Earl who is famous for capturing an array of iconic images for some of the biggest bands in the world has been experiencing life at Leopold first hand. Staying at the hotel, Earl commented that the city centre had changed beyond recognition since he lived in Bakewell nearly 20 years ago and that it was exciting times for the city especially with the addition of an elegant boutique hotel such as Leopold.

The climax of his stay in Sheffield was at the official launch event of the hotel which was a recreation of one of the old school photographs that feature within the hotel. Guests included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Sheffield, The Dean of Sheffield and MD of the PREM group Jim Murphy.

The hotel was officially opened with several speeches which included tributes to the hotel by Dr Mike Frolish, former pupil of the Boys Central Technical School and member of the Old Boys Association. Lord Mayor Coun Arthur Dunworth said the hotel was: "A quality venue in the city centre of Sheffield strong enough to compete with anywhere in the UK.''

Leopold Hotel is a 90 bedroom luxury hotel, sympathetically blending old and new in a stylishly chic fashion offering a range of bedrooms that include 14 mezzanine suites with double height ceilings as well as carefully restored original features superb conferencing facilities and a range of private dining rooms.

Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, comments: "I am delighted to see a new addition to the hotel offer in Sheffield. The Leopold forms a part of an excellent new city centre development and the renovation of the historic buildings has been done in a way that preserves the full character of the former school. '