Sports stars turn out for Jamie Carragher’s new venture

Oct 8 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

SPORTING legends helped Liverpool footballer Jamie Carragher celebrate the opening of his new restaurant last night.

The defender’s teammates Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger were joined by former Liverpool stars Dietmar Hamann and Michael Owen with wife Louise, as well as legends Kenny Dalglish, Phil Thompson and Alan Hansen.

Everton “old boy” Peter Reid, world champions in the form of boxer John Conteh and gymnast Beth Tweddle, and Olympic swimming medallist Stephen Parry were also among the high-profile guests at the long-awaited launch of Cafe Sport England.

Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry, life president David Moores and director Foster Gillett were also in attendance – along with comedian John Bishop – to lend their support to Carragher’s new venture.

The new venue, on Stanley Street, has been a pet project of the Bootle-born centre back and Liverpool businessman Paul Flanagan – who owns celebrity haunts the Newz bar and the Sir Thomas Street hotel – for several years.

Carragher, who retired from playing international football earlier this year, hopes the restaurant will have a family atmosphere and help in the battle against childhood obesity by promoting healthy eating among youngsters.

Last night, the two-storey venue was packed with celebrities, sports stars and their families – despite Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham just over an hour before the party began.

Carragher brought along his family, including wife Nicola and children James, four, and two-year-old Mia.

Furnished with leather booths and dark wood flooring and panelling, the restaurant is filled with flat screen televisions showing classic sporting moments and live games.

Speaking at the start of the night Carragher, 29, told the Daily Post: “It’s great to see Liverpool-born sports stars past and present here – you do something like this and you realise how special this city is for sport.

“I hope this is just a place where people feel comfortable whether coming with a few mates or bringing their kids. It’s the type of place where everyone’s welcome, especially kids.”

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who attended with wife Alex Curran, said the couple would be returning to the restaurant with their two little girls Lilly-Ella and Lexie. He said: “I think this is brilliant. Jamie’s obviously put a lot of his money into it for the kids, and it’s sure to be a great place for people to bring their families. I’ll definitely be bringing my kids here, it’s a nice place.”

Starsailor singer James Walsh mingled with Carragher’s extended family, after travelling to Anfield for yesterday’s game.

He said: “I’m a massive Liverpool fan and a season ticket holder. I was at the match today and I know the Carragher family, who mentioned Jamie was having this party tonight, so I thought I’d come and give my support.”

The venue also won political backing, with Liverpool Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy hailing the healthy-eating ethos.

A key supporter of Merseyside’s Tri-4-Life event, which took the healthy eating message out across the UK and Europe from Liverpool, Ms McCarthy said: “As ever Paul Flanagan is right on the money with his latest business venture.

“When 20% of young people in Merseyside are obese, it’s right and responsible to open a family friendly restaurant that’s packed with healthy dining options.

“I think it’s great that Café Sport England is being supported by some of Liverpool’s finest footballing heroes.”

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk