want to be hungry. Then I become a beast.”If a fighter with a bigger ego or vocabulary was carrying around Beterbiev’s record, belts and terrifying aura, we would never hear the end of it.But the devout Muslim does not waste a word on bragging about his own brutality or demeaning his prey.When asked what total supremacy at 12st 7lbs would mean – especially over a decade-long understudy who has tried to usurp him as an amateur and pro – he retained a ruthless dignity.Artur Beterbiec collides with countryman Dmitry Bivol in a historic undisputed light-heavyweight clashCredit: GETTYBeterbiev will defend his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles in the historic Saudi showdownCredit: PAHe explained: “Bivol is a good fighter, he has good experience in amateur and professional.“He is a good challenge for me. I don’t think about how scary he is“Everyone is different, everyone has their own opinion. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I am not mad at anyone for saying I am just the big puncher. We will see.“Becoming undisputed, for me, it will mean I am not a bad boxer.” More

  • in

    Usain Bolt spotted in WIGAN celebrating Premier League cult hero’s 46th birthday at swanky restaurant

    USAIN BOLT made a surprise appearance in a swanky restaurant in Wigan to celebrate Bolton legend Ricardo Gardner’s birthday.Bolt, 38, is enjoying retirement after his legendary career, which saw him winning eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles, after the 2017 World Championships in London.Usain Bolt made a surprise visit to a Wigan restaurant to celebrate Ricardo Gardner’s birthdayBolt’s stock is still sky high after rolling credits on a legendary Olympic careerCredit: GettyBolt’s close friend and fellow Jamaican Gardner is a Bolton legendCredit: GettyThe sprinting legend, who holds the record for the fastest times on the 100m and 200m events, still has an army of fans and turns heads everywhere he goes.The Jamaican great proved it during a surprise visit in Wigan’s La Casa Astley restaurant on Wednesday.The Olympian linked up with his good friend and fellow Jamaican athlete Gardner who was celebrating his 46th birthday.Bolt posted a photo of them two on social media with the following caption: “Big up me g on him strong @ricardobibigardner love and love alone.”Read More on SportLa Casa Astley are no strangers to celebrity customers, having previously hosted the likes of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and boxing star Tommy Fury.And the Italian eatery suggested Bolt is a regular customer as it appears he has also visited at least three times this year alone.La Casa Astley posted the following: “We’re thrilled to welcome back the legendary Usain Bolt to La Casa!”Always a pleasure serving the fastest man on earth – where great food meets great company.”Most read in AthleticsRestaurant manager Pietro Garrafa admitted there were a lot of surprised faces once Bolt walked through the front door.Garrafa told the Manchester Evening News: “I just started a week ago, but I know that quite a few celebrities come to us because our food is very authentic.Usain Bolt’s former rival reveals Olympics legend’s ‘bulls***’ tactic that showed ‘what he’s about’ mid-race”I didn’t take the reservation, but I was shocked to see him when he came in.”Everyone was asking for pictures and he and Ricardo were lovely, there was a family of Bolton fans who were dining there too and Ricardo took a picture and spoke to them.”Bolt was very kind and we kept the restaurant open until midnight for them, we loved it.”Bolt’s mate Gardner spent 14 years at Bolton until his retirement in 2012 and amassed a total of 21 goals and 12 assists in 397 appearances.The former left-back has now crossed over to coaching in his homeland having managed Jamaica’s Under-20s as well as Harbour View and Portmore United. More

  • in

    Former Man Utd star Scott McTominay ‘under observation’ over his diet after Napoli transfer

    FORMER Manchester United star Scott McTominay is “under observation” over his diet at Napoli, according to reports in Italy.The 26-year-old midfielder left Old Trafford after 22 years to join the Serie A side for £25m this summer.Napoli are closely monitoring Scott McTominay’s dietThe Scot joined from Manchester United this summerNapoli have pledged to take extra care of McTominay’s nutrition, according to Italian news outlet Il Mattino.The reports states that boss Antonio Conte has specific staff to monitor the diet of certain players.And McTominay, who was among the fittest at United, has received special attention after arriving last month.Napoli want to make sure that he avoids the temptations of the Neapolitan culinary luxuries including pizza, pasta and dairy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMcTominay left Carrington in tip-top shape and regularly shared pictures of his ripped abs on Instagram.He often placed high in United’s fittest tests and worked out in special pre-season training camps after Euro 2024.Former United team-mate and current Fulham star Andreas Pereira even coined a brilliant nickname for him – “The McTerminator”.McTominay impressed in his full debut in a goalless against Juventus, with Napoli sitting second in the Serie A.Most read in FootballMcTominay trained hard over the summerHe regularly posted pictures of his ripped physique on InstagramHe even posed with his eight-pack alongside a pal after CovidFans noted that the Scotland international put in a typically determined and hardworking performance.While media outlet Calcio Mercato wrote he was Napoli’s “next idol”, comparing him to the likes of Diego Maradona and Edinson Cavani.Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by supporterHe scored ten goals for United in his final season with his boyhood club, with seven of them coming at crucial times in the Prem.Conte also brought in Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, David Neres and Leonardo Spinazzola.McTominay’s sale will go down as “pure profit” as he graduated from United’s academy in 2017, with Erik Ten Hag admitting he didn’t want to sell him.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

  • in

    Fourth-tier side forced to eat pre-match meal on side of MOTORWAY after huge fire… only for game to be postponed

