Despite having a reputation for being friendly and polite – the people of Nottinghamshire are known for not being afraid to speak up if things aren’t up to scratch.
And a recent survey showed British people generally aren’t shy of speaking up in restaurants – even if the wine glasses don’t match.
The research by OpenTable also suggested six out of ten people would speak up if they thought there was a problem in an eatery.
So what do local people like a whinge about? Some local businesses and organisations have a few stories.
The Nottingham Contemporary gallery, on Weekday Cross, receives tens of thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
Visitor Services Manager John Leighton said: “Some common ones include ‘why aren’t there more pictures on the walls?’ and ‘why don’t you feature more Nottingham artists?'”
However John says he received some strange requests when he previously worked at high street bookshop Waterstones, on Bridlesmith Gate.
He said: “I was asked if we stocked a globe of Basford – which I found quite funny.
“Customers would also ask ‘where are the blue books?’ because they could only remember books by their colour.”
Five Leaves Bookshop, on Long Row, has also received its share of interesting requests.
“We have had customers ask if we sell books,” said shop owner Ross Bradshaw.
“Other requests have been ‘is this where you do clothing alterations’ and even more amusingly, ‘do you have any cards to celebrate a baby’s circumcision?'”
Family-run sweet shop Chocolate Utopia, on Friar Lane, often has customers seeking something a bit different.
Shop manager Robin Forster said: “People have requested for engagement rings and other jewellery items to be put inside of chocolate as a surprise or so they can propose.
“We have done it in the past – but have made sure it could be found easily to avoid health and safety issues.
“Sometimes we get people asking for chocolate in strange shapes – but many we can’t do because we don’t have the correct moulds.”
The Kitty Café, on Friar Lane, is home to more than 60 cats – so it may not be the best place to go if you are not a feline fan.
Cafe owner Kate Charles-Richards said: “We do get customers come in who are scared of cats but have come with friends – it is a little like therapy.
“However some people complain that the cats are too close or ‘looking at them funny’.
“They always seem to have made a furry friend by the end though.”
Independent gift shop Dukki, on St James’ Street, specialise in Nottinghamshire and East Midlands-themed products.
“The weirdest request I have had is from a guy who came in asking for a ninja costume,” said sales assistant Ruth Hammond.
“He didn’t explain himself or why he wanted it – just walked back out of the shop – probably to continue his search.”
European-style café bar Jamcafe, on Heathcote Street, serves a range of food and drink during the day – although some customers prefer to bring their own.
Resident DJ and cafe owner Bradley Rice said: “We once had a lad come in who had just been shopping and bought some reduced, nearly out-of-date fish from the supermarket.
“He asked if we would cook it for him because he was hungry and couldn’t afford food, and his friends were eating here.
“We can’t cook other people’s food due to health and safety – so he went outside and ate the fish raw. I imagine he was ill that night.”
