2i's Need You, You Need Me, Oh My Darling Can't You See

(Yes, we couldn't think of a wittier title. Come up with your own and post them below...)

A moderate crowd gathered in Soho this afternoon to witness the unveiling of a green plaque marking the birthplace of British rock'n'roll - at the former 2i's café on Old Compton Street.

Our intrepid reporter nipped into town on his lunch break to observe the spectacle.

Sir Cliff Richard had been coaxed from his Barbados hideaway to say a few words and help unveil the plaque. He made a speech which no one heard, because the microphone was turned off.

To mild applause, an unidentifiable gentleman (obscured by the crowns of many middle-aged quiffed heads) nimbly removed the small curtain covering and declared This Plaque Open.

Our man in Soho purchased a cigarette holder especially for the occasion and claims to have felt decidedly bohemian during the proceedings.

The café was serving cold tea and slices of rock'n'roll from 1956 to the early '70s and played host to acts as unlikely as Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde, Adam Faith and of course Sir Cliff himself. The site is now occupied by a restaurant which describes itself as "...swinging in a way that is fully merited, helping to bring a new dimension to the West End." Indeed.

Image culled from Google