Hard Rock Cafe

American Restaurant in Mayfair
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9 / 10 from 3 reviews
Address
150 Old Park Lane
Mayfair
London
W1K 1QZ
Map
Telephone
020 7629 0382
Cuisine
American
Other Branches
Hard Rock Cafe
Region
Mayfair
Nearest Station
Hyde Park Corner
0.25 miles
Opening Times
Monday Open 11:30 - Closes 00:30
Tuesday Open 11:30 - Closes 00:30
Wednesday Open 11:30 - Closes 00:30
Thursday Open 11:30 - Closes 00:30
Friday Open 11:30 - Closes 01:00
Saturday Open 11:30 - Closes 01:00
Sunday Open 11:30 - Closes 22:30

The Hard Rock Cafe serves light meals as well as a selection of sandwiches, snacks and beverages. The cafe also features the Hard Rock memorabilia collection of merchandise from legendary British and International artists as well as many local artists. This is the original theme restaurant - in this case rock 'n' roll. The Hard Rock Cafe is a global chain serving American style food and the queues to get in are legendary. People - and in particular tourists - go for the atmosphere and the reputation. This restaurant can cater for private parties of up to 300 guests upon request and seating on the pavement area is provided, weather permitting.

All In London Review

It was really great fun, lovely food, welcoming staff and, of course, an absolute essential for rock fans of any age.

It was mid-week and summertime and I had a rare day off work to quietly celebrate my birthday. I’d spent the morning wandering down memory lane around Fulham – my home town. I’d met up with some work friends for an informal lunch and whilst I had considered a number of upmarket restaurants in the West End I felt I wanted to be in an environment that was relaxed and fun – and playing rock music.

Alighting from the tube at Hyde Park Corner, I was pleased to see that there was no queue. We left the bright sunlight and entered the interior which was so busy and exciting that I was stopped in my tracks. The friendly waitress showed us to a booth table that overlooked the street through the window but which was on an elevated section so that we could easily see across the entire restaurant.

Not knowing whether to study the menu or the amazing memorabilia (photos, clothes, guitars etc) covering every space on the walls, or indeed the non-stop rock music videos on the screens dotted around the place I ordered a mojito. And as it was my birthday I agreed to paying the extra £7.50 to receive a 40th anniversary (of the Hard Rock Café) glass to take home. It was, to put it mildly, a large mojito. My pals ordered Budweisers (£3.95).

In the Queen section of rock mementoes I spied a still of a Pink Floyd “The Wall” graphic which one of my friend’s friends had designed. He texted him a photo straightaway. On a trip to the loo I stood in front of a glass case containing an Elton John outfit – black with hundreds of white stars all over it (I really, really like stars!). Down here is also The Vault – containing lots more interesting things to see – but I was desperate for my lunch so I scurried back upstairs.

We shared potato skins (£6.95) to take the edge off our appetites (and those drinks). I opted for shrimp and chicken combo fajitas (£15.95) which were great – it’s so much fun constructing your own food and equally delightful getting thoroughly messy as you try to eat it. Another colleague opted for a New York strip (£19.45) – a massive hunk of steak with fries with mushrooms on the side (£1.75). I had eaten way too much so I didn’t dare look at the dessert menu.

But it seems that when I had taken my trip to the loo, the waitress and my companions had colluded. I was then greeted with a huge glass of birthday ice cream – with a candle on the top. I had to stand there while the rest of the diners sang “Happy Birthday”. I didn’t know whether to die of embarrassment or burst with happiness – who says you’re ever too old for birthday celebrations? Although I admit I felt a bit sheepish when the next lucky customer to be sung to was a pretty little eight year old. We lingered a while over our coffees (£1.95 espresso, £2.95 for filter) while we continued to gaze at the walls and even sing along (quietly) to some of the music videos.

To collect my glass I had to go across the road to the Rock Shop across the road. What a fabulous place! There were loads of tee shirts on display as well as bags and jewellery and other commemorative stuff. I bought my kids some guitar scarves (£10.50 each – one in pink, the other in black). And some red, black and white guitar picks (£5.25 for lots of them) as well as some small tins shaped like guitars as I was planning a themed party and thought they’d make neat favours. I chatted to the guys at the cash desk and we discovered a mutual love of Whitesnake and shared roots in Fulham. It was a delightful experience.

I fully intend to take my teenage kids – plus any other youngsters I need to entertain – there at the earliest opportunity. And I may decide to bring a bit of light relief to the occasional work lunch or dinner by hosting it there. It was really great fun, lovely food, welcoming staff and, of course, an absolute essential for rock fans of any age.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on Aug 10, 2011


User Reviews

The-PinCushion-Queen

Sep 25, 2008

been going to this place since i was 4 (or younger) and it never dissapoints me! the vault in the shop is an experience that you cant get at any other hard rock (well i think it is) and even though its quite small compared to others around the world it has so much history there and eric calptons guitar is still above the bar!
TravelOwl.co.uk

Dec 21, 2006

The 'original' Hard Rock won't disappoint those who want to see where it all began.

The food is typical 'hard rock' as can be found all over the world, but this restaurant has more of an atmosphere than some of the hard rock's in the world.

Get a table on the expo line to enjoy watching the action it the kitchen and the final preparation being added to dishes.

The merchandise shop is located just around the corner and as always this is a must for any Hard Rock fan.

Hard Rock isn't the cheapest of eating establishments but for the music fan, it's unmissable!

TravelOwl.co.uk

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