Superstar Ed raises a glass of finest wine with mate Richie
IT WASN’T your average Cardiff night out when Ed Sheeran and music legend Lionel Richie dined together in the city – and splashed out on £750 bottles of wine.
Singer-songwriter Sheeran performed four sell-out concerts at the Principality Stadium and the Dancing on the Ceiling singer is also currently on a UK tour himself.
And Richie, it seems, couldn’t resist saying Hello to his musical pal after being spotted in the Principality Stadium soon after the Friday night show kicked off.
After the gig, the pair had a proper catch-up and dined in Cardiff’s awardwinning Park House restaurant, which is run by husband and wife duo Adam and Claire Pledger.
Ed treated himself to bottles of 1997 Penfold Grange – which cost £750 a bottle – while Richie enjoyed the £29 Brecon lamb.
“Ed obviously knows his wine,” said Sian Gunney, a spokeswoman for the Park House.
“His PA rang and made the booking and Ed actually spoke to the staff himself.
“They were both so down to earth and relaxed, they didn’t have a demanding list of things they wanted.”
Chef Andrew Frost was on hand to cook food for the stars and Ed made positive comments about the vegetarian and vegan dishes. But despite relaxing in the restaurant until 3am, he didn’t eat. “Ed didn’t eat, he must have been so pumped with adrenaline,” added Ms Gunney. “But he must have looked at the wine menu before he came because he knew exactly what he wanted. He went straight to the wine bar.
Owners Adam and Claire didn’t want anybody to know when they found out the two world-famous stars would be dining there but Sheeran posted a photo of them on his Instagram account, where it has been liked nearly 800,000 times.
“Park House is a family-run business and everyone was so excited when they found out, but they were so professional the entire time.
“They wanted the guys to have a relaxed experience.
“Staff closed off the restaurant to the public so they had the restaurant and wine bar to themselves and even had a tour.”
The famous duo posed for a picture on the stairs inside the restaurant and even included a bottle of wine in the shot.
“We were so surprised when we saw the photo on social media,” added Ms Gunney.
“It was a pleasure to look after them and they are always welcome back at Park House.
“The best bit is that they said they loved it.
“That makes all of our work worthwhile.”