If there’s one place Louis and I always look forward to visiting when we travel, it’s the Hard Rock Cafe. We’re Matt & Louis, the Two Gay Dudes, and we love exploring new places – but sometimes, you want a reliable meal with a dash of rock ‘n’ roll. That’s where Hard Rock Cafe comes in! With its iconic vibe, delicious menu, and consistent quality, it’s our go-to spot when we’re on the road.
What we wanted to do was not only get eat in each Hard Rock Cafe, but also get a pin to commemorate our trip. We have given our opinion on each and if it’s worth going to or avoid.
London Calling: Two Hard Rock Cafes, One City
London is one of our favourite cities, and we couldn’t resist visiting both Hard Rock Cafes there. The first is the original Hard Rock Cafe on Old Park Lane—where it all began! Stepping into this legendary spot felt like walking into a piece of history. The memorabilia was jaw-dropping, from guitars owned by legends to outfits worn on stage by rock royalty. This was the second Hard Rock Cafe that we went to, the atmosphere was good, the server was excellent, the food was also on point.
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Here’s a piece of trivia that you may not know. Hard Rock Cafe’s first-ever location was 150 Old Park Lane.
Hard Rock Cafe – London
150 Old Park Lane,
London
W1K 1QZ
Phone: 020 7514 1700
The other London location, in Piccadilly Circus, is a bit more modern but just as fabulous. It’s bigger and flashier, with a sleek design perfect for the city’s buzzing heart. We loved the upbeat atmosphere, and the food here was nice, however, the service wasn’t as good as Old Park Lane.
Our Rating: 4 Stars
Hard Rock Cafe – Piccadilly
225-229 Piccadilly Criterion
London
W1J 9HR
Phone: 020 7287 4600
Manchester: Music Meets Magic
Next up, Manchester! This Hard Rock Cafe perfectly captures the city’s musical heritage. You can’t help but feel the energy of Manchester’s vibrant music scene as you soak in the décor and memorabilia. We had a blast checking out items from iconic local bands while digging into a plate of their delicious Nachos.
What makes the Manchester location special is its warm and friendly vibe. The staff here really go the extra mile to make you feel welcome, and we’ve always left with smiles on our faces (and very full bellies!). We have been a couple of times to the Manchester Hard Rock Cafe. The first time, we would have to say it was 4.5 Stars. However, the second time wasn’t as good, there were issues with the drinks (dirty glasses), the starter (missing elements) and in the chips, we found random pasta.
Our Rating: 3 Stars
Hard Rock Cafe – Manchester
The Printworks
Manchester
M4 2BS
Phone: 020 7287 4600
Amsterdam: Canals, Culture, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Amsterdam’s Hard Rock Cafe was another unforgettable stop. Set along the picturesque canals, this location has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that perfectly fits the city’s laid-back vibe. We snagged a table with a stunning view of the water, which made the experience even more special.
The food, as always, didn’t disappoint. We both went for the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, and let me tell you—it was everything we hoped for and more. Plus, the Dutch-inspired touches in the decor gave this Hard Rock a unique charm. If you’re ever in Amsterdam, this is a must-visit spot.
We have been here a couple of times, the first time was amazing and could only be described as a 5-star experience. The second time we went, was Christmas Eve 2022 and unfortunately, it was a huge letdown, so much so, the experience was a 2 star.
Our Rating: 3 Stars
Hard Rock Cafe – Amsterdam
Max Euweplein 57-61
1017 MA
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 888 1358
The One That Got Away: Orlando
During our trip to Orlando, Florida, we were so excited to visit the Hard Rock Cafe there – it’s the largest in the world, after all! Unfortunately, it was fully booked when we arrived. Pro tip: always make a reservation! We’ll definitely be planning ahead for our next visit because missing out on this one still stings a little.
Hard Rock Cafe – Orlando
6050 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819,
United States
Phone: +1 407-351-7625
Why Hard Rock Cafe Is Our Travel Favourite
No matter where we go, Hard Rock Cafe never lets us down. The food is consistently delicious, the atmosphere is electric, and the staff are always welcoming. It’s comforting to know we can count on Hard Rock to deliver a great experience wherever we are. We will update here when we have been to more Hard Rock Cafe’s.
Whether it’s London, Manchester, Amsterdam, or (hopefully next time) Orlando, Hard Rock Cafe will always have a special place in our hearts and our travel plans. Have you been to a Hard Rock Cafe? Let us know your favourite location – we’re always looking for recommendations for our next adventure!