Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Mia O'Hare

The Nottinghamian: Keeping the city's past alive through bikes, dance scenes and pubs

Stay up to date with all the latest stories across Nottinghamshire in the daily Nottinghamian newsletter. You can receive the newsletter straight to your inbox every weekday by signing up right here.

Here is Tuesday, November 1's edition of The Nottinghamian:

Hello,

Tuesday's edition of the Nottinghamian reflects on the city's past and how we are adapting it in the modern day. It comes after a city centre pub has come under fire for updating its exterior, which begs the question of how can we be sympathetic to our past but keep moving forward.

We also take a look at the return of a classic Raleigh bike and how Northern Soul swept through the Nottingham night scene in the 70s. Plus we bring the news of a popular buffet restaurant closing for good.

"Painting over history"

A historic city pub has faced criticisms over its fresh new look. The exterior of Lillie Langtry's on South Sherwood Street has been painted bright blue with flowers, a giant microphone and pint of beer.

However, as the 18th century pub is Grade II listed and within the Old Market Square Conservation Area as well as in Historic England's Heart of Nottingham Heritage Action Zone, there are concerns if the artwork is in keeping with the history. Executive Chair of Nottingham Civic Society, Hilary Silvester said: "I think a listed building in a conservation area shouldn't be treated like this and it could set a precedent for lots of other people to start painting buildings."

Nottingham's Campaign for Real Ale added: "One of CAMRA's concerns was whether or not such paintwork was contrary to both the spirit of the Heritage Action Zone and the city's obligations in operating such a zone. The purpose of the Heritage Action Zone is to enhance the historic appearance of buildings within the zone, rather than denigrate or belittle them."

Lillie Langtry's pub manager said they have been advised not to comment on the concerns. Nottingham City Council has confirmed the painting of buildings does not require planning permission but the issue will be looked into further. Historic England have also confirmed they are looking into the matter. Read more here.

Shut for good

Cosmo in Nottingham has closed down (Nottingham Post)

Popular buffet restaurant COSMO has shut its doors for good. The city centre world food buffet on Milton Street has closed for the last time after seven years. The restaurant franchise offered family friendly dining with dishes from different countries including China, Japan, India and Brazil.

The venue thanked its customers who they have served "more than 100 dishes from around the globe" to. Nottingham's COSMO is one of 21 restaurants in the UK. A spokesman for the company has said the Nottingham branch has been forced to close after the group terminated the operation agreement with their operator.

Anyone who has a table booked at the restaurant will be contacted. The spokesman added: "We were delighted with the way Nottingham embraced our world dining concept and have had many happy years serving the people of this city." More here.

Weather and trivia

Weather: Dry and sunny through the morning on Wednesday. Cloud increasing from the west later bringing a band of occasionally heavy rain by the evening, with widespread strong winds. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

UV: Low

Further reading: Nottinghamshire pub described as 'highly attractive' goes on market

Trivia question: Which famous Nottingham pub was Richard the Lionheart said to have stayed in?

The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Notts nostalgia

Athletic moves at a Northern Soul all-dayer at The Palais in 1975. (Mick Gold/Redferns/Getty)

If you remember the good old days of polo shirts with big collars, vest tops and long swishy skirts on the dance floor, this Notts nostalgia for you. Northern soul, with all its dance moves and signature fashion, swept into Nottingham in the 70s.

One of the places that you could experience this new subculture was at the city's famous old club on the corner of King Edward Street and Lower Parliament Street. Now Pryzm nightclub, back then it was called The Palais.

There, you could find Northern soul all-dayers, starting after lunch and finishing well after the sun went down. A roster of DJs brought their extensive collections of seven-inch singles, ready to deliver some dancefloor movers to the crowd. Photographer and documentary producer Mick Gold dropped by once, in September 1975 where he caught the fashion and energy on camera.

Back to life

Nottingham's Raleigh bike company is bringing one of their most exhilarating products back to life, the 1980s inspired limited Tuff Burner edition. The re-make of the MK1 Raleigh Super Tuff Burner screams BMX pop culture and will have fans wallowing in nostalgia as it goes live today for pre-orders on Raleigh’s website.

The new Tuff Burner features a vibrant colour scheme with bright blue and yellow contrasts. The double hole chromemoly frame with loop tail rear, skyway mag wheels and the three piece BMX padset means pure retro aesthetics. The iconic bike first stole riders' hearts back in 1983, earning legendary status for its stunning good looks and stoking performance.

The 1980s are close to the heart of many, especially the We Were Rad collective, who Raleigh are partnering with. Together they are keen to bring back the same excitement BMX cycling had back in the day. Raleigh said its aim was to "unite bicycle fans of all eras to experience the joy of cycling by inspiring the next generation to be loud, bold and own their individuality."

That’s all for today

Thank you for joining me for today's edition of The Nottinghamian. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did why not sign up to receive it directly in your inbox every weekday by clicking here.

The answer to today’s trivia question, which famous Nottingham pub was Richard the Lionheart said to have stayed in, is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.