Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester

The Hard Rock Café has a split-level interior with a downstairs shop and bar at the front and a raised open plan dining area up steps to the rear. I wandered in early on a recent Tuesday evening and was halfway up the steps to the rear when I was pounced upon by a bouncer. He explained that the rear area was for reservations and dining, so I made my way back down to the bar where a U-shaped counter is found on the right-hand wall. The service was very friendly, which isn’t surprising because this place is full of tourists who tip good service. It’s keg only, but prices are on par with other bars in the immediate area. Next to the counter is table football and I sat at one of the high tables listening to Queen in the background while supping my half of fizz. There’s a mezzanine area above the entrance, but I couldn’t work out how to get up there. It was empty so I imagine it’s some sort of VIP area. The shop in the front left-hand corner was selling overpriced t-shirts, key rings, etc. There’s a photo booth and the walls are full of music memorabilia, including costumes and musical instruments that I expect cost thousands. This place felt a lot more welcoming to drinkers than the one on London, and as such I preferred it. That said, I don’t plan on returning.

A large multi-floored corporate behemoth. As you would expect there is plenty of rock memorabilia dotted around with dozens of wall mounted guitars. I guest if you're going to have a bite to eat then here is as good as any but if its pub crawl material you're after then there are much much better places. All in all its pretty dull.

Overpriced barn with rock memorabilia attracting the unimaginative drinker. No real ale of course, poor service, full of tourists. If you're going to visit Manchester don't visit a crap "global" chain bar. There are loads of great places in Manchester, go and find them!