Hard Rock Cafe London
Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, The Who, Paul McCartney
1971
The Story
This is the first Hard Rock Cafe in the world, opened on June 14, 1971, by two Americans in London. The memorabilia collection was an accident. In 1979, Eric Clapton, a regular customer, asked the owner to hang a red Fender Lead II guitar on the wall above his favorite seat at the bar to "mark his spot." A week later, another guitar arrived, unsigned, with a note: "Mine's as good as his! Love, Pete." It was Pete Townshend of The Who. Both guitars are still on display at the original location today. The collection now boasts over 87,000 pieces across 180 cafes worldwide. It all started on this corner in Mayfair. Still active at the same address.
150 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1QZ, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
