Nottingham's reputation as one of the main entertainment venues outside London has taken another step forward.
The famous Hard Rock Cafe chain has opened a new outlet in the city. It's only the fifth establishment to be opened in Britain in the company's 30 year history. Until today there were only Hard Rock Cafe's in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham. Like all the other cafes, the Nottingham venue is crammed full of music memorabilia.  | | As worn by Madonna - ooh err |
It's a tradition which was begun by Eric Clapton, who donated one of his guitars to the original London outlet. A week later The Who's Pete Townsend sent one of his guitars with the message "Mine’s as good as his! Love, Pete." Music fans will find plenty to interest them in Nottingham. There's a section of Beatles gold discs plus a top hat worn by George Harrison and a scarf worn by John Lennon.  | | Donovan and Jim - eclectic or what |
Elsewhere, modern music is represented by a Madonna outfit, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar and a pair of U2 shoes. In the last couple of years Nottingham has made great strides in becoming a major entertainment centre outside London.  | | Those boots were worn by U2 you know |
The Cornerhouse development, with multiplex cinema and numerous restaurants, including those like Wagamama, which were previously confined to London, has made the city King of the East Midlands. The arrival of the Hard Rock Cafe will only enhance the area's reputation. In true rock tradition the Sheriff of Nottingham officially opened the venue by smashing an electric guitar. It took him three goes - no doubt Robin Hood would have done it in one.  | | The Sheriff does his best Pete Townsend |
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