Hard Rock Cafe Manchester has closed the doors to its Printworks venue after more than 25 years. In a statement, the rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant chain said it would be “suspending trade temporarily” at the city centre site, and Google Maps currently states the restaurant is temporarily closed.
The venue opened at Manchester Printworks back in September 2000, with the opening night soundtracked by Duran Duran. Hard Rock Cafe is known for serving up American classics like baby back ribs, steaks, burgers, New York cheesecake, and Cobb salad, as well as being surrounded by music memorabilia.
During the Oasis reunion in Summer 2025, Hard Rock Cafe Manchester was home to an exclusive selection of memorabilia from Liam and Noel Gallagher that was on display for guests. On the day of each Manchester gig, the cafe held pre-show parties with DJ Rob Fiddaman playing Oasis and Britpop classics.
Statement regarding the closure of Hard Rock Cafe Manchester
Speaking about the closure, a spokesperson for Hard Rock International said: “While discussions are underway to determine the future of Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester, no final decision has yet been made, but we are suspending trade temporarily. Until further notice, we will be here, true to our mission of offering an unforgettable experience, in the heart of legendary music, a city that has always welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm.”
The original Hard Rock Cafe was opened by two American expats Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton in London in 1971, who were in search of a good American burger in the capital. They opened up their own American-style diner in a deserted Rolls Royce dealership and thus Hard Rock Cafe was born. Paul McCartney & Wings performed an impromptu concert at Hard Rock Cafe London, as a warm-up gig for their 1973 UK tour.
During the 1980s, the Hard Rock Cafe brand expanded to locations across the world, including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Paris, and Berlin. In 1990, the London-based Rank Group bought the Hard Rock Cafe and continued to expand the chain across the UK, opening in Edinburgh in 1998, followed by the Manchester Printworks site in 2000.
Currently, there are around 170 Hard Rock Cafes worldwide. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, the brand owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at their locations across the globe.
Secret Manchester has approached Manchester Printworks for comment on the Hard Rock Cafe closure.
