My recent visit to The Hard Rock Cafe on Old Park Lane in Mayfair was an unforgettable blend of history, rock 'n' roll, and some seriously tasty food . I took my two best friends along, and though our dinner reservation was for 6.45pm, we arrived just before 6pm to take a private tour of ‘The Vault’, a treasure trove of rock memorabilia tucked away in the Hard Rock gift shop next door.

(Image: Poppy Huggett) Stepping into The Vault felt like entering a shrine dedicated to rock legends. Our tour guide, Claudio, was a fountain of knowledge, making the experience even more fascinating. (Image: Poppy Huggett) He took us through a collection that included John Lennon’s original handwritten lyrics for Instant Karma, Madonna’s iconic white bodysuit from her Like a Virgin days, and guitars that had been in the hands of legends like David Bowie, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix.

(Image: Poppy Huggett) Seeing these legendary items up close made the history of rock music come alive in a way that was both inspiring and humbling. After soaking in the rock history, we headed to the restaurant for dinner. (Image: Poppy Huggett) As the first Hard Rock Cafe ever opened back in 1971, this place is steeped in history, and you can feel the legacy in every corner.

I started with the Hurricane cocktail, a vibrant, fruity concoction that was as delightful to drink as it was to look at. (Image: Poppy Huggett) For starters, I chose the Spicy Shrimp, which arrived in a portion that could easily .