Hard Rock Cafe London

Hard Rock Cafes are all over the world and this London branch is eternally popular.

I have to admit, I'd avoided visiting the Hard Rock Cafe London as I thought it would be a bit 'tacky' and the food would be poor quality. I was wrong (at least about the food!). I visited in March 2009 for lunch with my toddler and the whole place was really welcoming. We were greeted by smiling faces, all willing to help. One took the buggy, one helped with my bags - really! - and one took our order.

As a vegetarian I thought there wouldn't be anything on the menu for me but I can now recommend the Veggie Burger which was freshly-cooked and I could actually see the vegetables within. I thought freshly-cooked food may take a long time but when I asked how long it might take for the burger I was told 12 minutes. And 12 minutes is what it took.

Staff are so used to seeing customers take photos that they are always asking if they can take photos for you so you can be in the pic. That's a really nice touch and shows how important customer service is to them.

Hard Rock Cafe London have a fun "Lil Rocker Club" for kids and this meant my daughter received free crayons and a coloring sheet, we could choose from a Kid's Menu and she received a free Hot Fudge Sundae. Actually she'll receive one of these each time I go back so I may just have to go back again soon.

It's not the cheapest place to eat in town but it's a fun place where everyone is boogieing in their seat and that's worth the extra expense. Note, only bills over £30 automatically have service included so check before paying if you've left something for your waiter.

The only downside was the fact it got sooo busy; literally the place was full by 12 midday and only opens at 11.30am. This meant when I needed to pay the bill I had to wait a while (which isn't easy with a toddler who's ready to go) but the staff are so helpful I can't complain.