Preston Burger Bar's Spoof Toto Plaque Sparks Historical Society Clash
A humorous blue plaque claiming the iconic 1982 hit song 'Africa' by the American rock band Toto was written inside a Lancashire burger bar has ignited a dispute with local heritage officials. The plastic sign, which cost £30, was installed as a light-hearted joke on the exterior of All Hopes No Promises in Preston, but the Preston Historical Society has demanded its removal, calling it misleading and unauthorized.
The Plaque's Playful Claim
The spoof plaque, labelled with the Preston Historical Society logo without permission, asserts that songwriters David Paich and Jeff Porcaro of Toto composed their famous track within the building. Restaurant owner Michael Evans explained it was intended purely as banter to bring smiles to passersby and customers, reflecting the establishment's fun-focused ethos. He noted that the song, a classic with polarizing appeal, had even served as his daughter's alarm chime for years.
Historical Society's Heavy-Handed Response
Upon discovering the plaque, society trustees attempted to remove it on Friday, with CCTV footage showing two men in hi-vis clothing at the restaurant, one wielding a screwdriver. The restaurant manager intervened, preventing its removal. Patricia Harrison, chair of the Preston Historical Society, emphasized that only their group can officially endorse blue plaques in the area, such as one commemorating Benjamin Franklin's 1775 visit to Preston in-laws. She stated that using the society's name was wrong, as it undermines public trust in heritage accuracy, even if done for laughs or attention.
Restaurant Stands Firm and Plans Retaliation
Despite the society's demands, the plaque remains in place, with staff committed to explaining its humorous intent to curious customers. Covering manager Curtis Campbell, 23, reported that patrons adore the sign and engage in lively chats about it, though he acknowledged the society's perspective while feeling they missed the point. In a defiant move, the burger bar has promised to replace the plaque with a similar one mocking the society for the fuss, ensuring the banter continues.
The incident highlights tensions between playful commercial antics and formal historical preservation, with both sides digging in their heels over a £30 piece of plastic that has sparked unexpected controversy in Preston.
