Hardrock Cafe Manchester

Hardrock Cafe is my all time most favorite place to eat. With only 2 locations in the UK, I had great expectations. But for the first time I was slightly disappointed or were my expectations too high?! We weren’t as hungry as we had a late lunch at 2pm and I booked Hardrock for 6pm – we were seated right away. I like the online Reward priority seating booking system.

We decided to order a few starters and kids meal between us and maybe a dessert and all share as both me and my hubs were hungry but not enough to eat starters and mains. Our kids are pretty good and will try new things.

We ordered a cocktail each to start. My Hubs ordered a Bahama Mama which is a Havana Club Superior Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice and orange juice served on the rocks with an orange wedge and cherry. Mine was a Pickled Tink which has Absolut Raspberri Vodka, pina colada mix and strawberries served frozen with cherries.

I do love frozen cocktails, but I must say they go down so easily!!

We had to start with the Nachos -Nachopalooza made with tortilla chips piled high and layered with three bean mix, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, pico de gallo, jalapeños and green onions. Garnished with sour cream.Now I had been craving these Nachos for months ( since Budapest Hardrock Cafe Review ) but I was disappointed!

The Nachos weren’t as tasty, the beans had no flavor and served slightly cold. There was not enough salsa and didn’t have much taste to it either. The guacamole didn’t look fresh, slighty gray looking – and avocados were bland. I was not impressed – not the usual Hardrock standard I love and enjoy!

We decided to try a new starter, the Spinach Artichoke Dip which was a warm, creamy blend of spinach, artichokes and cheese, topped with Romano cheese and served with Parmesan flatbread. Now this is what made our meal! I give this dip thumbs up (10/10) and probably the best part of the meal! The dip was tasty specially with crispy flatbread. This is a must order starter. The Kids loved it – we had to fight them for it!

The kids meals aren’t very vegetarian friendly choice was Twisted Macaroni and cheese or Red tomato Pasta. We went for the Twisted Mac & Cheese which is cavatappi macaroni tossed in a three-cheese sauce served with garlic bread.

The kids meals came with a side of season fries, which are pretty good fries. They have the seasoned crispy outside with some with still the skin on. Yum Yum!

Our 2nd round of cocktails had to be a Hurricane ( specially since we wanted the Hurricane glass to add to our collection) Actually from a value of money point of view – its only about extra £4 for the glass and considering how much more drink you get its definitely worth it. However we only wanted 1 glass!

Hurricane is a blend of orange, mango and pineapple juice, infused with Havana Club Anejo Blanco Rum, Captain Morgan Black,Rum, amaretto and grenadine and garnished with an orange and maraschino cherry served on the rocks. It’s definately a tasty drink!

Dessert Chocolate Molton Cake a dense, chocolaty cake with a lava-like center of rich, oozing molten chocolate. Served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Another note, if you have a Premium Merlin Annual Pass, kids eat free at Hardrock Cafe.

I would give this Hardrock 5/10 out of all the Hardrocks I’ve been too, and 7/10 in general compared other restaurants.