Hard Rock Café – The Hard Rock x Messi Kids Menu

Last Updated on May 16, 2024

Rock ‘n’ Roll Junior Delights at the Hard Rock Café 

When my three young grandsons came to stay with me during the half-term break, I was eager to plan a fun and memorable experience for them. Over the years, I’ve visited the Hard Rock Café on several occasions so I decided to take them to the iconic Old Park Lane restaurant for their very first time. This felt especially apt for my young football fans, as they have recently unveiled a partnership with the global brand ambassador and football legend, Leo Messi, resulting in their debut Kids Menu, the Hard Rock x Messi Kids Menu.

The Hard Rock Café is one of London’s most iconic restaurants, this American-style diner was first opened by two Americans, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, on Old Park Lane Mayfair in 1971, later going on to feature an impressive collection of rock memorabilia. The collection had its humble beginnings in 1979 when Eric Clapton, a regular patron, contributed an unsigned Red Fender Lead II guitar. Clapton intended to mark his territory, so he asked the management to suspend the guitar above his usual seat, and they graciously granted his request. People now flock from all around the world to see the ever-growing collection and dine out in this celebrated restaurant, which now boasts several branches worldwide, making it a global phenomenon.

We arrived for lunch mid-week on a blustery October afternoon, the restaurant was buzzing, and rock music was playing over the stereo. The ground floor, which is set over different levels, has wooden floors, with wood panelled booths with leather banquettes. Spooky decorations adorned the walls ready for Halloween, but what stood out was the incredible collection of music memorabilia, with everything from Jimmy Hendrix to Elton John, The Beatles, Peter Townsend, Prince and the Sex Pistols and much more.

I have to say my young companions were not very familiar with these rock legends but loved the opportunity to find out more and explore the fantastic displays which decorate the walls over two floors.

The Messi menu includes an array of options, including the Messi X Burger and the Messi Golden Chicken Sandwich as well as lots of other kid-friendly meals, so my boys were spoilt for choice. Plus, much to their delight each Messi meal comes with a special nod to the international football icon, the menu doubles as a collectable poster and activity sheet, with additional stickers and at the end of your meal you can pick up a complimentary mini golden football toy.

Leo Messi, renowned not only for his prowess on the pitch but also for his close relationship with his family, expressed his excitement about this partnership: “As a father of three, I have always had a special connection with kids. Now with my partners at Hard Rock, we will kick off the new kid’s menu offering families a variety of tasty meals and a fun dining experience.”

We kicked off with a large plate of Classic Nachos – crisp tortilla chips, generously topped with a savoury blend of ranch-style beans and a rich four-cheese sauce. The decadent combination is crowned with a vibrant pico de gallo, zesty jalapeños, tangy pickled red onions, and a gooey mixture of melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, with a side of sour cream for dipping…perfect for us all to tuck into! For mains, Beau had a delicious helping of creamy mac & cheese, Sonny, had a juicy bacon and cheeseburger with all the trimmings, whilst Teddy polished off a sizable hot dog. All meals come with a choice of sides including, fries, mash, veggies and fruits and a drink.

I couldn’t resist the tender grilled ribeye, cooked perfectly to order and topped with slatheringly good herb butter, served with fries and a fresh green salad washed down with a refreshing bottle of chilled Beck’s beer.

You would think after that these small boys wouldn’t have room for any more, but they did…with the option of an irresistible hot fudge sundae or a truly scrumptious milkshake served in a bottle topped with cream, who could blame them!

After we all had finished, we went to explore their basement floor, where the authentic rock ‘n’ roll collection continues,  we found a pinball machine which offered the final treat to a fantastic day out!

Londoners can also take home some of the Messi magic via a new collection of Hard Rock X Messi 3.0 merchandise, for both kids and adults to enjoy. This includes a kid-sized version of the iconic Messi Chef’s Coat and a special mini football, available in the Rock Shop® at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus and Hard Rock Cafe London. A portion of proceeds from the mini footballs sold at the Rock Shops will be donated to kids’ charities around the world via the Hard Rock Heals Foundation.

“We know how much children and their parents alike look up to Leo and we’re proud to offer something wholesome for the whole family to enjoy while visiting our locations around the world” comments Chairman of Hard Rock International, Jim Allen.

For those looking to extend the fun, fans can scan a QR code to enter a 360-degree digital experience with Leo Messi himself. This interactive experience allows you to watch an AI-generated Messi enjoying the Messi Chicken Sandwich or greeting fans at the Hard Rock Cafe. Additionally, the 360 digital experience provides access to purchase the new retail options for kids and adults, a trivia game, wallpaper downloads, and more.