Hard Rock - London Rock Tour

Departure location: Hard Rock Hotel London, Great Cumberland Place, Marylebone, London W1H 7DL

We start our adventure at the recently launched Hard Rock Hotel London – the first in the UK, it pays tribute to its impressive roll-call of former residents such as Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan and Buddy Holly with an incredible memorabilia collection and original artwork in every bedroom.

You will meet your expert Rock Guide in the lobby for a brief walk through some of the most iconic items such as Freddie Mercury’s Kirkwood teenage piano, Jimi Hendrix’ contracts, tapes and flamboyant cape, Eric Clapton’s jacket, one of Ozzy Osbourne’s stage outfits and incredible letters written by Buddy Holly during his stay at the hotel. 

Why not peruse the Rock Shop® within the hotel - the exclusive clothing and accessory store – offering both signature pieces as well as a bit of casual cool: perfect for looking the part during your evenings out in the city.

Your small coach allows you to explore the quiet back streets of Mayfair not accessible to big tour buses: see an amazing property where both Jimi Hendrix and George Frideric Handel resided, as well as the home where Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb of The Bee Gees composed and lived. Then step out onto the street with your expert Rock Guide for a walking tour through the 60’s and 70’s.

Amidst the fine tailoring of Savile Row, transport yourself back five decades as you imagine you are joining the on-lookers at The Beatles final concert. Then discover a doorway that saw the birth of one of David Bowie’s most famous alter-egos, before hearing how some of the colourful managers of the day did their negotiating – right on the street where everyone who was anyone picked up their colourful clothes.

As our VIP for the day you are in for a treat as we pull up to London’s only rock n’ roll museum: The Vault belonging to Hard Rock Cafe London - a treasure trove featuring the most valuable pieces of music memorabilia from across the globe!

Tucked away in an old Coutts Bank, The Vault was once used to protect the Queen’s coffers. Guests on the Hard Rock full-day tour are afforded special permission to experience a private viewing of The Vault before it opens to the public.

Gaze on in wonder as one of Hard Rock’s expert Rock Masters takes your VIP group down to the basement, beyond the high-security door and into a music lover's paradise.

Cruising along the Strand, look out for one of London’s most celebrated hotels, whose side street was the scene for one of the most imitated promo films of the Swinging Sixties.

Discover a former theatre location where Beatles impresario, Brian Epstein, used to run rock shows on a Sunday – learn who surprised all four Beatles 2 days after Sgt. Pepper’s release - as you say a quick hello and goodbye.

Top for trivia fans is London’s Tin Pan Alley: this short street is cram-packed with incredible stories of the genesis of rock music. At one side see where The Rollin’ Stones were made their first album independently, while at the other end see where a certain Reg Dwight had to keep the kettle on the go for the top music publishers.

On June 14th 1971, the very first Hard Rock Cafe in the world opened…on Old Park Lane, in London!

Known for its authentic dining, world-class entertainment and proudly boasting a Mayfair neighbourhood address, Hard Rock London was the first cafe where the classes and Rock Glitterati mingled.

Included in your tour is a delicious 2-course Hard Rock Cafe lunch. Enjoy freshly prepared entrees and classic favourites like the *Legendary® Burger along with a soft drink, tea or coffee.

The exceptional cuisine is only matched by the wondrous surroundings. Next to the bar, you will see the guitar that started Hard Rock’s legendary reputation for exceptional pieces of memorabilia – Eric Clapton’s red Fender Leader II guitar.

Step into ‘The Back Room’ - the decor includes a variety of Vintage and iconic items, including copies of Melody Maker circa 1971 and an original poster for the WHO, alongside a customized confession booth that forms part of the seating arrangement. The piece de resistance, however, is a door from the Beatles' Apple Studios.

Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly Circus
225-229 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HR