Ooh-aah! Cantona! Man Utd legend visits Newbridge Silverware

NEWBRIDGE Silverware scored an unexpected celebrity visitor last week, which turned out to be a great surprise for both staff and customers. Manchester Utd legend Eric Cantona surprised customers and staff at the store on Wednesday 23 September when he popped in for some lunch.

The former Red Devils captain enjoyed a leisurely afternoon at the renowned Newbridge Silverware visitor centre, dining in the Silver Restaurant before taking some time to explore the popular visitor attraction.

One of football’s most recognisable personalities, Cantona is regarded as one of Manchester United’s most iconic players, becoming a hugely influential figure at the club during the 1990s.

Following lunch, Cantona took some time to enjoy the Newbridge Silverware visitor centre, home to the company’s extensive showroom and the renowned Museum of Style Icons, which has welcomed numerous famous faces over the years.

Located in Newbridge, the visitor centre has become one of the county’s best-known visitor attractions, combining shopping, dining, fashion and entertainment history under one roof.

Mr Cantona was on his way to Cork, when he came off the motorway to get some lunch. It just so happened that he ended up at Newbridge Silverware.

Aileen O’Brien, who manages PR for Newbridge Silverware, said: “It was totally by chance, really – a total coincidence.

“We were really surprised to see him and really delighted. He just spent some time in the visitor centre, having a look around, and then we brought him up to the museum upstairs.

“He was really interested in the artefacts and he’s a big music fan, so he particularly enjoyed looking at the Beatles suits.”