Hard Rock Cafe ★☆☆

The main room of the Hard Rock CafÃ©

The very first Hard Rock CafÃ© in the world, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

The Vault, a rock museum, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

The original Hard Rock CafÃ© hamburger, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

The classic HRC sign, "No drugs of nuclear weapons allowed inside", Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo by Michael Wallace)

Eric Clapton's guitar started the entire rock memorabilia tradition at Hard Rock, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo by ÐœÐ°Ñ€Ð°Ñ‚Ð”)

John Lennon's "U.S. Army" shirt and Les Paul's guitar, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo by Corrado Forino)

Sex Pistols guitar, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo by Dickelbers)

Bo Diddley's guitar and Michael Jackson's red and black-fur coat, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo by Corrado Forino)

The dining room, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

Sandwich and onion rings, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

Hickory Smoked BBQ Combo, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

Two bassesâ€”Sting's and U2's Adam Clayton's, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

Jimi Hendrix's guitar, Hard Rock Cafe, London (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

The original Hard Rock Cafe serves overprices, undwerhelming American fare surrounding by Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia

London's Hard Rock Cafe is the original, genuine article, founded in 1971 by some American ex-pats who loved Rock & Roll and missed good, juicy U.S.-style burgers (for a rather steep £15–£20).

This joint predates the hideous, chain theme restaurant era—though, arguably, it helped give rise to it.

As for the the Hard Rock brand's trademark decor, it started as a lark.

One day, Eric Clapton asked if the Hard Rock Cafe could reserve his favorite table—maybe with a plaque or something. Co-founder Isaac Tigrett brazenly suggested they instead use one of Clapton's own guitars, and the Hard Rock's tradition of collecting muscial memorabilia was born. (Clapton's red axe is still here, just in case he wants to pop in for a bite.)

The musical memorabilia on the walls, but much the juiciest stuff—like Elvis Presley's red-and-black-fur cape and coat—is in "The Vault" off the gift shop, which is, indeed, housed in an old Coutts Bank vault (it even once contained the Queen’s coffers).

Tickets

Hard Rock Cafe Tours

Skip the Line: Hard Rock Cafe London

2h | from £20.00

Book it

Book your dinner at London's Hard Rock Cafe ahead of time and jump the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!

Established on Old Park Lane in June 14th 1971, this is the Hard Rock Cafe that started it all. The Hard Rock Cafe London became an instant classic and remains as famous as ever around town for attracting the best rock stars down for a burger and the occasional "jamming session"!

Come and enjoy a meal from the cafe's great menu and lose yourself in the extensive rock and roll memorabilia collection. Or just pull up a stool at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

Amongst the valuable collection of rock memorabilia you'll see the first ever piece donated to the Hard Rock Cafe - Eric Clapton's Lead II Fender. The Hard Rock Cafe London is as authentic now as when it was founded almost 40 years ago. Choose from two different menus – the 2-course Gold or 3-course Diamond – and then sit back, relax and enjoy your meal. The cafe also has an on-site store, which you can explore after your meal if you wish

The Vault
Located in the old Coutts Bank, once used to protect the Queens coffers, the Hard Rock Cafe London Rock Shop houses the most valuable pieces of memorabilia in the Hard Rock Cafe's collection.

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