The Hard Rock Cafe has introduced a limited-edition Irish menu for all those wanting to experience a little Irish culture, which ends this evening (March 17).
My friend, born and raised in Kerry, had never visited the original Hard Rock Cafe in Old Park Lane with its interior decorated with memorabilia of rock titans past and present.
We found time to go on Friday (March 14) and sat in a booth that was removed in 2022 for a special live set from Elton John.
The I’m Still Standing and Tiny Dancer singer-songwriter has previously donated garments and awards to the restaurant, some of which can be seen in the Vault, a basement room in the Rock Shop opposite full of memorabilia.
Above us was one of the violins used in The Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby.
Nearby is one of Brian May’s guitars, which our friendly waiter told us was signed by all the members of Queen before Freddie Mercury died. Unfortunately, a meticulous cleaner accidentally wiped off the autographs during the Covid pandemic.
As we marvelled at all of this we had a look at the Irish menu, which consisted of an Irish Smashburger and included three drinks: Guinness, Irish Whiskey Apple Crush and Jameson Irish Coffee.
We started with a plate of nachos, decidedly not Irish but delicious.. the tortilla chips had a delightful crunch and the dish was full of flavour with toppings including refried beans, chilli, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.
I washed this down with the Irish Whiskey Apple Crush made with muddled green apples, Jameson Irish Whiskey, apple juice, lemon, and ginger ale which was mellow, refreshing and moreish.
The Smashburger arrived and it was massive. Encased by a soft bun were two smashed beef patties cooked to perfection.
They were layered with pub cheese, white cheddar, smoked bacon, pickles, and cabbage bacon jam. The sweet and salty fusion was delicious.
However one of my bites was just patty and jam, too sweet on their own, so I was grateful for the other ingredients.
My friend really appreciated this as well and was surprised how tender and juicy the meat was.
Our burgers were served alongside seasoned fries that were crunchy on the outside and soft within.
Despite being absolutely stuffed we did decide to push the boat out and share an apple cobbler with salted caramel ice cream off the main menu. Think tarte tatin, that gorgeous blend of sweet apple and pastry but with a hint of cinnamon.
We were both speechless until my friend broke the silence saying: “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
To complete my meal I tried the Irish coffee, which I had never tasted before.
The blend of Jameson Irish Whiskey, freshly brewed coffee, brown sugar syrup, and the dollop of whipped cream was like a warm hug on a cold day.
My friend said that in Ireland, it’s traditionally drunk at Christmas.
This evening, St Patrick’s Day itself, Americana Irish artist Shea Rafferty will be performing at 6pm at the Back Room Bar behind Hard Rock Cafe Old Park Lane.
At 6.30pm in the Piccadilly Circus restaurant Alt-Pop Belfast artist Rebecca Finch will be performing live.
If you have a chance to go, go – Hard Rock is always a fun, invigorating treat.
