Think the Hard Rock Cafe is just another tacky American diner? Think again. This place is special; if Elvis were still alive, this is where he’d have his birthday party.

The Venue
The location of rock and roll beacon, London's Hard Rock Cafe, might come as a surprise. The restaurant is in the affluent Mayfair, just a few minutes from Green Park Station. The story goes that Hard Rock was one of the first burger joints in London, started up by two Americans - Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton - who found England's class system bizarre. They wanted to open a restaurant where anybody, however much money they had or whatever their postcode, could have a good burger and a beer. Well, what better place to make that statement than Mayfair?

Now first things first, make sure you're on the correct side of the road when you start walking up Old Park Lane (don't cross over when you leave the station) - you'll be walking for a very long time as there are no traffic lights or subways for miles and this is a huge road. You'll probably know you've arrived, though, by the line of people waiting outside the restaurant. This place has had them queuing ever since the 1970s.

This is the first Hard Rock Café, and inside above the bar you’ll find Eric Clapton’s guitar – the one that he ‘donated’ in 1979 in order to make sure there was always a table for him. The idea caught on and soon rock stars were sending in their memorabilia in return for a queue jump. The walls are now covered in instruments and clothes, and each one has a story that the staff are only too happy to tell you.

There are two bars, and lots of large tables and booths. The walls are also covered in televisions, playing the accompanying videos to go along with the music played over the loudspeakers.

The Atmosphere
The Hard Rock Café has a real buzz about it. Far from tacky, it feels impossibly cool eating your burger and fries surrounded by Ringo Star’s drum kit and Roger Daltrey’s outfit from Tommy. The service is faultless – the staff’s knowledge and passion is commendable and you’ll always be served with a smile and a bit of history lesson. Naturally this is a tourist hub – how could a place so steeped in rock lore not attract people from miles around? Next door to the restaurant is The Vault, a small museum filled with more memorabilia. Be sure to get a free tour before or after your meal – it really adds to the experience.

The Food
The ‘legendary burgers’ are truly delicious. For £13.75, choose from The Big Cheese, the Classic Patty Melt and ten more, all served with tasty home made chips. If burgers aren’t your thing, there’s also Bar-B-Que ribs, chicken sandwiches and salads. Carbs are in plentiful supply.

The Drink
Initially a ‘beer and burger joint’, Hard Rock serves plenty of both. There are several brands on tap, including Stella, and you can enjoy a pint at the bar while waiting to be seated. Cocktails, at around £11 each, are spectacular – for a bit of theatre try a ‘Pop Diva’, which comes with a packet of popping candy.

The Last Word
A legendary concept that’s led to a sprawling global franchise, go to the original Hard Rock for the tasty American fare and you’ll end up staying because you can’t take your eyes of Freddie Mercury’s guitar.

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