After a busy day exploring London’s West End, there are few better places to rest tired feet than the Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of central London, the restaurant sits within easy walking distance of some of the capital’s most popular attractions, making it an ideal stop for families sightseeing in the city. Whether you’ve been shopping on Oxford Street, exploring the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, wandering through Chinatown, enjoying the theatres of Leicester Square or discovering the independent shops of Soho, Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus offers a lively and welcoming place to recharge.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by the vibrant atmosphere that Hard Rock Cafes are famous for. Music filled the air, giant screens showcased iconic performances, and fascinating pieces of music history lined the walls.
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We headed for Hard Rock after a day of enjoying the sights of London’s Covent Garden and it was the perfect place to grab some great tasting food in a really lively atmosphere.
We began our meal by sharing two starters which proved to be the perfect way to kick things off.
The Legendary Nachos arrived piled high with crispy tortilla chips, black beans, queso, pico de gallo, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions and lime crema. They were generous enough for the whole family to share and packed with flavour in every bite.
Alongside the nachos we ordered the One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp. The crispy shrimp came coated in a creamy spicy sauce and was served with crunchy coleslaw and green onions. The combination of crispy seafood and the rich, spicy sauce made this a real standout dish and one we’d happily order again.
The Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly is one of the liveliest we’ve visited and our kids loved the family friendly atmosphere which is packed with fast moving food, friendly staff and great music.
One of the highlights of visiting Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus is taking time to explore the incredible collection of memorabilia displayed throughout the restaurant.
Music fans of all ages will love spotting some truly iconic pieces from music history. During our visit we saw a pair of glasses belonging to John Lennon, Bono’s distinctive snakeskin outfit from the legendary Zoo TV Tour, a suit worn by George Michael, and an outfit worn by Ed Sheeran in the video for Thinking Out Loud.
The Hard Rock Cafe burgers are described as legendary for a reason and we love that you can change up the Original Legendary Burger with a Beyond Meat patty for those that want a veggie or vegan option. Served with cheddar cheese, onion ring, lettuce and tomato in a toasted artisan bun, it delivered all the flavour and satisfaction of the classic Hard Rock burger while providing a fantastic plant-based option.
Another favourite was the Asian Noodle Bowl with grilled salmon. This colourful dish combined ramen noodles with a sesame-soy dressing, mixed greens, edamame, carrots, red peppers, cabbage and green onions. The grilled salmon was perfectly cooked and worked beautifully with the fresh vegetables and flavourful dressing.
We also loved the Southwestern Bowl, which brought together quinoa corn salad, pico de gallo, black beans, red cabbage, mixed greens and ranch dressing. Fresh, filling and packed with texture, it offered a lighter option without compromising on flavour.
No visit to Hard Rock Cafe would be complete without dessert and we couldn’t resist sharing two classics.
The Hot Fudge Brownie arrived warm and indulgent, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, rich hot fudge, chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream and a cherry. It was exactly the kind of comforting dessert that families love sharing around the table.
Alongside it we enjoyed the New York Cheesecake, served with strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Smooth, creamy and beautifully balanced, it provided the perfect sweet ending to our meal.
Before heading home, make sure you leave time to visit the Hard Rock Shop, located next to the restaurant. Packed with exclusive merchandise, it is a treasure trove for music fans and souvenir hunters alike. From classic Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts and hoodies to collectable pins, mugs, glasses and London-themed memorabilia, there is something for every budget. Our teenagers particularly enjoyed browsing the shelves and choosing a few keepsakes to remember our visit.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to grab a family photo beside the iconic red London telephone box which featured in the iconic One Direction videos, just as we did in 2021 on our last visit!
It’s these little extras that help make a visit to Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus more than just a meal. Between the music memorabilia, delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, fun shopping and classic London photo opportunities, it becomes part of the overall London experience rather than simply somewhere to eat.
Find out more at their website here.
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to London with kids.
