Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly Circus is a flagship restaurant and Rock Shop situated in the heart of London's entertainment district. Spanning over two floors and 1,900 square metres, the venue features an open kitchen concept, a stone pizza oven, and a milkshake station. The interior design pays homage to London's heritage with Victorian glazed tiling and Tube station-themed dining booths. The walls are adorned with exclusive memorabilia from iconic British artists such as Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and George Michael, alongside contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding. The Rock Shop, the largest in the world, offers a wide range of exclusive merchandise. The menu includes innovative dishes like the Tomahawk Steak and Cedar Plank Salmon, along with unique cocktails such as the Pink Piccadilly Pimm's and house-infused Gin & Tonic.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious Food The food is frequently described as delicious, fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with generous portion sizes. Many enjoyed the burgers, nachos, and the 'One Night in Bangkok' Spicy Shrimp.
- Dietary Options The restaurant provides gluten-free options and is willing to modify dishes to accommodate dietary needs. The menu also features some healthier options, such as the Asian noodle bowl.
- Excellent Service Many reviewers raved about the exceptional service, with staff being described as friendly, attentive, and going above and beyond to ensure a great dining experience. Some reviewers mentioned specific staff members by name.
- Great Atmosphere The Hard Rock Cafe offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with classic rock music, legendary memorabilia, and an overall electric vibe that puts visitors in a good mood. It's a visually interesting place.
- Wheelchair Accessible The Piccadilly location is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator to the downstairs restaurant. This makes it a convenient option for those with mobility challenges.
Criticised
- Expensive The Hard Rock Cafe is generally considered expensive, especially the drinks. Some reviewers found the prices to be absurd, particularly for beverages like diet coke.
- Inconsistent Toilets Some reviewers found the toilets to be disappointing and not up to standard. This could be a concern for those who value cleanliness and hygiene.
- Loud Atmosphere The loud music and lively atmosphere might not be suitable for everyone, especially those seeking a quiet dining experience or those with young families. Conversations can be difficult.
- Service Charge A mandatory service charge is added to the bill, which some reviewers found unjustified given the already high prices. This additional cost may deter some customers.
- Waiting Times During peak hours, there can be significant waiting times for a table, even without prior reservation. This could be inconvenient for those with limited time.
The longer read
The Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly regarding its atmosphere, service, and food quality. Many reviewers highlight the vibrant and energetic atmosphere, characterized by classic rock music, memorabilia-adorned walls, and an overall electric vibe. Several reviewers specifically mention the exceptional service they received, with staff members frequently being described as friendly, attentive, and going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Individual staff members like Marcos, Ivan, Anselmo, Shah, Gabs, Vinny and Mariano are called out by name for their outstanding service. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, provide recommendations, and create a welcoming environment. The responsiveness to issues is also noted, with one reviewer mentioning a wrong order being quickly rectified with apologies and a generous discount. The quality of the food is another recurring theme in the reviews. Many reviewers praise the deliciousness and freshness of the dishes, with particular items like the nachos, One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp, Margarita Flatbread, loaded smashed original burger, buffalo wings, fajitas, and steak receiving positive mentions. Portion sizes are generally described as generous. Multiple reviewers appreciate the gluten-free options available, with almost all dishes able to be modified. The Hard Rock Cafe at Piccadilly is preferred to other locations, including the other Hard Rock Cafe in London. While some reviewers note that the prices are on the higher side, many feel that the overall experience justifies the cost. Some find drink prices excessive. A few reviewers mention that the noise level can be high, which may make conversations difficult. One reviewer suggests that the atmosphere is more suitable for drinks and snacks rather than a full meal. A small number of reviewers had minor issues with the cleanliness of the toilets. A few reviewers thought the food was lacking in spice or flavor. One reviewer expressed concern about the value for money, questioning the cost of certain ingredients compared to the menu price. Despite these minor criticisms, the vast majority of reviewers express a high level of satisfaction with their experience at the Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus and recommend it as a must-visit destination in London. The combination of great food, attentive service, and a vibrant atmosphere appears to create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for many customers.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7287 4600
- Website
- cafe.hardrock.com/piccadilly-circus
| Mon | 9:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 9:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 9:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.6 across the 47 venues we hold for St James's, where the most-reviewed is St James's Park.
Still deciding?
- What is the best time of year or day to visit Hard Rock Cafe London to avoid crowds and enjoy a lively atmosphere?
- What are the signature menu items, such as the stone‑baked pizza or specialty milkshakes, that visitors should order at Hard Rock Cafe London?
- Which iconic British music memorabilia, like items from Freddie Mercury or other legendary artists, are displayed throughout the Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly Circus?
- Does Hard Rock Cafe London provide family‑friendly options such as kids’ menus, high chairs, and entertainment suitable for children?
- What is the recommended way to make a reservation at Hard Rock Cafe London and are there any tips for securing a spot during peak times?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.