Handbags at Etihad as Harvey Nics a point
MANCHESTER United hardman Roy Keane once blew his top at the “prawn sandwich brigade” in football’s executive boxes.
But rivals Manchester City are taking the hospitality packages Keane railed against in 2000 to a new level – with a mini branch of ultra-posh store Harvey Nichols.
A £720 executive ticket lets fans try shoes and bags by Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in the Etihad Stadium store.
They can also learn to make cocktails and be pampered by a stylist before kick-off.
There’s even a personal shopper on hand to guide rich football supporters wanting to splash out on more than a scarf and replica shirt.
The Harvey Nichols box is stocked with the latest goodies from all the top brands and the price of some of the handbags runs into thousands. Guests get champagne, beer, wine and spirits thrown in, as well as food prepared by chefs from the store.
Potential customers are told the box is: “Decorated with the latest must-haves in fashion, food and beauty, creating a unique match experience, tailored just for you.
“With experts to guide you through the day, choose from a cocktail masterclass, your own personal stylist or even pampering treatments to add an unconventional element to your football hospitality experience as you watch the excitement of the match from your own private balcony.
“You and your guests will arrive two and a half hours before kick-off to sample the fashion, cocktails and menu that have been hand-picked for you.”
Fans even get a Harvey Nichols gift bag to take home.
Just don’t ask them what the score was...