An iconic figure on the Manchester music scene from the 1960s has just put his Grade II listed Cheshire home up for sale and it looks absolutely incredible.
Dating back to the 18th century, Hulgrave Hall is owned by Keith Hopwood.
Mr Hopwood – from Davyhulme – was one of the founding members of Manchester band Herman’s Hermits, where he provided rhythm guitar and backing vocals for the popular band who had a hit No. 1 single with their chart debut ‘I’m Into Something Good’ in 1964 and sold in excess of 80 million records.
Hopwood has since turned his hand to music production, meaning Hulgrave Hall’s dedicated recording studio has been used by a fair few famous names over the years.
Sitting in 10 acres of stunning Cheshire countryside, the tastefully-decorated five-bedroom property – which is located in Tiverton, near Tarporley in Cheshire – is set against the backdrop of the stunning Beeston and Peckforton castles.
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The country home – which offers manicured gardens and traditional Georgian architecture – includes a main house which extends across three levels and a separate cottage, plus the two-storey barn building which houses the studio and office.
Other outbuildings include a separate gym and a dedicated workshop.
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It boasts plenty of original period features throughout, with exposed wooden beams and rustic stone fireplaces, along with a library, dining room, drawing room and wine cellars too.
Rightmove / Jackson-Stops
Not only is it an impressive property visually, but as mentioned, it’s also steeped in music history.
As the base for Hopwood’s successful studio business, Pluto Music, the fully-equipped professional music room has seen bands including The Clash and The Smiths make use of the services over the years, and the studio has composed music for TV productions such as The Wind in the Willows, The BFG and Bob the Builder, among many others.
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Keith Hopwood told the MEN: “My family and I have lived in Hulgrave Hall for the past three decades. It’s been the most fantastic home for us and ticked all the boxes in terms of what we were looking for – a large outdoor garden and entertaining area, my own studio space, many original property features and beautiful views from the grounds.
“The minute we saw this property we fell in love – it was perfect for us.
“We’ve had a few famous faces on the grounds over the years, including Jason Donovan, Neil Morrissey and Stacey Soloman, however, before all that the property was actually a working Georgian farm, and then renowned for equestrian and racehorse training – even housed famous racehorse Red Rum in the stables for a short time.
“It’s a great location as well, with easy access to neighbouring villages and not too far to commute to and from London, when needed.
“We’re sad to be leaving but I’m sure that the next homeowners will love this home just as much as we have.”
Hulgrave Hall is currently on the market with Chester-based estate agent Jackson-Stops for £1.75m.
You can find the full property listing on Rightmove here.
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Greggs renames one of its bestselling bakes after Andy Burnham says it’s his favourite
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has decided to rename one of its bestselling bakes in honour of Andy Burnham.
In case you didn’t know, the new Number 10 North offices in Manchester’s Heron House share a building with lots of other businesses, some independent, some chains – and one of those businesses is the ever-popular high street bakery Greggs.
And we wouldn’t put it past Andy Burnham, being the northerner he is, to have chosen those offices specifically for that reason.
Okay, we’re obviously kidding, but considering the Prime Minister really doesn’t have to venture that far for a Greggs when he’s at work in Manchester now, he’s been asked in a recent interview this week what his go-to order is from the bakery chain.
When asked to name his favourite Greggs bake, Andy replied: “That sausage, bean, and cheese thing,” which, of course, refers to the popular Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt.
Greggs has renamed one of its bestselling bakes after Andy Burnham said it’s his favourite / Credit: Supplied | gov.uk
According to Greggs, sales of that bake have doubled following the interview, particularly at the Heron House store, as curious Mancs and Number 10 North staff queued to sample the PM’s preferred pasty – so naturally, Greggs has decided to rename the item the ‘Sausage, Bean and Cheese Thing’ in his honour.
Workers at the Heron House shop were photographed changing the signage of the bake yesterday morning, and digital screens in the shop were also updated following the interview.
Andy himself has approved the change, taking to Instagram to say: “Has a nice ring to it tbf. Thanks [Greggs], that’s my order baked in for life now.”
Warren McCarrick, shop manager at the Greggs outside Number 10 North, said: “Our shop has been buzzing with Mancs getting their hands on Burnham’s favourite bake. Sales have gone through the roof this morning – cheers, Andy.
“We thought we’d repay the favour and rename it to what the Prime Minister seems to fondly know it as, that Sausage, Bean and Cheese Thing.
“We’ve also dropped off a few outside Number 10 North, in case he’s too shy to be seen in the queue.”
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester City’s Stadium Tours are back for the summer and bigger than ever
Danny Jones
Manchester City stadium tours are back for summer 2026, with more to see from the home of the Blues than ever, and with 15% off all tickets until the end of August, too.
It’s safe to say that Man City are going through a HUGE period of change right now: embarking on a new era under Enzo Maresca following the dynasty of Pep Guardiola, vast redevelopments of the wider Etihad Campus, a new club hotel, and the expansion of the North Stand – now named after said Catalan coach.
With that in mind, there’s so much new stuff going on over in East Manchester and arguably more of it all happening in one place than we can recall in recent memory, making it the perfect time for Cityzens to return to the famous home ground – indeed, your Etihad debut if you haven’t made one already.
Giving you greater access to areas usually reserved for players and staff only than ever, this exclusive, interactive and virtual tour will take you through the very bones of the storied sporting arena, all the way through to pitchside.
Fans can explore the dressing room and follow in the footsteps of their favourite City players as they walk through the iconic glass players’ tunnel, before walking out into the open air and sitting in the dugout to take in that incredible view.
You can also try out the latest ‘Beyond the Blue Moon’ experience – an immersive VR adventure that sees supporters journey through Manchester City’s past, present, and future.
Following on from Pep lending his likeness, using innovative technology, you can now even have the chance to put your questions to Erling Haaland in the Press Conference Room.
There aren’t many teams on the planet that offer this level of stadium tour, let alone just here in the UK, so it’s no wonder they remain award-winning almost every single year.
Whether you’re a lifelong City fan, a football lover or visiting this wonderful place we call Manchester for the very first time, there’s something for everyone.
For instance, with The Medlock Hotel and accompanying Medlock Square already lining up its maiden events, the City Football Group (CFG) are once again committing to make the wider Etihad Campus an all-year-round entertainment destination.
That being said, plenty of people online have been generating a lot of buzz about the aforementioned Medlock’s new stadium-view rooms since clips appeared on social media.
Pitch view rooms coming to the Radisson Blu Medlock Hotel at #ManCity’s Etihad Stadium. 🤯
As for the tickets themselves, the club have also taken steps to keep the cost affordable.
Standard prices start from just £32 for adults and only £20 for under-16s, with larger family packages available from £60.
BUT, with the 15% discount mentioned earlier, adults currently cost just £27; kids go for just £17, and those family passes start from just £51.
You can find all the options when it comes to stadium tour passes and grab the type of admission that suits you right HERE.
Speaking of tickets, City have also been met with praise for the introduction of new discounted seats for local residents; find out all the details below.
Emily Sergeant -
5th October 2020 
