The cafe-music chain that celebrates the rock ’n’ roll spirit is raring to roll... on Calcutta’s Party Street. The buzz is that it will make some serious noise at Park Mansions, occupying the space where Veda used to be. Or rather, for many true-blue Calcuttans, where Sky Room once was. In February, t2 contacted JSM Corporation Pvt Ltd (which operates Hard Rock Cafe in India as well as brands like Shiro, California Pizza Kitchen, Asilo and The Big Kahuna) and the word then was that “plans are not yet finalised”. Since then, sources in the know have said that the roadblocks have been removed and things are set to roll out in time to catch this festive season on Park Street.

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

Beginning 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 — from New York to Dubai. Almost everyone who has walked into HRC has come away with some fashion and music-related merchandise, which the brand is big on. Not to mention the Original Legendary Burger (smoked bacon + cheddar cheese + onion ring + lettuce + tomato), Nachos Gone Wild, Pork Ribs and drinks like Hurricane, Exotic Margarita and the classic Raspberry Lemonade.

This year, HRC celebrates 10 years in India and we truly believe this is the best year for them to come to Calcutta. Why? Because t2 has also turned 10!

Text: Karo Christine Kumar and Deborima Ganguly
Which will be your fave new hangout on Park Street? Tell t2@abp.in