The Malt Cross, another pub situated in Nottingham's city centre was built in 1877. Although it became a public house, and a venue for musicians and comedians, its original blue print was in fact meant to be for an ice-rink and public house. However, during the construction of the building, there was a large boost in the interest of music, and entertainment alike, so instead, the architect Edwin Hill, decided to add a stage to the blue print and create such a venue. However, Edwin Hills most famous work on this building is the enormous arched roof, which had been designed to be held together entirely out of glue. Due to the sheer size and shape of this roof, an unbelievable atmosphere is created by echo's of the musical talent, or the giggles of the crowed laughing at the comedian stood up on stage. The venue quickly attracted many famous acts due to the builder, Charles Weldon, who was also the initial proprietor, and also owned the Alhambra Music Hall, where many large acts had already played.
When walking into the Malt Cross, the enormous size and space is almost breathtaking, and in seconds my eyes where gazing all around the room. Rich gold beams and banisters, together with the royal red features give an upper-class Victorian feel. I also found it fairly unusual, although very practical how the stage is raised massively of the ground so that's its an even distance between the ground floor and the first floor balcony. Weather this was done because of the way sound dissipates in the room, or just so everyone gets a fair view of the stage, its obvious great thought has gone into the position of it. I get the impression that this venue is a more expensive venue, and not a local pub you attended in your building gear after a hard days work.
Reference's: http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/a-potted-history-of-the-malt-cross/id/3879 - info accessed on the 28/04.14
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