A touch of Hollywood arrived in Bollington today as actor Ewan McGregor visited the quiet Cheshire town.
McGregor, famous for playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise, is understood to be staying nearby while he films for the upcoming series A Gentleman In Moscow.
The 51-year-old plays the lead role of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, an aristocrat whose upbringing places him on the wrong side of history in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
His character is spared immediate execution, but is banished to the attic room of an opulent hotel and threatened with death if he ever steps foot outside.
The series has been adapted from Amor Towles’ 2016 novel of the same name, and is set to air later this year on new streaming service Paramount+.
Today, however, the star was in Bollington with his family for a spot of lunch during a break in filming.
He visited The Green on High Street, where he enjoyed a chorizo flatbread while his family tucked into an assortment of the venue’s popular dishes.
Staff said the McGregors were complimentary about the meal and were left to enjoy their lunch in peace.
Afterwards, Ewan posed for a photo with manager Tom Eyre.
The 22-year-old said: “They probably get pestered all the time, so we waited until they were ready to leave to confess our adoration and ask if it was okay for a photograph!
“He didn’t say much other than thanking us for lunch. He was very friendly and had no problem taking pictures with us.”
He added: “I was very surprised, I had heard he was at the Treacle Market in Macclesfield a few weeks ago, but I didn’t believe it to be honest!
“I knew it was him as soon as he spoke – I have been a life long Star Wars fan, he’s one of my childhood heroes.”
Tom has only recently been appointed manager at The Green, but is a familiar face as he’s been working there since it first opened in 2016.
He said now that he’s returned from university he’s keen to get stuck into the hospitality industry.
Mr Eyre said: “Our cafe is great because it’s small, independent and we serve excellent food and coffee – we do cakes, lunch and brunch! Our food is comforting and well made.
“We pride ourselves on using other local businesses such as the Mill House Bakery, Barrow Butchers, Meadow Farm eggs, Smiths Dairy, Bollington Print Shop, local baker Jane for our cakes and Crag Water for our bottled water.
“We do this not only for the best quality but also because we know the importance of supporting local small businesses.”
