Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts have gone on sale in Newcastle ahead of the launch of the city branch of the iconic restaurant.
As work continues on preparations to open the Hard Rock Cafe in the Guildhall building on Newcastle Quayside, fans can already dress the part in readiness, with clothing featuring the famous brand name now on sale at Stack.
The container village set-up in Pilgrim Street now has a Pop-up Rock Shop selling the venue's official merchandise such as pin brooches and T-shirts - including some featuring the city skyline which are getting a bit of a mixed reaction.
Images of the T-shirts shared on the Hard Rock Newcastle Facebook page sparked a lot of interest but several people noticed there was something distinctly lacking.
When one sharp-eyed woman spotted the skyline design featured the not-yet-built Whey Aye Wheel, she suggested it should have showcased the adjacent bridges instead, saying: "The new Hard Rock Cafe will be right next to the Tyne Bridge after all."
And several others agreed, saying they were "disappointed" that the Tyne Bridge was missing.
One Facebook follower suggested it was "designed by someone that has never visited the toon"; one person had mistakenly thought it showed London and another said: "it's not Newcastle without the Tyne Bridge".
One comment summed up the design as: "So a wheel that doesn’t even exist yet! but NO Tyne bridge that’s been there for almost 100 years?!?" while another questioned whether the featured wheel might have been in fact a reference to the Hoppings.
One added: "Remake with Tyne Bridge and will buy one."
But there appeared no such complaint over other T-shirt options currently on sale, including a classic design, available in white or black, featuring the familiar Hard Rock Cafe logo and a child's version for "young Roxtars".
The shop, open daily, sells other clothing too as well as accessories and glassware but a special Grand Opening Pin will not be on sale until the restaurant launches.
Workers have been busy inside the historic Guildhall for some weeks now since the easing of lockdown and the design of the restaurant, while protecting the building's grandeur and features such as arches, is to include a cafe area; a raised mezzanine floor overlooking the river and some outdoor seating.
Its opening will see Newcastle join the likes of London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai as a Hard Rock Cafe location.
When it does open its doors, diners can look forward to a flavour of America and to sampling such treats as the Hard Rock Cafe steak burger and a Hard Rock cocktail which comes in a special Newcastle glass which can be taken home.
The menu will also include the likes of milkshakes, desserts and also local beers.
