Restaurant and bar visited by Alex Ferguson and Jack Grealish to be taken over by pop star

A Cheshire restaurant and bar loved by celebrities and footballers has been taken over by new ownership - a popstar who once scored a number one hit with his Manchester band.

Located in the heart of the village of Hale, restaurant and bar Riva has become known for its regular live music as well as its vast menu featuring sandwiches, brunch dishes, pies, and Sunday roasts - which include locally-sourced meats and vegetables.

It has been announced that local investment business Dunham Massey Investment Group has now acquired the venue - which will continue to operate the space as it is with upgrades to entertainment and opening hours.

The investment company counts Recardo Patrick as Shareholder and Chairman. Recardo, who also previously ran the famed Recardo’s restaurant in Hale, is perhaps known to many as Rikki Patrick, the former lead singer of Manchester band Sweet Sensation.

The band had a number one hit in 1975 with Sad Sweet Dreamer. The song was also popular in the United States, reaching number 14 in the charts there. A year before their disbanding in 1978, the band also unsuccessfully attempted to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since turning his eye to investment, Recardo has worked on a number of venues and multi-million pound property deals, including Knutsford’s Cheshire House and new nightlife venue AMOK, on the island of Palma De Mallorca, which opened its first phase in summer 2024.

Riva will keep hold of its Michelin-trained Head Chef, Daniel Kelly, who will continue to work on the venue’s ‘iconic’ Roasts and dishes, but the venue will now open seven days a week - an increase from its original five. There will also be a new artisan breakfast menu and upgrades to the live