Hard Rock Cafe ★☆☆

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).

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