    A GERMAN fourth-division team had to eat their pre-match meal on the motorway after being delayed on their way to the game… before the match was postponed anyway.FSV Zwickau travelled by bus to the capital on Friday to face Viktoria Berlin at the Stadion Lichterfelde in the Regionalliga Nordost.FSV Zwickau players had to eat their pre-match meal on the motorwayCredit: X / FSVZwickauFSV Zwickau couldn’t make it to Berlin in time due to a horrible car crashCredit: XHowever, a horror car crash took place between the Wiedemar and Halle junctions on the A9 motorway heading to Berlin as two vehicles caught fire.A driver of an Opel Mokka collided with an Audi and pushed it into a Ford Transit. The Opel and the Audi were engulfed in flames but fortunately both drivers managed to escape in time while the third one was also thankfully well.According to Bild, two people were slightly injured in the rear-end collision and were taken to hospital for observation.Read More on FootballA kilometre-long traffic jam then occurred which prevented Zwickau from continuing their journey.A while later club chiefs understood they had to adapt to this extraordinary situation knowing that their players had to eat.And the team needed their food at a specific time before they entered the pitch to warm up.And so the club chiefs set up a massive spread on the guardrails of the motorway along with plates and utensils for the players.Most read in BundesligaThe team saw the funny side in this and took a picture of that incredible moment for Instagram.Zwickau published the pic with the following caption: “Now it’s time to improvise.”Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayNevertheless, the German outfit couldn’t make it to the ground on time.Fans also experienced the same problem as many also opted for the three-hour drive.And so the game was postponed with the two football teams now looking to agree on a new date. More

  • in

    Premier League club selling beer and wine cheaper than WATER this weekend but fans will have to be quick

    PREMIER LEAGUE fans of one club will be in for a treat this weekend with pints of beer and cans of wine being sold for less than the price of water.However, fans will need to be quick with the deal only lasting until 2pm.Fulham are once again selling alcohol for just £1 at Craven CottageCredit: RexBut the deal will only run until 2pmCredit: AlamyThe scheme from Fulham was first revealed when they hosted Leicester at Craven Cottage on August 24.It saw pints of beer, pale ale, Guinness and wine being sold for just £1 before 2pm in a bid to avoid stadium chaos after rolling out a new electronic ticketing system.The club said they were anticipating “queues” while fans get to grips with the new system, and struck a deal to encourage fans to arrive early to minimise any teething issues.And they have now confirmed they will be running the scheme once again when they host West Ham at 3pm today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club have confirmed stands will open up to three hours before kick-off.The Riverside will open three hours before kick-off (12:00), the Johnny Haynes and Hammersmith Stands will open two hours before kick-off (13:00) and the Putney End will open an hour and a half before kick-off (13:30).However, while their opening match saw soft drinks reduced to just 50p, journalist Jack Kelly has reported soft and hot drinks will return to their normal matchday prices for the London derby.It costs £2 for a cup of tea, £2.50 for coffee, hot chocolate or a Bovril, while a can of Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta or water costs £3.50.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter 2pm a beer will return to its normal retail price of £5.50, while cider, Guinness and bitter will cost £5.A can of wine will cost £5.30 once the early bird offer is over.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersFulham won their first home game of the season against Leicester courtesy of goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi.They have also lost and drawn away from home in games against Manchester United and Ipswich respectively.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Fans to finally get first look at Premier League club’s new VIP experience – with rooftop bar and SWIMMING POOL

    FULHAM fans are set to get their first glimpse at their brand new Riverside Stand.The £100m development will boast incredible VIP experiences and is even set to feature a rooftop bar and swimming pool.Seasonal hospitality is now available at Fulham’s Riverside standCraven Cottage has an incredible dining experienceThe new stand is perched overlooking the ThamesSome early hospitality tickets are set to go on saleFulham posted on X: “Explore The Riverside! Seasonal hospitality is now available.” But the Cottagers have remained tight-lipped on prices with the website asking users to ‘enquire’ first.The full Sky Deck restaurant package officially opens in December and will see Craven Cottage fans offered a range of food and beverages.They will also be treated to a panoramic view of London, in addition to the Thames, when not enjoying a bird’s eye view of the action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans will also have the option to take a dip in a swimming pool, while ordering from a rooftop bar, if Marco Silva’s side are not performing well on the day.Elsewhere, The Gourmet will see fans served a Michelin-inspired four-course a la carte meal on a terrace overlooking the river.It will come complete with fine wines, cocktails and champagne – giving fans plenty of options to toast fine wins or drown sorrows after painful defeats.Supporters housed in The Brasserie will also be treated to an incredible meal, before watching the action from premium halfway line seats.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans will have plenty of choices when it comes to bottles of fizzMichelin Star meals will be served to hospitality ticket holdersThe luxurious offerings have split fans’ opinionsHospitality will be one of the priciest in English, given the proposed additions, but the club say it will provide a “premium experience that will be unlike anything in football”.Fans housed in the partially opened Riverside Stand had to pay an eye-watering £3,000, for their season tickets this season, which is more than £150 per home league game.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsFulham chairman Shahid Khan, drew parallels with the hospitality features at his NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Stadium in Florida.Khan proudly gushed: “My vision for the New Riverside Stand was to provide our fans, and our neighbourhood.”With a destination that would continue to honour our history and tradition at Craven Cottage every day of the year.”But especially so on matchdays with a premium experience that will be unlike anything in football, here in London or elsewhere.”The Cottagers’ early hospitality packages are available from DecemberFulham included a nod to their win over Arsenal earlier this season in the promoThe balcony will give punters a lovely space to dine and chatChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More