What: Hard Rock Cafe (HRC)

Where: 57A Park Street, Park Mansions (near iStore)

Opens: By December 25

Covers: 161

Timings: Noon to midnight

History: HRC was started by two Americans, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, who craved a taste of home while living in London. The first cafe opened in London in 1971 and today it is spreading the sound of music in more than 70 countries. Hard Rock entered India in 2005 with Mumbai’s Wadia International Centre (Bombay Dyeing) outlet in Worli and grew to become one of the biggest players in the food-entertainment segment.

USP: Starting with an Eric Clapton guitar (the god of guitar was a regular at the flagship HRC in London), Hard Rock probably owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the world. “There will be 53 pieces of original memorabilia on these walls,” said local business partners Amit and Vanita Bajoria.

The interiors of Hard Rock Cafe at Park Mansions in the making. “This building was built in 1910, which makes it the oldest building in India to house a Hard Rock Cafe,” said Jay Singh, executive director & co-founder, JSM Corporation. This will be the eighth existing outlet in India. “The arches and the marble flooring enhance the old-world feel, while the lights and ceiling are modern. All the colours will come from the HRC wall memorabilia,” said Ashish Kambli of The Architects Office, which has designed the space.

The HRC signage was up on Monday and Facebook was already buzzing with pictures and selfies clicked by passers-by. A Rock Shop on the ground floor will sell HRC merchandise.

HRC SIGNATURES  

Text: Karo Christine Kumar

Pictures: B. Halder